Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia

With a population of just 120,000 Cairns is a city set in the heart of North Queensland surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and the perfect base to explore the surrounding regions and the Great Barrier Reef.

Far North Queensland and Cairns is a destination that has something to offer every traveller and every budget whether your wallet is fat enough for a five star resort like the Hilton or Radisson or you’re on more of a Robinson Crusoe–type budget you’ll find Cairns is a city that caters for everyone.

No matter how long your stay is in Cairns there is always something to keep you busy every day of the week, whether that be strolling along the boardwalk taking in the variety of rare bird life on the Esplanade or stopping for a swim in the Lagoon, there are plenty of ways to while away the hours in the warm tropical sunshine.

For the adventurous you can spend your days Scuba Diving on the Great Barrier Reef or Bungee Jumping in a Tropical Rainforest. For those how want a slower slice of tropical life why not take a Crocodile River Cruise or spend the afternoon watching the award winning Aboriginal Dance Group “Tjapuki”.

In the evening the Esplanade is a buzz with people enjoying the wide array of restaurants, which does well to cater for everyone’s tastes and budget, whether you wish to be eating Australians favourite fish “Barramundi” or trying a good old “aussie barby” there is something there to give everyone a taste of Australia.

Australians are well known for the love of a party and Cairns is a city that is no exception. You can sit by the waterfront at the Hilton sipping a cocktail watching the sun set over the mountains or dance the night away on top of tables for free drinks. What ever you decide to do on a night out in Cairns one thing is for sure, you will have a good one.

Cairns is a city without a beach therefore people looking to swim use thecity Lagoon or head to the “Northern Beaches” were you can choose from many beaches including Machans Beach, Trinity Beach and the award winning (cleanest beach) Palm Cove with its view of double island. Be careful though as at certain times of the year Box Jelly fish are found in the coastal waters surrounding North Queensland and therefore it is necessary to swim inside a netted enclosure. All the beaches are easily reached by public bus which is good value and runs from the city centre.

Alternatively why not do as the locals do and head up to Crystal Cascades in Redlynch for some R n R (rest and relaxation), and swim in a fresh water hole set in the most stunning rainforest setting approximately a 10 minute drive out of Cairns.

An hour up the coast from Cairns is the boutique town of Port Douglas; it’s pretty, remote and surrounded by tropical rainforest, and whether you want a meat pie or macchiato you’ll find the place is as sophisticated as you want it to be. Make sure you have your camera at the ready as the drive from Cairns to Port Douglas has been voted one of the “top ten drives” in the world.

Heading further north you reach the Crocodile infested Daintree River and then take the ferry into the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. Here you will see some of the oldest trees and plants in the world along with a variety of wild life including Wild Boar and if you are lucky a Cassowary which is a rare flightless bird which can stand upto six feet tall.

The Daintree Rainforest has a range of eco–friendly accommodation to suit every budget from Backpacker Hostels to five star Spa Resorts.

Keep following the road north and before long you will be on a dusty track heading towards Cook Town  where Captain James Cook first landed to make repairs to his boat the MH Bark Endeavour in 1770. Here you can stroll around the Museum or just sit back in one of the old bars and chat with the locals.

Suggested Things To Do & See:
Scuba Diving – Great Barrier Reef
White Water Rafting
Bungee Jumping
Kuranda Markets & The Tablelands
Tjapuki – Aboriginal Dance Show
Sky Dive
Champagne Balloon Flight – over the tablelands and watch the Kangaroos in the morning
Visit the Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation
Swim in the Fresh water holes of the rainforests – Crystal Cascades or Mossman Gorge
Deep Sea Fishing – Cairns hosts the World Marlin Fishing Tournament in September every year
Walk along the boardwalk on Esplanade
Relax and swim in the City Lagoon
Have Breakfast with the Birds at Port Douglas Rainforest Habitat

Eating Out:
Cairns has a huge variety of restaurants to cater for all tastes and budgets. If you are looking for a good value for money all you can eat seafood restaurant then try “Charlies” on the Esplanade. If you are on a budget most hostels give away meal vouchers or a discount at many places like the Woolshed. However if you are looking for a funky venue then head to the In Box or Met Bar who serve great food and have DJs most nights of the week. Cairns is great place for the “foodie” with some of Australia’s finest award winning restaurants such as the Red Ochre.

Nightlife:
Cairns is the Party Capital of North Queensland and has bars and music for every taste, from live bands at The Pier or Johno’s Blues Bar to relaxing on the waterfront. You can dance the night away on the tables at the woolshed or PJ O’Briens which is a favourite place with backpackers or head to club Soho for some dance music. If you like funky lounge bars try the In Box .There is plenty to choose from to keep you going to the early hours.
There is also a 24 hour Casino
People in Cairns don’t head out to party till around 10pm but most places stay open to between 3am-5am.

Places To Stay:
There is accommodation available from backpacker hostels through to five star hotels. The Radisson is situated on the waterfront by the marina, others along the esplanade have sea views.

If you stay at any of the Northen Beaches I would suggest Palm Cove as it is livelier in the evenings than the other beach resorts with some great restaurants and bars.

Top Tip:
When booking a tour at your hotel, check along the esplanade first as this is were you will find all the booking agents offering discount on various tours and trips to get your business. This is a good way to make a saving especially if you are booking a Dive Course or long overnight tour for a few days.

Helpful Websites:
www.cairnsconnect.com
www.cairns.qld.gov.au/
www.divingcairns.com.au/
www.cairnsinfo.com

Peter K