Hi everyone, I have just returned from 7 fantastic days in Cairns and not having seen the city for nearly 30 years I cannot speak highly enough of the brilliant input of the local council and tourism bodies behind the development structure that now exists in the city and region. It is so user friendly, the lagoon pool and boardwalks, shade structures and fabulous walkways and gardens are a must see. It is all achievable at low cost, loads of free entertainment for all ages and feels safe. The amazing "muddies"playground for children is a parents dream; it is free and absolutely huge...the grandkids couldnt get enough of it.
The trip was designed around the whole family being together in one place from 9month old baby to the wrinklies....(me) and it worked a treat; no problems in hiring a 12 seater bus to get around, everyone working together made it a great time and allowing us to see all the major attractions from the Tablelands, Kuranda rail/skyrail and topping out with a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling, sightseeing and finally a brilliant chopper ride on the most perfect of days for such magnificent scenary.
The input of backpackers and the thousands of international visitors to our shores all add a new spice of life and its wonderful to see everyone interacting with each other in such a positive way. The trip to the reef was amazing, the clarity of the water something to behold and the joy it brought to one and all......really nice to appreciate and to know that it is being cared for.
For anyone contemplating a trip to Cairns, expect to pay around $350.00 for 2 people to visit the reef. This takes in morning/afternoon tea, lunch buffet. Comfortable airconditioned cabin. Free snorkling included but they will try to hit you up (gently) to have a "guided"tour for $45.00 if you feel more comfortable that way. 5 min chopper ride $79.00 and worth every cent in my opinion. The water wasnt rough, but there were enough people suffering from motion sickness that a travel calm tablet or ginger etc is probably a good idea rather than spoil a great day! It's obvious that I enjoyed Cairns immensely and if you decide to go........then I;m sure you will too!
Mate !!! that sounded horrible but i suppose someone had to do it, Been 20 years since i was up there, cannot wait to go again, bet is was good to spend it with different generations, [ stuff this working for a living, i wanna go [ NOW ] dazen
G'day Dazren, dont wait another 20 years, I just got home and want to go back! It truly was a great trip and spending it with the complete family was just the icing on the cake. The little one's provide so much pleasure and we all just enjoy each other's company and companionship. For 7 days we did nothing but eat laugh and start over again.
I think the adults all agreed that it was a great holiday, but when the grandkids tell you it was the best holiday they have ever had then you know that things are going well. They were blown away when they snorkelled on the reef and fed the GT trevally etc, but seeing "pop"blast off in the chopper made their day as they didnt know I could fly.
No matter where you are at present, can I suggest if you have'nt already had a flu or Pneumonia injection to do so as the number of people waiting to spoil your life are very prominent right now.........!
Ozi2 - So happy for you - in the overall scheme of things - it doesn't really matter what it cost - you had a great time, enjoyed time with your family, and shared it with us - which we all appreciate.
I loved going back to Cairns - I remember when there was only one Catholic school there - and one state school - airport was a tin shed in the middle of nowhere - surrounded by canefields!!!!
What next for you, my friend?
Stay well -
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
I miss Cairns. Mostly the people and some of the town's features. But ozi2 you could sound a little bit excited about your adventures, but I'll accept ecstatic.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Hi Pam , Jules, CG and Gerty, nice to hear from you; surprisingly I feel really good, I guess it must be the "feel good"endorphines rushing through my body.
I had a right to feel paranoid on the plane as it was full of people infected with winter colds (including 5 members of my family), but I really believe that having a flu and pneumonia injection provided me with the protection I need and I thank the gods for it!
Like many of our tourism hot spots, Cairns has grown substantially, but it is the infrastructure that the council and tourism bodies have put in place that really impressed everyone. The fabulous shade tree's, wide paths and high level of cleanliness was good to see. Providing people with free or low cost activities on the foreshore.....ie, the lagoon pool and kids playground is a huge hit with everyone. On the Saturday of our visit a local church group put on a free bbq for anyone who wanted to eat ( and nothing asked in return).Everyday there was a free band or local entertainer busking etc..........yes, we all had a ball and I could happily do it all over again!
Think I'll waite till I win Powerball sounds very expensive on a Pension
G'day Jimbo,
mate, dont wait for Powerball, the money you save up by not buying tickets will soon pay for a great trip to the barrier reef. Just $10.00 a week and you have the cost covered and a Kuranda rail/skyrail as well. The Great Barrier Reef really is a must see if you visit Far North Qld. I know it appears expensive but when you consider the cost of fuel, operator reef fee's, boat maintainence, wages and a full 8hours on the water with morn/afternoon tea's and lunch then the joy that you derive from the experience will ease any financial pain.
Just to whet your appetite for Cairns, weather here in Cairns this morning is a little cool just now (7.45 am) but 29 today, light breeze this morning, sea breeze this arvo, eight eighths blue sky, beer at PJ O'Briens Irish Pub is delightfully cold. (same as yesterday, day before, day bef...... etc etc)
Just to whet your appetite for Cairns, weather here in Cairns this morning is a little cool just now (7.45 am) but 29 today, light breeze this morning, sea breeze this arvo, eight eighths blue sky, beer at PJ O'Briens Irish Pub is delightfully cold. (same as yesterday, day before, day bef...... etc etc)
HA,HA, good one Jim: mate, enjoy every minute, I know we did!
went out yesterday wagged work to go fishing got 2 trout and sat and had a few beers a quick snorkle and then a pod of whales turned up sat and watched for a while and then time to return home what a beautiful day on the reef second pic is green island on left and fitsroy island on right with the coast farther to the right. i feel a bit spoilt but will get over it
Just to whet your appetite for Cairns, weather here in Cairns this morning is a little cool just now (7.45 am) but 29 today, light breeze this morning, sea breeze this arvo, eight eighths blue sky, beer at PJ O'Briens Irish Pub is delightfully cold. (same as yesterday, day before, day bef...... etc etc)
Shut up! Fine sunny day in Adelaide, but it's till cold. So shut up! Have a nice time and pass on my regards to Mavis and family at First City.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Just to rub in my two cents worth.. waking to a stunning day in Broome heading for 32 degrees. Just spent 4 days on the beach at Cape Keraurdren, really no words to describe waking up to the sun rising over the water, a coffee then a couple of hours strolling along with beach looking into rock pools filled with life. Life is great !
