cairns backpacker march issuu

CBX March 2012.e$S_cbm July 2005 26/02/12 9:39 AM

Hello Travellers… aren’t youguys lucky! The seasonally wetFebruary has been not themonsoonal puddle that itusually is, and instead the sunhas made a daily appearancewith scorching temperaturesand blue skies! Hopefully thismeans that March will be justas beautiful; giving you evenmore chances to get out to thereef, rainforest and surroundingareas to see just howwonderful it is here in Tropical

North Queensland.This month I drove up to the Tablelands to do the waterfall circuit,and being the stinger season, the circuit gives wary travellers achance to get wet and cool without the worry. Also, given thetypically hot but unusually sunny weather, the Tablelands are afew degrees cooler and will provide a bit or relief for anyone whohas just arrived from chilly Europe. In this edition there arebackpackers telling you what they do when it’s wet, a review ofRattle N Hum’s amazing wood-fired pizzas, all the events inCairns in our ‘What’s On’ and most importantly, you could WIN adouble pass to Cairns Sunset Cruises… all you have to do issend me your best traveling photo! So make the most of the awesome weather and your time in thisamazing part of the world, stay safe but most importantly, haveFUN!

Chelsea xx

3

CONTACT/ADVERTISE:Shop 7, 84 Lake Street • Telephone: 07 4041 6981 • Facsimile: 07 4041 6889

[email protected] • www.cbxmagazine.com.au© Cairns Backpacker Xpress Pty Ltd 2012

Your PhotosPLEASE

Feel free to send me your bestphotos of your travels to share andprint in the magazine! Send photosto: [email protected]


6 What’s What

No matter where you are staying in (or around) Cairns,you should find it easy to find your way around. To theEast is the Coral Sea, featuring the Great Barrier Reef.Our City has an impressive Esplanade, with ProfessionalSkate Park, Beach Vollyball and the spectacularLagoon, which is a hub of activity everyday. There’s freeentertainment and markets on weekends here.

THE CITY LAYOUTThe city itself is very plainly laid out with parrallel roads- Roman style. Remember the main roads in and out ofCairns. Mulgrave Road heads out South, becoming the BruceHighway once you leave Cairns.Sheridan Street heads North, to our beaches, andbecomes the Captain Cook Highway. Leading to PortDouglas, Cape Tribulation and beyond.You also need to head up this road if you are to visit theTablelands region, or exploring the Savannah Way toinner north Queensland.

THE BEACHESOur beaches are wonderful. Accessible by bus or hirecar you can visit several beaches which begin just afterthe airport turn-off. Popular beaches are Yorkeys Knob,which has become quite famous for Kite Surfing andWindsurfing. This is just 15 minutes from the city Center.Trinity Beach and Kewarra beach are also great spots.The furthest beaches are Palm Cove and Ellis Beach,which are a 30 minutes drive, but worth the journey.Then you hit the Famous drive to Port Douglas which hasbeen descibed as one of the most picturesque drives inAustralia.

OUT OF TOWN ATTRACTIONSTry to explore the fringe of Cairns City to discover somegreat attractions. Cable Ski park is about 20 minutes

north, located right next to The regions major awardwinning attractions - Tjapukai Cultural Park and Skyrail.You can catch a majestic train to Kuranda, the rainforestvillage. You can also explore local hotspots such asCrystal Cascades (near Redlynch), Sugarland WaterSlides (south, near Edmonton), or the Barron River FallsTurn left at Tjapukai and head for Lake Placid).A major attrraction in Cairns, especially at this time ofyear,, is the Cannon Race Park, at the top of MulgraveRoad. (just past the main shopping centre, calledEarlville)

TRANSPORTIf you can, get a couple of fellow travellers together andhire a car. It’s cheap, and gives you the freedom toexplore everywhere. Four people hiring a car for a wholeweek, could cost as little as $80.00 each

Taxis are easy to find, or call 131 008

SUNBUS: Our main bus network takes you both northand south, and to all the attractions and beachesmentioned here.The timetables and prices are available by visitng theSunBus desk. This is located in Main Street Arcade, onLake Street. (find Subway and walk in the arcade. Thebus desk is on the left.

ORIENTATION


8 BACKPACKER CAREERS

8


14 What’s ON

MUSICNeeding you music fix this month?Then there are heaps of gigs tochoose from!If you like being the one on the stagelooking out then head over to theSongwriters Open Mic Night at 12Bar Blue, hosted by JamesBraithwaite. Perform your ownsongs, or do a cover is thatʼs moreyour style! Get there early to securea spot, starts at 12am and 12 BarBlue is located 62 Sheilds Street.They also have Expose Yourself onthe 7th a Sunday Jam Session from6pm on a Sunday the 4th and the11th too!Chilled out music on a Saturdaysound good? Head down to Rustyʼsmarkets to enjoy coffee, tea, shakesor coconut juice straight from thecoconut and an amazing variety offoods from Australia and around theworld, while you experience greatlive music from Moses Warusam at11am. This is Tropical Far NorthQueensland at its best!Perhaps Jazz is a bit more up youralley. If so, head to Bernieʼs Jazz &Piano Café on Tuesdays,Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdaysand Sundays for Jazz Jam, IrishSession, Sunday Sunset Hour andmore! For more information visit:www.entertainmentcairns.com.auand search for Bernieʼs Jazz & PianoCafé for all the times!

Also at the Tanks this month is JamesMorrison, Australiaʼs most loved jazz musician!“A legend in every sense, James Morrison isthe first act in Tanksʼ Jazz Up North 2012series. A virtuoso in the true sense of the word,this multi-instrumentalist plays trumpet (ofcourse!), trombone, euphonium, flugel horn,tuba, saxophones and piano. He recordedJazz Meets the Symphony with The LondonSymphony Orchestra, has performed concertsat the Royal Albert Hall with the LondonPhilharmonic Orchestra and two Royalcommand performances for Her MajestyQueen Elizabeth II and for US PresidentsBush & Clinton at Parliament House inAustralia. Morrison – live at Tanks – will sellout!” Tickets cost $55 for adults and can bepurchased through Ticketlink:

www.ticketlink.com.au or 1800 855 835. Thegig will be held in Tank 5, doors opening at6:30pm and the show starting at 7:30pm.“2012 is well and truly under way and it's timeto bring on the ORIGINAL music again. CairnsFolk n Roots first concert night for the yearhappens on Saturday March 31st. Arthousewill be host to a superb line up of four dynamicperformers featuring Steve Skinner direct fromBrisbane and some home grown talent fromour very own local singer/songwriters, Ray-Lee, Steve Baker and Frank Frikker. CairnsFolk n Roots is on Saturday 31st March 7pmat Arthouse (240 Scott St via McCoombe).Open Mic from 7pm, feature acts from 8pm.Entry $10, Concession $5, kids free. Allenquiries to [email protected] orphone Aleta 0402 534 731.”

If youʼre in Cairns early April, then you must not miss one of Australiaʼs most lovedbandʼs: John Butler Trio, as they come to the Kuranda Amphitheatre! “Revered for theirbrilliant live performances and superb musicianship, one of Australiaʼs most esteemedbands, the John Butler Trio will bring their live show to Cairns. Performing at thespectacular Saturday April 7th, fans will experience an awe-inspiring two hour plusshow as the John Butler Trio captivate the audience with tracks such as ʻRevolutionʼ,ʻOne Way Road ̓and ʻClose To You ̓from their esteemed album ʻApril Uprisingʼ, as wellas a good dose of all time crowd favourites from the JBTʼs vast catalogue. ʻAprilUprising ̓is the bandʼs third consecutive album to debut at number one on the nationalAustralian ARIA album charts, as well as gain critical acclaim by fans and media alike,and received unsurpassed reviews in all markets around the world.” Tickets cost$54.25 and can be purchased from Ticketlink: www.ticketlink.com.au or 1800 855 835.The gig starts at 6pm but get there early for a park and a good view of the stage


Over at the Tanks ArtCentre this month, you’reinvited to Kamerunga’s CDlaunch! With an ARIAnomination and nationalacclaim, you won’t want tomiss this much-admiredCairns band. “Since theirinception, Kamerungahave redefined andreinvigorated Australianfolk music. With a funky,multi-hued interpretationof colonial standards,Kamerunga takesaudiences on anexhilarating journeycombining Celtic tunes,jazz, reggae, rock andworld music elements. Thesextet has become a firmfavourite on the nationalfestival circuit, playingWoodford, Port Fairy, TheDreaming, Byron BayBluesfest, The National,Wintermoon, theAustralasian World MusicExpo and other majorevents in the past coupleof years.” Tickets cost $15for adults and will beavailable on the door only,which opens at 6:30pm,the show starting at7:30pm in Tank 5.


