Cairns

I was struck a little by the contrast of Cairns with other Australian towns. I would say it was created specifically for tourists.

The city of Cairns in the northeast of Australia's most beautiful coast has come a long way from uninhabited swampy areas to a chic, modern port city. And also one of the most attractive places for travelers on the whole continent, due to its proximity to the Barrier Reef, numerous hotels, tourist offices, souvenir shops and excellent infrastructure.

Residents of the town claim that due to the influx of tourists, the city lost its charm. Nevertheless, the atmosphere of relaxation is clearly felt here. Cairns immediately relaxes all visitors because of its tropical climate and high humidity. And to complete the picture you will find here a huge number of bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants.

There is no beach in the city and swimming in the ocean is not possible all year round due to poisonous jellyfish. But you will find a wonderful city pool called Esplanade Lagoon, as well as activities and entertainment for every taste. It is worth coming here for views of the Barrier Reef, the white beaches of neighboring islands, hiking in the jungle and authentic Aboriginal culture.

How to get there

Most likely, Cairns will be the last point of your Australian journey. Therefore, you need to understand how it is more convenient to get to one of the larger Australian cities, from where your route will already continue up the east coast to tropical Cairns.

By plane

As a rule, it is most convenient to fly from the Russian Federation to Melbourne or to Sydney. Flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg are carried out quite regularly, especially in the winter months. The most comfortable way is to take tickets with 1 change. At a cost they will come out 1500-2000 USD one round trip. Here you can check the schedule and cost of tickets.

Immediately tune in for a long flight, about 5-6 hours in the air to the transfer point and another 13-14 hours to Sydney.

Such flights carry out:

• Emirates airline they have recently delivered flights with 1 change to Dubai;
• airline Qatar Airways, with 1 change in Doha;
• even ours S7 from this year it delivered a flight to Sydney with a transfer to Abu Dhabi;
• Etihad airways, with 1 change also in Abu Dhabi;
• Japan airlines, with 1 change in Tokyo (do not forget that you will need a Japanese visa here).

If you want to save a little, then see options with 2 transfers. As a rule, finding tickets less than 1000 USD is almost impossible. Well, either you need to buy them with uncomfortable transfers or very in advance.

Further, the route is already at your discretion. You can fly through China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong. For example, I wanted to capture more countries, so I took a ticket with a daily change in Dubai, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur.

From any major Australian city you can fly directly to Cairns. Issue price from 100 to 250 USD for a one way ticket. Domestic flights operated by Qantas and Virgin Australia.

By the way, if you still dream of flying to Cairns, then it will be useful for you to find out what direct international flights there are from New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Papua New Guinea and Singapore. Therefore, you can build your route so that you fly from these points with a direct flight, and from there to Cairns. Or, conversely, choose this option on the way back home.

By train

You can get to Cairns by train only from the Australian city of Brisbane. But it will be a comfortable trip with very beautiful landscapes outside the window. The train is called Sunlander and leaves three times a week. You can choose between economy and business class as well as enjoy delicious cuisine in the Waterways train restaurant. Travel time is 31 hours, which, of course, is much longer than an internal flight.

Another, but faster train runs along the same route - Spirit of Queensland, which will last 24 hours.

The cost starts from 200 USD per person for the simplest class and reaches 1200 USD for the premium option.

By bus

Quite comfortable buses make regular routes between major Australian cities. Therefore, this method can also be taken into account. But it will limit your freedom very much, plus buses choose not the most beautiful, but the fastest roads. And you can’t even stop and take a photo with a kangaroo if you suddenly see it on the side of the road.

By car

You can get to Cairns by car, moving only through Australia. In fact, I would recommend this option to everyone. You should fly to Sydney or Melbourne, then rent a car and make the coolest road trip of your life along the east coast of Australia. Here you will see the coolest places, drive through authentic Australian towns, take a selfie with kangaroos and koalas and fully experience the atmosphere of this magical country.

For a full trip from Melbourne, you will need at least three weeks. The distance will be almost 3,000 km. Sydney is a little closer, about 2400 km. And from Brisbane - 1700 km.

More details of the route can be found on Google map here.

