In 2013, my grandmother shared that her dream was to someday visit Australia. Of course, taking her to Australia immediately became my priority. However, I wanted to take my grandmother to her dream destination in style. Having lived a very frugal life, she never flew in business class. Unfortunately, my budget did not (and does not) allow for glamourous travel. So, days later, I opened the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select credit card and began saving miles for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It took me years to save the 320,000 miles needed to book the business class airfare. But, as soon as I accrued enough miles and annual leave, I brought her dreams to reality.
Cairns
Our journey across Australia began in Cairns. Pronounced ‘cans’. Or at least, that is what I kept hearing. It took me days to correctly pronounce the name. Located in Queensland, Cairns is the gateway to koalas and reefs – the two most crucial parts of our trip to Australia!
After two days of travel, we arrived at Cairns Airport on Saturday afternoon, August 19, 2017. We had the rest of that day, and the two following days, to experience all that is Cairns before heading off to Australia’s Outback [see post: The Outback: Majestic Uluru]. I booked three nights at the Mantra Trilogy, Cairns, located a quick and cheap Uber ride away from the airport.
The hotel is perfectly situated on the Cairns Esplanade, which is jam-packed with restaurants and a giant swimming lagoon that comes to life in the evenings. Being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and to many other activities such as koala encounters, the city is rather quiet during the day.
Cairns caters to people from all walks of life, but the backpacker feel radiates throughout the city. From hostels and bars to bare feet that fill the streets, the fun-loving energy is undeniable.
Kuranda
Holding a koala has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia are the only states where you can cuddle a koala in Australia. So, of course, I allocated a day in Cairns to do just that!
There are several places near Cairns to get your picture taken cuddling a koala. But, do not expect to hold a koala for more than a few seconds. Based on my research, the Kuranda Koala Gardens in the village of Kuranda promised the best experience that also allowed for a number of other activities in the area to fill the day.
Entrance to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Bird World can be purchased as part of the Kuranda Wildlife Experience package. The butterfly sanctuary showcases Australia’s largest live butterfly display, where you can wander the enclosure surrounded by hundreds of these enchanting, fluttering creatures.
Similarly, Bird World features the largest collection of free-flying birds in Australia. Here, you can feed and make friends with a variety of beautiful, exotic birds.
Aside from the preceding encounters, the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway are also listed as highlights of “things to do in Cairns”. The railway’s website offers a package that combines a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with the Kuranda Wildlife Experience for a half or full day tour – creating a perfect itinerary.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway train journey begins at Cairns Station – located in the heart of Cairns. From there, the two hour journey to the village of Kuranda takes you through a world heritage-listed rainforest that is millions of years old with a stop at Barron Falls.
After arriving in Kuranda, you have free time to explore this village in the rainforest, along with the three wildlife parks. Do not worry about running out of things to do – restaurants, shops and markets line the road up to the animal encounters.
When you run out of things to do, head to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The gondola journey from Kuranda to Smithfield takes about one hour and fifteen minutes and has time built in for the two stops on the way down.
If you decide to include the cableway in your itinerary, there is a coach transfer back to your hotel or starting point. Although you have several options of getting to and from Kuranda, I highly recommend taking the railway up and the cableway down. The gondola ride above the rainforest’s canopy offers some spectacular views.
The Great Barrier Reef
What is a trip to Australia without a snorkel or dive stop at the world’s largest coral reef system? Given the obvious popularity, there is a plethora of companies that will take you out to one or more of the reefs. Choosing one was not easy. At first glance, you will notice that most people recommend companies that take you to the Marine World Platform. The platform includes an underwater observatory and semi-submersible and glass bottom boat tours with access to sundecks and marine biology presentations. This family-friendly option offers a great experience for snorkelers and novice divers.
If you are an intermediate or advanced scuba diver, you want to avoid day trips to the busy Marine World Platform. Opt to take a smaller boat with an operator that is dive focused. After extensive research, I booked two dives with Seastar Cruises. The base rate included the cruise, morning and afternoon tea, coffee, and snacks, a hot and cold buffet lunch, two fully guided snorkeling tours (with equipment included), a glass bottom boat tour, complimentary photos, a wetsuit, and a marine biology presentation on a comfortable modern vessel. The two dives were an additional cost to my base rate – making it cheaper for my grandmother (who does not swim) to join.
Trips depart daily from the marina located in the heart of Cairns.
It takes a little less than an hour and a half to reach Michaelmas Cay – the first stop on my Great Barrier Reef adventure. The views sure were spectacular as we approached the destination. Here, we were given free time to snorkel the reef or take a glass bottom boat tour.
After lunch, we cruised twenty minutes to the second location. Hastings Reef is an outstanding Outer Reef location, abundant in colorful corals and fish life, turtles, reef sharks, and rays. This is where I completed the two dives.
I would not say the scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef is the best diving that I have done – but it is still a must! If you find yourself in Cairns, I highly recommend Seastar Cruises for your snorkel or dive adventure. The small size of the vessel guarantees less passengers, allowing for a less rushed or crowded experience. Just make sure to get out there soon – large sections of the Great Barrier Reef are now dead.
