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Hello Travellers… aren’t you guys lucky! The seasonally wet February has been not the monsoonal puddle that it usually is, and instead the sun has made a daily appearance with scorching temperatures and blue skies! Hopefully this means that March will be just as beautiful; giving you even more chances to get out to the reef, rainforest and surrounding areas to see just how wonderful it is here in Tropical North Queensland. This month I drove up to the Tablelands to do the waterfall circuit, and being the stinger season, the circuit gives wary travellers a chance to get wet and cool without the worry. Also, given the typically hot but unusually sunny weather, the Tablelands are a few degrees cooler and will provide a bit or relief for anyone who has just arrived from chilly Europe. In this edition there are backpackers telling you what they do when it’s wet, a review of Rattle N Hum’s amazing wood-fired pizzas, all the events in Cairns in our ‘What’s On’ and most importantly, you could WIN a double pass to Cairns Sunset Cruises… all you have to do is send me your best traveling photo! So make the most of the awesome weather and your time in this amazing part of the world, stay safe but most importantly, have FUN!
Your Photos PLEASE
Feel free to send me your best photos of your travels to share and print in the magazine! Send photos to: chelsea@cbxmagazine.com.au
Chelsea xx
CONTACT/ADVERTISE: Shop 7, 84 Lake Street • Telephone: 07 4041 6981 • Facsimile: 07 4041 6889 chelsea@cbxmagazine.com.au • www.cbxmagazine.com.au © Cairns Backpacker Xpress Pty Ltd 2012
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6 What’s What
ORIENTATION No matter where you are staying in (or around) Cairns, you should find it easy to find your way around. To the East is the Coral Sea, featuring the Great Barrier Reef. Our City has an impressive Esplanade, with Professional Skate Park, Beach Vollyball and the spectacular Lagoon, which is a hub of activity everyday. There’s free entertainment and markets on weekends here.
THE CITY LAYOUT The city itself is very plainly laid out with parrallel roads - Roman style. Remember the main roads in and out of Cairns. Mulgrave Road heads out South, becoming the Bruce Highway once you leave Cairns. Sheridan Street heads North, to our beaches, and becomes the Captain Cook Highway. Leading to Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation and beyond. You also need to head up this road if you are to visit the Tablelands region, or exploring the Savannah Way to inner north Queensland.
THE BEACHES Our beaches are wonderful. Accessible by bus or hire car you can visit several beaches which begin just after the airport turn-off. Popular beaches are Yorkeys Knob, which has become quite famous for Kite Surfing and Windsurfing. This is just 15 minutes from the city Center. Trinity Beach and Kewarra beach are also great spots. The furthest beaches are Palm Cove and Ellis Beach, which are a 30 minutes drive, but worth the journey. Then you hit the Famous drive to Port Douglas which has been descibed as one of the most picturesque drives in Australia.
OUT OF TOWN ATTRACTIONS Try to explore the fringe of Cairns City to discover some great attractions. Cable Ski park is about 20 minutes
north, located right next to The regions major award winning attractions - Tjapukai Cultural Park and Skyrail. You can catch a majestic train to Kuranda, the rainforest village. You can also explore local hotspots such as Crystal Cascades (near Redlynch), Sugarland Water Slides (south, near Edmonton), or the Barron River Falls Turn left at Tjapukai and head for Lake Placid). A major attrraction in Cairns, especially at this time of year,, is the Cannon Race Park, at the top of Mulgrave Road. (just past the main shopping centre, called Earlville)
TRANSPORT If you can, get a couple of fellow travellers together and hire a car. It’s cheap, and gives you the freedom to explore everywhere. Four people hiring a car for a whole week, could cost as little as $80.00 each Taxis are easy to find, or call 131 008 SUNBUS: Our main bus network takes you both north and south, and to all the attractions and beaches mentioned here. The timetables and prices are available by visitng the SunBus desk. This is located in Main Street Arcade, on Lake Street. (find Subway and walk in the arcade. The bus desk is on the left.
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8 BACKPACKER CAREERS
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14 What’s ON
MUSIC Needing you music fix this month? Then there are heaps of gigs to choose from! If you like being the one on the stage looking out then head over to the Songwriters Open Mic Night at 12 Bar Blue, hosted by James Braithwaite. Perform your own songs, or do a cover is thatʼs more your style! Get there early to secure a spot, starts at 12am and 12 Bar Blue is located 62 Sheilds Street. They also have Expose Yourself on the 7th a Sunday Jam Session from 6pm on a Sunday the 4th and the 11th too! Chilled out music on a Saturday sound good? Head down to Rustyʼs markets to enjoy coffee, tea, shakes or coconut juice straight from the coconut and an amazing variety of foods from Australia and around the world, while you experience great live music from Moses Warusam at 11am. This is Tropical Far North Queensland at its best! Perhaps Jazz is a bit more up your alley. If so, head to Bernieʼs Jazz & Piano Café on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays for Jazz Jam, Irish Session, Sunday Sunset Hour and more! For more information visit: www.entertainmentcairns.com.au and search for Bernieʼs Jazz & Piano Café for all the times!
If youʼre in Cairns early April, then you must not miss one of Australiaʼs most loved bandʼs: John Butler Trio, as they come to the Kuranda Amphitheatre! “Revered for their brilliant live performances and superb musicianship, one of Australiaʼs most esteemed bands, the John Butler Trio will bring their live show to Cairns. Performing at the spectacular Saturday April 7th, fans will experience an awe-inspiring two hour plus show as the John Butler Trio captivate the audience with tracks such as ʻRevolutionʼ, ʻOne Way Roadʼ and ʻClose To Youʼ from their esteemed album ʻApril Uprisingʼ, as well as a good dose of all time crowd favourites from the JBTʼs vast catalogue. ʻApril Uprisingʼ is the bandʼs third consecutive album to debut at number one on the national Australian ARIA album charts, as well as gain critical acclaim by fans and media alike, and received unsurpassed reviews in all markets around the world.” Tickets cost $54.25 and can be purchased from Ticketlink: www.ticketlink.com.au or 1800 855 835. The gig starts at 6pm but get there early for a park and a good view of the stage
Also at the Tanks this month is James Morrison, Australiaʼs most loved jazz musician! “A legend in every sense, James Morrison is the first act in Tanksʼ Jazz Up North 2012 series. A virtuoso in the true sense of the word, this multi-instrumentalist plays trumpet (of course!), trombone, euphonium, flugel horn, tuba, saxophones and piano. He recorded Jazz Meets the Symphony with The London Symphony Orchestra, has performed concerts at the Royal Albert Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and two Royal command performances for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and for US Presidents Bush & Clinton at Parliament House in Australia. Morrison – live at Tanks – will sell out!” Tickets cost $55 for adults and can be purchased through Ticketlink:
www.ticketlink.com.au or 1800 855 835. The gig will be held in Tank 5, doors opening at 6:30pm and the show starting at 7:30pm. “2012 is well and truly under way and it's time to bring on the ORIGINAL music again. Cairns Folk n Roots first concert night for the year happens on Saturday March 31st. Arthouse will be host to a superb line up of four dynamic performers featuring Steve Skinner direct from Brisbane and some home grown talent from our very own local singer/songwriters, RayLee, Steve Baker and Frank Frikker. Cairns Folk n Roots is on Saturday 31st March 7pm at Arthouse (240 Scott St via McCoombe). Open Mic from 7pm, feature acts from 8pm. Entry $10, Concession $5, kids free. All enquiries to cairnsfolknroots@gmail.com or phone Aleta 0402 534 731.”
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Over at the Tanks Art Centre this month, you’re invited to Kamerunga’s CD launch! With an ARIA nomination and national acclaim, you won’t want to miss this much-admired Cairns band. “Since their inception, Kamerunga have redefined and reinvigorated Australian folk music. With a funky, multi-hued interpretation of colonial standards, Kamerunga takes audiences on an exhilarating journey combining Celtic tunes, jazz, reggae, rock and world music elements. The sextet has become a firm favourite on the national festival circuit, playing Woodford, Port Fairy, The Dreaming, Byron Bay Bluesfest, The National, Wintermoon, the Australasian World Music Expo and other major events in the past couple of years.” Tickets cost $15 for adults and will be available on the door only, which opens at 6:30pm, the show starting at 7:30pm in Tank 5.