Therefore, it all depends on how limited you are in time. At a cost of renting a car for 3 weeks, you will get at least 1000-1500 USD, plus the cost of gasoline (about 25-30 USD for a full tank). Here you can compare prices from different distributors.

By ferry

Cairns has an excellent water infrastructure for those who enjoy boating. A growing number of cruise ships stop at the port of the city every week. It is quite difficult to list which countries you can get from by ferry, as the city's port serves more than 200 international and local vessels a year. Not to mention smaller boats and yachts.

But directly from the Russian Federation you definitely will not sail here, therefore this option is possible, most likely, as a transfer to cities in Australia or a maximum from New Zealand.

hint: Cairns - time now 23: 04 October October Time difference: Moscow - 7 Kazan - 7 Samara - 6 Yekaterinburg - 5 Novosibirsk - 3 Vladivostok & plus; 0

When is the season. When is the best time to go?

The climate in Cairns is tropical, which is why high temperature lovers come here. But the period for visiting the city should be thought out in advance so as not to fall under heavy rains. All Cairns activities and activities suggest good weather, so be sure to check the season before planning your trip. And do not forget that our winter is the Australian summer!

Cairns in summer

Summer in Cairns is considered the rainy season and high humidity. This period begins in December, reaches a peak in January and lasts until about March. The temperature in these months is 23-31 ° C, with possible cool rains in the evenings. Personally, I visited Cairns precisely in this season, in late January - early February, and I found beautiful hot weather without rain.

In addition, in the summer it is best to watch the tropical jungle, since everything is as green as possible, the waterfalls are full of water and river rafting is ideal. And the visibility for diving on the Barrier Reef is just perfect - up to 50 meters.

I can’t say that during this period there are already a lot of tourists. There are more of them than in other months, but not a lot of critical. The only point is that hotels and activities are better, of course, to be booked in advance, as demand for them rises sharply.

Cairns in the fall

With the advent of April, the dry season begins, but with still high temperatures from 22 to 29 ° C. Therefore, this period is suitable for activities that are not relevant in the rain - flying in a balloon, sky diving, bungee jumping and so on. The number of travelers during this period is less than during the New Year holidays. Although many people specifically choose it, since the heat at least drops a little.

Cairns in spring

From September to December, the Australian spring comes. And this means that the temperature rises again to 30 ° C in the daytime, everything starts to bloom and smell. This is a great season for watching animals and visiting national parks. But be prepared for lower temperatures in the evening and possible thunderstorms. Most likely, during this period you will not meet many tourists.

Cairns in winter

In the winter months (June to August) it is best to visit Cairns for a cultural program. You will be greeted by pleasant temperatures from 17 to 26 ° C, the absence of rain, a blue sky and light ocean breezes. This season, it is best to enjoy boat trips and cultural events. By the way, it is during this period that you will be able to see humpback whales! And there are fewer tourists in this period, which has a positive effect on lower prices.

Cairns - monthly weather

hint: Cairns - weather for the months of January January ± 26.0 February ± 25.7 March ± 24.7 April ± 23.4 May ± 21.6 June ± 19.4 July ± 19.3 August ± 20.3 September ± 21.3 October ± 23.3 November ± plus 25.0 December & plus; 25.9

Areas. Where is better to live

Since the city of Cairns is quite small, you can choose almost any location for your hotel. In any case, you can walk to everything. In any case, it’s convenient to choose and book accommodation at Bucking. You can see the prices for apartments here, and compare the cost of hotel rooms at this link.

Cairns Center (number 1 on the map)

The central district of Cairns is the busiest both day and night. There are many bars, restaurants and clubs here, which is why young people mostly stay in this area. You can choose from a large number of hotels for every taste and hostels. The average price for a room per day is 70 USD.

Coast (number 2 on the map)

Since all travelers come to Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef, it makes sense to choose accommodation with ocean views. A lot of modern hotels are built right on the coast and on the promenade, along which it is so nice to walk in the evenings. Prices are higher than in the city center. Plus the atmosphere is more calm and relaxed. The average price for a room per day is 100 - 150 USD.

Tropical jungle (number 3 on the map)

Since Cairns is located in a tropical climate, the city is surrounded by real jungle. Here you can go on a safari or hiking with a guide. Or opt for one of the lodges in the jungle and enjoy the atmosphere of wild Australia. The average price for a room per day is 60 - 100 USD.

