People flock to Cairns to enjoy the surf-soaked beaches that lead to the ultimate oceanic experience, the Great Barrier Reef. Commonly known as Australia’s “Blue Outback,” it’s an extravagant underwater maze created by more than 3,000 reefs and 900 islands.   Visible from space, the Great Barrier Reef spans more than 1,400 miles, and is home to the world’s most bountiful marine life.

Its expansive and diverse topography offers visitors a dizzying array of underwater experiences; snorkeling above vibrant coral formations, diving into deep chasms of water, swimming with crowded schools of fish, exploring timeworn shipwrecks, and spotting grey-tipped reef sharks. We spent two nights and one full day in Cairns on our way back from New Zealand. With all of the possibilities listed above (and more) it wasn’t too difficult pursuing our ultimate Cairns’ experience – grocery shopping. That’s right, grocery shopping!

Our suitcases returned to jobsite, bursting at the seams, with groceries. Kraft macaroni and cheese, Ranch dressing, maple syrup, coffee beans, Heinz ketchup, and mint jelly. Lard, tahini, lemon juice, gravy mixes, brown sugar, and baking soda. Icing sugar, tortillas, chocolate chips, various spices and seasonings, flaked sea salt, and molasses. Walnuts, shredded coconut, chipotle Tabasco sauce, green Tabasco sauce, and liquid smoke.

We always look forward to our compulsory excursions to the local grocery store when we leave jobsite! Needless to say, it’s a little easier to find what we are looking for in Australia than it is in Thailand, China, or Vietnam.