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16 What’s ON
ART
To kick off the month of March why not visit KickArts for their latest exhibition: ʻChameleon Project, prototype 06ʼ, an interactive video installation by Tina Gonsalves. “Chameleon Project, prototype 06 is a multi-channel video installation exploring emotional contagion, how people transfer emotion in social groups. When we feel emotions, they tell us something important about ourselves, our relationship with the world and our relationship with each other. The ability to read emotions in both others and ourselves is central to empathy and social understanding. The work features 20 video portraits shot over Asia, Europe and America. Gonsalves elicited the emotional states using various techniques guided by her neuroscientific collaborators.” The exhibition runs until March 17th and you can pop by from 10am – 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday and entry is FREE!
Also throughout March is ʻTim Storrier Photography: 1971 – 2005ʼ. “Tim Storrier has forged one of the most successful, idiosyncratic careers in Australian art, and this is an exhibition of thirty of his photographs. During the course of the exhibition, the Gallery will be showing the film Lighting Fires (1993), a reflection on Tim Storrierʼs art and the creative process that informs it.”
You can also still catch Ron Mueckʼs exhibition ʻIn Bedʼ until the 24th of this month, at the KickArts gallery: “Australian-born, London-based artist Ron Mueck creates astoundingly realistic sculptures that are some of the most widely acclaimed and identifiable works in the international contemporary art arena. In Bed by Ron Mueck is a five-venue tour of the major sculpture, In bed 2005 by Ron Mueck, from the Queensland Art Gallery Collection.” Once again, this exhibition is FREE and available to view from 10am – 5pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays.
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Throughout March the Cairns Regional Gallery will also be exhibiting ʻStrangely Familiarʼ by Ricky Beresford. Strangely Familiar is a “Loft Emerging Artists Program Exhibition of new work in which the artist explores the notion of unconsciously motivated imagery.”
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Family Tree Remains
Over at the Tanks Art Gallery the month, the first solo exhibition by Kieran Hicks (who was recently awarded the Tanks Curatorʼs Award at the 2011 ENERGY exhibition) is on display. His works explore social, political and spiritual issues both personal and communal. “My fear that disasters such as Global Warming and deforestation are killing our land, and soon enough there will be nothing left of our home expect the remains. But no matter what happens in the future, our family remains connected to the land and the land remains within us. Our family spirits may not exist uninterrupted in the lands and the veins of the trees, but remain in our heart and spiritual mind.” This exhibition explores interrupted connections between Kieranʼs people and ancestors; to the land and Aboriginal spiritual traditions. The exhibition will run from the 16th of March throughout the month in Tank 4. The Tank is open from 9am – 4:30pm weekdays and 10am – 3pm on the weekends, and like all good things in life, itʼs FREE!
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22 COvER stORy
s t o r y & p h o t o ʼs b y C h e l s e a D e n n y
WATERFALL CIRCUIT For the best Waterfall Circuit experience, start early so you have spare time to get distracted by the many sights and activities along the way. The best time to see waterfalls is during the wet season, on a sunny day, generally after a period of heavy rain. Accurate weather forecasts can be found at www.meteoblue.com they give you a 60km radius rain spot of any area you search. And don’t forget to BRING SOMETHING TO GO SWIMMING IN!
You can start from three points: Smithfield up the Kennedy Highway, Gordonvale up the Gilles Range, or down through Innisfail and up the Palmerston Highway. Where you start depends of how much of an extended or short waterfall circuit you would like to do, however, the most popular route is up the Gilles Highway as that brings you up to Malanda, the closest town to Millaa Millaa and the main waterfall circuit. Driving south turn right at Gordonvale, up the Gilles Highway following signs to Yungaburra/Malanda. The sights on the Tablelands including the waterfall circuit are well signposted (green signs tell you the nearest town, brown signs are places of interest). On the way is Lake Barrine, a beautiful crater left 10, 000 years ago from a now dormant volcano. You can swim in the Lake or take a 40-minute boat ride around the lake to take in the beauty of the area and spot turtles on the Rainforest and Wildlife Cruise. There is a teahouse beside the lake that boasts excellent Devonshire tea, and a short walk from the parking area are the 1,000-year-old Giant Twin Kauri Pines. If youʼre feeling energetic there is a 5kmwalking track as well! From Lake Barrine, heading towards Malanda on the Gilles Highway you will reach the turnoff on the left down Wrights Creek Road to Lake Eacham. With heaps of parking, a large grassy area with picnic tables and shady trees, itʼs a beautiful place the stop. The Lake has steps leading onto the
water at various points and a pontoon to jump into the deeper water. The water is clear and cool, so you canʼt help but get in when you see it! If you have a canoe or a tube then bring it, there is nothing better than floating or gliding along the still water surrounded by the rainforest. And again, if you are one of those motivated types, there is a 45-minute circuit walk around the lake. From here continue along Lakes Drive until you come to the Malanda-Lake Barrine Road. Turn onto the Malanda-Lake Barrine Road following the signs to Malanda. At Malanda, turn onto the Millaa Millaa-Malanda Road to Millaa Millaa (passing through Tarzali). When you are approaching Millaa Millaa, keep driving and donʼt turn off, as the Waterfall Circuit is a little way past the township. There will be a brown sign signaling the turnoff to start the circuit; the road name is Theresa Creek Road and the Falls Teahouse on the corner of the turnoff so you canʼt miss it! Turning down Theresa Creek Road the first Waterfall you get to is the iconic Millaa Millaa Falls (signposted and with a car and bus car park). These falls are the highlight of the waterfall circuit, the Tablelands and Cairns, so make sure you have a lot of time and a lot of room on your memory card for all your photos. Take full advantage of this 18.3 metre high free fall waterfall and pool. Donʼt hesitate getting into the clear, cool water. Swim out to the rocks and sit behind the waterfall looking out through the curtain of misty water or just float about admiring the topical rainforest
surrounding the pool. If you can bear to tear yourself away from the beautiful Millaa Millaa Falls then get back on the circuit and follow the ring road and signs to Zillie Falls. Itʼs not a waterfall you can swim at, but beautiful and impressive all the same and worth a photo if you can get yourself in the right position. Back on the road and the last stop on the circuit is Elinjaa Falls, again, more a photo opportunity than a great swimming spot, but if youʼre in your bikinis and board shorts then why not wade into the shallow water for a bit of paddling to cool off. TIP: To get a more awesome waterfall circuit experience I personally think it is better to start at Elinjaa first, then Zillie and work your way up to the impressive Millaa Millaa Falls, as itʼs the best place to swim and is the waterfall where you will want to spend the most of your time. If you do happen to travel up the Palmerston Highway or you have extra time on your hands, you can also stop at Mungalli Falls (south of Millaa Millaa), which has an organic dairy close by. Alternatively or additionally, from Millaa Millaa you can drive along East Evelyn Road towards East Evelyn and up the Kennedy Highway in the direction of Atherton to Mount Hypipamee National Park, there you can see Dinner Falls (another pretty little swimming spot) and the Hypipamee Crater, which is actually a volcanic pipe that is connected to other volcanic formations in the surrounding area (not Eacham or Barrine though).
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24 COvER stORy CONtiNuEd...
WATERFALL CIRCUIT
Hypipamee Crater
Ellinjaa Falls
Zillie Falls
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If you continue up to Atherton on the Kennedy Highway, you can get back to Cairns via the Gilles Highway driving through Yungaburra, back to Gordonvale and then Cairns. To make most of the journey take your own picnic lunch, swimwear, a hat, towel, sunscreen, water and your camera of course! If you plan to do any of the walking tracks make sure you have good walking shoes. And if it始s raining, be careful on the wet, winding roads. You will need a whole day to do the above so the earlier you leave Cairns, the more you will get out of the circuit. However, if you are short of time, then skipping Lake Eacham and Barrine will save a bit. Enjoy!
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25 CaMPERvaN ROad tRiP
THE GREAT EAST COAST ROAD TRIP Everyone loves a road trip, and for both Aussie始s and tourists the East Coast of Australia is the perfect route to enjoy life on the road. Before you set off, your first stop is the Travellers Auto Barn, which offer a great range of campervans and cars/station wagons for sale with guaranteed buy back. Don始t want to buy? The Travellers Auto Barn also have a large range of cheap camper van hire and campervan rentals from 6 Australia wide locations: Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Perth and Melbourne. Travellers Auto Barn have had over 15 years experience and have a three day 100% money back guarantee, so you can rest easy knowing your in reliable hands! Other benefits include a 14 day total warranty, 5000km engine warranty, 1800 free-call advice and support hotline, 24 hour roadside assistance, advice for all your car ownership issues such as registration, and they even have third party property insurance available too.