16 What’s ON

16

ARTTo kick off the month of March why not visit KickArts for their latest exhibition: ʻChameleon Project, prototype 06ʼ, aninteractive video installation by Tina Gonsalves. “Chameleon Project, prototype 06 is a multi-channel video installationexploring emotional contagion, how people transfer emotion in social groups. When we feel emotions, they tell ussomething important about ourselves, our relationship with the world and our relationship with each other. The ability toread emotions in both others and ourselves is central to empathy and social understanding. The work features 20 videoportraits shot over Asia, Europe and America. Gonsalves elicited the emotional states using various techniques guidedby her neuroscientific collaborators.” The exhibition runs until March 17th and you can pop by from 10am – 5pm, Tuesdayto Saturday and entry is FREE!

You can also still catch Ron Mueckʼsexhibition ʻIn Bedʼ until the 24th of this month,at the KickArts gallery: “Australian-born,London-based artist Ron Mueck createsastoundingly realistic sculptures that aresome of the most widely acclaimed andidentifiable works in the internationalcontemporary art arena. In Bed by RonMueck is a five-venue tour of the majorsculpture, In bed 2005 by Ron Mueck, fromthe Queensland Art Gallery Collection.” Onceagain, this exhibition is FREE and available toview from 10am – 5pm, Tuesdays toSaturdays.

Also throughout March is ʻTim Storrier Photography: 1971 –2005ʼ. “Tim Storrier has forged one of the most successful,idiosyncratic careers in Australian art, and this is an exhibition ofthirty of his photographs. During the course of the exhibition, theGallery will be showing the film Lighting Fires (1993), a reflectionon Tim Storrierʼs art and the creative process that informs it.”

Throughout March theCairns RegionalGallery will also beexhibiting ʻStrangelyFamiliarʼ by RickyBeresford. StrangelyFamiliar is a “LoftEmerging ArtistsProgram Exhibition ofnew work in which theartist explores thenotion ofunconsciouslymotivated imagery.”


Family Tree Remains

Over at the Tanks Art Gallery the month, the first solo exhibition by Kieran Hicks (who was recently awarded the Tanks

Curatorʼs Award at the 2011 ENERGY exhibition) is on display. His works explore social, political and spiritual issues both

personal and communal. “My fear that disasters such as Global Warming and deforestation are killing our land, and soon

enough there will be nothing left of our home expect the remains. But no matter what happens in the future, our family

remains connected to the land and the land remains within us. Our family spirits may not exist uninterrupted in the lands

and the veins of the trees, but remain in our heart and spiritual mind.” This exhibition explores interrupted connections

between Kieranʼs people and ancestors; to the land and Aboriginal spiritual traditions. The exhibition will run from the 16th

of March throughout the month in Tank 4. The Tank is open from 9am – 4:30pm weekdays and 10am – 3pm on the

weekends, and like all good things in life, itʼs FREE!


22 COvER stORy

You can start from three points: Smithfield upthe Kennedy Highway, Gordonvale up theGilles Range, or down through Innisfail andup the Palmerston Highway. Where you startdepends of how much of an extended orshort waterfall circuit you would like to do,however, the most popular route is up theGilles Highway as that brings you up toMalanda, the closest town to Millaa Millaaand the main waterfall circuit.Driving south turn right at Gordonvale, up theGilles Highway following signs toYungaburra/Malanda. The sights on theTablelands including the waterfall circuit arewell signposted (green signs tell you thenearest town, brown signs are places ofinterest). On the way is Lake Barrine, abeautiful crater left 10, 000 years ago from anow dormant volcano. You can swim in theLake or take a 40-minute boat ride aroundthe lake to take in the beauty of the area andspot turtles on the Rainforest and WildlifeCruise. There is a teahouse beside the lakethat boasts excellent Devonshire tea, and ashort walk from the parking area are the1,000-year-old Giant Twin Kauri Pines. Ifyouʼre feeling energetic there is a 5km-walking track as well!From Lake Barrine, heading towardsMalanda on the Gilles Highway you will reachthe turnoff on the left down Wrights CreekRoad to Lake Eacham. With heaps ofparking, a large grassy area with picnic tablesand shady trees, itʼs a beautiful place thestop. The Lake has steps leading onto the

water at various points and a pontoon tojump into the deeper water. The water is clearand cool, so you canʼt help but get in whenyou see it! If you have a canoe or a tube thenbring it, there is nothing better than floating orgliding along the still water surrounded by therainforest. And again, if you are one of thosemotivated types, there is a 45-minute circuitwalk around the lake.From here continue along Lakes Drive untilyou come to the Malanda-Lake Barrine Road.Turn onto the Malanda-Lake Barrine Roadfollowing the signs to Malanda. At Malanda,turn onto the Millaa Millaa-Malanda Road toMillaa Millaa (passing through Tarzali). Whenyou are approaching Millaa Millaa, keepdriving and donʼt turn off, as the WaterfallCircuit is a little way past the township. Therewill be a brown sign signaling the turnoff tostart the circuit; the road name is TheresaCreek Road and the Falls Teahouse on thecorner of the turnoff so you canʼt miss it!Turning down Theresa Creek Road the firstWaterfall you get to is the iconic Millaa MillaaFalls (signposted and with a car and bus carpark). These falls are the highlight of thewaterfall circuit, the Tablelands and Cairns,so make sure you have a lot of time and a lotof room on your memory card for all yourphotos. Take full advantage of this 18.3 metrehigh free fall waterfall and pool. Donʼt hesitategetting into the clear, cool water. Swim out tothe rocks and sit behind the waterfall lookingout through the curtain of misty water or justfloat about admiring the topical rainforest

surrounding the pool.If you can bear to tear yourself away from thebeautiful Millaa Millaa Falls then get back onthe circuit and follow the ring road and signsto Zillie Falls. Itʼs not a waterfall you can swimat, but beautiful and impressive all the sameand worth a photo if you can get yourself inthe right position.Back on the road and the last stop on thecircuit is Elinjaa Falls, again, more a photoopportunity than a great swimming spot, but ifyouʼre in your bikinis and board shorts thenwhy not wade into the shallow water for a bitof paddling to cool off.TIP: To get a more awesome waterfall circuitexperience I personally think it is better to startat Elinjaa first, then Zillie and work your way upto the impressive Millaa Millaa Falls, as itʼs thebest place to swim and is the waterfall whereyou will want to spend the most of your time.If you do happen to travel up the PalmerstonHighway or you have extra time on your hands,you can also stop at Mungalli Falls (south ofMillaa Millaa), which has an organic dairy closeby. Alternatively or additionally, from MillaaMillaa you can drive along East Evelyn Roadtowards East Evelyn and up the KennedyHighway in the direction of Atherton to MountHypipamee National Park, there you can seeDinner Falls (another pretty little swimmingspot) and the Hypipamee Crater, which isactually a volcanic pipe that is connected toother volcanic formations in thesurrounding area (not Eacham or Barrinethough).

For the best WaterfallCircuit experience, startearly so you have sparetime to get distracted bythe many sights andactivities along the way. The best time to see waterfalls is during thewet season, on a sunny day, generally after a period of heavy rain.Accurate weather forecasts can be found at www.meteoblue.com -they give you a 60km radius rain spot of any area you search. Anddon’t forget to BRING SOMETHING TO GO SWIMMING IN!

WATERFALL CIRCUIT

story & photo ʼs by Chelsea Denny


24 COvER stORy CONtiNuEd...

24

Hypipamee Crater

Z i l l ie Fa l ls

El l in jaa Fal ls

If you continue up to Atherton on the KennedyHighway, you can get back to Cairns via theGilles Highway driving through Yungaburra, backto Gordonvale and then Cairns.To make most of the journey take your ownpicnic lunch, swimwear, a hat, towel, sunscreen,water and your camera of course! If you plan todo any of the walking tracks make sure you havegood walking shoes. And if itʼs raining, be carefulon the wet, winding roads. You will need a wholeday to do the above so the earlier you leaveCairns, the more you will get out of the circuit.However, if you are short of time, then skippingLake Eacham and Barrine will save a bit. Enjoy!

WATERFALL CIRCUIT


25 CaMPERvaN ROad tRiP

THE GREAT EASTCOAST ROAD TRIP

For more information, visit Travellers Auto Barn website: www.travellers-autobarn.com.au

Everyone loves a road trip, and for both Aussieʼs and touriststhe East Coast of Australia is the perfect route to enjoy life onthe road. Before you set off, your first stop is the Travellers Auto Barn,which offer a great range of campervans and cars/stationwagons for sale with guaranteed buy back. Donʼt want tobuy? The Travellers Auto Barn also have a large range ofcheap camper van hire and campervan rentals from 6Australia wide locations: Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin,Perth and Melbourne.Travellers Auto Barn have had over 15 years experience andhave a three day 100% money back guarantee, so you canrest easy knowing your in reliable hands! Other benefitsinclude a 14 day total warranty, 5000km engine warranty,1800 free-call advice and support hotline, 24 hour roadsideassistance, advice for all your car ownership issues such asregistration, and they even have third party propertyinsurance available too.

