Daniela C.

Visit Cairns in 5 days: Short but intense!
 

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• Day 1: Kuranda by Scenic Train and Skyrail

The journey to Kuranda on an old-fashioned train takes you past spectacular waterfalls such as Barron Falls. Enjoy breathtaking views of Cairns' sugar cane fields and Kuranda's rainforest.

On arrival in Kuranda, it's time to explore this colorful and fascinating "hippie" village. The Heritage Markets are full of arts and crafts. You can also visit Birdworld, the Australian butterfly sanctuary, or the koala gardens.

Enjoy a crêpe at the "Petit Café": run by a Frenchman, this crêperie has earned its reputation and is well worth a visit!

Then embark on a fascinating journey of discovery with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway through Australia's Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This is the world's oldest surviving rainforest.

Transfers included from your hotel.

Dinner: Enjoy a cocktail and a delicious dinner at the Salt House while watching the sunset.

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• Day 2: Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge and Daintree Forest

To get here, I recommend renting a car if possible, so you can take your time and stop to take some photos of the magnificent scenery. 

If you don't want to drive, you can book a mini-bus tour with a guide.

A 2.5-hour drive north from Cairns, the Daintree is incredibly bio-diverse, with much of Australia's wildlife found in the rainforest. Another reason why the Daintree Rainforest is so special is that it has an incredibly complex ecosystem, unlike any other rainforest in the world, making it a truly unique place.

From Cairns, you'll drive along all the northern beaches.

Stop off at Palm Cove and enjoy the view of the beach over breakfast at the Chill Cafe.

Then drive on to Port Douglas (about an hour's drive from Cairns).

This is one of the most picturesque roads you'll ever drive, as it winds its way along rainforest beaches. You'll never tire of the view! Indeed, with every turn of the wheel, you can admire the brilliant blue waters against a backdrop of lush greenery.Simply magical...

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Then stop off at Mossman Gorge, known for its beautiful greenery and crystal-clear rock pools for swimming. (You'll need to park your car and take a mini bus to get there, for around $20).

Just before crossing the river by ferry (approx. $50 round trip), board a mini boat with your guide in search of wild crocodiles! Adrenalin guaranteed!It's not a zoo, and I can't guarantee how many crocodiles you'll be lucky enough to spot, but it's well worth the detour (allow about an hour for $30).

You then enter the Daintree. This 135-million-year-old rainforest offers a multitude of walks, incredible wildlife, lush beaches and the most complex rainforest ecosystem on the planet. You'll feel at one with nature.

Dinner: On the way back, stop off at the magnificent Trinity Beach and enjoy a pizza at "Il Chiosco."

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• Day 3: Rusty's market and Scenic Flight

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, don't miss my favorite Cairns spot: Rusty's Market.

Here you'll find an abundance of exotic and tropical fruits at great prices, as well as bakeries, cafés and many small restaurants. 

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Tip: Enjoy a coconut chopped with fruits from " The Grateful coconut", so yummy !.

Then embark on a spectacular scenic flight above the Great Barrier Reef !

Dinner: Dundees Aquarium.Enjoy a delicious dinner in front of a giant aquarium. Or try a crocodile or kangaroo steak!

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• ​​​​​​​Day 4: The Barrier Reef

Finally, here it is, the day we've been looking forward to: the Great Barrier Reef, one of the 7 wonders of the world.

It's the largest coral reef on the planet: 344,400 km2 of colorful fish, playful sea turtles, giant clams, swaying anemones, dazzling eels, sea sharks and reef sharks - it's a lot to see!

Dinner: Take a tour of the Night Market before dining aboard the "Prawn Star", a fishing boat serving fresh seafood and fish!

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• ​​​​​​​Day 5: The Tablelands

Further inland, the Tablelands are well worth a visit!

Discover the day tour in the "Tablelands tour" section.

I recommend renting a car for the day, which is not only more economical but also allows you to be self-sufficient. If you can't drive, contact me and I'll direct you to the best company for a guided tour.

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Diner : " Four Cinq Noddles", a Japanese noodles specialty, yummy and cheap !