The Top 5 tropical havens to explore cheaply in Cairns
Whether you’re a young group of mates on a well-deserved road trip or a welcomed tourist from overseas – discover the magic of Australia in the laid-back city of Cairns. It’s got the whole Australian package: a multitude of beaches, rainforests, rich indigenous heritage and a state-of-the-art aquarium. Not to mention, it’s only a stone’s throw away from the Great Barrier Reef.Cairns can be pricey, no doubt – tourism is its primary source of income- but that doesn’t mean you have to lose out on the natural aura of Cairns flora. So, grab your trekking shoes, and let’s head to Babinda Boulders, the Barron Falls, Peet’s Falls, the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. All you need is a few extra bucks for fuel, a reliable car (which you can hire at the airport) and a willing soul.
BABINDA BOULDERS
Just under an hour south of Cairns stands the sleepy town of Babinda. It’s as if one has stepped back in time due to the one-room cinema, war memorial and public library still standing. However, the town is most well-known for the Babinda Boulders; a refreshingly-cold creek surrounded by forest and perfect for a hot day. Just off the path, a section of Babinda Boulders known as Devil’s Pool is wrapped in mystery but off-limits to all.
Legend says Oolana, of the Yidinji tribe, fell in love with a rival clansman, Dyga and to save the forbidden love they eloped. Having gotten caught, Oolana hurled herself into the creek which caused it surge and sweep her away. They say her spirit calls out to unknowing men and lures them into the pool, to be sucked underneath the boulders. Beware… but if you are still keen on taking a dip, the directions can be found here. Great – the history adds intrigue and depth.
THE BARRON FALLS AND KURANDA MARKETS
Take a 20-minute drive up the Kuranda Range to witness, by far, the greatest attraction of Kuranda: the Barron Falls! This thunderous waterfall is most spectacular during the wet season (November and May) when it topples a whopping 125 metres down into a ravine. There are five lookouts to view the falls; directions are here. And if you like sorbet, crystal trinkets or even dinosaur bones, then the quirky Kuranda Markets is for you. Open from 9:30-3pm this artsy village is just seven minutes away from the falls.
PEET’S FALLS
Put the Avatar soundtrack on as you venture off to this whimsical spot. Peet’s Falls is off-the-grid, off the hook and a local hush-hush. To avoid dangerous conditions, go in low rainfall and with a group. You’ll get sweaty, but once you’re up there dive straight in and swim over to the waterfall.
THE DAINTREE FOREST/CAPE TRIBULATION
Want a fresh mix of beach and forest in one experience? Situated an hour and forty minutes away from Cairns the Daintree awaits. To completely immerse yourself spend at least four days here. First stop: Port Douglas. This prestigious area of Cairns has hosted celebrities such as Johnny Depp and been the film location of movies such as Fool’s Gold starring Matthew McConaughey. On a Sunday peek inside the St. Mary’s Chapel by the Sea, take a walk along Four Mile Beach and wander through the 150 Port Douglas markets stalls.
Continue through to Wonga beach and set up base camp at the Wonga Beach Council Caravan Park just thirteen minutes away. For the extremely budget conscious, the cost is $38 per site but clean and very quiet. For those willing to spend a few more dollars, head five minutes up the road to Pinnacle Village Holiday Park. Pinnacle runs a bar, pub food (fantastic pizza) and swimming pool.
During your stay, visit the Mossman Gorge Centre. For $9.80 (adult price) jump aboard a shuttle bus to Mossman Gorge, a relaxing swimming hole. And to finish your trip, leave early in the morning and catch the car ferry ($25 round trip) across to Cape Tribulation. Boardwalks, crocodile spotting, fishing, exotic fruit tasting and horse riding are just a few of what Cape Trib has to offer.
Hopefully, a few of these activities make it onto your itinerary list. Being a Cairns local for thirteen years, I appreciate all that this beautiful city has to offer and would love others to visit it at least once in their lifetime. Friendly locals are always ready to lend a hand, so don’t be afraid to ask for directions. Always carry cash on hand, closed in shoes and don’t forget to slip, slop, slap. Happy travelling!
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Shavonne Hansell is a Communications student at Avondale College. Her interests include: Going to the beach, binge-watching Netflix and trying to sing her way onto the Broadway stage. If that dream doesn’t transpire, she would love to become a fully-fledged journalist that travels in search of stories.