Cairns

As you travel up north, you have to make sure to visit Cairns. Cairns is one of the fastest-growing cities in Queensland. Known as the gateway to two of the worlds greatest natural attractions: The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropic Rainforest. Two of the most diverse and beautiful biomes you will ever come across. 

If your dream is to scuba dive while in Australia, this is the place to do it. With the port having the best access to the external reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef in the world, and to come to Australia and not visit is borderline a crime. At over 2011 km in length, and 72 km in width at its widest point, it also holds the title as the largest World Heritage Area. In this area alone you can find over 1,500 species of fish, over 300 species of Coral. There’s even more diverse life if you include sponge and mollusc species. 

The city of Cairns is full of great bars and restaurants, for myself it was the end of my group tour in Australia and will always hold a special place in my heart. I would leave for a few days to explore the Tablelands before returning to fly south to Melbourne. Originally the plan was for me to fly south the day after my scuba dive. I was so intrigued by the waterfalls tour I had to change my flight. So when I was meant to be on a plane I was instead on my way to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. It meant less time in Melbourne, but for me that was the best decision I could have made.

When it comes to food and drink, Cairns spoils you for choice. You can find some great places to sit back and relax, and with so much nature on your doorstep you will be spoiled for choice with excursions and day tours. It was here i was able to enjoy my first Australian Chicken Parmi (one of my favourite meals)

I loved the evenings here though. I had three in total and each one was a treat. There are fewer skyscrapers or towers than Melbourne and Sydney, so everything is a lot lower level and feels more open. Meaning you have beautiful streets full of bars and restaurants but without feel crowded. We all grabbed food in an indoor market before bar hopping each night. Despite always having to be up early for our next adventure.