Before I arrived, a friend suggested I choose the Whitsundays over Cairns, but my heart was set on both skydiving 🪂 and bungee jumping, so Cairns it was. However, I doubt I’ll be returning; I found it a bit lackluster [Cry-laughing emoji].
I wouldn’t really recommend the city center; there’s not much to do, the food is mediocre, and the prices are steep. The night market was the only place I visited, and it was just okay—there wasn’t much to see. After extensive research, I’ve discovered these 4️⃣ spots that are definitely worth a visit 😊
1️⃣ Mission Beach
Perfect for leisurely walks and skydiving 🪂, this place boasts stunning scenery and a peaceful atmosphere (check out my previous notes for specific skydiving 🪂 tips).
2️⃣ Mossman Gorge
Nestled within the Daintree Rainforest, this location was also a filming site for the iconic movie 🎬 “Avatar.” Given the vastness of the Daintree and my recent visit to Tamborine National Park, I felt that tropical rainforests have a similar vibe, so I opted for this spot.
The 2-kilometer hiking trail here is a must-see, with an incredible variety of vegetation (Photos 1-8). There’s also a beautiful water system (Photo 9) where many families enjoy splashing around (don’t forget your swimsuit 🩱). If you’re looking for a relaxing half-day of sightseeing, this is an excellent choice.
3️⃣ Port Douglas
Known as a haven for the wealthy ⛱️ (Photos 10-13), I highly recommend Tin Shed. It was the only restaurant in Cairns where I had a truly delicious meal. The seafood pasta is outstanding, and the views are breathtaking (Photos 14-16). The ambiance here exudes a laid-back, luxurious lifestyle, hahaha 🤣
4️⃣ Palm Cove (Photo 17)
A picturesque spot filled with palm trees 🌴, though the wind here is incredibly strong. In my photos, the trees look like they’re being blown sideways [Face-holding emoji]. The bars and restaurants are right by the beach, so if you have some time, grab a drink and soak in the view.
We explored these places in the order of 2-3-4 (Photo 18), starting from the farthest and working our way back. Walking back was a great way to unwind. I hope this helps, dear friends [Heart emoji]
I hear you on that! I’ve heard mixed things about Cairns too—seems like it has some cool spots but also falls flat in certain areas. Have you checked out any of the nearby rainforests or beaches? They’re supposed to be amazing if you’re into nature.
I get what you mean about Cairns—sometimes hype doesn’t match reality. I haven’t been to the spots you mentioned, but your take on the city center sounds spot-on. Have you checked out any nearby rainforests? They’re supposed to be amazing!
Thank you for your comment! I totally agree that not everything lives up to the hype, but I still think Cairns has some hidden gems worth exploring. As for nearby rainforests, I’ve visited the Daintree a few times—it’s absolutely breathtaking and one of my favorites! Thanks for bringing it up—I hope others will check it out too.