June 28th, 2011
Great Barrier Reef
Cairns acts as a gateway to some astonishing and very important Australian attractions: it is the closest major city to the stunning world treasure of the Great Barrier Reef, the floral wonderland of the Atherton Tableland and various other national parks, and the Whitsunday Islands. The city itself is quintessentially Queensland: filled with the trademark houses hoisted above the ground for coolness, the city seems languid and sleepy in its tropical location but hides a vibrant nightlife and energised, friendly community. Use the city as a base for exploring some the natural treasures of the Australian continent and prepare to be dazzled by the discoveries to be made.
The north-east coast of Queensland is best identified by the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest reef system. Stretching over 1,600 miles along the coast, the reef is host to unique sealife and is a vital component of the Australasian Pacific ecosystem. Currently under threat by pollution, climate change and overfishing, the Reef’s status as a World Heritage Site is much deserved, and seeing the Reef in all its glory as soon as possible is much recommended. Vivid coral and plantlife abound, making a home for over 1,500 species of fish as well as supporting the life cycles of dolphins, birds, sea snakes and crocodiles. Diving, snorkelling and sailing are must-do activities around the reefs. Definitely take an underwater camera.
If one natural wonder of the world wasn’t enough, the Atherton Tableland is also immensely close to Cairns. This plateau hidden amongst the folds of the Great Dividing Range (the third-longest mountain chain in the world, incidentally) is an environmental wonder: home to ancient sections of rainforest and bush which are now protected parks, the Tablelands are a verdant discovery in an otherwise fairly arid area. The Tinaroo Dam is a defining feature, offering water sports and supporting local wildlife. The beauty of the area is untouched by the few towns scattered around, and hikers and nature lovers will enjoy the Atherton Tablelands immensely.
Among the parks on offer is the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, a theatrical showcase of the culture of the Northern Queensland Aboriginal people. This park displays the rainforest people’s culture through dance and theatre, explaining the history and beliefs of the Tjapukai tribe, and has won awards from the Australian government. Well worth the visit and entry fee, this park and others similar to it will fully highlight the rich Aboriginal past and present.
Cairns itself is much underrated as a city. With typically friendly locals, a vibrant nightlife, and urban attractions to interest every type of traveller, Cairns itself will surprise the intrepid tourist. Forget the Sydney Opera House and the barely habitable Alice Springs, both are wonderful symbols of Australia and deservedly so; but for a truly unforgettable and uniquely Australian experience, see the tropical beauty of the north, be touched by the deep abiding spiritualism of Australia’s first inhabitants, and revel in stunning coastal wonders that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.






