White Rock Peak-- views to die for walking track
by tropicrd
This tropical walking track is mainly used by locals and is an unmanaged trail through State Forest;it is a 3.5 kilometre return walk that takes approx 1.1/2 hours to complete.
Lake Morris Road starts half way along Reservoir Road at the base of the Whitfield Range.
This narrow winding scenic drive with great views of Cairns and Trinity Inlet.
Set the car odometer at the start of Lake Morris Road and travel 10 klms to an inconspicuous dirt road on your left,directly under the high voltage power feeder lines on Mnt Sheridan.There is a locked gate across the track to prevent vehicles from entering,follow the track up to the red pylons where you will get a great view,then turn a sharp right and begin the climb to the top which is 605 metres above sea level.A narrow foot track skirts around the security fence to the rear of the tower compound,where the unmarked walking track to White Rock Peak begins.This track is only sparodically marked with a variety of tapes,and in itself not very conspicuous.Even if you are an experienced bushwalker it is essential to stay on the track,never leave it to explore as you may not find it again.Don't forget to take water with you.
This pristine rainforest walk follows a sharp ridgeline,with Cairns down the mountain to the east and endless rainforest wilderness and Lake Morris to the west.Huge eucalypts encased by webbed nets of strangling figs contrast with the buttressed rainforest trees.You will see a variety of palms,ferns and lichen on this track.Keep going until you find a flagged white steel post--this is White Rock peak.The pinnacle has a birds eye view of the area.The walk is rated as being moderate.
An interesting nightlife experience
by Gypsygirl05 about The Wool Shed
The Wool Shed has a reputation for being a rowdy backpacker nightclub. It is usually crowded, the music is loud, and you get some really interesting people there, so I would recommend coming with at least one friend. This is not to say that you are in any danger by going there, just that it's not your run-of-the-mill nightclub. I met people who loved it, and I met people who swore never to go there again. I had some good experiences, but I always made sure to go with people I knew.
Palmer Kates Restaurant & Bar
by sue_stone about Palmer Kates Restaurant & Bar
One evening during a stay in Cairns my parents and I headed to Palmer Kates for dinner. It is a relaxed bistro style restaurant located in the Smithfield Tavern, about 15 minutes drive from central Cairns.
This is a friendly place, with decent food and an ok wine list. Find a table, peruse the menu, and then go and order and pay at the bar. You meal will be bought over to you when ready. We all had the Rack of Lamb, served with roast vegetables. It was the most expensive thing on the menu, but worth it, it was really tasty. We had a good bottle of Aussie shiraz to wash it down. No room for dessert unfortunately.
After your meal, make sure you say G'day to the life-size dummy of Palmer Kate - 'the notorious first lady of Smithfield'.
Cairns and surroundings an overview
by Myndo
Cairns is a great place to be, whether you start your holidays here and drive south, or whether it is your last stop before you go home.
Here you can relax or have some activities in and around Cairns. Its maybe the best place to learn diving (so close to the Great Barrier Reef, excellent for day trips or longer), but there sure are cheaper places south.
So, this is what you can do in and around Cairns:
-See the Esplanade – you can’t miss it, It's the main street. Between the city and the water, it's a pleasant place to stroll, to sit, to picnic, to eat, to shop.
In low tide the water goes far back and there are lots of sea birds picking in the mud.
-Take a swim in the man made lagoons next to the Marina.
-Cairns is your station for any trips to the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you go there snorkeling or diving or just sailing, it’s great.
-Tjapukai – learn something about the Aboriginal culture. Theme park where you can learn from the Aboriginals about fire making, natural remedies, bomerang throwing, didgeridoo playing. www.tjapukai.com.au
-Walk the Mangrove walk (Cairns, on the way to the airport)
-Kuranda scenic train. From Cairns to Kuranda.
- Have a view of the Rainforest from above: take the Sky Rail. Close to Cairns. Also at Kuranda
-Make a trip into the Atherton tablelands behind Cairns with its many waterfalls (very picturesque)
-South of Cairns are quite a lot of smaller islands you can go visiting on day tours – or stay there the night and be collected the next day.
- Some companies offer River Rafting, Hot air balloon flights, bungee jumps or helicopter excursions over the reef.
This isn't an ad but...
by Robachu1
if you want to use a tour company that really takes care of its customers I can recommend Down Under Tours. I was very impressed with their helpfullness, friendliness, and professionalism in their handling of our Kuranda Railway, Kuranda Town, SkyRail, and Tjapukai itinerary.
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