Travellers Auto Barn have great information on their websitesuch as: Choosing the Right Car, Working advice, Courses,Travel Features, photo galleries and more!Bear in mind before you head off that Cairns to Sydney isnearly 3000km so give yourself enough time, you need atleast thee weeks. Take more time to visit those places off thebeaten track that some overlook, to get that authentic Aussieroad trip adventure! March and April are the best months asthe weather is hot with blue skies to make those gorgeousbeaches even more tantalising (and all the kids have goneback to school!). You donʼt need a 4WD unless you plan tovisit Fraser Island but if you change your mind mid-trip justhire a 4WD at Hervey Bay or join a tour!You can use your driving licence in Australia as long as it is inEnglish, if itʼs not, you will need to carry a translation withyou. If you are buying a car you need and want to getinsurance you will need either an International drivers licenceor an Australia licence.


26 BaCKPaCKERs

26

Holly, Amy, Heather & SarahFrom: England

How long have you been in Cairns?He: A week nearly.

Why did you come to North Queenslandin the Wet Season?He: Because we didnʼt know it was thewet season!A: We had a rainy day yesterday, we didthe reef on a rainy day, it was a good rainyday.He: Youʼre wet anyway.H: We sat on the top of the boat and gotcompletely drenched

What do you do when itʼs raining?A: We probably go to see something inthe city, go shopping, do washing or playcards, internet cafe.

Why do you love Cairns?A: The peopleHo: We like the town atmosphere morethan the big cities because we come froma small town ourselves. He: The Great Barrier ReefHo: Cape Tribulation

Henrik & SimonFrom: Sweden

How long have you been in Cairns?H: One weekS: But we have been to Cape Tribulationas well, so in Cairns a few days.

Why did you come to North Queensland inthe wet season?S: Because itʼs winter at home.

What do you do when itʼs raining? S: Itʼs not bad if itʼs raining because itʼswarm rain so you can do whatever.

Why do you love Cairns?H: Nice city, lots of restaurants, nicelagoonS: I like the people they are helpful theytake time for you. And itʼs warm.S: Itʼs a good backpacker base, you canfind cheap hostelsH: Itʼs a lot cheaper here than Sydney andByron Bay.

How long have you been inCairns?W: One day.M: We are staying three days.

Why did you come to NorthQueensland in the wet season?W: We had our five weeks tospend in Australia and wewanted to travel the East Coastand we had to decide where tostart and we agreed to finish inSydney and we wanted to seethe rainforest and everythingbecause we donʼt have that inEurope.

What do you do when itʼsraining?M: Catch up on travel diary, readmy book, send e-mails, relax.

Why do you love Cairns?M: The weather, because itswarm and in Switzerland itʼswinterW: I really like that itʼs greenhere, thatʼs the most beautifulthing I think.

Janis & StacieFrom: Canada

How long have you been inCairns?S: Three days, this is our thirdday. We will be here ten daysprobably.

Why did you come to NorthQueensland in the wetseason?J: We are meeting friendshere and then we aretravelling down the EastCoast.

What do you do when itʼsraining?S: Just sit and read, or drink.J: Or shop.

Why do you love Cairns?J: I love how tropical it is,because we were just inSydney.S: Itʼs totally different, I love it.

Mona & WanjaFrom: Switzerland

POPVOX


Wet SeasonThe magic of

28 WEt sEasON dEC/JaN

The Wet (or Monsoon) Season is a part of life to those living intropical or sub-tropical regions, and that includes the locals in theCairns area. The humidity, heat and torrential rain just has to betolerated, and for backpackers you can change your travel plansto avoid being affected. However, there are times when everyoneis at risk to storms, floods and cyclones, and for a cyclone youneed to be at least kind of prepared. If you plan to be travelling inthe NT, QLD, NSW or northern WA in the next few months, keepreading. Firstly, if you want to keep yourself informed, the best andmost important source of information is the following website:www.disaster.qld.gov.au. Write it down, put it in your phone, it willassist you not only in floods and cyclones but other disasters suchas bush fires and more.

FLOODSFlash Floods like the ones that happened in Grantham andBrisbane last year are difficult to prepare for, as they happen sosuddenly. However, heavy rain in mountainous areas andcontinuous heavy rain for days are early warning signs.Meteorologists do put out warnings if there is a risk of flash floodsso itʼs always a good idea to keep up to date with weatherwarnings. Some good websites and apps are:http://www.bom.gov.au/ (Australian Bureau of Meteorology)www.meteoblue.com (worldwide, quite accurate, will even do theweather for the town closest to Everest Base Camp)Pocket Weather AU app for iPhone or iPad ($1.99)Also, if you are one of the many planning a road trip down the EastCoast of Australia, then during the wet season the Bruce Highwaycan easily get cut off from flood water. It is possible to take inlandroutes to get around the problem, but its likely other, smaller roadscould be flooded too. Bear in mind also, that during heavy rain, theBruce Highway can get cut off in multiple places. The RACQwebsite is a good one to visit to check road closures and alsogives you a few general tips. Note that the KurandaRange/Kennedy Highway, Gillies Highway and Mossman-MountMolloy Road may have landslides over the road after heavy rainor a cyclone and itʼs best to check before driving up or down.http://www.racq.com.au/travel/Maps_and_Directions/road_conditions (RACQ)http://131940.qld.gov.au/Home.aspx (Main Road QLD)Itʼs also important to mention that if you plan to drive in NT, WAand central/western QLD that floods can cut off remote roads for

weeks. Creeks and rivers are crossable with a 4WD, but if you arein doubt and unsure of the depth or speed of the water, itʼs advisednot to cross.Another no brainer really, is not to swim in flooded creeks, riversand waterways. If you experience a flood similar to the Brisbanefloods earlier this year, donʼt swim in the water as there will besewage, pesticides from farms, other chemicals and oils and mostlikely snakes and other wildlife trying to find dry land. Here inCairns the ever popular Crystal Cascades can get very floodedand yes, after a bit of rain it is really fun to get a tube and do yourown trip like in Vang Vieng, however, after lots of heavy rain it canget a bit unsafe swimming right in the rapids.

CYCLONESMany of you may have read/heard about cyclone ʻYasiʼ themonster storm that hit the North QLD coast earlier this year inFebruary at Mission Beach. Note that cyclones also frequently hitthe coast in NT and northern WA as well as QLD! Hopefully it wasa one off but you never know what this wet season will bring. Cyclones, unlike flash floods, can give you a few days or evensometimes a weeks notice, so there is no excuse for findingyourself stranded and confused the day or night it hits the coast,however, freaking out and getting in panic wonʼt do much goodeither. To be fair, most hostels should assist you with information,advice, or evacuation (if necessary) in the event of a cyclone.Yes, a lot of hostels are in the city and close to that beautifullagoon, which, in the case of flooding and a storm surge, and kingtide would go underwater. However, in my mothers 57 years shehas never seen that happen so donʼt fret just yet, even Yasi, whichwas heading straight for us, diverted at the last minute andheaded for poor Mission Beach. Checking websites, local TV, orlistening to the radio if youʼre driving around (knowing thereʼs acyclone threat) helps keep you informed. Youʼd be surprised at the number of locals at the pub and bottleshop the night before a cyclone hits - stocking up, however,evacuation centres allow no alcohol, weapons or pets, so if youwere tempted to throw a Cyclone Party, you might have to changeyour plans.The best cyclone advice is BE PREPARED… like a good little CubScout, but itʼs unrealistic and unpractical for backpackers to becarrying cyclone supplies around for months. There is aWoolworths in town, if you need stuff, you can get it if you need to.

