This time I got to visit the North, more specifically Cairns.
The city of Cairns is the bridge to the Barrier Reef and the rainforest and as such is an extremely vibrant and popular town. You will quickly notice that the vast majority of visitors to Cairns are young backpackers passing through, while the majority of locals are retirees. Stunning beaches, spectacular hinterland, local and organic produce, trendy cafes and bars, bustling markets and relaxed, friendly people make Cairns a popular destination for Aussies and foreigners alike.
The area that today hosts Cairns was once inhabited by the aboriginal population. In 1770 Captain James Cook landed on this coast and, in the second half of the 19th century, a port was built here to facilitate transport linked to gold from the mines, eliminating much of the mangrove forests present. The railway also contributed to the city's development, allowing it to increase the cultivation and trade of sugar cane, which is still practiced today. Finally, during the Second World War, Cairns served as a base for some operations and, subsequently, the city became what it is today from a tourist point of view thanks to its international airport.
There is a spectacular salt water lagoon now symbol of the city. It is patrolled by lifeguards during the day and lit at night, the lagoon is the best place to relax and absorb the sun that bathes Cairns for most of the year. On the other hand, you will soon discover that swimming in the sea in Cairns is impossible, both due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles and box jellyfish, and because the Cairns sea is muddy.
The lagoon has a walkway dotted with picnic areas, free barbecues and day parks which winds along the entire seafront. It's where all the city's main events take place, from markets to concerts, from free fitness classes to festivals, there's always something going on the promenade and it's a great place to stroll at any time of day or evening.
The beautiful Flecker tropical gardens are an explosion of greenery and tropical forest plants and there is a walkway that, through the tropical forest, will take you to Saltwater Creek and Centenary Lakes, a paradise for bird watching lovers. Going up from the gardens, Mt whitfield conservation park offers two paths through the forest, which lead to views of the city via the red circuit or the blue one of different length and difficulty. Not to be missed if you are looking for something authentic and not very touristy.
Open every evening from 5pm until late at night are Cairns night markets, the first night markets in Australia. Here you can find from classic souvenirs to beach accessories, handmade jewelry, wooden products and something for everyone.
You can't miss taking an excursion on the Great Barrier Reef as there are so many companies that offer tours on the reef, and you will have a thousand options to satisfy whatever your needs are.
Also the nearby Daintree Rainforest is a living museum, as it is hundreds of millions of years old, and some of the flora and fauna still living within the forest are truly living fossils. The forest is huge and there are many access points, as well as tours that allow you to explore it.
Known as the village in the rainforest, Kuranda is a small but vibrant community just 30 minutes from Cairns. Here you will find antique shops, markets, cafes and restaurants, small galleries and alternative shops.
Starting from Cairns are kilometers of beaches known as the Northern Beaches. Golden beaches and green palm trees make these communities true tropical paradises. Among these beaches, the most idyllic and popular among locals and tourists is undoubtedly Palm Cove, perfect for a relaxing day away from the chaos of Cairns.
This area was perhaps one of my favourite spots I have visited so far because it’s just so wild, tropical and lush.
PHOTOS OF CAIRNS SURROUNDING AREAS BELOW
