Cairns Vacations, Cairns Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

Cairns Vacation Guide

As the gateway to the astonishing Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is something of an international playground, with life very much centered around having a whole lot of fun. And why not; while the city might not be steeped in the best of Australian culture, there’s little that could distract from the reef anyway, and you’ll find plenty in the way of affordable thrills, lively bars and tourist trips to keep you busy.

Of course, it’s the vibrant call of the mammoth reef that’s bought you here, and there aren’t many ways you can’t enjoy it. From staying on your own off-shore island in the thick of the action, to diving or snorkeling across the reef, passing over it on a flat bottomed boat or even learning about it in the impressive reef education centre, the world’s draw is understandably Cairns focus. The flittering, alien landscape of the sub-aqua is amongst the best in the world here, with plenty of colorful fish, wild-looking corals and some startling drop offs to float over.

You’ll inevitably want to focus your time on the reef, but there’s plenty more, too. The Foreshore Promenade, for example, takes you past quirky restaurants and shops as well as the stunning 4,800m2 saltwater lagoon, which makes for a dreamy city-center swimming pool. When stingers rule out the beach in the summer, head for Crystal Cascades instead, where you can wallow in the pools of a whole heap of striking waterfalls. Mount Whitfield is the perfect spot for hikers, while the Tjapukai Cultural Park gives an insight into the intriguing local indigenous culture.

Of course, as such a popular tourism spot, Cairns makes the perfect destination to meet and mingle with other travelers, too, as well as being drenched in so much sun you could almost be in Thailand. Bungee jumping, and a stepping-stone onto numerous impressive cross-country tours provide more reasons why a visit is essential.

There can be few more desirable stops on an Australian itinerary than Cairns, which manages to be an epic tourist destination and home of a host of Australian stereotypes at the same time. Above all, though, you’ll never forget that reef.