28 sEasONs


30 hOt sPOts

RATTLE N HUMWhere the locals and tourists flock together

Standing proudly on theEsplanade, looking outto sea, Rattle n Hum isan institution in Cairnsand is popular with boththe locals and travellersto Cairns for its greatfood and atmosphere.Running for 15 years,Rattle n Hum has seenCairns change andgrow into the touristMecca it is today!However, despite the changes to this city, some things stillstay the same: big, good quality meals at affordable priceswith a friendly and inviting environment for all that walkthrough the door.Located near the Night Markets on the Esplanade, Rattlen Hum is a great place to break up your sunbathing stintat the lagoon and escape the blazing heat of summer foran ice cold beer and to fill up for another round. Going outon the town? Head to Rattle for dinner, a few drinks and tokick off your night out.Laid back and friendly, enjoy a wood-fired pizza or a heartysteak and salad in an Aussie pub experience with a cosy,relaxed feel and friendly atmosphere. Rattle is a busy barand grill, the meals are big, delicious and great value formoney and together with vibrant, friendly staff, Rattle nHum is a great way to spend the night! So whether you'relooking for somewhere to have lunch, dinner or just adrink, Rattle n Hum is the place you want to be. Rattle nHum Bar & Gril l features a large wood-fire stone pizzaoven, creating delicious hot pizzas, and they offer a goodrange of burgers, steak, chicken and fresh seafood off the

gril l, plus pastas andsalads to suit everyone’stastes. They also haveFood Specials availableevery week - check withthe friendly staff! Orderany main meal from thefavourites menu between5 & 7pm and receive 20%Discount Off your Bill.I sat down to tuck into theZeus Deluxe, one ofRattle n Hum’s famous

wood-fired pizzas. With a creamy garlic base, marinatedlamb, field mushrooms, red onion, spinach and fetta,topped with a tzatziki yoghurt swirl… it was mouth-wateringly good! The lamb was tender and went perfectlywith the oozing cheese and woody mushrooms. Thespinach added weight to each mouthful with the creamygarlic base, which was finished of with the delicious tangof the tzatziki. Thanks to Luke and Bridget for such a greatlunch! Taking a look at the pizza menu at Rattle n Hum,they all look delicious, and at such a great price, it’stempting to just sit there and work your way through thelist!Rattle also serves a great range of the coldest local andInternational beers, Australian and New Zealand wines andcocktails from the tropics! If you’re into sport then Rattlen Hum has everything you need in the Sidebar, with all thesport channels: Fox, ESPN etc. and there is always agame on to enjoy with a drink and your mates. So whatare you waiting for? Head down to Rattle n Hum today forrefreshing drinks, great food and awesome atmosphere!Open everyday 11.30am until late.


31 COOL sPOts

GETWET

FRESHWATER ROCKPOOLS AND CREEKS:

Crystal Cascades33 minutes by car. Head north of sheridan street to Freshwater,then Redlynch until you reach the large brown Crystal Cascadessign. Stunning water holes and refreshing icy cold watercascading down huge, smoth boulders into shallow pools. Whenyou reach crystal cascades, instead of following the footpath onthe right, you can venture to the left and find a dirt track to FairyFalls. A small secluded fresh water waterfall and pool.

Stoney Creek24 minutes by car, via Captain Cook highway, take your first existat the last roundabout across from Tjapukai onto BrinsmeadKamerunga road. Follow the road through caravonica till you meeta right turn down Stoney creek road.

Lake Placid24 minutes by car from the city. This rainforest lake is the home ofa multitude of birds and wildlife. Feed ducks, swim in the lake andhire a canoe. With live music at Jungle Jack’s Boathouse onspecific times of the week.

SANDY BEACHES:

Stretched over 26km of beautiful coastline, Cairns has sevenstretches of beaches to choose from. It’s easy to get to thenorthern beaches via bus or car. Simply follow captain cookhighway up north and keep an eye out for the road signs directingyou to the beach you desire.

Machans Beach15 minutes away, just a few kilometers out of Cairns, Kewarra iseasily the closest beach to the city, However, it is the most erodedbeach out of the seven.

Holloways Beach18 minutes from Cairns with coconut palm trees overhanging thebeachfront. With BBQ facilities and the closest beachfrontaccommodation in Cairns.

Yorkey’s Knob23 minutes from the city with beachfront parks, a beautiful marinaand boat ramp. BBQ facilities and amentities.

Trinity Beach26 minutes away from the city, Trinity Beach is one of the mostpopular beaches. Including bars and variety of restaurants alongthe esplanade. Including free BBQ facilities, amenities, and watersports equipment for hire.

• re

po

rte

r C

hri

sti

na

Ro

be

rts

an

d f

rie

nd

at

Cry

sta

l C

as

ca

de

s


Van Rental6

41

6Jucy

this way

Shiva Moon4

Shiva Moon

Hair Salon7

37

8

2

Skateboarding1

Also NOWHIRING OUTLong Boards

2 Study English Massage3

Extreme Adventure Stuff8DIVE GEAR5

5


Juice bar

Cars & Campers

13

15

11

13

8 14

9

21

12

15

10

10

Tattooist

16

Great food, Nandoʼs9 11


9

Medical Centre11 Pasta12

14

Everything Music16


38 hEadiNgUgg Boots Specialists17

17

18

20

21

19

Main S

t

Waxing18

19 Cairns Tattoo Adult Entertainment20 Adult Entertainment21


Reef“Waters with alluring hues of turquoise andaquamarine and an undersea world of colours thatartists only dream about, this is the Great BarrierReef.”

The Great Barrier Reef is of such pristine condition that itwas listed by the World Heritage Trust as a protected siteand is therefore managed by the Great Barrier Reef MarineAuthority to ensure that its beauty is maintained for manygenerations to come. Visitors in their thousands come tomarvel at the spectacular sight seeing opportunities that isunique to our area.Off the Cairns coastline are outer edge ribbon reefs whichcan be seen by taking one of the daily outer reef cruisesoffered by local operators. One of the best ways to view thereef is to take a low flying scenic flight over it, especially atlow tide where you'll see the breadth and diversity of thisgreat living wonder. The waters off the great barrier reef provide the world'sbusiest and most varied marine habitats. Marine life is inabundance. From the many species of coral to the soughtafter Black Marlin and all sizes and species of fish in-between. The varied colours of the reef's fish and othermarine life will astound the visitor with colour combinations

that artists haven't even dreamed of. Although the reef stretches more than 2000 kilometresoffshore from Queensland, it is only at Cape Tribulation, justnorth of Port Douglas that the reef comes right to the shoreand meets the tropical rainforests of the Wet Tropics. TheReef has over 1000 islands which are easily accessible fromNorth Queensland and coastal cities like Cairns and PortDouglas are idealistically positioned to visit these. The coralislands are very popular tourist attractions, the closest toCairns being Green Island and Franklin Island. Whilst theseislands are great for one day trips (having the shortestcommute), the outer reefs are by far the more spectacular.Consider an overnight trip for the ultimate experience to theouter reef.All the dive boats are luxurious and the staff have extensiveexperience of the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re just notadventurous enough to don the mask and dive.... you’l besurprised how much you can see from just snorkelling.You can even hear the parrot fish munching on the coral!

40 thE gREat BaRRiER REEF


42 PhOtO COMPEtitiON

Each month send us your travel photos to WIN great prizes! This month you can be in the draw for a double pass to enjoy a Sunset Cruise on Trinity Inlet:

Picture yourself drinking sparkling wine on deck while watching the tropical sunset from Trinity Inlet. A sunset cruise aboard the MV Crocodile Explorer sets

mountains in the magical early evening sun, returning at 7pm.

www.cairnssunsetcruises.com.au

Send your best photo along with your name, e-mail address, phone number

[email protected]

Send us your travelling photos to WIN!!!

by the 20th MARCH to WIN! ! !


PHOT

O CO

MPE

TITI

ON!


44 PaRtyiNg iN CaiRNs PARTY

This Traditional Irish pub is located in the absolute centre of town,

and come night time it’s the heart of the city. Live entertainment

includes Coyote Ugly nights (Wednesday and Saturday), with

girls dancing live on the bar top, a wild night out. If you are up for

some fun, Pole Idol competitions are held weekly and anyone can

enter. Locals tend to meet there in the early evening, and with a

large number of Plasma’s it’s a great place to watch major

sporting events. We all love the Irish, and this venue offers a

welcome that only the Irish can extend. Every night Great prizes

& Promos

The Green Ant has become popular amongst locals and travelers alike since opening in 2001. It’s one of the few places

where you can eat, drink and party. The Green ant is at the forefront of the live music scene in Cairns with local, national

and international acts every week. But it’s not just live music, there’s also DJs spinning everything from hip hop to house

music in all its forms. The Green Ant has some of the best cocktails in town and their signature Fishbowl Margarita is

sure to get the party started!

The Cairns Courthouse Hotel is a pristine and stylish venue catering to both locals and visitors, for a

multitude of occasions, making it one of the most versatile bars in Far North Queensland.

Cairns Courthouse Hotel provides entertainment for the mildly active through to the hardened sports fans,

televising all the big sporting matches across its 50 plasmas including the big screen in the front yard.

And, that’s only part of what’s on offer, Cairns Courthouse Hotel also hosts the famous ‘Crab Races’

Wednesday nights in the front yard (or on the Deck if it’s raining). Come the weekend its business in the

back and parties in the front, with live entertainment and plenty of open space all weekend for you to kick

back and enjoy yourself. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner offers a traditional Italian inspired menu

with irresistible daily specials starting from $9.99.

