Cairns & The Great Barrier Reef
From marine life to marsupials.
Cairns may be a small town in a pretty huge country, but it has enough to keep both weary backpackers and energetic adventurers happy. You can partake in the national pastime and just lounge on the beach, or get the adrenalin moving with white water rafting, sailing trips and skydiving.
Great Barrier Reef
Prepare to get wet
If you’re not a fan of the Ocean, then maybe Cairns will change your mind. This town is obsessed with the water – if you’re not in it, then you better be talking about it, photographing it, shopping for equipment to explore it, or learning how to dive it. Whether you go for scuba or snorkel, there is not experience on earth like seeing the Great Barrier Reef. Breathtaking coral is the playground for Angelfish, Parrotfish and shimmering Wrasse. Get a little deeper and you’ll be swimming alongside sharks and turtles, as well as enormous Grouper. Contact any of the dive shops in town when you arrive for ‘learn to dive’ Cairns holiday packages.
On dry land
Not all Cairns travel takes place underwater. The Daintree rainforest is thought to be one of the oldest in the world, and birdwatchers can spend all day here indulging in their passion. This pristine park is wonderfully isolated, and can spot crocodiles, frogs, tree kangaroos, snakes and shudderingly large insects! If you’re down under to work on your tan, then pack your towel and head less than an hour out of town to Mission Beach, 14km of white sand perfection. There are gorgeous views of offshore islands, and if you get bored, there’s always a tandem skydive to liven up the trip.
Best Deals at Cairns Hotels
If you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Cairns, You’ll be impressed by the prices at the Rydges Tradewinds Hotel and Spa, which is conveniently located on the esplanade with beautiful views of the ocean. An even more affordable option if you don’t want to join the backpacker party hostels is the Best Western City Sheridan Hotel, which has decent, clean rooms (all with a private balcony) and a pleasant swimming pool and lagoon.
