Backpacker heaven
by coolbananas
You have to see the Great Barrier Reef. There's heaps of companies that offer trips from Cairns to the Reef. They leave around 8 AM and come back at the end of the afternoon. It takes about two hours to get to the Reef, so prepare yourself for a long day on a boat...
Once you get to the Reef you get the opportunity to go diving and/or snorkeling. For those of you who can't swim: there's usually a glass-bottom boat from where you can see the Reef and the tropical fish.
On a day-trip you visit two or three different Reefs, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beauty and splendour.
When you choose to do a diving course in Cairns there's no need to do a day-trip to the Reef, cause they already take you out to the Reef for several days.The amount of time you spend on the Reef depends on the sort of diving course and on the company you use. The nightlife is something I really miss. There's a couple of really nice pubs and bar-dancings and it's busy every night.
Most bars provide entertainment for backpackers and have special deals for cheap drinks and cheap meals.
First of all there's the Woolshed, the most famous backpacker bar in Oz. They play all kinds of popular music, only problem: they play the same songs over and over again...
But it's definitely the place to be to meet fellow travellers, regardless of the day of the week as it's always busy in here. Some good drinking deals on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Then there's the Irish pubs: PJ O'Briens and Shenannigans. The latter is the bigger of the two with an outside area and lots of room to party. Both have good deals on jugs of beer (1,1litre), especially during happy hour.
The Sportsbar also provides backpacker entertainment. with cheap drinking deals. Same sort of music as the Woolshed, same crowd: backpackers.
COPPERLODE DAM / LAKE MORRIS
by Anne12
Copperlode Dam/ Lake Morris is approx 25 k's from Cairns city area.
You follow the Reservior Rd to Brinsmead, then you will see the brown sign with Copperlode dam.
The drive up to the dam is lovely, you can stop along the way and check out veiws over Cairns.
Once you have arrive here you can have a picnic on the lawns or visit the Kiosk there.
The Kiosk has a variety of snacks, icecreams and has a lovely view over looking the dam.
You can go for a walk to the spill way area.
There is also some great longer walks that you can do from Copperlode Dam or from Crystal Cascades to Copperlode.
***Bush Walking - Lake Morris - Crystal Cascades; 1hr Lake Morris - Closey River/Tablelands 6 HRS (17km to Kennedy Highway at Koah); Bare Hill to Copperlode dam (Bridle Creek Rd) 5 hrs; Bare Hill from Davies Creek Rd Access; Lake Morris - Davies Ck National Park 8 hrs (19km); Davies Creek - Lambs Head Mountain 7 hrs (return); Davies Creek National Park. Detailed information is available at Lake Morris Kiosk or Tropical Walking Tracks Book - Cairns & Kuranda by Kym Dungey & Jane Whytlaw available at the Kiosk or bookshops in town***
This is another hidden treat to explore.
Open 7 Days a week.
8am to 6pm
A WICKED WAY TO TRAVEL
by Anne12
WICKED CAMPERS is one hire company that has become very popular with the backpacker person.
These colurful campers can be seen all over this area and beyond. You can see these vans all around Australia.
Each van is painted with humourous paintings and writings ( some may offend!!!) I think they are very clever little ditties that they have painted on them:)
They have different levels of prices. All depends on what you need. Basic upwards.
My son has used this firm and was very happy with them. They must be OK as there are so many using them!!!
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
by ValbyDK
The Tjapukai Cultural Park is the only authorised presentation of Aboriginal culture in the Tjapukai Tribal area. The Tjapukai communities and their elders have approved and overseen the materials presented in the park. They own the land the park is situated on and have a substantial equity interest in the venture. The park is located 11 km from Cairns.
For more details, check out my ‘Travelogue’ about the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
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We spend 2-3 interesting hours in the park. Visit the History Theatre, the Magic Space, the Creation Theatre and the Aboriginal village with the Dance Theatre - or try boomerang and spear throwing, fire-making and didgeridoo playing.
If you're staying in the Cairns/Kuranda area you can save money if you buy tickets to Tjapukai, Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway at the same time.
Great Barrier Reef
by TashieKitten
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the few tings man can actually see from space. And the best way to see it up close is to SCUBA dive.
SCUBA diving has been THE absolute most fantastic thing I have EVER done in my life. Of course, I've dived back home too, so I can appreciate all kinds of underwater enviorns. Just think, you could be one of the very few people who have had the opportunity to see what's actually under all that water. Since our planet is mostly water, why not educate yourself and see what's there: potato cods, sharks, rays, cuddlefish, a personal fave: turtles, parrot fish, wrass, coral, nudibranchs...I swear it's addictive. And it's really cool to chat with people about it afterwards. Amaze your friends and at the VERY LEAST, take an intoductory dive. If you have the time and can afford it, go for full Open Water certification.
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Great Barrier Reef!
Great spot
Niau Waterfall
The Esplanade, Cairns