Boat accommodation

Since everyone is sure to sail to the Barrier Reef, many travelers choose accommodation directly on the boat. This is possible on cruises that last several days. In fact, in 3-4 days on board you will see many islands and reef archipelagos, enjoy the azure ocean and definitely get a delicious tan. If you are also diving, then this accommodation option will be most preferable for you. The cost of the cruise, as a rule, includes accommodation, food and entertainment. The average price for a 3-day cruise starts from 400 - 500 USD per person.

What are the prices for vacation

The good news for travelers is that Cairns is a fairly budget city compared to major Australian cities. The only thing you definitely can’t save on is on tours to the Great Barrier Reef and other tourist activities.

• The price of hotels is quite moderate (except for the highest season). In a simple hotel you can stay for 50-70 USD per night, in a premium hotel for 150 USD per double room per night. Of course, there are always very cheap student hostels, but there is no service there either.
• Barrier Reef cruise prices start at $ 50 per person. For more extreme activities, for example, skydiving, they will charge you at least one and a half times more.
• You will save on transport here - everywhere you can move around the city on foot, since distances allow it. Taxis from the airport one way will leave about 15-20 USD. A bus ride around the city is about 3 USD.
• For a simple breakfast you will give about 10-15 USD. For lunch - 20 USD. For dinner, spend at least 30 USD. But it is in a fairly simple restaurant. If you go to breakfast at a tourist destination on the coast, then definitely leave at least 35 USD there.
• And, of course, I’ll write the cost of a bottle of beer - from 2 to 4 USD.

hint: Cost of food, accommodation, transport and other currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Australian dollar, $ Prices in restaurants and cafes

Eating (lunch / dinner) in a reasonably priced restaurant	658 rub
Lunch / dinner for two, 3 course, middle class restaurant	3511 rub
McMill at McDonald's or similar combo lunch	459 rub

More details

The main attractions. What to watch

The main attractions of Cairns are not in the city itself, but next to it - either in the ocean or in the tropical jungle. But if you have free time in the city, then there are several interesting places that you should visit.

Top 5

Here is a list of places that are interesting to visit directly in Cairns itself:

• Chic pool - lagoon on the coast of Cairns Esplanade. It is open to all comers, as it is forbidden to swim in the ocean in the city due to poisonous jellyfish. Here you can sunbathe on the sand, and eat delicious food, and swim in the azure salt-water pool.

• The Prawn Star boat restaurant, where you must at least have dinner and enjoy a large selection of fresh seafood.
• The Flecker Botanic Gardens offers an amazing variety of Australian plants. Come here for a walk, admire the diversity of Australian flora.
• Three Wolves Bar, where you can taste delicious cocktails and enjoy the trendy atmosphere of Melbourne and New York;
• The Reef Teach Marine Center, where you will be told many interesting facts about the ocean, its inhabitants and the features of the Barrier Reef.

Beaches. Which are better

Cairns has just nine cool beaches and they are all located in the north of the city.

Please note that swimming is not always possible due to poisonous jellyfish. For example, I was here in the winter, and no one entered the water. But right on the promenade there is a gorgeous Esplanade public lagoon pool, where you can sunbathe on the sand and swim.

As for the beaches, keep in mind that next to them are mainly residential buildings. Most locals bought houses and apartments here, leaving the city center and the promenade near the port for the hotels.

All beaches are sandy and free. But do not expect to see sun loungers and umbrellas here - they are rarely seen anywhere in Australia. Locals bring with them special chairs that are comfortable for sunbathing, and travelers simply lie on towels. Sometimes you can find changing booths, but not everywhere. And there will also be no marine activities, such as riding a banana - swimming is usually allowed in specially designated places, fenced in with a net (due to sharks and jellyfish).

Here is a list of the beaches closest to the city:

• Machans Beach. It is closest to the city. There is not a single hotel or tourist destination, as the locals are very active in protecting their measured way of life.

• Holloways Beach. Here you will already find one hotel and several bars and cafes by the beach.

• Yorkeys Knob Beach. This beach is famous among kite surfers and wind surfers. There is also a marina and a golf club. And many good apartments are rented out for travelers. And a recommendation from me - eat at the classy Yorkey's Knob Boat Club restaurant overlooking the ocean.