Travellers Auto Barn have great information on their website such as: Choosing the Right Car, Working advice, Courses, Travel Features, photo galleries and more! Bear in mind before you head off that Cairns to Sydney is nearly 3000km so give yourself enough time, you need at least thee weeks. Take more time to visit those places off the beaten track that some overlook, to get that authentic Aussie road trip adventure! March and April are the best months as the weather is hot with blue skies to make those gorgeous beaches even more tantalising (and all the kids have gone back to school!). You don始t need a 4WD unless you plan to visit Fraser Island but if you change your mind mid-trip just hire a 4WD at Hervey Bay or join a tour! You can use your driving licence in Australia as long as it is in English, if it始s not, you will need to carry a translation with you. If you are buying a car you need and want to get insurance you will need either an International drivers licence or an Australia licence.
For more information, visit Travellers Auto Barn website: www.travellers-autobarn.com.au
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26 BaCKPaCKERs
POP VOX Holly, Amy, Heather & Sarah From: England How long have you been in Cairns? He: A week nearly.
Janis & Stacie From: Canada How long have you been in Cairns? S: Three days, this is our third day. We will be here ten days probably. Why did you come to North Queensland in the wet season? J: We are meeting friends here and then we are travelling down the East Coast. What do you do when itʼs raining? S: Just sit and read, or drink. J: Or shop. Why do you love Cairns? J: I love how tropical it is, because we were just in Sydney. S: Itʼs totally different, I love it.
Henrik & Simon From: Sweden How long have you been in Cairns? H: One week S: But we have been to Cape Tribulation as well, so in Cairns a few days. Why did you come to North Queensland in the wet season? S: Because itʼs winter at home. What do you do when itʼs raining? S: Itʼs not bad if itʼs raining because itʼs warm rain so you can do whatever. Why do you love Cairns? H: Nice city, lots of restaurants, nice lagoon S: I like the people they are helpful they take time for you. And itʼs warm. S: Itʼs a good backpacker base, you can find cheap hostels H: Itʼs a lot cheaper here than Sydney and Byron Bay.
Mona & Wanja From: Switzerland 26
Why did you come to North Queensland in the Wet Season? He: Because we didnʼt know it was the wet season! A: We had a rainy day yesterday, we did the reef on a rainy day, it was a good rainy day. He: Youʼre wet anyway. H: We sat on the top of the boat and got completely drenched What do you do when itʼs raining? A: We probably go to see something in the city, go shopping, do washing or play cards, internet cafe. Why do you love Cairns? A: The people Ho: We like the town atmosphere more than the big cities because we come from a small town ourselves. He: The Great Barrier Reef Ho: Cape Tribulation
How long have you been in Cairns? W: One day. M: We are staying three days.
What do you do when itʼs raining? M: Catch up on travel diary, read my book, send e-mails, relax.
Why did you come to North Queensland in the wet season? W: We had our five weeks to spend in Australia and we wanted to travel the East Coast and we had to decide where to start and we agreed to finish in Sydney and we wanted to see the rainforest and everything because we donʼt have that in Europe.
Why do you love Cairns? M: The weather, because its warm and in Switzerland itʼs winter W: I really like that itʼs green here, thatʼs the most beautiful thing I think.
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28 WEt sEasON dEC/JaN 28 sEasONs
The magic of
Wet Season The Wet (or Monsoon) Season is a part of life to those living in tropical or sub-tropical regions, and that includes the locals in the Cairns area. The humidity, heat and torrential rain just has to be tolerated, and for backpackers you can change your travel plans to avoid being affected. However, there are times when everyone is at risk to storms, floods and cyclones, and for a cyclone you need to be at least kind of prepared. If you plan to be travelling in the NT, QLD, NSW or northern WA in the next few months, keep reading. Firstly, if you want to keep yourself informed, the best and most important source of information is the following website: www.disaster.qld.gov.au. Write it down, put it in your phone, it will assist you not only in floods and cyclones but other disasters such as bush fires and more. FLOODS Flash Floods like the ones that happened in Grantham and Brisbane last year are difficult to prepare for, as they happen so suddenly. However, heavy rain in mountainous areas and continuous heavy rain for days are early warning signs. Meteorologists do put out warnings if there is a risk of flash floods so itʼs always a good idea to keep up to date with weather warnings. Some good websites and apps are: http://www.bom.gov.au/ (Australian Bureau of Meteorology) www.meteoblue.com (worldwide, quite accurate, will even do the weather for the town closest to Everest Base Camp) Pocket Weather AU app for iPhone or iPad ($1.99) Also, if you are one of the many planning a road trip down the East Coast of Australia, then during the wet season the Bruce Highway can easily get cut off from flood water. It is possible to take inland routes to get around the problem, but its likely other, smaller roads could be flooded too. Bear in mind also, that during heavy rain, the Bruce Highway can get cut off in multiple places. The RACQ website is a good one to visit to check road closures and also gives you a few general tips. Note that the Kuranda Range/Kennedy Highway, Gillies Highway and Mossman-Mount Molloy Road may have landslides over the road after heavy rain or a cyclone and itʼs best to check before driving up or down. http://www.racq.com.au/travel/Maps_and_Directions/road_conditi ons (RACQ) http://131940.qld.gov.au/Home.aspx (Main Road QLD) Itʼs also important to mention that if you plan to drive in NT, WA and central/western QLD that floods can cut off remote roads for
weeks. Creeks and rivers are crossable with a 4WD, but if you are in doubt and unsure of the depth or speed of the water, itʼs advised not to cross. Another no brainer really, is not to swim in flooded creeks, rivers and waterways. If you experience a flood similar to the Brisbane floods earlier this year, donʼt swim in the water as there will be sewage, pesticides from farms, other chemicals and oils and most likely snakes and other wildlife trying to find dry land. Here in Cairns the ever popular Crystal Cascades can get very flooded and yes, after a bit of rain it is really fun to get a tube and do your own trip like in Vang Vieng, however, after lots of heavy rain it can get a bit unsafe swimming right in the rapids. CYCLONES Many of you may have read/heard about cyclone ʻYasiʼ the monster storm that hit the North QLD coast earlier this year in February at Mission Beach. Note that cyclones also frequently hit the coast in NT and northern WA as well as QLD! Hopefully it was a one off but you never know what this wet season will bring. Cyclones, unlike flash floods, can give you a few days or even sometimes a weeks notice, so there is no excuse for finding yourself stranded and confused the day or night it hits the coast, however, freaking out and getting in panic wonʼt do much good either. To be fair, most hostels should assist you with information, advice, or evacuation (if necessary) in the event of a cyclone. Yes, a lot of hostels are in the city and close to that beautiful lagoon, which, in the case of flooding and a storm surge, and king tide would go underwater. However, in my mothers 57 years she has never seen that happen so donʼt fret just yet, even Yasi, which was heading straight for us, diverted at the last minute and headed for poor Mission Beach. Checking websites, local TV, or listening to the radio if youʼre driving around (knowing thereʼs a cyclone threat) helps keep you informed. Youʼd be surprised at the number of locals at the pub and bottle shop the night before a cyclone hits - stocking up, however, evacuation centres allow no alcohol, weapons or pets, so if you were tempted to throw a Cyclone Party, you might have to change your plans. The best cyclone advice is BE PREPARED… like a good little Cub Scout, but itʼs unrealistic and unpractical for backpackers to be carrying cyclone supplies around for months. There is a Woolworths in town, if you need stuff, you can get it if you need to.
