Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guide for Cairns and Australia's North East Coast - Australia Purple Travel Guide
Cairns is a relaxed tropical city and the jump-off point for trips to Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, and the tropical rainforest of Daintree National Park. We provide photos, and detailed information of the best things to see so you know what you can expect.
Table of contents
Introduction of Cairns and Australia's North East Coast |
Day trips from Cairns |
Introduction of Cairns and Australia's North East Coast
Cairns was founded in 1876 after the discovery of gold in the Hodgkinson River. Today, Cairns has a population of 153,000 people and its economy is primarily based on tourism, healthcare and education.
From the Alice Springs Airport (ASP), we flew direct to Cairns International Airport (CNS) and took a taxi to our hotel.
Where to stay in Cairns
We will use Cairns as a jump-off point for the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, and Daintree National Park, and do very little sightseeing. Therefore, you can really stay anywhere in town. Our suggestion is, however, to stay close to the Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk, as we will do some sightseeing there, and because there are good restaurants.
Here is the accommodation that is available when you visit:
We staryed at Bay Village Tropical Retreat & Apartments, which is located just 3 minutes’ walk from the Cairns Esplanade and 10 minutes’ walk from the city center.
The location is fantastic, the rooms are clean, ther gorunds well kept, and the breakfast was good. From here, it is a short walk to the beach, and to downtown Cairns.
From the hotel, it is a short walk to the beach, and to downtown Cairns.
Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk
From the hotel it was only a short walk to the seaside and the Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk. The boardwalk is beautifully developed 2.5km stretch of landscaped parklands and lush lawns along Cairns’ palm-fringed waterfront. It has a lagoon, playgrounds, barbeques and recreational facilities which are available for free public use.
Most importantly: There is absolutely no swimming in the ocean in Cairns due to crocodiles, poisonous jellyfish and other hostile sea creatures in the water!
Instead, enjoy watching the ocean or, during low tide, observing the sea floor and all the critters that are living on it from the boardwalk.
During dinner time, find a nice restaurant on the esplanade and watch hundreds, if not thousands, of birds settle into the nearby trees for the night.
Day Trips from Cairns
As mentioned earlier, Cairs is the jump-off point to some of Australia's highlights:
There are more things to do in Cairns.
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