You haven’t been on a tropical vacation until you’ve been to Cairns, Australia. This sea-side city is also referred to as the “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef” and has unfettered access to the world’s most popular snorkeling and diving spot. There are tons of things to do in Cairns Australia but here are top three recommendations.Here are some tips of Vacation in Cairns Australia
As Australia’s fifth largest city, there is never a shortage of things to do in Cairns. The natural beauty and uniqueness of the locale mean there are an endless number of outdoor adventures to be had, and Cairns’ bustling downtown sector has a little something for everyone; no matter what you’re in to, there is never a dull moment in Cairns!
If you’re looking for your next vacation spot, or just searching for some new things to try in Cairns, look no further! To help you get the most of your next vacation, we’ve compiled a list of the top 3 activities and must-see places in and around Cairns.
1. Explore the Great Barrier Reef
First and foremost, the Great Barrier Reef! You can’t talk about Cairns without mentioning the world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef. Visible from space, the Reef is home to thousands – perhaps even millions – of different species of marine life and is a must-see for anyone who is going to Australia.
Two of the best ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef are snorkeling and fishing. There are tons of companies that you can rent equipment or charter boats from – and the competition helps keep prices low. One of the most popular packages includes a six-day fishing trip to some of most remote spots of the Reef, where you can catch a huge variety of rare fish.
Before you book a boat, do some research to figure out which spots are best for the fish you want to find. Sites like Focus Fishing have some great resources, and local guides will be able to give you an inside scoop.
2. Daintree National Park
In addition to the beaches, reefs, and small islands along the coast, Cairns is surrounded on land by the Daintree National Park – a vast tropical forest that is teeming with life. Daintree Forest was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988 and is every bit as spectacular as its title suggests.
One of the best spots is deep in the forest, just north of the Daintree River. This is where one can find some of the oldest trees in the entire forest as well as a number of hidden beaches, accessible only by boardwalks from the visitor’s centers.
The Daintree National Park is divided into two sectors, with a few small settlements in the middle. One of these settlements is the quaint Daintree Village, which has experienced a population boom in recent years. The village now proudly boasts 78 residents. If you’re going to Cairns, make sure to stop by! The village has an undeniable old-world charm that will be a great change of pace from the busy city.
3. The Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
No trip to Cairns would be complete without a visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Walk though 40,000 years of history as you explore the rich heritage of the oldest surviving culture in the world. This family friendly, handicap accessible park is open rain or shine, and has regular cultural performances and dances. Visitors will experience the food, art, and daily life of Australia’s diverse Aboriginal people, and walk away with a much deeper understanding of native culture.
Visitors can go to an authentic cultural village and try, first hand, some aboriginal hunting techniques. After mastering the boomerang and spear, you can learn about traditional tools and medicines. After nightfall, guests gather in the village around the large fire and listen to the haunting melody of the didgeridoo while they are regaled with the Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories. Visitors are encouraged to take place in the ceremony, and learn parts of the traditional language and songs.