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30 hOt sPOts
RATTLE N HUM Where the locals and tourists flock together
Standing proudly on the Esplanade, looking out to sea, Rattle n Hum is an institution in Cairns and is popular with both the locals and travellers to Cairns for its great food and atmosphere. Running for 15 years, Rattle n Hum has seen Cairns change and grow into the tourist Mecca it is today! However, despite the changes to this city, some things still stay the same: big, good quality meals at affordable prices with a friendly and inviting environment for all that walk through the door. Located near the Night Markets on the Esplanade, Rattle n Hum is a great place to break up your sunbathing stint at the lagoon and escape the blazing heat of summer for an ice cold beer and to fill up for another round. Going out on the town? Head to Rattle for dinner, a few drinks and to kick off your night out. Laid back and friendly, enjoy a wood-fired pizza or a hearty steak and salad in an Aussie pub experience with a cosy, relaxed feel and friendly atmosphere. Rattle is a busy bar and grill, the meals are big, delicious and great value for money and together with vibrant, friendly staff, Rattle n Hum is a great way to spend the night! So whether you're looking for somewhere to have lunch, dinner or just a drink, Rattle n Hum is the place you want to be. Rattle n Hum Bar & Grill features a large wood-fire stone pizza oven, creating delicious hot pizzas, and they offer a good range of burgers, steak, chicken and fresh seafood off the
grill, plus pastas and salads to suit everyone’s tastes. They also have Food Specials available every week - check with the friendly staff! Order any main meal from the favourites menu between 5 & 7pm and receive 20% Discount Off your Bill. I sat down to tuck into the Zeus Deluxe, one of Rattle n Hum’s famous wood-fired pizzas. With a creamy garlic base, marinated lamb, field mushrooms, red onion, spinach and fetta, topped with a tzatziki yoghurt swirl… it was mouthwateringly good! The lamb was tender and went perfectly with the oozing cheese and woody mushrooms. The spinach added weight to each mouthful with the creamy garlic base, which was finished of with the delicious tang of the tzatziki. Thanks to Luke and Bridget for such a great lunch! Taking a look at the pizza menu at Rattle n Hum, they all look delicious, and at such a great price, it’s tempting to just sit there and work your way through the list! Rattle also serves a great range of the coldest local and International beers, Australian and New Zealand wines and cocktails from the tropics! If you’re into sport then Rattle n Hum has everything you need in the Sidebar, with all the sport channels: Fox, ESPN etc. and there is always a game on to enjoy with a drink and your mates. So what are you waiting for? Head down to Rattle n Hum today for refreshing drinks, great food and awesome atmosphere! Open everyday 11.30am until late.
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GETWET
• reporter Christina Roberts and friend at Crystal Cascades
31 COOL sPOts
FRESHWATER ROCKPOOLS AND CREEKS:
SANDY BEACHES:
Crystal Cascades 33 minutes by car. Head north of sheridan street to Freshwater, then Redlynch until you reach the large brown Crystal Cascades sign. Stunning water holes and refreshing icy cold water cascading down huge, smoth boulders into shallow pools. When you reach crystal cascades, instead of following the footpath on the right, you can venture to the left and find a dirt track to Fairy Falls. A small secluded fresh water waterfall and pool.
Stretched over 26km of beautiful coastline, Cairns has seven stretches of beaches to choose from. It’s easy to get to the northern beaches via bus or car. Simply follow captain cook highway up north and keep an eye out for the road signs directing you to the beach you desire.
Stoney Creek 24 minutes by car, via Captain Cook highway, take your first exist at the last roundabout across from Tjapukai onto Brinsmead Kamerunga road. Follow the road through caravonica till you meet a right turn down Stoney creek road. Lake Placid 24 minutes by car from the city. This rainforest lake is the home of a multitude of birds and wildlife. Feed ducks, swim in the lake and hire a canoe. With live music at Jungle Jack’s Boathouse on specific times of the week.
Machans Beach 15 minutes away, just a few kilometers out of Cairns, Kewarra is easily the closest beach to the city, However, it is the most eroded beach out of the seven. Holloways Beach 18 minutes from Cairns with coconut palm trees overhanging the beachfront. With BBQ facilities and the closest beachfront accommodation in Cairns. Yorkey’s Knob 23 minutes from the city with beachfront parks, a beautiful marina and boat ramp. BBQ facilities and amentities. Trinity Beach 26 minutes away from the city, Trinity Beach is one of the most popular beaches. Including bars and variety of restaurants along the esplanade. Including free BBQ facilities, amenities, and water sports equipment for hire.
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Skateboarding
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3 Massage
Study English
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Shiva Moon
Also NOW HIRING OUT Long Boards
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5 DIVE GEAR
6 Van Rental
7 Hair Salon
8 Extreme Adventure Stuff
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10 Tattooist
Great food, Nando始s
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11 Medical Centre
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16 Everything Music
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hEadiNg 17 38 Ugg Boots Specialists
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19 Cairns Tattoo
20 Adult Entertainment
21 Adult Entertainment
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40 thE gREat BaRRiER REEF
Reef
“Waters with alluring hues of turquoise and aquamarine and an undersea world of colours that artists only dream about, this is the Great Barrier Reef.”
The Great Barrier Reef is of such pristine condition that it was listed by the World Heritage Trust as a protected site and is therefore managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority to ensure that its beauty is maintained for many generations to come. Visitors in their thousands come to marvel at the spectacular sight seeing opportunities that is unique to our area. Off the Cairns coastline are outer edge ribbon reefs which can be seen by taking one of the daily outer reef cruises offered by local operators. One of the best ways to view the reef is to take a low flying scenic flight over it, especially at low tide where you'll see the breadth and diversity of this great living wonder. The waters off the great barrier reef provide the world's busiest and most varied marine habitats. Marine life is in abundance. From the many species of coral to the sought after Black Marlin and all sizes and species of fish inbetween. The varied colours of the reef's fish and other marine life will astound the visitor with colour combinations
that artists haven't even dreamed of. Although the reef stretches more than 2000 kilometres offshore from Queensland, it is only at Cape Tribulation, just north of Port Douglas that the reef comes right to the shore and meets the tropical rainforests of the Wet Tropics. The Reef has over 1000 islands which are easily accessible from North Queensland and coastal cities like Cairns and Port Douglas are idealistically positioned to visit these. The coral islands are very popular tourist attractions, the closest to Cairns being Green Island and Franklin Island. Whilst these islands are great for one day trips (having the shortest commute), the outer reefs are by far the more spectacular. Consider an overnight trip for the ultimate experience to the outer reef. All the dive boats are luxurious and the staff have extensive experience of the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re just not adventurous enough to don the mask and dive.... you’l be surprised how much you can see from just snorkelling. You can even hear the parrot fish munching on the coral!
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42 PhOtO COMPEtitiON
Send us your travelling photos to WIN!!! Each month send us your travel photos to WIN great prizes! This month you can be in the draw for a double pass to enjoy a Sunset Cruise on Trinity Inlet: Picture yourself drinking sparkling wine on deck while watching the tropical sunset from Trinity Inlet. A sunset cruise aboard the MV Crocodile Explorer sets .-,+.*),+(*'+&)+%)(*'$,#&"!,+, ,) )$+-,',+ )+ &'+ *'.-+ %,,) !&) + +*%'+(' ,) ! + ', +$',,.+ *%+*)+"*&' + *%+ !!+",+* ,', +&+ ,! * ,+ ' ) + .*+,) * +*)+ , + ' *'+.*+ , &'.%', + , &' )$+&.+ +.-,+ '% ,+&!!* + & ,)$,' +.*+ *& + )+",&% (%!+ , +*(+.-,+ &.,' & + &)$'* , +&) + mountains in the magical early evening sun, returning at 7pm. *'+ *',+ )(*' & *)+ . +www.cairnssunsetcruises.com.au
Send your best photo along with your name, e-mail address, phone number &) +"' ,(+, !&)& *)+.* chelsea@cbxmagazine.com.au+" +.-,+ .-+*(+ &' -+.*+ by the 20th MARCH to WIN!!!
PHOTO COMPETITION!
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PARTY
44 PaRtyiNg iN CaiRNs
P.J. O’BRIEN’S This Traditional Irish pub is located in the absolute centre of town, and come night time it’s the heart of the city. Live entertainment includes Coyote Ugly nights (Wednesday and Saturday), with girls dancing live on the bar top, a wild night out. If you are up for some fun, Pole Idol competitions are held weekly and anyone can enter. Locals tend to meet there in the early evening, and with a large number of Plasma’s it’s a great place to watch major sporting events. We all love the Irish, and this venue offers a welcome that only the Irish can extend. Every night Great prizes & Promos
SHIELDS STREET
The Green Ant Cantina The Green Ant has become popular amongst locals and travelers alike since opening in 2001. It’s one of the few places where you can eat, drink and party. The Green ant is at the forefront of the live music scene in Cairns with local, national and international acts every week. But it’s not just live music, there’s also DJs spinning everything from hip hop to house music in all its forms. The Green Ant has some of the best cocktails in town and their signature Fishbowl Margarita is sure to get the party started!
The Courthouse Hotel The Cairns Courthouse Hotel is a pristine and stylish venue catering to both locals and visitors, for a multitude of occasions, making it one of the most versatile bars in Far North Queensland. Cairns Courthouse Hotel provides entertainment for the mildly active through to the hardened sports fans, televising all the big sporting matches across its 50 plasmas including the big screen in the front yard. And, that’s only part of what’s on offer, Cairns Courthouse Hotel also hosts the famous ‘Crab Races’ Wednesday nights in the front yard (or on the Deck if it’s raining). Come the weekend its business in the back and parties in the front, with live entertainment and plenty of open space all weekend for you to kick back and enjoy yourself. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner offers a traditional Italian inspired menu with irresistible daily specials starting from $9.99.
