Cairns has a tropical allure that is utterly undeniable. With warm weather all year round and an entire infrastructure designed to please the countless thousands who flock here every year, Cairns is a town that manages to combine a very determined party-hard attitude with a complete laid back approach to everything, an enticing combination.
Reef Explorations
Of course, most people who visit Cairns do so because they want to explore the Great Barrier Reef – the utterly spectacular world heritage listed area that is home to millions of sea creatures. There are any number of ways to see the reef – high speed catamarans that can get you quickly away from the more crowded spots, to glass bottomed boats, and of course there’s scuba and snorkelling opportunities for those who want to get really up close and personal with the wonders of the reef. There are hundreds of small islands and each tour company has their favourites, where you can enjoy warm sun, green rainforest and the most spectacular white sand beachers you’re ever likely to see.
Kuranda Adventures
In the hinterland you’ll find the beautiful town of Kuranda. The journey is just as important as the destination here, with a number of crowd-pleasing options to explore. There’s the historic and extremely scenic Kuranda Railway which sees you winding up the mountain past breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls and through rainforest, and for the even more adventurous, there’s the Sky Cable Car, soaring above it all and offering spectacular photo opportunities along the way. Once you’re in Kuranda itself you can visit their famous markets, where local artists and international entertainers join forces for a truly unforgettable experience.
Butterfly Dreams
Nestled up in the hills in Kuranda is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region – the Kuranda Butterfly House. The largest butterfly and bird aviary in the whole of Australia, this place is a visual feast along with being an important educational resource. With more than two thousand tropical butterflies flitting about on any given day, you are sure to be delighted by these enigmatic and exquisitely beautiful creatures.
Tjapukai Discoveries
One of Australia’s largest, oldest and best-known Indigenous cultural centres, the Tjapukai Indigenous Cultural Experience is an absolute must see while in Cairns. The internationally renowned dance troupe is an absolute pleasure to see, but that’s just the beginning of the array of activities on offer here. Have a meal at the Flame Tree Restaurant where bush tucker knowhow and modern gourmet cuisine combine in utterly delicious results. There’s also a vast array of hands-on experiences to enjoy here, which is sure to delight visitors of any age. The cultural centre also does a lot of fundraising to contribute to local indigenous projects, so you can rest assured that in addition to wonderful day our you’re also giving back to the local community in a significant way.
Fun with extra Snap
Some of Cairns’ most infamous and ancient residents are the giant and ferocious Crocodiles that inhabit the region – and there is no better place to get up close and personal with these not-so-gentle giants than at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. This sanctuary does a magnificent job of showcasing these fearsome reptiles in a way that’s sure to leave you filled with wonder, awe and a newfound respect for the undeniable apex predator of the region.