• Trinity Beach. The most favorite beach among locals. You can stay at Roydon Beachfront Apartments or rent a house if you are traveling in a large company. Here you can see local offers.

• Kewarra Beach. A beautiful beach at the end of the bay, which smoothly passes into two other beaches - Clifton and Palm Cove. Generally deserted and calm. There is also one Kewarra Beach Resort.

• Clifton Beach. A quiet beach with many trees where you can hide in the shade. Here you can meet very few tourists. Nearby are several restaurants and one shopping center.

• Beach Palm Cove. This beach is one of Australia's most popular honeymoon destinations. The town of Palm Cove is considered very fashionable and prestigious, and there are several 4-5 star hotels and good restaurants.You will be pleasantly surprised by the giant trees Melaleuca trees (Paperbark Gums), which create a chic background for a photo and a shadow on the waterfront. Interestingly, these trees are protected by law and all hotels can only be built around them. Therefore, many pools are very bizarre forms.

• Buchans Point Beach. To the north is Buchans Beach, the only nudist beach in Cairns. Representatives of the local gay community are actively sunbathing here, so I would not recommend coming here with children.

• Beach Ellis. The latest beach in the north of the city. Apart from the beach, there is practically nothing here except the Surf Life Saving Club, the boat club and the camping.

What is important to know: always swim only between special flags. Between October and May, only inside lagoons surrounded by nets.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Surprisingly, in the city of Cairns you can find churches of almost all faiths. But they are more likely for local residents than for interested tourists.

There is one very unusual for our understanding - a very fashionable and trendy church "For all generations." It even hosts concerts and conferences. If you want to visit her, then look for information on the site. Although outside it does not at all look like a church.

Museums Which are worth a visit

If you like art and small cozy museums, then you should visit:

• The Cairns Museumin which you will learn many stories about life in the tropics. It focuses on Aboriginal and Australian history, sugar plantations, railways, reefs and tropical jungles. I would recommend visiting it, as it is rather unusual and will really be interesting to those who are interested in history. The museum opens after renovation in July 2017! Museum address: Cairns School of Arts building, Cnr Lake and Shields St, 93-105 Lake St, Cairns City QLD 4870. Ticket price per adult is 10 USD.

• Cairns Historical Society Museum presents static and illustrated expositions about the culture of Aboriginal and early settlers, about the influence of China and the development of agricultural and industrial sectors. An extensive collection of photos and archives of the society are available to all researchers studying the history of Cairns and Queensland. Address: 13 Grafton St, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia. Tickets also cost no more than 10 USD per adult.

• Cairns Art Gallery located in a very beautiful historical building. It hosts more than 30 exhibitions a year. The gallery is dedicated to the history, heritage and culture of this region, presented in paintings and crafts. Interestingly, the gallery regularly hosts various master classes, which you can join. Address: 40 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD 4870. Ticket price is 5 USD for an adult.

Parks

One of the reasons thousands of travelers visit Cairns every year is the large national parks near the city. Visitors to these parks gain access to one of the oldest rainforests on earth, which are over 100 million years old!

It is more convenient to visit some parks by car, one needs to be reached by special train, and others by boat. This is a great option to spend a day for the whole family, see the real jungle, eucalyptus forests, spectacular waterfalls, picturesque mountains and more than a thousand species of wildlife.

Daintree National Park

This is the oldest rainforest on earth! The park is over 110 million years old. Initially, Aboriginal tribes Kuku Yalanji lived here. The park has special routes for walking, but it is best to take a guide. This park is most often called a living museum.

Kuranda & Mowbray National Parks

Located next to each other, these parks are very close to Cairns. Here you will see a mix of jungle and eucalyptus forests, where many koalas live.

In Mowbray Park you will see an interesting mountain in the shape of a pyramid - Black Mountain. Be prepared that your track will take the whole day (duration 12 km). A simpler route passes right through two national parks and is about 18 km (i.e. 5 hours on the way).

Green Island National Park

Reef Island is located 45 minutes by boat from Cairns. A very beautiful island with golden beaches, completely covered with greenery.

Previously, the legendary Gungganyji tribes lived here, so every traveler who comes here should definitely visit this park.