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PARTY
45 PaRtyiNg iN CaiRNs
GRAFTON STREET Gilligan’s is Cairns largest party venue boasting thousands up thousands of punters through the doors every week. Popular with the locals and the travellers, Gilligan’s is a non-stop party 7 nights per week!With 3 area’s of entertainment covering all styles of live music and dj’s there is something for everyone. Whether you want to longue by the pool, get messy with Jelly Wrestling, Aussie trivia with Bogan Bingo, do your country proud in Bikini Babe Nation or Flirt It up on Ladies Night Thursdays! From Thursday to Monday the back deck comes alive from 7pm with Cairns favourite live acts! Wednesdays and Sundays check out AJ Hackett’s Flying Fox, the only flying fox in a bar in Australia! Weekends there is no other place to be! Regularly hosting Australia’s best Dj’s and entertainers, Gilligan’s is Cairns home for Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi. Gilligan’s has also hosted Bombs Away, Nino Brown, Dj Kronic, Nick Thayer, Will Styles, Sal La More to name a few and many more to come.. Keep an eye on www.thegspotcairns.com or www.facebook.com/gilligans.spot for info on upcoming events
The Woolshed, you've heard about it, yes? Well now its your turn... Each and every night the Woolshed goes off to all hours of the morning with wild parties, table dancing, crazy games, live music, djs and awesome giveaways and an atmosphere taken to a whole new level. Try your luck in Monday nights Backpacker Bingo or even lap up your 15 minutes of fame in the Mr and Mrs Backpacker comp, trips to Cape Tribulation and White Water Rafting on the Tully River to be won with Jungle Tours and R'N'R Rafting. If luck is not on your side then give your brain an overdue workout in Tuesday nights 'Team Trivia' with $100 cash up for the winners. Wednesday nights are reserved for bizarre, brave and crazy. The Woolshed Wet-T-Shirt competition headlines this unforgettable evening, the hottest ladies and the best movers battle it out for a share in the up to $500 in cash and prizes. Check 'em out or better still let them check you out as the crowd cast their vote on the deserved winners. Earlier, experience the newest and most exciting ground breaking innovation sport in modern sport, the hilarious World
Championships of Goldfish Racing. You and seven other will represent your country in a bid to be crowned World Champions. Ladies Night Thursdays are the toast of the town, champagne and topless bartenders attract the tastiest mix of ladies from around the world. Loads of of fun early on for 16 lucky people who are drawn out at random to take part in the Woolshed's adaptation of the TV Game show 'Deal or no Deal' aptly renamed 'Meal or no Meal! One lucky person will find themselves in the hot-seat for a chance at winning a CDC 5 Day dive course or even 14,000ft Skydive with Skydive Cairns! Friday and Saturday nights never end at The Woolshed with 2 levels and 2 parties catering for all taste in music, this place is one you will not forget, guaranteed. To finish the week off in true style we have Babe Nation Sundays. This starts off early and just gets bigger and better as the night goes on. At 9:30pm we pick 8 people from the crowd in a bid to find a winner for an AJ Hackett Bungy Jump in our crazy and funniest game 'Vibrator Racing'. Champagne and topless bartenders work wonders again a little after the race has finished before the big event at Midnight Babe Nation where girls are invited to come and get painted up to represent their countries for the chance to win up to $500 in cash and prizes! Check out the undisputed deal, the steal, the sale of the century - the $8 - $10 - $12 Meal Deals. Everyone raving about it so do yourself a favour and top and tail your next night out at The Woolshed!
SHIELDS STREET
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46 PaRtyiNg iN CaiRNs
PARTY
The Lounge With its plush surrounds, intimate lighting system and Dj's 7 nights a week, sets the mood for a great night out. It's actually a hip mini dance club; small enough to feel cosy, big enough to swing your hips without inviting a stranger to a pump and grind session! It's located under The Wool Shed (there's internal stairs between the two bars), so backpackers are more than welcome to meet up at The Lounge. While at The Lounge we recommend you induge in a few of their delicous cocktails, have a chat and a dance up it up all night long. You will also find the lighting system mesmerising and the music just the right balance, always the last bar open in Cairns... check it out! SHIELDS STREET.
The Attic Cutting edge contemporary interior design, makes this mini club, located upstairs at Gilligan's, one of the 'must-be-seen' venues in Cairns. It's The VIP area, if you like. It has a "Wow", retro meets antiquities design, and it's worth dressing up and putting on your best frock to meet up at the Attic. It boasts an ambitious selection of cocktails and service accompanied by an exotic blend of sounds from around the globe with a warm uplifting atmosphere that'll leave all your senses tingling.
Q Sports Bar You'll love this place; brand spanking new; great modern decor with leather seats; 4 gleaming pool tables and 2 full size snooker tables; surrounded by 13 large screens showing your favourite sports; Large glass doors open to street side seating, breezy now that things are starting to cool down in Cairns. What more could you need? Chill out - you're at Q Sport Bar on Sheridan Street. It's young, fresh and trendy and always showing the latest games - or ask the great bar staff to switch channel if you are interested in a particular match/sport. It's no problem at Q Sport bar, where everyone is relaxed and laid back. Tuesdays are popular with half price pool, or try a hussle on Wednesday for the free pool competition (sign on by 7pm). Pool happy hours are between 6pm and 7pm - just $1 for 1 hour, and if snooker is your thing, it doesn't cost any extra. It's Cairn's perfect chillin spot, and a 'mates meeting place' where you can just be yourself and practice your cue skills at the same time. Head on down to the Q Sports Bar - it's easy to find - on the main Sheridan Street right in town.
Ultimate Party Intense Pub Crawl style party on an iconic double decker Bus - The open top bus will take you on a 5 hour travelling party, with stops at 5 different venues to which you are a VIP guest, courtesy of Ultimate Party. The value for money is unsurpassable, with a free meal at your first venue, free souvenir group photo, Pizza at your 4th venue, not to mention the chance to win over $1200 worth of prizes with the party games. It’s 5 hours of madness and mayhem on the Ultimate Party bus, and for just $25. Call: 4041 0332 to book a place on the bus, or ask your hostel .
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• Und erw ate r rep orte r Chr istin a Rob erts
48 thE gREat BaRRiER REEF
Underwater
PHOTOGRAPHS
A Great Barrier Reef trip is a once in a lifetime experience, and catching it all on vid/camera is the only way to hold your memories and boast to your mates back home about what you see. In fact, a waterproof camera is as essential to your GBR trips as your breathing apparatus, so make sure your getting the good stuff. In Cairns, Wet Rez are experts on underwater photography and can help you with either waterproofing your current camera, or hiring you a camera that will provide you with hundreds of pics and some great movies of what you see.
Photos taken with the underwater camera
a
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Here are some tips from the Wet Rez desk:
1
AVOID taking photos of the first bit of reef or fish you see, Have a look around the area and size up the opportunities.
2 3
TRY to keep the sun behind you
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COMPOSITION is important, especially for reef landscape photos. Select a colourful or vibrant coral as your focal point.
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FOR FISH or turtle photos, try to capture the subject in the centre of the frame. The best way to do this is to predict the path of the animal and let it swim into the frame, rather than "Chasing it down".
GET as close as possible to the subject. (please disregard this advice if you are trying to capture a picture of a great big hungry looking shark!)
Cameras are available for hire or you can buy, and there's a great selection of cameras and accessories for novice and professionals. You also receive a CD with all your pics which will be the best souvinir of your trip to the reef. See Wet REZ on Shields Street, near the Esplanade (opposite McDonalds/Lagoon).
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50 thE gREat BaRRiER REEF
LEARN TO DIVE WORLDWIDE
An SSI scuba diving course will not only give you the chance to discover the Great Barrier Reef during your holiday, but will give you a licence to dive around the world… forever! There’s the Learn to Dive course, which is a qualifying course that will give you certification as a recreational scuba diver. On completion of the course, which takes an average of 4 days, you will receive a licence that is valid for life, and is recognised all around the world. The course usually includes a few days completing pool dives and knowledge development sessions and finishes with a minimum of four open water dives on the Great Barrier Reef. There are also “Referral Learn to Dive” programs, which give you a chance to get your open water licence in two parts – theory at home and practice here on the Great Barrier Reef! Once you have all the beginner stuff out of the way, doing an Advanced Open Water course is the important first step in continuing your dive education. It is designed to give the newly certified or not so experienced diver added confidence and enjoyment in their diving through additional skills and training. And just to make it that little easier training material is available in 25 languages. Your fun star ts online! Complete your dive theory for free by clicking on this button INSERT PICTURE OF BUTTON at www.diveSSI.com You can complete the theory component at your own pace in the comfort of your own home or during your travels before you get to the Great Barrier Reef so once you arrive the water awaits.