The Green Ant Cantina

The Courthouse Hotel

P.J. O’BRIEN’S

SHIELDS STREET


45 PaRtyiNg iN CaiRNs

GRAFTON STREET Gilligan’s is Cairns largest party venue boasting thousands up thousands of punters through

the doors every week. Popular with the locals and the travellers, Gilligan’s is a non-stop party

7 nights per week!With 3 area’s of entertainment covering all styles of live music and dj’s there

is something for everyone. Whether you want to longue by the pool, get messy with Jelly

Wrestling, Aussie trivia with Bogan Bingo, do your country proud in Bikini Babe Nation or Flirt

It up on Ladies Night Thursdays!

From Thursday to Monday the back deck comes alive from 7pm with Cairns favourite live

acts! Wednesdays and Sundays check out AJ Hackett’s Flying Fox, the only flying fox in a

bar in Australia! Weekends there is no other place to be! Regularly hosting Australia’s best Dj’s

and entertainers, Gilligan’s is Cairns home for Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi. Gilligan’s has

also hosted Bombs Away, Nino Brown, Dj Kronic, Nick Thayer, Will Styles, Sal La More to

name a few and many more to come..

Keep an eye on www.thegspotcairns.com or www.facebook.com/gilligans.spot for info on

upcoming events

The Woolshed, you'veheard about it, yes? Wellnow its your turn...Each and every night theWoolshed goes off to allhours of the morning withwild parties, tabledancing, crazy games, livemusic, djs and awesomegiveaways and anatmosphere taken to awhole new level.Try your luck in Mondaynights Backpacker Bingo

or even lap up your 15 minutes of fame in the Mr and MrsBackpacker comp, trips to Cape Tribulation and White WaterRafting on the Tully River to be won with Jungle Tours andR'N'R Rafting.If luck is not on your side then give your brain an overdueworkout in Tuesday nights 'Team Trivia' with $100 cash upfor the winners.Wednesday nights are reserved for bizarre, brave and crazy.The Woolshed Wet-T-Shirt competition headlines thisunforgettable evening, the hottest ladies and the bestmovers battle it out for a share in the up to $500 in cash andprizes. Check 'em out or better still let them check you outas the crowd cast their vote on the deserved winners. Earlier,experience the newest and most exciting ground breakinginnovation sport in modern sport, the hilarious World

Championships of Goldfish Racing. You and seven other willrepresent your country in a bid to be crowned WorldChampions.Ladies Night Thursdays are the toast of the town,champagne and topless bartenders attract the tastiest mix ofladies from around the world. Loads of of fun early on for 16lucky people who are drawn out at random to take part in theWoolshed's adaptation of the TV Game show 'Deal or noDeal' aptly renamed 'Meal or no Meal! One lucky person willfind themselves in the hot-seat for a chance at winning aCDC 5 Day dive course or even 14,000ft Skydive withSkydive Cairns!Friday and Saturday nights never end at The Woolshed with2 levels and 2 parties catering for all taste in music, thisplace is one you will not forget, guaranteed.To finish the week off in true style we have Babe NationSundays. This starts off early and just gets bigger and betteras the night goes on. At 9:30pm we pick 8 people from thecrowd in a bid to find a winner for an AJ Hackett BungyJump in our crazy and funniest game 'Vibrator Racing'.Champagne and topless bartenders work wonders again alittle after the race has finished before the big event atMidnight Babe Nation where girls are invited to come and getpainted up to represent their countries for the chance to winup to $500 in cash and prizes!Check out the undisputed deal, the steal, the sale of thecentury - the $8 - $10 - $12 Meal Deals. Everyone ravingabout it so do yourself a favour and top and tail your nextnight out at The Woolshed!

PARTY

S H I E L D S S T R E E T


46 PaRtyiNg iN CaiRNs

With its plush surrounds, intimate lighting system and Dj's 7 nights a week, sets the mood for agreat night out. It's actually a hip mini dance club; small enough to feel cosy, big enough to swingyour hips without inviting a stranger to a pump and grind session! It's located under The Wool Shed (there's internal stairs between the two bars), so backpackers aremore than welcome to meet up at The Lounge. While at The Lounge we recommend you indugein a few of their delicous cocktails, have a chat and a dance up it up all night long. You will alsofind the lighting system mesmerising and the music just the right balance, always the last bar openin Cairns... check it out! SHIELDS STREET.

Cutting edge contemporary interior design, makes thismini club, located upstairs at Gilligan's, one of the'must-be-seen' venues in Cairns. It's The VIP area, ifyou like. It has a "Wow", retro meets antiquitiesdesign, and it's worth dressing up and putting on yourbest frock to meet up at the Attic. It boasts anambitious selection of cocktails and serviceaccompanied by an exotic blend of sounds fromaround the globe with a warm uplifting atmospherethat'll leave all your senses tingling.

Intense Pub Crawl style party on an iconic double decker Bus - The open top bus willtake you on a 5 hour travelling party, with stops at 5 different venues to which you are a VIPguest, courtesy of Ultimate Party. The value for money is unsurpassable, with a free meal atyour first venue, free souvenir group photo, Pizza at your 4th venue, not to mention thechance to win over $1200 worth of prizes with the party games. It’s 5 hours of madness andmayhem on the Ultimate Party bus, and for just $25. Call: 4041 0332 to book a place on thebus, or ask your hostel .

Q SportsBarYou'll love this place; brand spanking new; great modern decor with leather seats; 4 gleaming pool tablesand 2 full size snooker tables; surrounded by 13 large screens showing your favourite sports; Large glassdoors open to street side seating, breezy now that things are starting to cool down in Cairns. What more couldyou need? Chill out - you're at Q Sport Bar on Sheridan Street. It's young, fresh and trendy and always showingthe latest games - or ask the great bar staff to switch channel if you are interested in a particular match/sport.It's no problem at Q Sport bar, where everyone is relaxed and laid back. Tuesdays are popular with half pricepool, or try a hussle on Wednesday for the free pool competition (sign on by 7pm). Pool happy hours arebetween 6pm and 7pm - just $1 for 1 hour, and if snooker is your thing, it doesn't cost any extra. It's Cairn'sperfect chillin spot, and a 'mates meeting place' where you can just be yourself and practice your cue skills atthe same time. Head on down to the Q Sports Bar - it's easy to find - on the main Sheridan Street right in town.

PARTYThe Lounge

The Attic

Ultimate Party



A Great Barrier Reef trip is a once in a lifetime experience, and catching it all

on vid/camera is the only way to hold your memories and boast to your mates back home about what you

see. In fact, a waterproof camera is as essential to your GBR trips as your breathing apparatus, so make

sure your getting the good stuff. In Cairns, Wet Rez are experts on underwater photography and can help

you with either waterproofing your current camera, or hiring you a camera that will provide you with hundreds

of pics and some great movies of what you see.

Photos taken with the underwater camera

Underwater

PHOTOGRAPHS

• Underwater reporterChristina Roberts


a

Cameras are available for hire or you canbuy, and there's a great selection of camerasand accessories for novice andprofessionals. You also receive a CD with allyour pics which will be the best souvinir ofyour trip to the reef. See Wet REZ on Shields Street, near theEsplanade (opposite McDonalds/Lagoon).

Here are some tips from theWet Rez desk:

AVOID taking photos of the first bit of reef orfish you see, Have a look around the areaand size up the opportunities.

TRY to keep the sun behind you

GET as close as possible to the subject.(please disregard this advice if you are tryingto capture a picture of a great big hungrylooking shark!)

COMPOSITION is important, especially forreef landscape photos. Select a colourful orvibrant coral as your focal point.

FOR FISH or turtle photos, try to capture thesubject in the centre of the frame. The bestway to do this is to predict the path of theanimal and let it swim into the frame, ratherthan "Chasing it down".

1

23

4

5



An SSI scuba diving course will not only give you thechance to discover the Great Barrier Reef during yourholiday, but will give you a licence to dive around theworld… forever! There’s the Learn to Dive course, which is a qualifyingcourse that will give you certification as a recreationalscuba diver. On completion of the course, which takes anaverage of 4 days, you will receive a licence that is validfor life, and is recognised all around the world. The courseusually includes a few days completing pool dives andknowledge development sessions and finishes with aminimum of four open water dives on the Great BarrierReef. There are also “Referral Learn to Dive” programs,which give you a chance to get your open water licence intwo parts – theory at home and practice here on the GreatBarrier Reef! Once you have all the beginner stuff out of theway, doing an Advanced Open Water course is theimportant first step in continuing your dive education. It isdesigned to give the newly certified or not so experienceddiver added confidence and enjoyment in their divingthrough additional skills and training. And just to make it that little easier training material isavailable in 25 languages.

Your fun starts online! Complete your dive theory for free by clicking on thisbutton INSERT PICTURE OF BUTTON at www.diveSSI.com You can complete the theory component at your own pacein the comfort of your own home or during your travelsbefore you get to the Great Barrier Reef so once you arrivethe water awaits.

