The first stop in Carins was to get the refrigerator fixed in the camper van. Having already lost all our food we were ready for the repair. Camperman’s depot is next to the airport. The repair, being, quick did not cut into our day. There was a sweet husky to play with while waiting.
Accessorising the Camper Van
Carins was sweltering. Gone were the cool nights of the Atherton Tablelands. Therefore, there was no way we were sleeping in a closed van with no airflow. A 12 volt USB fan was a must. So a stop at Big W, Spotlight and OfficeWorks to customise the van were in order. The camping equipment we bought were chairs, a table and a gazebo (some campgrounds do not allow them, check ahead). We attached sheer, white drapes to the doors using bulldog clips. This kept mosquitoes out and added more space to the back. At this point, I was more mosquito bite than person. Eat bananas and Vegemite, its not an acquired taste its a necessity.
Where to Stay
Our stay was spent at Sunland Adventure Park. There is an IGA is a few minutes walk away and a bus stop across the street from the park. Facilities include a pool, card operated laundry, a camp kitchen and large bathrooms. Cairns Botanic gardens are 30 minutes walk away and the CBD is a 15 minute Uber away. All together the park was clean and super convenient. Many tour operators pick up from Sunland or the bus stop across the street.
Cairns CBD
Cairns has an excellent outdoor esplanade in the CBD. On the Cairns esplanade is a man made, salt water Lagoon. It is perfect for a dip during crocodile and stinger season, because there are none! The Lagoon is a free outdoor public pool and water park. The esplanade follows the waters edge with a grassy park, BBQs and plenty of space for play all ocean front. Because we were in Cairns during school holiday, the esplanade and Lagoon were busy with families.
Where to Eat in Cairns
Hemingway’s brewery is on a dock overlooking the ocean with a great patio. Inside the spacious warehouse is decorated with art, plants and brewing equipment. Floor to ceiling windows show off the brewery floor. Its a great place for an afternoon beer and a snack.
Salt House is a beautiful restaurant at the end of the pier. Flaming fountains and water features are set in the floor. Enjoy an unobstructed view for over water sunset cocktails.
Howlin’ Jays is the best place for funky atmosphere, cocktails and fried chicken. Its decorated by everything thrown off a Mardi Gras float and add multi colour lights. Everything is fantastic with massive portions so its more like 2 dinners for the price of 1.
Prawn Star is a fleet of dine on ships in Cairns harbour. Super touristy, so some waits at peak times, but SO perfect on a hot day. Chilled seafood and a cold beer, cant mess with a good thing.
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Cairns Botanic Gardens accesses 70 acres of public space dedicated to Australian flora and fauna. There is a conservatory in the centre or the garden of only to butterflies and orchids. There I followed around my favourite butterfly, the Monarch as it flew from orchid to orchid. We spotted the elusive Ulysses butterfly with its vibrant blue wings high in the canopy of the garden. Ulysses live high in the tree tops away from most predators.
An entire section of the botanic gardens is native Australian edible plants. Including 150 different varieties of ginger, vanilla orchids and quandongs. Australian plants are aggressive, poisonous if treated incorrectly or hard to access but worth the work. The quandong has a special place in my heart. A silver quandong fell from high in the canopy, onto my friend’s chest, leaving a mark. The tree is very tall, grows branches only once free of the surrounding canopy and yields a tart fruit in need of some sugar. Great fruit. Great comedy.
Hiking Trails
Next to Cairns Botanic Gardens are a series of hiking trails that offer a great look out to the ocean horizon. Cairns has a great horizon as it offers a view to nothing but ocean, no land in sight. The Red Arrow loop is an easy trail but to get the good view you need to climb higher up the Blue Arrow trail. It is good for a half day hike.
Rusty’s Market
On weekends Rusty’s market operates in the CBD. There is produce of all varieties, street food, jewellery, coffee and pastry. Rusty’s is great for picking up cheap produce for instance, fun tropical fruits you may have never seen or tried. I recommend Chocolate Sapote and my favourite, Soursop! Which is like a floral, custard apple, if you have not tried that, pick one up.
Tjapukai Cultural Park
On the edge of Cairns is the Tjapukai indigenous adventure. Also known as the tribe of the rain forest. The Tjapukai preform their creation story as a welcome to the indigenous culture of the region. The Tjapukai cultural experience include, native edible and medicinal plants, traditional dances, weapons and didgeridoos. At the back of the park visitors can try throwing spears and boomerangs. A friendly lunch wager will add excitement, especially when you prove to be the better hunter. A visit to Australia is not complete without learning about the many indigenous cultures.
To sum up, Cairns is a popular destination for tourists, where the city and rain forest meet the reef. There are activities for every adventurer along with, great food, and a huge botanic garden for leisurely walks or learning. Because of these things, Cairns offers a great cross section of Australian culture, flora and fauna.