Fur ther Training The Stress & Rescue course is where the diver moves beyond recreational diving. By expanding their knowledge of the “science” aspects of diving and rescue/emergency techniques, the diver is now equipped to appreciate and understand the importance of training relevant to diver safety and incident management. On to the “serious stuff” – the Dive Guide and Divemaster courses are the first level of the “professional” ratings. On successful completion of this program you will be qualified to supervise recreational diving activities, either boat or land-based. It also allows you to act as an Instructional Assistant, and is the minimum rating required for employment in the diving industry. For those of you who love diving so much, don’t miss this opportunity to make a career of it. Scuba Schools International have employment opportunities available in many countries around the globe for good quality Instructors so delay act today! Instructor Training Course (ITC) is a two-week program, combining a mixture of training in the pool and classroom academic modules presented by yourself, the Instructor Trainer and fellow candidates. So whether you want to take up a new hobby, or carve out an entire career, these courses are designed to take you there. SSI is a worldwide certification program that has a global network of dive operators for all diving activities.
For more information visit www.diveSSI.com
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• reporters Christina Roberts and Ruby
52 thE gREat BaRRiER REEF
Day cruise with
DOWN UNDER DIVE
Friendly faces greeted us, although we were the last to board after running down the wharf because we were late for our day cruise. I was introduced individually to all the charismatic crewmembers that were on deck, and then sorted with flippers and a mask. Everything was smooth and well organized, down to the neat racks where you stashed your diving or snorkeling gear. We then went inside for our dive briefing whilst the boat started and headed out to sea. Mitsy, the dive instructor easily engaged all of our attention by including a bit of seamanly satire in his dive briefing. Time zoomed by and before we knew it we were at the brink of the reef, probably because Mitsy was making us laugh by warning us not to worry if a woman is overboard; of the people we shouldn’t punch on the boat and for us to not hand signal something is wrong underwater and then point at another diver as the problem - also we were on one of the fastest day trip vessels, Osprey V. Before we got into our dive gear we slip, slop, slapped on some sunscreen and sat in the sun on the front of the boat. I had three dives. The second dive was incredible, pretty close to my favourite dive so far! We saw a green turtle swimming against the current beside a high wall of different coral, a huge school of spotted sweet lip fish, clams and a lot of bi-colour parrotfish. It was so rad! I really regret not hiring an underwater camera for the day, especially because the visibility was unreal. The crew happily helped with our dive equipment while we were hopping out and while we were out of the water. Following our second dive was a hearty lunch buffet of steaks, sausages, fish, prawns, salami, pasta, salads and complementary wine. The variety was good! After lunch we relaxed on the boat for forty minutes, said hello to the captain in the cockpit and then got
prepared to jump back in for another guided dive. Getting a guided dive is the best way to find all the fascinating creatures of the sea. The dive masters generally have a lot more experience on the reef and obviously know where the good spots are. Mitsy, our friendly dive instructor accumulated 600 dives at the Great Barrier Reef, so we swam along with him! He lead us to the ‘castle’ (a castle shaped bombie) getting us there a lot faster by cutting corners. We passed around sea cucumbers, touched the smooth and soft edges of the insides of large clams and held crazy coloured nudibranchs/sea slugs. The guided dives were only an extra $10 and were definitely worth it. Once our dives were over, my beautiful buddy and I went snorkeling. It was really refreshing to swim around freely without all the gear strapped to us. The reef is a never-ending splendor, beside the beautifully coloured and contoured coral, we spotted a Potato Cod Fish (a large stretched looking spotted fish) and many species of angelfish. Lastly we took turns trying to hold our breath in attempt of getting deeper and closer to a beautiful purple clam. We swam back to the boat and then snacked on some crackers and cheese while we filled in our dive logbooks. Referring to the reef teach marine life charts was a handy way of learning and remembering what kind of ray or fish we saw in our dives. I had fun hanging about the boat and talking to some of the crew. When the cruise was over, out of courtesy I volunteered to help out and clean the boat a little bit, because I had such a beautiful day. Overall the whole day was lovely, relaxing and fun. Osprey V is an unbelievably speedy vessel! It reached the reef quicker than all the other boats which meant we had more time in the water!
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54 adRENaLiNE & advENtuRE
The number 1 way to see the reef!
VIEW FROM ABOVE If there is one thing about the destination of Cairns, the scenery stands out as simply magnificent. What’s more, the sheer size of the Rainforests sweeping down to the Coral Sea, when viewed from above, will take your breath away. In fact, there is no better way to ‘visit’ the Great Barrier Reef than to actually view it from the sky. This is why you will notice the postcards of the area are nearly always featured from above. If you were ever going to take a ride of you life, then by all means, Cairns is a first class area to try a helicopter ride. The thrill of the ride alone is an adventure, however, the views will give you
picturesque memories forever. Heli Charters are available for a quick tour around the city area (10 minutes), to complete visits to the outer barrier reef. A 20 minute rainforest tour, takes you up the Barron River to the spectacular falls then returns you along the coastline, or you can have your helicopter lift you over the reefs and join Osprey V for lunch and diving or snorkelling. This is by far a ‘complete’ way to really see why The Great Barrier Reef is recognized as the eighth wonder of the world - from above and from under the water. Highly recommended.
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WAXING while Travelling The Wax Pot and Tanning Studio is a relaxed beauty salon located in the heart of the City, and also at Earlville. It offers the visitor and locals alike, a unique salon experience by offering a wide range of treatments and services in an upbeat, funky atmosphere. It is a place where people meet and catch up with friends whilst attending to all their beauty needs. To set the scene for you, imagine painted concrete floors, corrugated iron, distressed timber work, bold colours, funky music and crazy, vibrant staff to pull it all together; and you have ‘The Wax Pot’. One of our most popular treatments we offer are our Henna Tattoo’s. You can choose from a wide range of Henna Designs or alternatively, design your own. The Tattoo last on average, two weeks and is applied by piping a Henna mix onto the skin in your chosen design. This product is all natural, made on site by our dedicated staff.
130 SHERIDAN STREET CAIRNS
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56 adRENaLiNE
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58 aCCOMOdatiON
HOSTELS
Ryan's Rest Restored Queenslander home, 11 rooms, 3/4km from Central Business District, short walk to shops/cafes, family owned and operated. Includes: Quiet neighboorhood, dive schools nearby, reading room, patio, pool... More Info Caravella's Backpackers 149 Cluster of homes and small apartments, 130 beds, 2km from Central Buiness district, on the Esplanade, short walk to shops and cafes. Includes: tour desk, swimming pool, BBQ, Pool table, table tennis, TV/Video. Castaway's Backpacker Cairns Small apartment building, 50 beds, 1km from Central Business district, shops and cafes very close by. Includes: pool, kitchen, laundry, fans, linen, safe, luggage storage, room fridges. Dreamtime Travellers Rest 2 homes, 25 beds, 1/2 km from Central Buiness District, short walk to shops and cafes, family owned and operated. Includes: pool, spa, residential neighborhood, close to dive schools, air-conditioned.
Bellview Hostel Hotel/Motel, in Central Business District, on the Esplanade, shops and cafes right outside the door, family owned and operated. Includes: airconditioning, pool, laundry, kitchen, TV room. Bohemia Central Backpackers Hostel Cluster of small apartments and homes. 110 beds, 1.5km from Central Buiness district. Located on quiet end of Esplanade. Includes: on-site cafe, pool, spa, kitchen. Cairns Central YHA Apartment/Motel in Central Business District, 156 beds, shops and cafes close by. Includes: Pool, ceiling fans, kitchen, mail services, tour desk. bicycles, car parking, TV. Cairns Girls Hostel Old time Queenslander, recently renovated, in quiet section of Central Business District, 36 beds, shops and cafes next door, family owned and operated. Includes: tour desk, kitchen, laundry. Caravella's Backpackers 149 Cluster of homes and small apartments, 130 beds, 2km from Central Buiness district, on the Esplanade, short walk to shops and cafes.Includes: tour desk, swimming pool, BBQ, Pool table, table tennis, TV/Video. Corona Backpackers Apartment, 18 rooms, located in Central Business district. Shops and cafes right oustide door. Included: 4share dorms and double rooms, all with room fridges, tour desk, linen Free nightly restaurant meal.
