The largest part of the Australian land still remains unknown for both Australian tourists and foreign visitors. While the majority of people go to Victoria and South New Wales or the Great Barrier Reef, Australia generously displays a variety of other natural and historical spots. The beautiful town of Cairns is one of such places. Its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and a strategic location on the coast of the Coral Sea make it a perfect place for visitors striving for peace and natural beauties.
A culinary tower of Babel
Like many other Australian towns and cities, Cairns is a blend of people from different parts of the world. This is why restaurants and bars here offer a wide range of different cuisines, fusing them together into a unique melting pot of various cultures. Therefore, if you want to try something tasty from that pot, you can choose from a wide range of traditional Australian restaurants, as well as places that offer Greek, Italian, Thai food and other specialties.
As for unusual local meals to try in Cairns, you should go for smoked crocodile, a kangaroo burger and various delicacies made from emu meat.
Beach relaxation
As for the beaches, the most logical choice in the town centre is Lagoon, placed inside the Esplanade, which is a strip of hotels, restaurants, bars and recreational facilities. You can observe the Great Barrier Reef from this promenade, especially if you choose one of the accommodation units in this part of the town. Also, swimming in the sea by Trinity Beach is a great in-Cairns experience.
Alternatively, tourists can visit dozens of breath-taking beaches outside Cairns. The most famous one is Palm Cove, which is actually a fancy resort, about 25 miles north of Cairns. On the other hand, if you’re less into luxury spa beach resorts and more into long, soothing beaches, continue driving another 20 miles to the north and indulge yourself with the gold sands of Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas.
Learning about the Aborigines
Visiting this part of Australia has to be accompanied by several educational courses on the Aboriginal culture. Hence, when in Cairns, do as the Aborigines did. Learning more about one of the oldest cultures in the world will take you back to the times when people were a rare species on this planet – about 40,000 years ago.
So, the tourists that want to see how the Aborigines lived should apply for The Bama Way. This journey from Cairns to Cooktown is enriched with various features of the Aboriginal way of living. In addition to learning about their customs and beliefs, you’ll have a chance to hunt animals with a spear and collect bush food.
Moreover, don’t miss the Mossman Gorge Center – the home of the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people – as well as the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which will expand your knowledge of Aboriginal stories, dance and music.
Hail the giant – The Great Barrier Reef
The peak of your Cairns adventure should be a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Visible from space, this enormous coral reef consists of about 3000 smaller, independent reefs, spreading to about 130,000 square miles.
The most economical way to see this giant of nature is a daily boat trip from Cairns or Port Douglas. Most operators offer snorkeling and diving in this coral realm, which should be more than enough for a drained wallet.
On the other hand, a higher budget will allow you to book a helicopter tour and observe the reef from above or stay a night in one of the hotels placed on the islands inside the Reef.
Adding North Queensland to your Aussie itinerary will give you a chance to meet Australia as it once was, due to numerous Aboriginal sites. Also, the natural attractions and the urban coziness of Cairns should let you have a relaxing and affordable holiday.
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