Tropical North Queensland's scenic Cairns region.
In the heart of Queensland, Australia lies the vibrant city of Cairns, a popular tourist destination known for its tropical climate, stunning natural beauty, and abundance of outdoor adventures. During a recent 4-week trip from Cairns to Sydney, a traveler spent a significant portion of their journey exploring the city and its surroundings during the dry season, from May to October.
The traveler's first stop was the picturesque town of Cairns, where they spent four days immersing themselves in the city's lively nightlife and exploring the Cairns Esplanade, a waterfront promenade offering public swimming lagoons, picnic spots, playgrounds, and cafes.
From Cairns, the traveler journeyed to Mission Beach, a stopover on the way south from Cairns, where they spent just one night. The long beach at Mission Beach proved to be perfect for a leisurely walk, and the traveler even reported spotting the elusive cassowary, a native Australian bird, in the rainforest.
The third day of the traveler's journey was spent on Fitzroy Island, a tropical paradise accessible by a 45-minute ferry ride. The island offers five different hiking trails ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours, providing ample opportunities for exploration. Snorkeling equipment can be brought or rented on the ferry, making it easy to dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore the first corals of the Great Barrier Reef.
During the dry season, the weather in Cairns is ideal for outdoor activities, with temperatures ranging from 25-30 degrees Celsius and low humidity. This makes it the perfect time for diving, snorkeling, and hiking, with better underwater visibility and pleasant conditions. The traveler particularly enjoyed visiting the Fairy Falls, a waterfall reachable via a rainforest trail, which they noted as one of their favourite spots in Cairns.
For those seeking more adventure, the Daintree Rainforest can be explored through organized tours, such as those offered by Daintree Discovery Tours via Get Your Guide. These tours last around 5 hours and cost approximately $160 per person. The tour includes a boat trip over the Daintree River, where crocodiles can be spotted, as well as opportunities for hiking and exploring the rainforest.
The traveler's accommodation for the duration of their stay was an AirBnB in Holloways Beach, a town on the outskirts of Cairns. Tickets to Fitzroy Island were booked via Get Your Guide (with Fitzroy Island Adventures) and cost about $125 per person.
In conclusion, the dry season in Cairns offers a wealth of opportunities for adventure and exploration. From snorkeling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef, to rainforest and waterfall excursions, and leisurely strolls along the Cairns Esplanade, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, if you're seeking a tropical adventure in Australia, Cairns and Queensland's tropical north are highly recommended.
The traveler also opted for adventure-travel experiences in the Daintree Rainforest, where they joined organized tours to spot crocodiles and explore the rainforest.
For the traveler, the lifestyle in Cairns during the dry season was an ideal blend of outdoor adventures, tropical travel, and tranquil relaxation, making it a recommended destination for tropical adventure-travel enthusiasts.
