✈ Cairns * Australia

This time round, it was a combination of free and easy, tour packages and air tickets purchased. It did not even occur to me that my vacation was just 2 days away until I got reminded to pack my luggage. I probably had too much on my mind that I even nearly got my departure timing wrong. It was quite a pity that I was unable to check some things off my bucket list during this trip due to bad weather and also improper planning as I booked it on an impulse. Nevertheless, it was a great trip with Mom and relatives even though we planned our itineraries differently. A few first-time experiences and I even managed to pull off a little surprise for Mom on the first night too!

Getting a Prepaid SIM Card in Cairns

Well, I believe this question will be asked by many? Although these days, getting a prepaid SIM card in Cairns would be available at the supermarkets or airport, from my personal experience this time, I will skip the details but I would highly recommend visiting the Vodafone store located at the Cairns Central shopping centre and data plans are available from as low as 10AUD. As there might be certain technical settings that your mobile phone requires for the SIM card to work, I believe the staff at Vodafone will be glad to assist at no extra cost.

Michaelmas Cay and the Great Barrier Reef

One of the main reasons people from all over the world visit Cairns is for the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef. It was an amazing experience to be able to sail on the luxurious “Ocean Spirit” catamaran by Ocean Spirit Cruises, as well as to have a close view of the reef and fishes etc. without getting wet by cruising in an air-conditioned semi-submersible(which I think my mom really enjoyed judging from her excitement haha). I was snorkeling at the shallow waters of Michaelmas Cay and bird watching at the sand cay(not forgetting, building sand castles with my nephew!). I am glad I had my first scuba dive(Introductory Scuba Dive) experience and it was at the Great Barrier Reef!

Kuranda Day Tour

Our full day tour which includes entry to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for some demonstrations and activities like boomerang and spear throwing, followed by a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway that eventually brings you to the Kuranda Village which heritage has been well preserved. The last part of the tour is to enjoy the train ride on the Kuranda Scenic Rail. A day of exploration, beautiful nature and spectacular views. You may also view the full itinerary here.

My accommodation provided was at Pacific Hotel Cairns which I extended one extra night on my own. As the location is near to many eateries, night markets, supermarkets, surf brand shops and more, a lot is within walking distance. However, maybe after a long day of walking and shopping, you might consider hopping into a taxi like my mom and I did. A trip from Cairns Central shopping centre to Pacific Hotel Cairns would cost about 8AUD? As for the day tours, usually there will be hotel pick-ups provided. There is also Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome located just above The Reef Hotel Casino(apparently the only hotel with casino in Cairns) if you are looking for some adventure or wildlife experience. That is where I met Nellie, three years old. My first time holding a koala too! Just look at the way she sleeps. Awww.

Note/Summary

5 Days 4 Nights ~32 ° (sudden downpour of rain at times)

Till the next trip! With Love.

#reshare #GreatBarrierReef #Cairns #Australia #MichaelmasCay #Queensland #Travel