"Really? There's a rainforest near Cairns? I wasn't aware! Isn't the city famous for the Great Barrier Reef?" That was my gobsmacked reaction when my local guide from Port Douglas promised to take me on a thrilling adventure to the Daintree Rainforest just outside Cairns. While it is easy for most people to associate the area around Cairns with the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, the truth is that the region is packed with secrets just waiting to be discovered. Here is my list.
1. Cairns
What I love most about Cairns is that, despite being a city, it has a beach town vibe to it. And the gorgeous tropical climate only makes it better. Get yourself a waterfront room at the Hilton Cairns, and look out at the boats in the picturesque Trinity Inlet. Without being too in-your-face, the waterfront area in Cairns is packed with stylish restaurants, trendy bars and lots of great shopping. A real treat is to take a hot air balloon ride and float over vast stretches of bushland, allowing you to truly appreciate the diversity of the landscape in this region.
2. Palm Cove
Less than half an hour's drive from Cairns is the sleepy little beach town of Palm Cove. It's easy to get sucked into the delightfully sluggish pace of things here. Some highlights - a quiet beach without too many tourists, a beautiful waterfront promenade, and lush tropical greenery. When in Palm Cove, a visit to Nu Nu's is a must for its hearty outdoor breakfasts and gourmet coffee. Peaceful, discreet and stylish, Palm Cove is the ideal place for endless strolls, leisurely meals and a dose of rest and relaxation.
3. Port Douglas
If you're looking for a great place to base yourself while you explore the far north of Queensland, and the rainforests, Port Douglas is a great alternative to Cairns. This tiny town packs in a lot of punch in terms of hotels, golf courses and restaurants. The best part - it's a stone's throw away from two World Heritage listed sites; the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. (Insider's tip - The coastal drive between Port Douglas and Cairns is said to be one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the world)
4. Kuranda
The Kuranda Village, situated 25kms outside Cairns, is unarguably the most picturesque way to experience the rainforest. A great way to start your exploration of the area is to take the cablecar, or the Skyrail (you have the option of boarding a glass-bottomed car - highly recommended) and journey over and across the forest. The highlights of the journey are the stunning Barron Falls; the walking trails through the rainforest; and the aboriginal experiences enroute. Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway back into Cairns and embark on a journey that is absolutely breathtaking. If you're indulgent enough to book a seat in the train's plush Gold Class compartment, the train's hostesses will even serve you a cheese platter with some tea or a glass of wine.
5. The Mossman River and the Mossman Gorge
Step onto a boat that takes you on a leisurely trip down the Daintree River. This is a chance to actually venture into the very heart of the rainforest to understand the ecosystem that has been existing there for centuries. Besides spotting the occasional crocodile, sunning itself on a muddy bank, the skipper on board your boat will showcase the rainforests' unique flora and fauna. You are encouraged to unplug your headphones and listen to nature's playlist - the sound of the rainforest critters is delightfully deafening.
Riaan Jacob George
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