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Step 2/41: Australia - Cairns

Cairns photo by Jenny Heyl

About Cairns

Geoffry Rush puts it this way, 'People say, 'It's so far to Australia,' and I say, 'You get on the plane, you eat well, you sleep, you wake up-and you're there' In some way he is right but nonetheless in today's world, where everything has moved together and nothing is far away anymore- Australia is still far away. You still have to sit in a plane for over a day to get there and when you are back in Europe you do not hear much anymore about it. Which is such a shame because there is so much to see, so many places to go to- it is such a beautiful, special country! Once you arrive in Cairns it is unbelievable that you are finally there, that you finally reached your destination. It is a Backpackertown. You will hardly meet any locals. It is an exhilarated atmosphere. Most people did just newly arrive in Australia so everyone is trying to acclimatise. It is also a partytown. There are many bars, clubs and hostels where they have parties on every night. Good place to find a travel partner.
Plane icon
How I got here ?

Price: 1226 €

Traveling time: 10 hours

Flight with British Airways from Berlin via London, Stopover in Singapore and Darwin. Total amount of traveltime: almost 30hours

Tips & Tricks

  • Some Hostels hand out Vouchers for dinner @the Woolshed. Not special, but a meal
  • you can't go for a swim in Cairns but there are some nice beaches nearby

Things to see

Kuranda State Forest 9 /10
53 $
Kuranda State Forest photo by Jenny Heyl

User's opinion
(6$ for the Shuttle bus and 47$ for the Scenic Railway) Kuranda is a beautiful little village just 25km from Cairns in the middle of the rainforest. You can go for a walk through the rainforest, visit the Barron Falls (more impressive during the rainy season) and the Wildlife Park (handfeed kangaroos, cuddle a koala bear, watch alligators). You can cool down in one of the multitudinous cafés of the village
Cairns Botanic Gardens 10 /10
0 $
Cairns Botanic Gardens photo by Jenny Heyl

User's opinion
The Cairns Botanic Gardens are about 4km away from the city centre. It is very unlike the organised, tidy botanic gardens we know in Europe but rather like a huge park, containing salt- and freshwater lakes, different greenhouses, a walk through the rainforest and much more. If you are interested you can do bird watching. If you are not it is worth a few hours walking through the fabolous complex.
Esplanade Lagoon 9 /10
0 $
Esplanade Lagoon photo by Jenny Heyl

User's opinion
You cannot go for a swim in Cairns because of the alligators (and comes summer the jellyfish) so as compensation they have built an artificial saltwater swimming lagoon where you can safely enjoy the perfect weather. There are shady decks where you can sunbathe, a sand beach, a few shops for lunch snacks and the whole lagoon offers a great view over the ocean and the Great Barrier Reef. Great place!
Great Barrier Reef 10 /10
0 $
Great Barrier Reef photo by Jenny Heyl

User's opinion
Everyone probably heard a lot about it before they even get there and once there you will find out that it really does live up to its expectations. It is beautiful. It is really busy here in Cairns but the location is perfect for a trip to the Reef because it is really close to the coast. Snorkeling, scuba siving, a tour with a glass bottom boat- there is something for everybody. The choices are endless.
Down Under Dive 8 /10
465 $
Down Under Dive photo by Jenny Heyl

User's opinion
If you planning to do your diving licence this is the place. The prices are really good here, you will not get it any cheaper. Most courses take 4 days. Two with theoretical lessons and practice in a pool and two days out at the reef with several dives there. It is really fun and the reef here is awesome. Plus, if you start your journey here you can enjoy diving along the eastcoast in several places.

Practical

Cairns city backpacker... 3/10
Price 18 $
Address

274 Draper St
Cairns

Cairns City Backpackers photo User's opinion:

All that can be said for that Hostel: it is very cheap and just 5min walk to the city centre. Otherwise it is very dirty, there are cockroaches everywhere and the owner is quite rude. Go nextdoor!


Breakfast Included Air Conditioning Available Self Catering Available No Curfew Lockers Available Internet Available 24h Reception Hot Shower Available
Woolshed 6/10
Price - $
Address

24 Shields Street
Cairns QLD 4870

User's opinion:

Place to be in Cairns. Local pub, bar, club- there is always something on. Many Hostels hand out Vouchers for free dinner at the Woolshed. Also they have meal deals. Food is okay. Atmosphere is great.


P.j.o'brien's irish pu... 8/10
Price - $
Address

90 Grafton St
Cairns Queensland 4870

User's opinion:

Nice, cosy irish-styled pub with good beer and reasonably priced food. They also have some good meal deals.


Rattle'n'hum 6/10
Price - $
Address

67-69 Esplanade
Cairns Queensland 4870

User's opinion:

Very crowded restaurant but sometimes good atmosphere. Drinks are good. Food is okay but could be better.


Night markets 9/10
Price - $
Address

73-75 Esplanade
Cairns Queensland 4870

User's opinion:

Must do when in Cairns. You can buy everything there. From food to jewellery, from souvenirs to a massage. They open every day at 5p.m.