Barron Gorge National Park

Every day, the train leaves for Cairns - Barron Gorge Park. This is one of the most famous and diverse parks in terms of landscape: mountainous terrain, collapsing waterfalls, lush vegetation and wild animals. The most popular walking routes are called Douglas and Smith, which were laid by the Djabaguy tribes.

The Mount Whitfield National Park

The rainforests closest to Cairns are located here. One route, Red Arrow, takes only an hour, and the second, Blue Arrow, takes three and a half hours. Both will give you gorgeous views of Cairns and the coast.

Davies Creek Park

Located half an hour from Cairns, this park is unique in that you can see Aboriginal rock paintings and various granite formations here. And also a complex of gorgeous waterfalls.

What to see in 1 day

If you are completely limited in time, then I recommend that you plan your time in advance and book activities. Here's the perfect one-day plan:

• 9 a.m. - after breakfast at the hotel, go on a cruise or helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef. For the most extreme, I recommend skydiving over the coast.
• 2-3 hours of the day - you will return back to Cairns. I recommend eating fresh seafood on the promenade and sunbathing and swimming in the Esplanade Lagoon.
• 6 pm - you will be picked up by a transfer to one of Cairns National Parks, right to the center of the tropical jungle (I like Kuranda Park the most). Here you will have a short walk, an open-air barbecue dinner and an authentic Aboriginal show with songs, dances and legends of the tribe.

Nearby islands

The Great Barrier Reef has some of the most beautiful islands in Australia. There are more than 900 of them, but not everything is worth visiting.

The coolest places to visit during a cruise:

• 45 minutes from the city, the small reef Green Island, so named captain Cook for the abundance of lush vegetation;
• most of the island of Fitzroy Island is protected from tourists, but you can still do beautiful hiking in the northeast of the island, take a picture at an authentic lighthouse and see a 360 degree panorama;
• almost uninhabited islands with white beaches of The Frankland Islands;
• two Low Isles islands, one of which is known for its incredible coral reef, ideal for snorkeling and diving (here you will definitely see giant turtles);
• previously a place for the initiation of young Aboriginal warriors, and now one of the most exclusive islands with the chic resort of Lizard Island, is now extremely popular among wealthy travelers;
• Double Island, which previously mined gold, and now built a premium resort (however, beaches are accessible for tourists who come to the island to sunbathe and swim);
• Haycock Island, where you should go exclusively for good fishing;
• the eco-island of Hinchinbrook Island can be visited by no more than 40 people a day for chic hiking, snorkeling, bird watching and relaxation on 11 beaches with white sand;
• Orpheus Island is known for the most beautiful reef among all the other islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

All islands can be reached by boat - whether it be a large ferry cruise or a high-speed boat ride. It all depends on which route you choose - some boats go sailing for the whole day and visit 3-4 islands.

Food. What to try

In Cairns you can find a cafe for every taste! The most trending places are located along Grafton and Spence streets.

As for prices - since almost all places are focused on tourists, you will not find a big difference in prices here. Breakfast will cost you at least 15 USD, lunch at 25 USD, and dinner will start at 30-35 USD.

Be sure to try the delicious seafood and the famous Australian steaks. Do not forget about Australian wines - they are considered one of the best in the world!

Recommended Places

• Start your day with breakfast at Caffiend with delicious coconut lattes, French toasts and chilli eggs.
• If you want to try delicious vegetarian dishes, head to Sing Sing Espresso.

• For different salads, go to Silk Caffe and be sure to take cold coffee with nutella.
• Gorgeous dinners await you on the promenade in the Greek restaurant Yaya's Hellenic Kitchen
• I also recommend The Raw Prawn, a modern Asian fusion restaurant, for dinner.
• It is interesting to visit the only restaurant located on the Prawn Star ship.

• To feel local, buy fresh seafood. fruits and desserts at the local market Rusty's Markets (open from Friday to Sunday) and enjoy a picnic on one of the beaches in the north of the city.
• For the tastiest walls and barbecue shows, head to Bushfire Flame Grill Steak House.
• You can continue the evening with cocktails in the trendy bar of Three Wolves.
• And finally, go dance to the best club in Cairns Lyquid Nightlife.

The opening hours of restaurants are best checked, as they vary.

