18 unforgettable ways for students to travel Cairns
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By Sarah Bristow
You deserve a break after another semester spent with your head in the books. Why not blow off some steam up in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, where natural wonders mingle with ancient artefacts and outdoor adventures. Not travelling with deep pockets? No worries - there’s plenty to see and do in these parts that won’t blow the budget or forgo the fun – like these 18 ways for students travelling Cairns to make memories.
1. Hit the road and drive your way through the greener pastures of the Atherton Tablelands. Among the non-negotiables here is the Waterfall Circuit - where you’ll greet three of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls among luscious rainforest, Millaa Millaa, Zillee Falls, and Ellinjaa Falls. On the way you can take a breather at Lake Barrine, part of Crater Lakes National Park.
2. Drop in to Mossman Gorge, the Daintree Rainforest resident which is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Cairns. Make sure you don’t miss out on a guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk tour, visiting culturally significant sites and learning about the region’s history.
3. Greet the locals by going croc spotting with Daintree Express River Cruises. The first operator in the area (launched back in 1979) travels along a 12 kilometre stretch, pointing out local flora and fauna before delivering you (safely) back to the river bank.
4. Educate yourself with a visit to the multi-award winning Daintree Discovery Centre. Join one of the tours, though students travelling Cairns may prefer the more affordable option to explore solo. Post-wander, drop in to the Daintree Ice Cream Company to sample one of the many exotic flavours on offer.
5. Acquaint yourself with Cairns’ burgeoning brunch scene with a trip to Caffeind for coffee and breakfast. Locally sourced ingredients form the bulk of the menu here, with dishes ranging from the classic avocado on toast to the more intriguing miso scrambled egg.
Photo by @adventurecairns
6. Don’t break the budget with a stay at Gilligans Northern Greenhouse. This backpacker is a must-do for any student travel in Cairns, featuring a combination of dorm and hotel accommodation, not to mention the swimming pool, 3 bars, nightclub, restaurant and gaming space.
7. See Tropical North Queensland from new heights courtesy of Skydive Cairns. The experienced operators will introduce you to the unbeatable thrill of freefall while you take in the views of the unofficial northern capital.
8. Mosey your way along the stretch that connects Cairns and Port Douglas. The picturesque Captain Cook Highway will show you the way, taking you through the Northern Beaches (Ellis Beach included) right up through to the idyllic Mossman.
Photo by @mycolourfulworld_
9. Wander the web of walking tracks surrounding Barron Gorge, which wind around river, rainforest and mountains. Cool off post-hike in one of the many swimming holes which litter the precinct.
10. Join Green Island Cruise to gett to know the Great Barrier Reef on a day or half day trip. You’ll spend near six hours on the coral cay exploring, with a range of different activities available to cater to each and every budget.
11. Throw caution to the wind with a day’s adventure thanks to AJ Hackett Bungy. Found deep within the Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett, sits this aerial offering, the only bungy tower in the country that stands at 50 metres tall with 16 different jump styles to choose from.
12. Embrace a local institution with a stay at the rather historic Grand Hotel Cairns. Founded in 1926, this laid-back hotel is conveniently close to the city centre and boasts its own pub downstairs to boot.
Photo by @haylsa
13. Sample local produce with a trip to Rusty’s Market. This much-loved tourist destination comes highly recommended for students travelling to Cairns. More than 200 stalls will jostle for your attention here, selling everything from exotic fresh produce to fashion and flowers.
14. Peruse the stalls of the Cairns Night Markets. This bustling community enterprise tempts tourists and locals alike each and every evening, from 4.30pm till late. From food to souvenirs, you’ll find it all at this indoor gathering.
15. Toast to your student travel in Cairns with a visit to Rocco, the city’s highest rooftop bar and restaurant. A few cocktails here may well break the budget, but it will be worth it, we promise. Your drink of choice will be joined by 270 degree panoramic views of Cairns and the Coral Sea.
Photo by @compasscruises
16. Not all reef visits have to break the budget - join Compass Cruises for the cheapest Great Barrier Reef tour available. You’ll be able to experience two outer barrier Reef locations, snorkelling, a barbecue lunch, boomnetting and a free scuba dive.
17. Or keep things a little more casual with a night cap at one of the many backpacker-focused bars scattered throughout Cairns proper. The Woolshed and Down Under Bar are two of the region’s stand-outs, promising both affordable drinks and a good time.
18. Low on time but still eager to check out the reef? Give Reef Sprinter Low Isles Reef Tour a call. This affordable option is a short but sweet chance to experience the global icon - you’ll spend over an hour snorkelling the turtle-favouring Low Isles Reef, before jumping aboard a free glass bottom boat tour.
