Cairns in North Queensland is definitely one of the many highlights of Australia. Tropical rainforests, picture-perfect waterfalls and the colorful Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep are just a few of the many activities available to you here. Today I'm going to tell you about my (family) trip to the tropical north of Australia.
BOXIO KITCHEN BUNDLE | Outdoor kitchen
The best time to travel from May to October
Basically, it depends on your own taste which weather you prefer, but most tourists prefer the period from May to October. This is the dry season, the temperatures are usually between 25-30 degrees and the humidity is low. The weather is perfect for diving and snorkeling, as you have better visibility underwater, but it is also very pleasant for hiking through the rainforest. However, if you want to avoid the tourist crowds, the rainy season from November to April is better. BUT BEWARE, it gets really hot and the humidity is extremely high!
As I briefly teased above, I traveled with my family (my parents and my sister) for 4 weeks from Cairns to Sydney. We spent 4 days in Cairns. Our accommodation was an AirBnB in Holloways Beach (a nice little town on the outskirts of Cairns).
However, if you are traveling alone or with friends, there are lots of backpacker hostels in Cairns where you can quickly meet like-minded people. The nightlife is also said to be quite nice ;).
Day 1: Fairy Falls
My family was still suffering from jet lag, so we decided to do something easy on the first day. Fairy Falls is definitely one of my favorite waterfalls. From the parking lot, there is a beautiful trail through the rainforest. Once you reach the waterfall, you can cool off in the water and take in the surroundings. A fantastic spot!
Since you're already here, I can also recommend the Crystal Cascades. They are not far away and can be perfectly combined with a walk.
Day 2: Daintree Rainforest & Port Douglas
The trip to the Daintree Rainforest was also great. I booked us an organized tour (with Daintree Discovery Tours via Get Your Guide) from Port Douglas. It took 5 hours and cost just under 160$ per person. Although we didn't see any cassowaries, we did see a few crocodiles on the boat trip across the Daintree River. In my opinion, they are the scariest animals. There were also a few horror stories from the tour guide, but don't worry, you'll be safe during the tour!
On the way back from Port Douglas, we explored the Mossman Gorge. Another fantastic spot with crystal-clear rock pools.
Day 3: Fitzroy Island
We spent the third day on Fitzroy Island. I also booked the tickets through Get Your Guide (with Fitzroy Island Adventures) and they cost around $125 per person. The ferry crossing takes about 45 minutes (depending on the swell) and can be very beautiful and entertaining (also depending on the swell). Our crossing was less beautiful and entertaining, but more wet and bumpy.
There is a lot to explore on Fitzroy Island. For those who prefer to be active on land, there is a choice of 5 different walking trails. These vary from 30 minutes to 3 hours, meaning there is something for every fitness level. For the beach and water enthusiasts among you: be sure to take snorkeling equipment with you or hire it on the ferry. From Fitzroy Island you can already explore the first corals of the Great Barrier Reef.
Oh, and before I forget, always remember to bring enough drinking water, sunscreen and a hat or cap on all excursions. This applies to all excursions in Australia.
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Day 4: Milla Milla Falls and Mission Beach
On day 4 it was "Bye Bye Cairns". We headed south. Our next stop was Mission Beach. On the way there, we stopped at the Milla Milla Falls (Atherton Tablelands). You can drive almost right under the waterfall, so it's very tourist-friendly and doesn't involve much of a hike.
Mission Beach was also quite nice, but we only spent one night here to split the drive to Townsville. The long beach is perfect for a walk and with a bit of luck you might even spot cassowaries in the rainforest.
On the subject of beaches, it should be said that the sea on the mainland beaches in the north is rather murky and not so picture-perfect. You'll find clear turquoise water on the islands closer to the Great Barrier Reef.
It was my first time in Cairns and I really enjoyed the tropics. My highlight so far was the Fairy Falls. If you're a fan of waterfalls and tropical rainforests, Cairns and Queensland's tropical north is the place for you. See you in the next episode, further south ;)
Cheers!
Jesko