Esplanade Hostel Apartment, 50 rooms, 130 beds, in Central Business district, on the Esplanade, shops and cafes adjacent. Includes: Pool, garden, BBQ, Sky TV, air conditioning, laundry, tour desk. Free: airport/bus/train transfers, luggage storage. Gilligan's Backpackers Purpose-built hostel, 300+ beds, in Central Buiness district. Close to Pro Dive Cairns dive school. Includes: ensuite bathrooms, fridge, TV, Pool, linen, air-conditioned, internet cafe, social evenings, bar, casino, 24-hour reception, live entertainment, laundry. Global Palace Hotel/Apartment, recently totally remodeled, 165 beds, in Central Business District, shops and cafes right outside the front door. Includes: air-conditioning, mirrors, carpet, TV/reading room, Internet access. Inn The City Hostel/Motel in quiet section of Central Business District, 74 beds, shops and cafes close by. Includes: Pool, kitchen, garden area, tour desk. luggage storage, TV.
Northern Greenhouse Backpackers Apartment/Hotel, 70 beds, located in central business district, close to everything. Includes: air conditioning, pool, bbq, dining area, games area, laundtry, 24-hour reception, tavern. Shenannigans Renovated pub/motel , 60 beds, located in Central Business district, 4 blocks from Esplanade. Shops nearby. Includes: bar/beer garden, kitchen, laundry, tour desk, TV lounge. Calypso Inn Cluster of houses, 165 beds, 1.5 km from Central Buiness District, short walk to shops/cafes. Includes: Large pool, licensed bar/restaurant, internet facillities, night security watchman, daily room cleaning. Bel Air by the Sea Hostel Cluster of small apartments and homes. 110 beds, 1.5km from Central Buiness district. Located on quiet end of Esplanade. Includes: on-site cafe, pool, spa, kitchen.
International Hostel Hotel, 140 beds, on the Esplanade and in Central Business District, shops and cafes downstairs. Includes: Spring mattresses, laundry, kitchen, tour desk, garden, sun deck.
Tropic Days 2 restored Queenslander homes, 35 beds, 1.5km from Central Business district, short walk to shops and cafes, family owned and operated. Includes: quiet neighborhood, fans, AC, no bunks, kitchens, laundry, pool, garden.
Jimmy's on the Esplanade Apartment/Hotel, 30 beds, located in Central Business District, on the Esplanade, short walk to shops and cafes. Includes: Shoreline location, all rooms air-conditioned, Pool, TV lounge, kitchen.
Cairns Beach House Large apartment complex, recently totally remodeled, 160 beds, 2km from Central Business District, right next to shops/cafes. Includes: Beer garden, bistro, large pool, kitchen, BBQ, laundry, nternet/[phone facility.
Gecko's Backpackers Cluster of homes, 40 beds, 1/2 km from Central Buiness district. Shops close by, family owned and operated. Includes: Pool, linen, hammocks, kitchen, laundry, ample parking, tour desk. Gone Walkabout 2 homes, 17 rooms, 1/2 km from Central Buiness District., short walk to shops and cafes. Includes: Pool, No TV, BBQ, quiet residential neighborhood, airconditioning, 2 kitchens, safe, internet access. JJ's Backpackers Apartment/motel, 70 Beds, 1.5km from Central Business District, short walk to shops and cafes. Includes: Pool, BBQ, TV, pool table, table tennis, bike hire, YHA/VIP discounts. Big Backyard Hostel 3 renovated homes, with one giant backyard, 54 beds, 1/2km from Central Business district. Short walk to shops, cafes, family owned and operated. Includes: no bunks, pool, spa, kitchens, laundry, reading room. Serpent Hostel Purpose-built hostel, 290 beds, located 3km from Central Business district, 2 blocks from Esplanade. Shops 2 blocks away. Includes: Large pool, AC, sand volleyball, tour desk, TV lounge, internet, bar/cafe. Travellers Oasis 3 Queenslander homes, 50 beds,1/2 km from Central Buiness district, family owned and operated. Includes: Pool, linen, quiet neighborhood, close to dive schools, air-conditioned.
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ACTIVITIES
photo Jungle Surfing in Cape Trib...
Cairns is a Disneyland when it comes to thrill seeking and adrenalin adventure, all in eco-surrounds and not a trashy roller coaster in sight. Where else can you raft the rapids amid glorious rainforest? Our Tully River has some hard core rapids and is a wet and wild adventure that will have your heart racing and some serious laughs in between! Have you ever taken a BMX bike off the roof of a purpose built bungy tower, glimpsing the coral sea on the horizon as you go? Here in Cairns our Bungy site has devised 16 different ways to bungy including the minjin swing and traditional swan dive, plummeting 164 feet with elastic strapped to your legs! How about taking the controls of a helicopter under the instruction of a professional pilot? Quad biking around dirt tracks in the Kuranda Rainforest, or horse
riding over creeks and through the forest? Or take the ultimate adrenalin rush when you freefall from an airplane, and then sweep to the ground under the safety of your parachute? Our own cable ski park is owned and operated by professional wake-boarders and you can try knee-boarding to get you started, or fly over the professional ramps if you are more experienced. Cairns also offers mountain biking, go-karting, hand gliding, absailing, kite surfing, and sea kayaking! Often referred to as an Eco-tourism haven, Cairns is one place you can get together with nature and test your nerves doing activities in a unique environment that will become lasting memories of your holiday in Australia.
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JUMP
AJ Hackett Cairns features the worlds first purpose built Bungy Jump tower, nestled in the rainforest twenty minutes from Cairns City. Itʼs the only bungy operation on the planet that offers sixteen different jump styles from the traditional swan dive to riding off the roof on a BMX bike. So wether youʼre a first time jumper and happy to just get off the edge or a seasoned thrill seeker thereʼs a unique jump style that will have you covered. Watch out for a bungy jumper or a minjin jungle swinger or you could take the plunge for yourself! Sol Sundays from 1pm-6pm is the time to visit if you want a laid back afternoon. With live local music and a free jumping castle for the kids, why not purchase a lunch at their Aussie BBQ. You could even climb the tower and try a jump or two. Before throwing yourself off into open space, take the time to see the wonderful scenic view. Where else can you see a view of the worldʼs famous Great Barrier Reef? Operating hours: AJ Hackett Cairns is open 364 days a year for operation (closed Christmas Day) from 10:00am – 5:00 pm
photo Bungy Jumping AJ HAckett
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62 hEadiNg NORth
CAPE TRIB Cape Tribulation: ancient forests, curious and fascinating wildlife, cool watering holes sprinkled with waterfalls, all sitting pretty on a stretch of pristine, white sand beaches and blue/green ocean that houses The Great Barrier Reef. This is what travellers dream of, and is where those lovely picture books of Australia get those wonderful images that entice you to ‘paradise’. The Daintree has some spectacular attractions and excellent accommodation choices making this World Heritage Listed Rainforest far more accessible than its competitor The Amazon. For this reason, backpackers have always included a trip to Cape Tribulation in their Cairns itinerary staying at popular backpacker resorts. Self-drivers love the trip up to Cape Trib (approx 2 ½ hours) with the impressive coastal road throwing a photographers dream of endless landscape shots (transfers are also available with PK’s). Eco-tourism is high on the agenda in Cape Tribulation, and it has won many awards for sustainable tourism to protect the ancient rainforest that has more than 3000 plant species and is home to about a third of Australia’s mammal species. Getting high in the Rainforest is also popular… with Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours. 6 high platforms and 5 flying fox runs – THIS is the most exciting way to see the Rainforest from a distinctly different view! Another way of seeing the WILD side of the Daintree is to jump on an Ocean Safari adventure where you can be whisked to the Reef super fast. Beach Horse Riding, Fruit Tasting, 4 WD Driving, Night time Wildlife Spotting Walks, and Sea Kayaking are also popular pastimes, and it’s a great beach location with miles and miles of sandy coves. Cape Trib is a quiet and relaxing environment, but you can still party with the Paradise Parties at PK’s Jungle Village.