Holidays

• The most famous festival that takes place in the city in August is called the Cairns Festival. It aims to combine progressive trends in art with the cultural heritage of the region and the tropical lifestyle.
• The annual festival, which takes place in August, presents a diverse program of music, art, circus performances, family entertainment, film screenings, etc. Both international artists and local artists are invited to the festival. Many events are free. The festival runs for 10 days and ends with a firework show.

Security. What to watch out for

Australia is a fairly safe country, so there is practically no crime here. Here are a couple of points to consider:

• Not all local Aboriginal people are friendly with tourists. Therefore, do not come into contact with them once again, especially with those who are not sober.
• Be very careful in the water - sharks and poisonous jellyfish are quite common here. Swim only on the beaches between the flags or in those areas that are fenced in with nets.

• Do not swim in the rivers - a large number of crocodiles live in this part of Australia. And yes, this is exactly the country where the sign with a crocodile can really be a real crocodile.
• When hiking and walking through the jungle, look under your feet and put on covered clothing - snakes and large spiders can meet on your way.
• There is an ozone hole above Australia, so you should be very careful with the sun. Be sure to use a strong sunblock and try not to be in the sun from 12 to 3 in the afternoon.

But, to be honest, for all three months spent in Australia, I have never seen a crocodile, nor a spider, nor a snake. I only met cute koalas and kangaroos. But caution here never hurts!

Things to do

If you are in Cairns, then you definitely need to do these 5 things:

See Barrier Reef

Cairns is a great starting point for exploring the world's largest coral reef. The Barrier Reef includes 3,000 coral reefs, 600 land islands and 300 coral islands. And you can see the reef from the water, going on a sea cruise or on a boat trip. You will have the opportunity to dive to the scuba reef or just dive with a snorkel and mask. Get ready for a huge number of colorful fish and other marine life. The second cool way is to look at the reef from a bird's eye view, going on a helicopter ride or flying in a small airplane. Since the water in the ocean is completely clear, a gorgeous view of the Barrier Reef opens from a height.

Get to know Aboriginal culture

Learn a lot of interesting things about one of the most ancient cultures in the world, which is more than 40 thousand years old. Head to Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park. Just 20 minutes from the center of Cairns, you can explore the local culture through theatrical performances, tropic walks and authentic music shows using the didgeridoo instrument. Also 90 minutes from the city there is the center of Mossman Gorge - a distinctive eco-tourist park in which travelers, while walking along the gorge, study the traditions and culture of Australian Aboriginal people. And for those who are most interested, you can take a "Aboriginal trip" from Cairns to Cooktown Bama Way, learning in the process of javelin, hunting and finding food in mangroves.

Make a safari or hiking in the tropical jungle

To do this, go to Daintree Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It presents the whole variety of flora and fauna of the continent, including rare species of kangaroos (which do not live in trees), as well as an endangered species of cassowary.

Start your walk with a 125-meter cableway and then delve into the tropics with an experienced guide. Your program will also include a river cruise during which you will see crocodiles living in salt water.

An alternative is to go to the village of Kuranda, which is located right in the tropical jungle and is known among artists. Local markets are open daily and sell original products produced by local artisans - jewelry, paintings and leather products of local Aboriginal people. Along the road there are many cafes, galleries and small boutiques. You can get here by Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, enjoying views of the rainforest. And back to Cairns you will be taken by an authentic train, during a trip on which you will see the landscapes of the real wild Australia.

Do extreme sports

There are a lot of extreme activities awaiting you at Cairns - from rafting on the Tully and Barron rivers to pretty long descent on the inflatable roundabout Mulgrave River. If you always wanted to try to jump with a parachute, then here you have a unique opportunity to do this with a stunning view of the Barrier Reef. ATV safaris, horseback riding, paragliding - the list of options is endless. Moreover, in the city at every step you can meet local tourist offices where you can pick up and buy your favorite tour. As a rule, they sell the same thing at the same prices, so you can not choose an office for a long time.

