Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - What to do in Guam?

On an upcoming itinerary to Cairns Australia I have a one day layover in Guam. Is there anything that is a must see/do while I am there?
Jim

I have not been there in 30+ years (used to go 6-8 times a year) but other than golf or scuba diving I seem to remember a drive around the island was rather interesting. One thing you will notice, unless they improved things, is that anything parked for a day or two gets absorbed into the jungle.

Since you are flying in 24 hours, you can't dive.

If you are staying in a hotel in the main tourist area of Tumon, there are swimming beaches right there, a shopping area which caters to Japanese, including restaurants, an arcade and large aquarium.

If you rent a car, you might drive north to Ritidian Beach, a national seashore where you can walk for miles on a desolate beach. Another option depending on how many hours you actually have, is to circumnavigate the island in a car. Lots of historic sites, beaches and small villages.

FWIW, Cairns is lovely, they have done so much to improve the waterfront/ marinas, etc. Be sure to check out the Cock n Bull Pub if you like pubs.

Since you are flying in 24 hours, you can't dive.

If you are staying in a hotel in the main tourist area of Tumon, there are swimming beaches right there, a shopping area which caters to Japanese, including restaurants, an arcade and large aquarium.

If you rent a car, you might drive north to Ritidian Beach, a national seashore where you can walk for miles on a desolate beach. Another option depending on how many hours you actually have, is to circumnavigate the island in a car. Lots of historic sites, beaches and small villages.

FWIW, Cairns is lovely, they have done so much to improve the waterfront/ marinas, etc. Be sure to check out the Cock n Bull Pub if you like pubs.

For Guam the south part of the island is nice, with a few good viewpoints and the old fort. They did a pretty good job with the War in the Pacific national park/monument near the middle of the west coast, though it takes some imagination to envision the battle. They did try to preserve a couple of places where the Japanese were dug in.

The main bay arc with the swimming beaches is nice, and you can go out quite some distance in spots and just be waist deep. Lots of sea cucumbers. That Two Lovers point at one end of the bay is quite a spectacular view.

As for Cairns, it's hard to beat the Woolshed for irrational energy late at night.

Thanks for the info. I wish we could dive, but we probably will do some snorkeling. We are renting a car and will drive around and see what we can with the little time that we have. Haven't been to the cock n bull, but have been to the woolshed several times.
Jim

Does anyone have experience with the Guam public bus system? a map? I understand the routes/schedules serve the working residents, but it's my only option. Wondering if I can get to any interesting sites via bus. Thanks.