Some History: In 1770 Captain Cook was sailing the Endeavour up the east coast, and making a chart of the coastline. He struck a reef about 40 kilometres north east of Cape Tribulation, now called the Endeavour Reef, and he named the point he had charted earlier in the day “Cape Tribulation because here began all our troubles.” Cape Tribulation became famous amongst young travellers and backpackers in the early 1980s, on the trail from Goa, Katmandu and Bali and is now one of the most recognizable tourist icons of the world. There are many things to do at Cape Tribulation, including diving and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef; exploring the rainforest with guided walking tours, on horse back or independently. To appreciate the wonderful view of the coastline and see where the rainforest meets the reef, paddle the coast in a sea kayak, and to learn more about the area visit The Bat House and eyeball a bat. If you just want to relax and enjoy the surroundings you can wander the deserted beaches which stretch for miles, meditate in the rainforest, or book a massage or spa therapy, and join yoga on the beach in the early morning. Cape Tribulation has a range of different types of accommodation to suit every visitor, all in superb natural settings — four star, three star and budget resorts, backpacker hostels, bed and breakfasts, holiday houses, and camping grounds. There is a small cluster of shops at Cape Tribulation which includes a pharmacy, two small supermarkets, an interpretive centre,a cinema and four restaurants within walking distance.
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IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE! “Rainforest wilderness like nowhere else in the World- with all the amenities tucked neatly in the jungle- Accommodation, convenience store, ATM, party bar, tours and loads more. Give it a go!!” Lance (publisher)
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Take a walk on the
HIGH SIDE
• reporter Chelsea Denny
To have a unique experience whilst you’re visiting this area, and for the best views in Cairns, head out to Gordonvale to climb Walsh’s Pyramid. Now is the best time to go with cool weather, clear skies and no muddy/boggy areas along the track. Growing up in Cairns and with family in the village of Aloomba nearby, Walsh’s Pyramid to me, dominates the landscape once you drive south past Edmonton on the Bruce Highway. It is a place of Aboriginal, historical and environmental significance. Also, every August, contestants race from the centre of Gordonvale to the top and back, the current record is 1 hour and 15 minutes! I however, tackled the mountain at a more leisurely pace, as 1. I’m not very fit and 2. As a general rule, I’m not a big fan of walking up any sort of incline. But with two locals (my brother and myself) and another two, hailing from England, we decided we should at least give it a go. We arranged to meet at 6:30am as to avoid climbing the steeper parts at the peak of the days heat, setting off at 7am. The usual time frame to climb up and back is 6 hours: 3 hours up (stopping regularly to rest), 1 hour at the top to recoup and 2 hours down. The first part was reasonably gentle with the landscape being a mixture of grassland and scrub. There wasn’t much tree cover but the sun had not been up long and the air was still cool so our diligently applied sunscreen was not yet needed. It was so beautiful at that time of the morning with the golden sun rays shining through the gum trees and illuminating the long grass and boulders. With lots of stopping, water, sweets and temporarily losing our way, we made it over the first hump (there are three). The track is well worn in places, and in others it’s necessary to stop and find the next marker so you know you’re on the right track, it’s really easy though, even for the most navigationally challenged – you just follow the orange triangles on the tree trunks and boulders. Forging on over the second hump the climb started to get steeper, with one point actually being a vertical scramble over a pile of boulders (completely safe – remember people RUN this track). By this time we could start to see the amazing view through the trees and only half-way up we already felt so high above the cane fields and so in awe of the great view. Climbing higher the view got better and better, but the sun got hotter and hotter. Glad we left early and stopping a lot for breaks, it seemed like the top was in view! It wasn’t, we had just reached the top of the second hump. Still, despite the heat we pressed on stopping to take photos and looking at animals and plants on the way. I should note here that the third ‘hump’ has a few smaller ones on it as well, but don’t despair, that means you’re minutes from the top! Knowing that we were so close gave us the momentum and energy for that final push to the top… and what a reward it was! The views from the top of Walsh’s Pyramid are amazing. At our
chosen rest spot right on top we were sitting on a massive boulder overlooking Aloomba and out to the mountains, and all the way out to sea. On the other side was a mountain range that loomed up, the feeling of being level with the top of that mountain range truly awesome. We enjoyed soaking up the view, having lunch and taking a well-deserved break to rejuvenate our bodies. I phoned my grandmother from the top and she flashed a mirror against the sun to us at the top and vice versa… the old wives tale IS true. After an hour we headed back down, trying to soak up and remember as much of the amazing view as we could; because as incredible as it looks in photos, it’s so much better experiencing it yourself. In between bouts of travelling, I’ve lived in Cairns for 19 years and this was my first time up Walsh’s Pyramid, and I can’t believe I overlooked this amazing natural beauty! Now I know how rewarding the experience is and how beautiful the scenery is will do it again before the temperature rises again. For backpackers this really is a ‘must-do’ that I think not many people know about. We did come across some Irish, English, American and Canadian travellers on the way up as we went down, but I think this experience is one not to be hidden from visitors. Yes, it’s a tough half-day (not nearly as bad as Bokor Hill in Cambodia), but the views are better (and more rewarding) than that of Skyrail and the best thing of all is that it’s completely FREE!! Most backpackers will say they went diving on the reef in Cairns, but not as many will say they climbed to one of the highest mountains in the area and got THE BEST views of Cairns and the surrounding area. Make your trip to this area a unique one and give Walsh’s Pyramid a go. For more information and directions how to get there:: www.cairnsattractions.com.au/a_walshs-pyramid.php.
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“The few days after your legs will feel stiff (donʼt organise anything too demanding) but itʼs a good pain, and youʼll soon forget it once youʼve uploaded your photos onto facebook and the comments from jealous friends and relatives flood in!”
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68 hEadiNg sOuth
When you’re heading down South...
Airlie beach Despite being a small and slightly bohemian café precinct on the beach, Airlie is equivalent to the massive Bondi Beach in popularity – especially for backpackers. Itʼs tight-knit, fun loving and carefree community marries with itʼs stunning beach – the gateway to The Whitsundays – and has become the “Must Stay” spot when travelling South from Cairns or North up the East Coast of Australia.
Whichever way you are going, Airlie will no doubt become part of your itinerary and you will take some magic memories from there. People relax in Airlie… itʼs got the “Manjana feel”, and as a result, people are themselves in Airlie, which consequently means you will meet some great people! Thereʼs plenty of partying, yet in a laid-back style, if you can possible imagine how those two contradictories nestle together! Diving is fantastic, with the Whitsundays within 3 hours sailing from the Airlie, lots of activities and really cool and welcoming bars too. The appeal of Airlie is no doubt the fact that it is the epitome of a beach town, and embraces everyone who visits, sometimes enamouring stop-over tourists so much that they stay for many weeks! With the sand streaming through your toes, youʼll love everything about Airlie. Plus you may get to stay at Magnums, the worldʼs best backpackers! Sometimes we wonder whether people flock to Airlie to see Airlie – or to stay at Magnums! Itʼs located right over the road from the main meeting hub – The Lagoon, and has a famous “Party Boardwalk” as well as itʼs entertainmentstacked Bar. Dorms, private rooms and even tent sites are all available and from eighteen bucks too.
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70 CaMPiNg
Itʼs the Aussie dream. Camping in the outback, under the stars, with a bush fire and billy tea on the boil. North Queensland has plenty of camping sites and
them.
this is a great way to experience the national parks
Camping in National Parks have rules which really
from Cairns to Kakadu.
need to be adhered to, both for your safety and to
Australia also has it’s dangers, so be prepared and
protect the environment. In general stick to the
ensure that you have good equipment and plenty of
following guideline:-
supplies. Contrary to popular belief you cannot simply
Use fireplaces where provided. If there is no fireplace
pull over by the side of the road and set up your tent.
use a gas stove. Extinguish all fires before leaving your
There are specific areas for camping and they should
site. Use bins where provided or take your rubbish
be adhered to. But do not fear. The allocated spots are
with you. Be considerate of other people visiting
usually the very best areas anyway and the camping
National Parks. Leave generators, compressors and
facilities are also very good.
loud stereos at home. No pets. Do not use soap in
The cost of using these facilities are absolutely
lakes, creeks or rivers. If toilets are not provided bury
minimal. Perhaps just a few dollars per night, so if you
human waste well away from creeks and lakes. Camp
are on a tight budget, this is the way to go for the real
away from walking tracks and waterways.
true blue experience. There are literally hundreds of
Always tell someone where you are going and when
camping grounds throughout North Queensland and
you expect to return
the best way to figure out where to go is to visit the
For more detailed information contact;
National
Queensland National Parks
Parks
and
Wildlife
Office
in
Cairns
(international telephone (07) 4052 3096). This will give
and Wildlife Service
you the specific information you need, directions and
Ground Floor, 160 Ann St. Brisbane.
advice and you can purchase permits directly from
Telephone (07) 3227 8185
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