Visit the chic islands

This is my personal recommendation for you! I have traveled and travel a lot, but these beautiful Australian islands with white and pink sand and the azure ocean are still at the top of my favorite places in the world. By ferry, you can easily get to Fitzroy Island, where you can go trekking in the jungle, snorkel on the Barrier Reef on Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach, as well as try kayaking. To visit Green Island, you will need to take a full day tour, but you definitely don’t want to leave here earlier - 30 km from Cairns will be waiting for the whitest sand in the world. If you want to enjoy nature, then your choice is Hinchinbrook Island. This is Australia's largest island - a national park with mango forests, deserted beaches and blue lagoons. Those travelers who prefer a more exclusive vacation should book a few nights at premium hotels on the islands of Bedarra and Lizard.

Shopping and shops

Since Cairns is a very small city, you should not count on super shopping here. But there are several places that you can visit and buy a couple of interesting things and souvenirs.

Night market

Open daily from 16:00 to 23:00. The best place to buy souvenirs. It is said that the idea of ​​such a market came from Hawaii. More than 130 tents are offered here by local products, souvenirs and handicrafts. There is also a food court on the market.

Shopping center The Pier

Unusual shopping center located right on the coast. You should go here for a delicious dinner, shops with clothes and shoes, souvenirs and all the other benefits of civilization. Visit the local art gallery and discuss star locations with your local astronomer.

Shopping center Cairns Central

The largest shopping center in North Queensland with 180 stores. To be honest, I was not very inspired to buy, but here you can always eat at a food court.

Shopping center DFO Cairns

The new center opened right on the outskirts of the city and is open 7 days a week. It presents international brands and even several premium brands.

DFS Galleria Shopping Center

A center with premium brands of clothing, jewelery, watches and local products, including food and wine. By the way, here you can also arrange Tax Free.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Shopping at Cairns is fairly straightforward, and you will mostly buy local Aboriginal items as souvenirs. Do not expect to buy real Australian uggs or designer clothes here.

But here's what you can bring from Cairns as souvenirs:

• Figures made of stones in the shape of koalas or kangaroos. The simplest, for example, from opal, will cost about 10 USD.
• Paintings painted by aborigines. As a rule, locals love a combination of many bright colors with geometric patterns and animal images. You will find such paintings in local galleries, Aboriginal communities, and city fairs. As a rule, it costs about 30 USD.

• A didgeridoo musical instrument resembling a bamboo tube. Please note that they are quite long and not very easy to transport. This instrument is considered the "soul" of traditional Aboriginal music. You can buy it for 20-30 USD (but this will be a simplified version for tourists).

• The most favorite souvenir is boomerangs. Previously, they were actively used by locals for hunting and sports. Traditional boomerangs were made of bone. Modern models are usually made of wood and decorated with traditional patterns.

• Knitted sweaters. Since sheep are actively raised in Australia, there are a lot of wool products here. If you find a soft and pleasant woolen sweater, just buy it, it will come in handy later on at home.

How to get around the city

It is most convenient to walk around the city. The distances here are very small, so I advise you to walk from the hotel to the restaurant and to the shops. If you rented a car, most likely it will stop in the parking lot.

Buses run in the city, but you are unlikely to need them.

Taxis are also quite a lot, but they are not cheap and it makes sense to take them only for short distances.

If you go to nearby national parks, then either rent a car (about 30 USD per day) or book a tour with a transfer from a local company (prices start from 50 USD per person).

Cairns - Holidays with children

Australia is great for families with children! There are a lot of interesting activities, a great climate and unusual animals.

In Cairns with children you can:

• swim and sunbathe in the Esplanade Lagoon pool with ocean views;
• visit a variety of amusement parks: Skate Park, climbing wall, Figtree Playground (where children can climb trees);

• ride bicycles along the promenade, which is about 5 km long;
• Visit night markets and taste local specialties.

Of the activities that you should definitely do with the children, you need to highlight:

• snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef in the style of "Find Nemo";
• Take a ride in a glass cabin over the jungle in Skyrail gondola;
• Pet a koala, take a photo with a kangaroo and feed the crocodiles in one of the zoos and reserves;
• Take a speed boat ride along the coast;
• Fly on zip lines in one of the national parks;
• Visit the waterfalls and take a dip in one of the natural pools (Crystal Cascades or Freshwater Creek).

Therefore, a vacation in Cairns will certainly not be boring and the experience will be enough for both adults and young travelers!

Ski vacation

Watch the video: Cairns Vacation Travel Guide. Expedia (April 2024).