LEARN TO DIVEWORLDWIDE

Further TrainingThe Stress & Rescue course is wherethe diver moves beyond recreationaldiving. By expanding their knowledgeof the “science” aspects of divingand rescue/emergency techniques,the diver is now equipped toappreciate and understand theimportance of training relevant todiver safety and incidentmanagement. On to the “serious stuff” – the DiveGuide and Divemaster courses arethe first level of the “professional”ratings. On successful completion ofthis program you will be qualified tosupervise recreational divingactivities, either boat or land-based.It also allows you to act as anInstructional Assistant, and is theminimum rating required foremployment in the diving industry.For those of you who love diving somuch, don’t miss this opportunity tomake a career of it. Scuba SchoolsInternational have employmentopportunities available in manycountries around the globe for goodquality Instructors so delay act today!Instructor Training Course (ITC) is atwo-week program, combining amixture of training in the pool andclassroom academic modulespresented by yourself, the InstructorTrainer and fellow candidates. Sowhether you want to take up a newhobby, or carve out an entire career,these courses are designed to takeyou there. SSI is a worldwidecertification program that has aglobal network of dive operators forall diving activities.

For more information visitwww.diveSSI.com



Friendly faces greeted us, although we were the last to boardafter running down the wharf because we were late for ourday cruise. I was introduced individually to all the charismaticcrewmembers that were on deck, and then sorted withflippers and a mask. Everything was smooth and wellorganized, down to the neat racks where you stashed yourdiving or snorkeling gear. We then went inside for our divebriefing whilst the boat started and headed out to sea. Mitsy,the dive instructor easily engaged all of our attention byincluding a bit of seamanly satire in his dive briefing. Timezoomed by and before we knew it we were at the brink of thereef, probably because Mitsy was making us laugh bywarning us not to worry if a woman is overboard; of thepeople we shouldn’t punch on the boat and for us to nothand signal something is wrong underwater and then pointat another diver as the problem - also we were on one of thefastest day trip vessels, Osprey V. Before we got into our divegear we slip, slop, slapped on some sunscreen and sat in thesun on the front of the boat. I had three dives. The seconddive was incredible, pretty close to my favourite dive so far!We saw a green turtle swimming against the current besidea high wall of different coral, a huge school of spotted sweetlip fish, clams and a lot of bi-colour parrotfish. It was so rad!I really regret not hiring an underwater camera for the day,especially because the visibility was unreal. The crew happilyhelped with our dive equipment while we were hopping outand while we were out of the water. Following our seconddive was a hearty lunch buffet of steaks, sausages, fish,prawns, salami, pasta, salads and complementary wine. Thevariety was good! After lunch we relaxed on the boat for fortyminutes, said hello to the captain in the cockpit and then got

prepared to jump back in for another guided dive. Getting a guided dive is the best way to find all thefascinating creatures of the sea. The dive masters generallyhave a lot more experience on the reef and obviously knowwhere the good spots are. Mitsy, our friendly dive instructoraccumulated 600 dives at the Great Barrier Reef, so weswam along with him! He lead us to the ‘castle’ (a castleshaped bombie) getting us there a lot faster by cuttingcorners. We passed around sea cucumbers, touched thesmooth and soft edges of the insides of large clams and heldcrazy coloured nudibranchs/sea slugs. The guided diveswere only an extra $10 and were definitely worth it. Once ourdives were over, my beautiful buddy and I went snorkeling. Itwas really refreshing to swim around freely without all thegear strapped to us. The reef is a never-ending splendor,beside the beautifully coloured and contoured coral, wespotted a Potato Cod Fish (a large stretched looking spottedfish) and many species of angelfish. Lastly we took turnstrying to hold our breath in attempt of getting deeper andcloser to a beautiful purple clam. We swam back to the boatand then snacked on some crackers and cheese while wefilled in our dive logbooks. Referring to the reef teach marinelife charts was a handy way of learning and rememberingwhat kind of ray or fish we saw in our dives. I had funhanging about the boat and talking to some of the crew.When the cruise was over, out of courtesy I volunteered tohelp out and clean the boat a little bit, because I had such abeautiful day. Overall the whole day was lovely, relaxing andfun. Osprey V is an unbelievably speedy vessel! It reachedthe reef quicker than all the other boats which meant we hadmore time in the water!

Day cruise with

• re

po

rte

rs C

hri

stin

a R

ob

ert

s a

nd

Ru

by

DOWN UNDER DIVE


The number 1 way to see the reef!

VIEW FROM ABOVEIf there is one thing about the destination of Cairns,the scenery stands out as simply magnificent.What’s more, the sheer size of the Rainforestssweeping down to the Coral Sea, when viewed fromabove, will take your breath away. In fact, there is nobetter way to ‘visit’ the Great Barrier Reef than toactually view it from the sky. This is why you willnotice the postcards of the area are nearly alwaysfeatured from above.If you were ever going to take a ride of you life, thenby all means, Cairns is a first class area to try ahelicopter ride. The thrill of the ride alone is anadventure, however, the views will give you

picturesque memories forever.Heli Charters are available for a quick tour aroundthe city area (10 minutes), to complete visits to theouter barrier reef. A 20 minute rainforest tour, takesyou up the Barron River to the spectacular falls thenreturns you along the coastline, or you can have yourhelicopter lift you over the reefs and join Osprey V forlunch and diving or snorkelling. This is by far a ‘complete’ way to really see why TheGreat Barrier Reef is recognized as the eighthwonder of the world - from above and from under thewater. Highly recommended.

54 adRENaLiNE & advENtuRE


The Wax Pot and Tanning Studio is a relaxedbeauty salon located in the heart of the City, andalso at Earlville. It offers the visitor and localsalike, a unique salon experience by offering awide range of treatments and services in anupbeat, funky atmosphere. It is a place wherepeople meet and catch up with friends whilstattending to all their beauty needs.

To set the scene for you, imagine paintedconcrete floors, corrugated iron, distressedtimber work, bold colours, funky music andcrazy, vibrant staff to pull it all together; and youhave ‘The Wax Pot’.

One of our most popular treatments we offer areour Henna Tattoo’s. You can choose from a widerange of Henna Designs or alternatively, designyour own. The Tattoo last on average, two weeksand is applied by piping a Henna mix onto theskin in your chosen design. This product is allnatural, made on site by our dedicated staff.

WAXINGwhile Travelling

130 SHERIDAN STREETCAIRNS


56 adRENaLiNE


58 aCCOMOdatiON

Bellview HostelHotel/Motel, in Central BusinessDistrict, on the Esplanade, shops andcafes right outside the door, familyowned and operated. Includes: air-conditioning, pool, laundry, kitchen,TV room.

Bohemia Central Backpackers HostelCluster of small apartments andhomes. 110 beds, 1.5km from CentralBuiness district. Located on quiet endof Esplanade.Includes: on-site cafe, pool, spa,kitchen.

Cairns Central YHAApartment/Motel in Central BusinessDistrict, 156 beds, shops and cafesclose by.Includes: Pool, ceiling fans, kitchen,mail services, tour desk. bicycles, carparking, TV.

Cairns Girls HostelOld time Queenslander, recentlyrenovated, in quiet section of CentralBusiness District, 36 beds, shops andcafes next door, family owned andoperated.Includes: tour desk, kitchen, laundry.

Caravella's Backpackers 149Cluster of homes and smallapartments, 130 beds, 2km fromCentral Buiness district, on theEsplanade, short walk to shops andcafes.Includes: tour desk, swimmingpool, BBQ, Pool table, table tennis,TV/Video.

Corona BackpackersApartment, 18 rooms, located inCentral Business district. Shops andcafes right oustide door. Included: 4-share dorms and double rooms, allwith room fridges, tour desk, linenFree nightly restaurant meal.

Esplanade HostelApartment, 50 rooms, 130 beds, inCentral Business district, on theEsplanade, shops and cafesadjacent. Includes: Pool, garden,BBQ, Sky TV, air conditioning,laundry, tour desk. Free:airport/bus/train transfers, luggagestorage.

Gilligan's BackpackersPurpose-built hostel, 300+ beds, inCentral Buiness district. Close to ProDive Cairns dive school. Includes:ensuite bathrooms, fridge, TV, Pool,linen, air-conditioned, internet cafe,social evenings, bar, casino, 24-hourreception, live entertainment, laundry.

Global PalaceHotel/Apartment, recently totallyremodeled, 165 beds, in CentralBusiness District, shops and cafesright outside the front door. Includes:air-conditioning, mirrors, carpet,TV/reading room, Internet access.

Inn The CityHostel/Motel in quiet section ofCentral Business District, 74 beds,shops and cafes close by.Includes: Pool, kitchen, garden area,tour desk. luggage storage, TV.

International HostelHotel, 140 beds, on the Esplanadeand in Central Business District,shops and cafes downstairs.Includes: Spring mattresses, laundry,kitchen, tour desk, garden, sun deck.

