> > by Margaret McGuire
Cairns is the grand lady of North Queensland – her elegant buildings, with spacious shady verandahs and wide streets planted with mature trees that throw a mantle of shade across the hot bitumen, hark back to a gracious era when life was slower, conducted at a pace which was leisurely and unhurried.
Perhaps it’s the laid-back vibe of the place - whatever the reason, Cairns is worth visiting just for itself ... and to experience the particular feel of the city. Surrounded by tree clad mountains which reach green fingers down to the outskirts of the city and fronted by a wide blue bay, Cairns has lots to offer its many visitors. The esplanade skirts the bay, and with parkland on one side and the sparkling Coral Sea on the other, you’ll want to make time for a hand-in-hand stroll along the timber boardwalk while you contemplate where to eat or stop off for a drink. Things to Do:
Where to start? You will want to go to the Great Barrier Reef ... even if you don’t swim you can still experience the awesome beauty in a glass bottom boat - it’s a not to be missed experience.
After that, there’s the quiet wonder of hot air ballooning across the lush landscape around Cairns - there are a number of companies offering flights with a range of options. And for something completely different, there’s the rush of white water rafting. Depending on conditions at the time, you may be lucky enough to experience that divine terror which so flavours the experience that you’ll never forget it! The train to Kuranda offers a scenic trip and our advice is to get off at every stop and take in the views until you reach the gorgeous station at Kuranda where tropical gardens have flourished pretty well since the railway was built. There are loads more things to do and a check on the websites will make it easy to plan your stay in Cairns.
Wine & Dine:
If you’re looking for a fun night out try The Attic in Grafton Street - I’m told it’s “sick and mad” but I think it looks very groovy with loads of lush red and dark interior spaces where light is a moveable feast. Mecca Bah has recently opened overlooking the Marina, and is very popular with hungry trippers coming back from the reef. For something more up market, Tamarinds at the Casino offers fabulous Asian food - it’ll cost you, but hey! you’re on holidays so make it a special occasion - dress up and enjoy! For a drink before (or after) dinner, try the Salt House overlooking the Marina - now repeat after me ... “lazing back on a day bed with a nice cold drink is good for me”.
Insider Tips:
On a hot tropical day retreat to the Crystal Cascades about a half hour out of Cairns, past the suburb of Redlynch. This well established picnic area is based around a fresh water swimming hole which is fed by a series of small waterfalls surrounded by rainforest which keeps it cool and shady in summer when the stingers are about. Pack a picnic and prepare to relax.
Further Afield:
Cairns is surrounded by scenic jewels - there’s the reef and rainforest of course, and then Palm Cove, which is the epitome of tropical chic, and the Atherton Tablelands - a fertile plateau with a mild climate and stunning lake systems. All are perfect for a day trip, or even for a stay, but if you are a dedicated spa bunny it’s off to Palm Cove for you! You’ll be spoilt for choice - Sebel Reef House, Angsana, The Sea Temple and Evolve Day Spa at Mango Lagoon offer a range of treatments which will have you sighing with contentment and looking wonderful, while the whole Palm Cove vibe will keep you relaxed. Everything in Palm Cove is within walking distance, there’s no high rise ... it’s just perfect!
Palm Cove
Wine & Dine:
Make lunch special at Nu Nu (or dinner), but the problem in Palm Cove is that you are spoilt for choice. Although the village is small, there are loads of places to eat all along the beachfront. The Reef House has a reputation which spans the years, and new to the constellation of stellar dining is Beach Almond, where I’m told they have jazz on Sunday. For a special occasion try Far Horizons at Angsana.
Things to Do:
Stroll the beachfront and explore the boutiques where you are sure to find something to take home, and stop to look at the view - it’s superb!
Take a half hour drive to Port Douglas – along the coast all the way, and the scenery is not-to-be-missed. It will make you realise all over again what a paradise we live in.