Cairns (Great Barrier Reef, etc.) Travel Review
After visiting the Airlie Beach, I headed to Cairns.
In this article, I will review Cairns as a tourist destination.
This time, I will introduce the activities one by one, changing the pace.
Overall evaluation: +1 (recommended)
- The tourist destination
- Many Japanese people
- The Great Barrier Reef is amazing
The value of the Great Barrier Reef is particularly high, but there are many other things to do, so you can spend your time without getting bored.
Overview
Cairns is a tourist city located in the same state as Brisbane, Queensland, with a warm climate all year round.
The Great Barrier Reef is especially famous, and many Japanese people are familiar with it.
While nature is the main attraction, the city offers various activities as a tourist destination.
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is enormous, stretching from the northern part of Australia to almost Brisbane.
The distance is approximately 2,600km, which is hard to imagine.
To put it into perspective, the distance from Sapporo to Saga by car is about 2,100km.
Tour Overview
Tours to the Great Barrier Reef are mainly for divers, but you can also participate in snorkeling.
There are various types of tours, starting from around $160 per person.
I booked a budget-friendly tour, but it was very satisfying.
The main difference is the food and accommodations, so if you prioritize diving or snorkeling, a cheaper tour is sufficient.
By the way, the tour I booked had few participants, so I was upgraded to a higher-grade tour.
The tour proceeded as follows, which is similar to other tours.
You spend about 90 minutes snorkeling or diving, and then take a break to eat lunch.
Early morning assembly -> Dive spot 1 -> Snorkeling or diving -> Dive spot 2 -> Move to lunch -> Snorkeling or diving -> Return to the assembly point
The boat seat was in the control room, as there were few Japanese people.
At sea.
Note that due to technical reasons, there are no photos of marine life.
Impressions
This was my first snorkeling experience, so I can't compare it to others.
The coral reef is very close, and you can see various fish up close.
The experience of seeing colorful fish swimming by is completely different from visiting an aquarium.
You may also spot sea turtles. I swam for about 2-3 hours and saw one.
It was a thrilling experience.
This is the main reason people come to Cairns, and it's an activity you should definitely try.
Skydiving
Skydiving is also easily accessible, as the airport is close to the city center.
You can experience the thrill of skydiving while taking in the view of the Great Barrier Reef.
I did a tandem skydive (with an instructor) for the first time, and it felt like I was constantly in danger.
I concluded that one experience is enough for a lifetime.
The wind pressure is intense, and you can't breathe during the free fall.
After the parachute opens, you still feel a sense of danger.
However, it's an exhilarating experience, and I recommend trying it at least once.
The cost is around $300 per person.
Note that due to technical reasons, there are no photos.
Memo
When booking, you need to join the skydiving association.
You will be asked if you want to take out insurance, so decide for yourself.
Also, you need to confirm your booking by phone the day before.
It's challenging to have a phone conversation in English, especially if you're not used to it.
Casino
Cairns also has a casino.
While it's not very large, it has all the necessary facilities, similar to Brisbane.
You can drop by for a coffee or cocoa, which are available for free.
Note that you can't use credit cards, so bring cash.
I didn't take any photos, as I was warned not to.
City Zoo
On top of the casino building, there is a zoo.
Although it's not very large, it's designed to be spacious, and there are many birds.
The birds are mainly free-range, and you can observe them moving around.
There are also koalas and kangaroos (or wallabies), so it's worth visiting if you're staying in Cairns.
The zoo is dome-shaped.
You can see cute ducks walking around.
Party Parrot is also familiar.
Sometimes, there are shows, and you can observe the zookeepers feeding the birds.
Wallabies are also free-range.
This is a python.
The zoo is located in the city center, and you can visit it in a short time.
It's a great place to observe birds, so I recommend including it in your itinerary.
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Kuranda Zoo (outside the city)
If you head to the Kuranda area, you can enjoy a more natural zoo and botanical garden.
For example, you can try crocodile curry (with crocodile meat).
As you eat, lizards will come to your feet.
In the zoo, you can see crocodiles basking in the sun.
You can also see kangaroos eating.
There are also fast-moving wombats.
The zoo is small but fulfilling, with a good balance of animals and plants.
You can take a special train from Cairns to get there.
Uber is also an option, but it's a bit difficult to catch a ride.
Food
As expected in Australia, there are many international cuisines.
You can easily find noodles.
On the other hand, traditional steaks are also available, with many options.
I was introduced to a unique restaurant by an Uber driver, where the boat is the restaurant.
You can eat a variety of fresh seafood, but it gets a bit tiresome.
The distance between tables is close, and I chatted with a drunk couple from Sydney and a tourist from Switzerland.
Others
- There were many Japanese signs in the city.
- Many Japanese tourists visit.
- The only way to get to the airport is by Uber.
- I stayed at a cheap Airbnb, but it was a bit rough, with no air conditioning and poor water pressure.
However, when I complained to the owner, they took measures to address the issues.
Especially during the summer, air conditioning is essential, so be careful.
Conclusion
I visited Cairns, a famous tourist destination in Australia.
While many people come for the Great Barrier Reef, there are many other things to do.
Additionally, many Japanese tourists visit, and there are many Japanese signs, so you don't have to worry too much about getting tired from speaking English.
Overall, I highly recommend Cairns as a tourist destination.
