Cairns

Introduction

Cairns, in the heart of tropical Queensland, is a paradise for nature lovers and those looking to explore the rainforest and reef. During our six-night stay, we experienced everything from rainforests and islands to interesting markets and relaxed lagoon days. Here’s a day-by-day account to inspire your own Cairns getaway. Our stay was from 6th September 2024 to 12th September 2024.

Day 1: Arrival and Night markets

After arriving at the Cairns airport around 17:00, we took a cab to our accomodation for the next few days and quickly settled in. We stayed at the YHA in Cairns in a private room. Dinner that evening was at the Night Markets, a lively spot filled with affordable food stalls and a variety of souvenirs. It was the perfect introduction to Cairns’ relaxed vibe.  

Day 2: Rusty’s Markets and Lagoon Day

The day began with breakfast at Pete & Paulz Breakfast Bar, where we ate the Full English Breakfast and the Vegan Brekkie, giving us the needed energy for morning and to recover from our long-haul flights.  It’s located across the street from our next stop, Rusty’s Markets.

We then explored Rusty’s Markets, a vibrant location for fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade crafts. Tropical fruits like mangoes and baby bananas were a standout, and we couldn’t resist stocking up on our fresh produce for the week here. The mangoes and baby bananas we bought here where so sweet and tasty compared to the ones we have at the stores back home.  

After the Markets, we spent the afternoon at the Cairns Lagoon, a free and family-friendly swimming pool by the Esplanade. Close to the Esplanade there is barbecues to enjoy and facilities like changing rooms and a café.

We ended our day cooking a meal at the hostel, enjoying the facilities and atmosphere it had to offer.

Day 3: Daintree National Park and Mossman Gorge

We were picked up at 6:50 AM for a full-day excursion to Daintree National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s oldest rainforests.  

Some of the highlights from this full-day excursion were:

Beaches: Daintree National Park have several beautiful beaches. Just be aware that swimming is not advised, both salt water crocodiles and jellyfish inhabit the waters.

Floravilla Ice Cream: A delightful stop featuring handmade organic ice cream made from tropical fruits.

Daintree Tea House Restaurant: Lunch here was a tropical event, introducing new fruits to us and having plenty options to suit your diet.

We returned to Cairns around 7:30 PM, time to unwind from our adventures that day. We opted to go to dinner at Jimmy’s Burgers & Co. Where we enjoyed a burger and the restaurant decor.

Day 4: Kuranda Scenic Rail

The Kuranda Scenic Railway was an unforgettable experience. Traveling Gold Class, we enjoyed plush seats, complimentary refreshments, and panoramic views of the rainforest, waterfalls, and steep gorges.  

Some of the railway’s history

Built in the late 1800s, the railway was a great piece of engineering designed to connect Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands. Its construction involved cutting through dense rainforest and building 15 hand-dug tunnels.  

In Kuranda, we visited the Koala Gardens, where we got up close with native Australian animals. After exploring the village for a while, we took a coffee break at Kuranda Rainforest Coffee provided the perfect energy boost. Shopping some gifts in the café for our family and friends before taking a short hiking trail back to the train station. And returning to Cairns.

Day 5: Fitzroy Island and Brewery

We took a ferry to Fitzroy Island, a tropical escape just 45 minutes from Cairns.  At Fitzroy Island we enjoyed the hiking trail to the summit, had a rest at Nudey Beach and after this we rented our snorkel gear for a few hours of snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Some of the beaches are coral beaches, which make a windchime-like sound when the waves wash over it, very relaxing.  

After returning to Cairns, we enjoyed in a beer tasting at Hemingway’s Brewery, sampling a variety of craft brews. 

Day 6: Rest day

We spent our final full day in Cairns sleeping in and unwinding at the Lagoon. It was a much-needed rest after several action-packed days. Our last dinner was at The Grand Hotel, where we tried their famous $10 steak, pub-style setting outdoors.

Day 7: Departure

We boarded a Greyhound bus at 7:00 AM to continue our journey onwards to Airlie Beach, leaving Cairns behind with incredible memories and a longing to return.

Final Thoughts

Cairns is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and tropical charm. Whether you’re exploring rainforests, islands, or simply enjoying the local markets, it’s a destination that offers something for everyone.  

Plan your stay: I highly recommend staying that the YHA Cairns for it’s relaxed atmosphere and the convenient location. Book your excursions early as they are likely to sell out and don’t forget to pack sunscreen. And a reusable water bottle for all the outdoor activities, many activity providers offer free refills of filtered water.

Have you visited Cairns or are you planning to visit? Let us know, we love to chat and hear about your experiences!