We took a trip to the chillin’ shores of Cairns

Known as “tropical Queensland” by the locals, the Cairns area is lush and warm — both in respect to the climate and the inhabitants.

A day spent in the city of Cairns proper is relaxation at its finest.

Spy a crab or heron on the mud flats as you meander down the board walk before wading in the man-made Lagoon and grabbing some lychee sorbet at the nearby cafe, followed by a plethora of options for dinner — from fresh seafood of all kinds to Turkish cuisine and everything in between.

The highlight, however, is a couple hours’ boat ride from the Cairns marina — the Great Barrier Reef.

The ocean was rough on the day we went out there, but it didn’t detract from anyone’s experience.

Snorkellers and divers alike were

awed by the curious fish and colourful coral.

If you’d rather stay on firm ground, however, there are many ways to occupy your time as well.

The Cairns botanic gardens are massive; you could easily spend a day perusing the wide variety of foliage and flowers.

Just half an hour up the mountains from Cairns is the cute village of Kuranda, nestled in the rainforest alongside permanent markets, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Bird World.

A longer drive north brings you to the sleepy coastal town of Port Douglas, but it’s the drive through rainforests and coastal scenery that makes it worth it.

Driving south through cane farms set against a backdrop of rainforest-covered mountains brings you to the spectacular Babinda Boulders and infamous Devil’s Pool.

Continue along the road and you will be greeted with the ruins of a Spanish Castle, now open for tours to the public as Paronella Park.

Wherever you go, you will be greeted by friendly locals, gorgeous scenery, and a continuous summer.