Jimmy's on the EsplanadeApartment/Hotel, 30 beds, located inCentral Business District, on theEsplanade, short walk to shops andcafes.Includes: Shoreline location, all roomsair-conditioned, Pool, TV lounge,kitchen.

Northern Greenhouse BackpackersApartment/Hotel, 70 beds, located incentral business district, close toeverything. Includes: air conditioning,pool, bbq, dining area, games area,laundtry, 24-hour reception, tavern.

ShenannigansRenovated pub/motel , 60 beds,located in Central Business district, 4 blocks from Esplanade. Shopsnearby.Includes: bar/beer garden, kitchen,laundry, tour desk, TV lounge.

Calypso InnCluster of houses, 165 beds, 1.5 kmfrom Central Buiness District, shortwalk to shops/cafes.Includes: Large pool, licensedbar/restaurant, internet facillities, nightsecurity watchman, daily roomcleaning.

Bel Air by the Sea HostelCluster of small apartments andhomes. 110 beds, 1.5km from CentralBuiness district. Located on quiet endof Esplanade.Includes: on-site cafe, pool, spa,kitchen.

Tropic Days2 restored Queenslander homes, 35beds, 1.5km from Central Businessdistrict, short walk to shops andcafes, family owned and operated.Includes: quiet neighborhood, fans,AC, no bunks, kitchens, laundry, pool,garden.

Cairns Beach HouseLarge apartment complex, recentlytotally remodeled, 160 beds, 2kmfrom Central Business District, rightnext to shops/cafes.Includes: Beer garden, bistro, largepool, kitchen, BBQ, laundry,nternet/[phone facility.

Ryan's RestRestored Queenslander home, 11rooms, 3/4km from Central BusinessDistrict, short walk to shops/cafes,family owned and operated.Includes: Quiet neighboorhood, diveschools nearby, reading room, patio,pool... More Info

Caravella's Backpackers 149Cluster of homes and smallapartments, 130 beds, 2km fromCentral Buiness district, on theEsplanade, short walk to shops andcafes.Includes: tour desk, swimming pool,BBQ, Pool table, table tennis,TV/Video.

Castaway's Backpacker CairnsSmall apartment building, 50 beds,1km from Central Business district,shops and cafes very close by.Includes: pool, kitchen, laundry, fans,linen, safe, luggage storage, roomfridges.

Dreamtime Travellers Rest2 homes, 25 beds, 1/2 km fromCentral Buiness District, short walk toshops and cafes, family owned andoperated.Includes: pool, spa, residentialneighborhood, close to dive schools,air-conditioned.

Gecko's BackpackersCluster of homes, 40 beds, 1/2 kmfrom Central Buiness district. Shopsclose by, family owned and operated.Includes: Pool, linen, hammocks,kitchen, laundry, ample parking, tourdesk.

Gone Walkabout2 homes, 17 rooms, 1/2 km fromCentral Buiness District., short walk toshops and cafes.Includes: Pool, No TV, BBQ, quietresidential neighborhood, air-conditioning, 2 kitchens, safe, internetaccess.

JJ's BackpackersApartment/motel, 70 Beds, 1.5kmfrom Central Business District, shortwalk to shops and cafes.Includes: Pool, BBQ, TV, pool table,table tennis, bike hire, YHA/VIPdiscounts.

Big Backyard Hostel3 renovated homes, with one giantbackyard, 54 beds, 1/2km fromCentral Business district. Short walkto shops, cafes, family owned andoperated.Includes: no bunks, pool, spa,kitchens, laundry, reading room.

Serpent HostelPurpose-built hostel, 290 beds,located 3km from Central Businessdistrict, 2 blocks from Esplanade.Shops 2 blocks away.Includes: Large pool, AC, sandvolleyball, tour desk, TV lounge,internet, bar/cafe.

Travellers Oasis3 Queenslander homes, 50 beds,1/2km from Central Buiness district,family owned and operated.Includes: Pool, linen, quietneighborhood, close to dive schools,air-conditioned.

HOSTELS


60 adRENaLiNE

Where else can you raft the rapids amidglorious rainforest? Our Tully River hassome hard core rapids and is a wet and wildadventure that will have your heart racingand some serious laughs in between!

Have you ever taken a BMX bike off the roof ofa purpose built bungy tower, glimpsing thecoral sea on the horizon as you go? Here inCairns our Bungy site has devised 16 differentways to bungy including the minjin swing andtraditional swan dive, plummeting 164 feet withelastic strapped to your legs! How about takingthe controls of a helicopter under the instructionof a professional pilot? Quad biking around dirttracks in the Kuranda Rainforest, or horse

riding over creeks and through the forest? Ortake the ultimate adrenalin rush when youfreefall from an airplane, and then sweep to theground under the safety of your parachute?Our own cable ski park is owned and operatedby professional wake-boarders and you can tryknee-boarding to get you started, or fly over theprofessional ramps if you are moreexperienced. Cairns also offers mountainbiking, go-karting, hand gliding, absailing, kitesurfing, and sea kayaking! Often referred to as an Eco-tourism haven,Cairns is one place you can get togetherwith nature and test your nerves doingactivities in a unique environment that willbecome lasting memories of your holiday inAustralia.

ACTIVITIES

Cairns is a Disneyland when it comes to thrill seeking and adrenalin adventure, all in

eco-surrounds and not a trashy roller coaster in sight.

photo Jungle Surfing in Cape Trib...


JUMP

AJ Hackett Cairns features the worlds first

purpose built Bungy Jump tower, nestled in the

rainforest twenty minutes from Cairns City.

Itʼs the only bungy operation on the planet that offers sixteendifferent jump styles from the traditional swan dive to ridingoff the roof on a BMX bike. So wether youʼre a first timejumper and happy to just get off the edge or a seasoned thrillseeker thereʼs a unique jump style that will have you covered. Watch out for a bungy jumper or a minjin jungle swinger oryou could take the plunge for yourself!Sol Sundays from 1pm-6pm is the time to visit if you want alaid back afternoon. With live local music and a free jumpingcastle for the kids, why not purchase a lunch at their AussieBBQ. You could even climb the tower and try a jump or two.Before throwing yourself off into open space, take the time tosee the wonderful scenic view. Where else can you see aview of the worldʼs famous Great Barrier Reef?

Operating hours: AJ Hackett Cairns is open 364 days ayear for operation (closed Christmas Day) from 10:00am– 5:00 pm

photo Bungy Jumping AJ HAckett


62 hEadiNg NORth

CAPE TRIBCape Tribulation: ancient forests, curious and fascinating

wildlife, cool watering holes sprinkled with waterfalls, all sitting

pretty on a stretch of pristine, white sand beaches and

blue/green ocean that houses The Great Barrier Reef. This is

what travellers dream of, and is where those lovely picture books

of Australia get those wonderful images that entice you to

‘paradise’.

The Daintree has some spectacular attractions and excellentaccommodation choices making thisWorld Heritage Listed Rainforest farmore accessible than its competitor -The Amazon. For this reason,backpackers have always included atrip to Cape Tribulation in their Cairnsitinerary staying at popularbackpacker resorts. Self-drivers love the trip up to CapeTrib (approx 2 ½ hours) with theimpressive coastal road throwing aphotographers dream of endlesslandscape shots (transfers are alsoavailable with PK’s). Eco-tourism ishigh on the agenda in CapeTribulation, and it has won manyawards for sustainable tourism toprotect the ancient rainforest that hasmore than 3000 plant species and ishome to about a third of Australia’smammal species. Getting high in theRainforest is also popular… withJungle Surfing Canopy Tours. 6 high platforms and 5 flying foxruns – THIS is the most exciting way to see the Rainforest from adistinctly different view! Another way of seeing the WILD side ofthe Daintree is to jump on an Ocean Safari adventure where youcan be whisked to the Reef super fast. Beach Horse Riding, FruitTasting, 4 WD Driving, Night time Wildlife Spotting Walks, andSea Kayaking are also popular pastimes, and it’s a great beachlocation with miles and miles of sandy coves. Cape Trib is a quietand relaxing environment, but you can still party with theParadise Parties at PK’s Jungle Village.

Some History:

In 1770 Captain Cook was sailing the Endeavour up the eastcoast, and making a chart of the coastline. He struck a reef about40 kilometres north east of Cape Tribulation, now called theEndeavour Reef, and he named the point he had charted earlierin the day “Cape Tribulation because here began all ourtroubles.”

