FNQ bucket list items
You’d be insane to miss out
As crazy as it sounds, people actually move away from Cairns to live elsewhere. They, insanely, want to swap the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest on our doorstep for cold climates and dense traffic. If it’s someone you know and your intervention has failed, then let reporter Daniel Bateman act as your sherpa to guide you through the four things you must do if choosing to abandon God’s own country for other climes.
AS crazy as it sounds, people actually move away from Cairns to live elsewhere.
They, insanely, want to swap the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest on our doorstep for cold climates and dense traffic.
If it’s someone you know — and your intervention has failed — then here is a list of four things everyone must do if they are abandoning God’s own country for their desolate wasteland of choice.
BON VOYAGE, NEMO
Unless you own a boat, you may not have the time to go out to the Great Barrier Reef that often. Or the money, either. A standard daytrip out to the Reef can cost you about $120.
But, if you are doing it one last time — it’s well worth it. The rule of thumb is the smaller the boat, the better. Smaller operators are likely to take you to extra-special places, well away from the hordes of tourists. There’s nothing like surfacing from a dive, and being able to stretch out on the deck of a stunning catamaran. Alternatively, give Fitzroy Island a go. It’s only 45 minutes away.
ADIOS, RAINFOREST
A day in the rainforest is usually the second thing most tourists do during a visit to Cairns. Start your day off by heading to Freshwater Station and boarding the train on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Arrive in Kuranda, walk around the village in the rainforest and then check out some of the walking trails, including the spectacular Barron Falls. Grab some souvenirs that you are not likely to find anywhere else, then board the Skyrail down the range, for the view alone. Splurge on one of Skyrail’s “Diamond View” gondolas.
CIAO, COASTAL HIGHWAY
One of Australia’s most scenic roads, the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas, is well worth revisiting one last time before you head off. There is so much to love about this drive, from the Great Barrier Reef islands dotting the horizon, through to the cliffs hugging picturesque beaches and the tunnels of wilderness.
And then there’s Port Douglas. Do the trip on a Sunday and make your way to the Port Douglas Sunday markets. Hire a bicycle and ride between resorts, testing their pool and bar facilities. Take a hike up the newly completed Flagstaff Hill track. If you have the time, venture further north to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.
AUF WIEDERSEHEN, ESPLANADE
This is one best left to your final night in Cairns. Before a farewell dinner at one of the many, many amazing restaurants in the city centre, go for a stroll along the Cairns Esplanade. Take in the majestic view of the greenest mountains you are likely to ever see. Go for a dip in the Lagoon. And marvel at all the tourists that have paid thousands to travel from all over the world, for this same experience that you were lucky enough to live here with.