Cairns has numerous great attractions within easy reach of the CBD but there are also loads of things to do in the surrounding area. In this post we'll cover things to do in Cairns first, then add nearby day trips from Cairns. We include reef trips, visiting the town of Kuranda, Northern Beaches, The Tablelands and things to do and see right up to Port Douglas and … [Read more...]
Cairns to Port Douglas. Drive, Transfers or Bus
The only way to get from Cairns to Port Douglas is by road ( unless you want to take a helicopter or charter a boat ). Travellers staying in Port Douglas, the picture perfect town, will arrive into Cairns by air, road or rail before making their way 65 kms north along the Captain Cook Highway. The Captain Cook Highway is a single lane winding road with two overtaking … [Read more...]
Car Hire in Port Douglas, Is it Necessary and Which Company to Use?
Hiring a car in Port Douglas can be quick and easy but during the high season the availability of cars will be limited so book ahead if you want a particular type of car. Cars available range from budget small hatch backs to convertible, 4wds and people carriers. There are far more car hire companies in Port Douglas than you would expect from such a small town. We live in … [Read more...]
Fresh Water Swimming Spots Around Cairns and Port Douglas
If you're visiting the Cairns and Port Douglas region is summer, you absolutely must check out some of our fresh water swimming spots as well as the iconic Great Barrier Reef. These are where the locals go to cool off and some, like Mossman Gorge, receive large numbers of tourists too. Families visit these jungle swimming holes because they are safe, there are no … [Read more...]
Visiting Port Douglas? Start Here.
Are you thinking of visiting Port Douglas? Good choice! Port Douglas is a beautiful part of the world and a top holiday destination. The town and region are rich in natural beauty, amazing wildlife and good hotels. There are dozens of diverse things to do in Port Douglas and surrounding area and we'll try to point you in the right direction from our Port Douglas travel blog … [Read more...]
Is There a Beach in Cairns? Where to Swim or Cool Off.
Cairns, Australia, is one of the stepping off points for snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, but is there a beach in Cairns? No, actually, there's not. There is a pretty esplanade walkway and a narrow strip of sand but mostly Cairns has a busy estuary and salt water crocodiles, big ones. We also have stinger season in this part of the world, jellyfish visit our waters … [Read more...]
Great Food in Cairns! Rusty’s Market
Looking for a foodie treat in Cairns or this area of Far North Queensland? I've posted about London's Borough Market before, well this is our local version when we're at home in Port Douglas. Rusty's Market is not to be missed! It's fabulous, every type of fruit and veg you could possibly imagine, mostly tropical, mostly local, heavily Asian influenced and cheap. You could … [Read more...]
Paleo Food In Cairns
Healthy, Delicious Paleo Food In Cairns. We've just been on a mission to try the new cafe serving paleo food in Cairns. It's an hour in the car from Port Douglas to Cairns, a long way to go for lunch, but I was really excited to try out the Paleo Cafe on Grafton St. Cairns. We've been dabbling in paleo for a few months, I've lost 4Kg and feel a lot healthier for it, we … [Read more...]
Stinger Season in Cairns and Port Douglas 2019
Stinger season Cairns, Port Douglas, the Great Barrier Reef area and the whole of Far North Queensland is something you need to be aware of. Insider knowledge on how to be safe, for you and your kids is essential. We lived up here for 6 years safe from jellyfish, so read on. Dates for Stinger Season vary, fixed dates don't exist. but if you're heading to Queensland in the … [Read more...]
See Wild Platypus at Atherton Platypus Park, Near Cairns.
We saw an Australian animal that less than 10% of all Australians have ever seen near Cairns, the fantastic, and surprisingly tiny, platypus. That's wild platypus, not in a zoo. If you'd like to share in this incredible experience, check out the Atherton Platypus Park near Cairns at Tarzali Lakes. You can visit for the day or stay overnight on the camp site and you should … [Read more...]