Cairns Explorations: What to do and Where to go.

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Cairns, Queensland Australia is in the northeast region of Australia. Unlike the Southeastern region (Sydney and Melbourne) Cairns is HOT. It’s humid. It’s… well a rainforest. If you can’t handle the heat… definitely don’t go. However, you would then be missing out on some of the best experiences of your life….

Cairns, Australia is home to the Kuranda National Rainforest. It is also home to the Skyrail & Train that takes you over and through the rainforest. An experience that is definitely worth the cost of admission.

During our time in Cairns, we did rent a car. However we rarely used it. We rented an AirB&B really close to the Main Street. So we were able to walk to dinner, breakfast, the marina, and really only used the care to get to the Skyrail and Airport. If you plan to spend more time in Cairns than we did… by all means adjust your plans. We spent 2 full days in the area. It was plenty for me. The only thing we missed that I wanted to see was the aquarium.

We flew into Cairns on a budget airline. It wasn’t the most glorious plane, but it got us there safely. It also helped to keep our budget as low as possible. It’s just as important to plan what you are going to do in Cairns, as it is on any other vacation. Cairns trips are no so much a spur of the moment, lets just “show up” type deal.

The Kuranda Rainforest

While the Skyrail & Train tickets can be purchase upon arrival to the station… you still have to pick a timeframe for your tickets.

We opted for Skyrail out to the rainforest, and train back. The Skyrail has multiple stops along it’s way. It’s very similar to the Disneyland People Movers, ski lifts, or similar aspects of transit.

While you are in your Skyrail cab, you will travel over the rainforest, stopping at the different stations to get out and explore the rainforest. While the company feels that the entire trek will take you 1-1.5hours… it really doesn’t. I mean, unless you are a slow walker, or like to dottle.. you really wont need that much time.

The first stop has a walk through the rainforest. You are able to experience a stroll through the rainforest and witness the incredible layering of a natural rainforest. For example… did you know there were several layers to a rainforest? If you didn’t… definitely take the Skyrail. Also consider stepping out of your comfort zone and hitting up other rainforests to learn about the different plants and creatures that call each layer of rainforest home.

Once you reach the top. You start by getting off. You’ll find the Skyrail and Train stations are neighbors. Pick up a map if you didn’t already grab one at the bottom of the route.

The Kuranda Rainforest includes a market place, and the KOALA SANCTUARY!

Here we are with a sleeping Koala. As we made our way to the top of the road during the middle of the day.. and it was a rather hot and humid day… it only makes sense that everyone was sleeping.

The benefit of checking out the wildlife area is… you get to feed (some) of them. And hold others. The ticket you purchase at the entry includes the chance to hold a koala, and/or a snake. I’m not such a fan of the reptile creature.. so I stuck to my bucket list of holding a Koala. AMAZING.

This was the most amazing experience of my trip… and of my life. I mean, guys, I’m HOLDING A KOALA! This here is Kiki. She was such a sweet sweet girl. The Koala’s only spend a short time with humans, and each 30minute Koala photo session has multiple Koalas that are rotated through so as to limit any stress to the Koala.

Once we were done with the animals, we were really over the place. The shops were ok, but nothing caught our eye. The food… was not good. My coffee was DISGUSTING. So we opted to exchange our train tickets and bus ticket for an earlier departure.

The train tickets account for tight accommodations. However once the train started, we were able to switch seats to a less cramped style. While the train is hot and stuffy on a humid day, once the conductor gets you moving, the breeze cools off the cars. While some of the information you receive while on the train is a wash, there are some gorgeous view points worth taking the trip back.

We booked the tickets that including Skyrail, train, and bus that takes you from the carpark through the rainforest and back to your car. It’s a long day, so be ready for exploring the rainforest.

The Great Barrier Reef

Our next adventure took us to the Marina just down the street from our AirB&B. We could even walk there without difficulty… unless you count slipping in your sandals because the rain was coming down so hard the “flip flop flick” of water soaked our shorts under our raincoats/ponchos and sliding on the weather soaked leather rainbows. Awkward to say the least.

But after a quick breakfast, coffee, and cutting through the marina mall we made it to our destination. We picked a small company that only runs 2 boats for our snorkel trip. We used Seastar tours. Check them out!

The tour starts first thing in the morning. The storm hitting the shoreline made the seas on the rougher side, creating a lot of turbulence for upper deck. But this also meant the upper deck was less occupied. Right up our alley. 😉

Our travels took us to Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef. Michaelmas Cay has a large uninhabited by man island that is home to birds that are government protected. You cant actually step foot on the island except the small area that is roped off.

The reef located around the island is home to several types of fish, coral, rays, sharks, and sea turtles. In order to snorkel in Australia you have to wear stinger suits. They aren’t very comfortable, but hey… If I don’t end up like Steve Irwin, then I’m good.

My bestie and I always love snorkeling. This wasn’t our first snorkel experience, nor was it our first snorkel swim with sea turtles. They are by far my favorite part about our trip.

I unfortunately didn’t handle the colder waters so well. As they warn, my asthma (and cough I developed before heading to Australia) didn’t handle the snorkel mask as well as I normally do. Plus the rougher waves and I didn’t mesh well. My mask kept getting water in it. A-NNOY-ING.

But experience was definitely worth it. If you are going anywhere near Cairns make the trip to go snorkeling. Just like in America, try to shop local, small businesses. Everyone needs a little helping hand now and then.

Happy Travels!

Nattie