Cairns, past the barrier reef

Consider cairns, and photographs of turquoise waters and the great barrier reef might right away flood your mind. However there is a international past the waves inside the northernmost part of queensland.

From lush rainforests to thrilling natural world encounters, cairns offers some thing for every traveler looking for journey or serenity. Here's a glimpse into the wonders anticipating you - no snorkel required.

Wildlife habitat: fauna & greater


Nestled in port douglas, approximately an hour's drive from palm cove, the wildlife habitat offers a adventure into Australia's specific fauna. The force alongside the captain prepare dinner highway is itself a treat, hailed as one of the most scenic routes in the international. As the car hugged the curves of the shoreline, i could not help however wonder at the glowing waters on one facet and the luxurious rainforest on the alternative. Upon arrival, the vibrant symphony of hen calls welcomed us into an open-air sanctuary. The sanctuary gives a fantastic eating experience 'breakfast with the birds', in which colorful parrots and cockatoos flit about. "one could revel in a variety of eggs, pancakes or crepes, truffles, sausages, amongst different items, amidst the birds here," informed one of the keepers at the centre. As i walked in and we toured the centre, the birds were flying beyond us and coming near us. The centre is home to over a hundred native species and 600 character animals. Keepers enthusiastically percentage memories approximately their feathered and hairy citizens, just like the endangered cassowaries, kangaroos, and wallabies. "there are around 4,000 cassowaries left inside the wild. They're going extinct due to lack of habitat or being hunted, killed in street accidents," she stated.

Within the quest for an anti-growing older drug

For the daring, there's the opportunity to 'swim with the salties', Australia's bold saltwater crocodiles. Rest assured, trained specialists make certain your protection as you come back face-to-face with those historical reptiles. Interactive reveals let you feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas, or snap that best selfie with a chicken perched to your shoulder. The centre also boasts a nocturnal habitat exhibit, imparting a rare glimpse into the midnight antics of Australia's wildlife.

Into the inexperienced heart: daintree national park

Leaving the wildlife habitat in the back of, we journeyed into one of the international's oldest rainforests - the daintree countrywide park, a unesco international background website. The daintree rainforest is over one hundred eighty million years antique. Our first prevent became the mossman gorge, a haven of emerald-inexperienced canopies and crystal-clean streams. A quick stroll via the woodland served as a prelude to the primary appeal: the dreamtime stroll, guided by a member of the kuku yalanji clan, the location's aboriginal custodians. The experience started out with a traditional smoking ceremony, believed to keep off terrible spirits earlier than we ventured into the rainforest.

As we meandered thru the paths, the guide shared stories of his ancestors and the land. From medicinal flora to bark shelters, each element of the forest held a purpose. He also added us to bush soaps and ochre portray and explained the significance of the unique totems he painted on his arm. "coming from a massive circle of relatives, i might want to paint my proper arm also to symbolize all of us in it," he introduced.

The tour concluded with a refreshing sip of bush tea and a slice of damper, a conventional bread baked in timber ash. It changed into a humbling reminder of the deep connection among the kuku yalanji human beings and the land they name domestic.

Tubing: a water adventure for all


For the ones searching out a mix of relaxation and adventure, tubing through cairns' scenic rivers is a have to. Whether you're a swimmer or now not, this activity promises a laugh for all.

The journey started out with a cheerful guide who puffed up our group with infinite calls of "legends!" before we perfect up with safety equipment. Floating down the river with some whirlpool-like spins in the water, we were handled to sights of freshwater turtles, fish, and even lizards basking on mossy rocks. Towering bushes covered the banks, their roots dipping into the cool waters. Depending on the water levels, the guide may additionally endorse exploring behana gorge, the mulgrave river, or the little mulgrave river.

How to have the excellent cairns adventure

♦ daintree country wide park: put on sturdy footwear and % rain equipment - the rainforest lives as much as its name.

♦ tubing: suitable for every age, but be prepared for moist and wild fun. Take into account a trade of clothes!

Why cairns is more than the reef

♦ from the exciting chirps of parrots to the historical whispers of the daintree, cairns is a destination that seamlessly blends journey, subculture, and nature. Whether you're swimming with crocodiles, on foot inside the footsteps of aboriginal ancestors, or gliding through serene rivers, cairns invites you to discover a side of queensland that beats past the waves.

♦ percent your feel of marvel - and possibly a robust pair of boots - and allow the magic of cairns unfold.

Find out more: