Often described as a city in a garden, it’s easy to see why – lush, tropical and colourful.

For over a century following Captain Cook’s 1770 voyage, Cairns was simply known as Trinity Bay. In 1876 following the discovery of gold to the west of the tablelands, a port was constructed as an export facility and the area surrounding the new port was named Cairns in honour of Sir William Cairns the then Governor of Queensland.

Cairns is now a large coastal town supporting a diverse agricultural region as well as a major international tourism centre with lots to offer the visitor. Wether it be its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and its many adventure tours from the harbour, its position sat between the Coral Sea and the dominating mountains or its ancient Daintree Rainforest, there is something here for everyone. For travellers it even has its own international airport just minutes from the city centre.

Mud, glorious mud

Shaded by giant figs and native almond trees is the Esplanade, a winding pathway along the coastal front providing a relaxing walk sheltered from the sun. A large pool known as the Lagoon takes centre stage, which is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike, surrounded by lawns to sit and enjoy a picnic or just catch a few rays.

Cafes and restaurants line the inner esplanade providing everything from fresh seafood to delicious gelato. On the coastal side, when the tide is out, unfortunately, is a very large expanse of mud – not the most picturesque of views. That said, this is crocodile country so keeping away from the sea isn’t such a bad idea. And with the large pool and children’s playground there’s plenty to keep the little, and not so little, ones amused.

Esplanade Closed

The evening before we arrived in Cairns we heard reports that a helicopter had crashed into a hotel in the early hours of the morning. It didn’t seem to make sense. Why would a helicopter be flying so low, so fast – according to witnesses, and at night. Suspicion was confirmed the following day. The helicopter had been taken from Cairn’s airport and crashed into the Double Tree Hilton Hotel on the Esplanade shortly after. An elderly couple, in the room immediately below the crash, had been taken to hospital and were being treated for shock. The crash had completely collapsed the windows of their hotel room. Later in the day it was confirmed that the New Zealand helicopter pilot working for Nautilus Aviation in Cairns, had been out celebrating his promotion with colleagues and, afterwards at around 1.50AM, had accessed the General Aviation area of the airport, entered the company’s office, took the keys to the helicopter and decided to go for a ride. The short flight ended in a fiery crash in which he was killed. It was an unauthorised flight and he was not licensed to fly in Australia.

We saw the crash site as we walked along the Esplanade a couple of days later after the area had been reopened following investigations by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

Palm Cove

On a lighter note and just 30-minutes north of Cairns is the popular beachside resort of Palm Cove featuring a glorious beach backed by countless coconut palms and 500-year old paperbark trees. Being so picturesque it is no surprise that Palm Cove is one of Australia’s most popular wedding destinations and also the nation’s Spa capital.

Palm Cove is also well provided with eateries including several fine dining restaurants with views out to Double Island. We can certainly vouch for Vivo after a superb meal we had there on our day visit from Cairns. Just as well provided are the options for accommodation ranging from boutique hotels to caravan and camping sites.

Parking during peak times may be a challenge so arriving early is recommended. Even during the peak holiday period when we visited the beach was almost deserted… or maybe everyone was still trying to find a parking space?

Coconuts

Big 4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort has been our home while in Cairns and we can highly recommend it. Known simply as ‘Coconuts’ the resort is fully featured with lush tropical planting (and yes that includes coconut palms) caravan, camper van, trailer and tent sites as well as many villas, two pools, children’s playgrounds, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, outdoor cinema, a spa, cafe, bar… the list goes on. It is in a great location too just off the highway and only 7KM from the centre of town. Transport is just as good. Rather than take the car it’s easier, and much cheaper, to take a bus to the city. Just introduced in Queensland, as part of the cost of living relief, is the 50-cent fare on buses and trains. And with the bus stop just a few minutes walk from Coconuts you would be nuts to drive yourself.

Tomorrow we reach the furthest point north in our trip to Far North Queensland – Port Douglas.