The Northern Pacific coast

Brisbane Synagogue

Dan & Nir Toren

Curtain Fig Tree (Atherton Tableland)

Daintree Rain Forest

On the way to the Barrier Reef

Returning to "civiilization" and relative comfort, the week began with an unsuccessful -for us-trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef, off Cairns. The sea was particularly high and the wind fairly strong, a combination which caused the opposite of the pleasurable day on the reef to which we had looked forward. So for our remaining time in the area, we explored the southern part of the Daintree Rainforest, where dripping tree climbers, exotic ferns and giant trees abound, as well as the Atherton Tableland, a fertile plain where sugar, coffee and tea grow. Then back to big city life, in the form of Brisbane, another pleasant surprise which follows the coiling river. We had a wonderful time being shown around by Hillel Toren (z.l.)'s sons, Dan and Nir. Like Melbourne and Adelaide, 19th century buildings nestle between shining skyscrapers. In amongst them is the 1868 synagogue with its very hospitable community where we spent an enjoyable shabbat.