We know it’s only August, but that doesn’t mean you haven’t thought about a mid-winter getaway. So you’ve managed to escape a possibly brutal winter by heading to the southern hemisphere and taking in some of the Australian culture. Luckily, if you’re heading to Cairns, it’s a great time to go! There are tons of beautiful Cairns vacation spots.
This area is a favorite beach destination from May through August and the rain forest and waterfalls are phenomenal during the rainy season, which is September through March. Using Cairns as your launch point for your Aussie adventure will lead you to breaktaking outdoor adventures, as well as some culture and history in the city. Here are some ideas on how to fill your Cairns vacation in this Northeast region of Australia.
Explore The Wet Tropics
The wilderness doesn’t get any more exotic or alluring than the Wet Tropics of Queensland. A World Heritage area adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics stretches across 300 coastal miles of northern Queensland. With its soft sand, foreboding mangroves, and thick greenery, there is an astounding variety and density of wildlife. This region of picturesque coast as well as twisting rain forest is home to a quarter of the continent’s frogs and reptiles, a third of its mammal species, more than half of its bat and butterfly species, and some 370 species of birds. The most dramatic are the cassowaries, the tall, flightless birds with combs on their heads, and the saltwater crocodiles that lurk along the estuaries and mangroves.
Satisfy Your Outdoor Desires
Just north of Cape Tribulation, you’ll find the 20-mile Bloomfield Track that continues to the Bloomfield River. It covers spectacular terrain, running through rain forest and along a coast accessible only by four-wheel drive. Consider hiring a guide for this part of your down-under adventure. Along the banks of the Bloomfield River, visitors can take tours led by members of the local Kuku Yalanji Bama tribe. The outings cover 40,000 years of mythology and communal knowledge of the rain forest while sharing stories over billy tea and “damper”, an Australian bread.
Snorkel In Josephine Falls
Going 50 miles south of Cairns, you’ll find Josephine Falls. Josephine Falls is the highlight of Wooroonooran National Park. It is a breathtaking multitiered waterfall at the base of Mount Bartle Frere, the highest peak in Queensland and possibly one of the wettest Australian destinations. Just south of the falls is Tully River, the continent’s premier white-water rafting spot, and to the north are the giant Babinda Boulders, which have a special place in Aboriginal mythology. Take a cultural tour of Babinda to hear legendary stories that have been passed down for generations or spend your visit snorkeling in the swimming holes.
Not The “Outdoors-y” Type?
If you need a break from the outdoor adventures and Australian beaches, Cairns hosts many art galleries that will entice you to take a piece of this beauty back home. Bundarra Fine Art Gallery specializes in authentic, contemporary and traditional fine Aboriginal art. Bundarra Gallery partners with indigenous artists and is committed to promoting the work of indigenous artists and creating opportunities for a wider understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal art and culture.
One thing’s for sure during your Cairns vacation, there will be so many options to choose from that you’ll be wishing you had stayed another week!
P.S. – If you’re asking yourself – do I need a visa to visit Australia from the USA – check out this post.