Cape Tribulation became famousamongst young travellers andbackpackers in the early 1980s, on thetrail from Goa, Katmandu and Bali and isnow one of the most recognizable touristicons of the world.There are many things to do at CapeTribulation, including diving andsnorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef;exploring the rainforest with guidedwalking tours, on horse back orindependently. To appreciate thewonderful view of the coastline and seewhere the rainforest meets the reef,paddle the coast in a sea kayak, and tolearn more about the area visit The BatHouse and eyeball a bat.If you just want to relax and enjoy thesurroundings you can wander thedeserted beaches which stretch for

miles, meditate in the rainforest, or book a massage or spatherapy, and join yoga on the beach in the early morning.Cape Tribulation has a range of different types ofaccommodation to suit every visitor, all in superb natural settings— four star, three star and budget resorts, backpacker hostels,bed and breakfasts, holiday houses, and camping grounds.There is a small cluster of shops at Cape Tribulation whichincludes a pharmacy, two small supermarkets, an interpretivecentre,a cinema and four restaurants within walking distance.


64 hEadiNg NORth

“Rainforest wilderness like nowhere else in theWorld- with all the amenities tucked neatly inthe jungle- Accommodation, convenience store,ATM, party bar, tours and loads more.

Give it a go!!”Lance (publisher)

IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE!


66 adRENaLiNE

Take a walk on the

HIGH SIDETo have a unique experience whilst you’re visitingthis area, and for the best views in Cairns, head outto Gordonvale to climb Walsh’s Pyramid. Now is thebest time to go with cool weather, clear skies and nomuddy/boggy areas along the track.

Growing up in Cairns and with family in the village of Aloombanearby, Walsh’s Pyramid to me, dominates the landscapeonce you drive south past Edmonton on the Bruce Highway.It is a place of Aboriginal, historical and environmentalsignificance. Also, every August, contestants race from thecentre of Gordonvale to the top and back, the current recordis 1 hour and 15 minutes!I however, tackled the mountain at a more leisurely pace, as1. I’m not very fit and 2. As a general rule, I’m not a big fan ofwalking up any sort of incline. But with two locals (my brotherand myself) and another two, hailing from England, wedecided we should at least give it a go.We arranged to meet at 6:30am as to avoid climbing thesteeper parts at the peak of the days heat, setting off at 7am.The usual time frame to climb up and back is 6 hours: 3 hoursup (stopping regularly to rest), 1 hour at the top to recoup and2 hours down. The first part was reasonably gentle with the landscape beinga mixture of grassland and scrub. There wasn’t much treecover but the sun had not been up long and the air was stillcool so our diligently applied sunscreen was not yet needed.It was so beautiful at that time of the morning with the goldensun rays shining through the gum trees and illuminating thelong grass and boulders. With lots of stopping, water, sweetsand temporarily losing our way, we made it over the first hump(there are three). The track is well worn in places, and inothers it’s necessary to stop and find the next marker so youknow you’re on the right track, it’s really easy though, even forthe most navigationally challenged – you just follow theorange triangles on the tree trunks and boulders.Forging on over the second hump the climb started to getsteeper, with one point actually being a vertical scramble overa pile of boulders (completely safe – remember people RUNthis track). By this time we could start to see the amazing viewthrough the trees and only half-way up we already felt so highabove the cane fields and so in awe of the great view.Climbing higher the view got better and better, but the sun gothotter and hotter. Glad we left early and stopping a lot forbreaks, it seemed like the top was in view!It wasn’t, we had just reached the top of the second hump.Still, despite the heat we pressed on stopping to take photosand looking at animals and plants on the way. I should notehere that the third ‘hump’ has a few smaller ones on it as well,but don’t despair, that means you’re minutes from the top!Knowing that we were so close gave us the momentum andenergy for that final push to the top… and what a reward itwas!The views from the top of Walsh’s Pyramid are amazing. At our

chosen rest spot right on top we were sitting on a massiveboulder overlooking Aloomba and out to the mountains, andall the way out to sea. On the other side was a mountain rangethat loomed up, the feeling of being level with the top of thatmountain range truly awesome. We enjoyed soaking up theview, having lunch and taking a well-deserved break torejuvenate our bodies. I phoned my grandmother from the topand she flashed a mirror against the sun to us at the top andvice versa… the old wives tale IS true.After an hour we headed back down, trying to soak up andremember as much of the amazing view as we could;because as incredible as it looks in photos, it’s so much betterexperiencing it yourself. In between bouts of travelling, I’velived in Cairns for 19 years and this was my first time upWalsh’s Pyramid, and I can’t believe I overlooked this amazingnatural beauty! Now I know how rewarding the experience isand how beautiful the scenery is will do it again before thetemperature rises again. For backpackers this really is a ‘must-do’ that I think not manypeople know about. We did come across some Irish, English,American and Canadian travellers on the way up as we wentdown, but I think this experience is one not to be hidden fromvisitors. Yes, it’s a tough half-day (not nearly as bad as BokorHill in Cambodia), but the views are better (and morerewarding) than that of Skyrail and the best thing of all is thatit’s completely FREE!! Most backpackers will say they wentdiving on the reef in Cairns, but not as many will say theyclimbed to one of the highest mountains in the area and gotTHE BEST views of Cairns and the surrounding area. Makeyour trip to this area a unique one and give Walsh’s Pyramida go. For more information and directions how to get there::www.cairnsattractions.com.au/a_walshs-pyramid.php.

• reporter Chelsea Denny


“The few days after your legs will feel stiff (donʼt

organise anything too demanding) but itʼs a good

pain, and youʼll soon forget it once youʼve uploaded

your photos onto facebook and the comments from

jealous friends and relatives flood in!”


Despite being a small and slightlybohemian café precinct on the beach,Airlie is equivalent to the massiveBondi Beach in popularity –especially for backpackers. Itʼs tight-knit, fun loving and carefreecommunity marries with itʼs stunningbeach – the gateway to TheWhitsundays – and has become the“Must Stay” spot when travellingSouth from Cairns or North up theEast Coast of Australia.

Whichever way you are going, Airlie will nodoubt become part of your itinerary and youwill take some magic memories from there.People relax in Airlie… itʼs got the “Manjanafeel”, and as a result, people are themselvesin Airlie, which consequently means you willmeet some great people! Thereʼs plenty ofpartying, yet in a laid-back style, if you canpossible imagine how those twocontradictories nestle together! Diving is fantastic, with the Whitsundayswithin 3 hours sailing from the Airlie, lots ofactivities and really cool and welcoming barstoo. The appeal of Airlie is no doubt the factthat it is the epitome of a beach town,and embraces everyone who visits,sometimes enamouring stop-over tourists somuch that they stay for many weeks! With thesand streaming through your toes, youʼll loveeverything about Airlie. Plus you may get tostay at Magnums, the worldʼs bestbackpackers! Sometimes we wonder whetherpeople flock to Airlie to see Airlie – or to stayat Magnums! Itʼs located right over theroad from the main meeting hub – TheLagoon, - and has a famous “PartyBoardwalk” as well as itʼs entertainment-stacked Bar. Dorms, private rooms and eventent sites are all available and from eighteenbucks too.

Airlie beach

When you’re heading down South...

68 hEadiNg sOuth


North Queensland has plenty of camping sites and

this is a great way to experience the national parks

from Cairns to Kakadu.

Australia also has it’s dangers, so be prepared and

ensure that you have good equipment and plenty of

supplies. Contrary to popular belief you cannot simply

pull over by the side of the road and set up your tent.

There are specific areas for camping and they should

be adhered to. But do not fear. The allocated spots are

usually the very best areas anyway and the camping

facilities are also very good.

The cost of using these facilities are absolutely

minimal. Perhaps just a few dollars per night, so if you

are on a tight budget, this is the way to go for the real

true blue experience. There are literally hundreds of

camping grounds throughout North Queensland and

the best way to figure out where to go is to visit the

National Parks and Wildlife Office in Cairns

(international telephone (07) 4052 3096). This will give

you the specific information you need, directions and

advice and you can purchase permits directly from

them.

Camping in National Parks have rules which really

need to be adhered to, both for your safety and to

protect the environment. In general stick to the

following guideline:-

Use fireplaces where provided. If there is no fireplace

use a gas stove. Extinguish all fires before leaving your

site. Use bins where provided or take your rubbish

with you. Be considerate of other people visiting

National Parks. Leave generators, compressors and

loud stereos at home. No pets. Do not use soap in

lakes, creeks or rivers. If toilets are not provided bury

human waste well away from creeks and lakes. Camp

away from walking tracks and waterways.

Always tell someone where you are going and when

you expect to return

For more detailed information contact;

Queensland National Parks

and Wildlife Service

Ground Floor, 160 Ann St. Brisbane.

Telephone (07) 3227 8185

Itʼs the Aussie dream. Camping in the outback, under the stars, with abush fire and billy tea on the boil.

70 CaMPiNg


cairns backpacker march issuu

Documents

thebeachesour beaches

furthest beaches

popular beaches

city layoutthe city

kewarra beach

trinity beach

ellis beach

beach vollyball