Cairns - Spend a Day Beyond the Great Barrier Reef

A key reason to go to Cairns, Australia is to scuba or snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef. However there is more to this tropical city than wet suits and sunscreen. The initial surprise is the lack of actual beaches. Your flight swoops into Cairns and in the distance you see the clear waters of the Coral Sea and a topography not unlike that of Hawaii. Once on the ground you are reminded of Fort Lauderdale, Florida with the row of restaurants, dive shops, souvenir stops,and beach resort atmosphere. After seeing the mud flat esplanade, you understand why everyone in a swim suit is lounging around the large public pool or booking their dive trip for the next day. Dig deeper and you can book a side trip to take you on an exciting exploration inland.

Rise and catch the colorful rainforest bus which makes its first stop at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Center. Historical films discuss the plight of these Australian natives as the explorers made inroads into the country and co-opted the land. With the resurrection of the Aboriginal culture and efforts to preserve the old ways, you learn and appreciate the Aborigine skills in surviving in Australia. Hands on activities at the center find you throwing a boomerang, throwing a spear, and learning to recognize dangerous berries. One bush medicine lesson - boil it, soak it, heat it, then do it some more - then maybe the nuts and berries will not kill you.

From the cultural center, ride the Skyrail to Kuranda (a steep 7.5 km to the top of the rainforest). Your rail car glides over thick vegetation, tall trees, and a canopy of vines. Mountain gorges are breathtaking and you can catch a glimpse of blue shoreline far in the distance. Kuranda is a steep hilly town with a jungle walk that is well paved. There are places to eat some lunch, but the key to the town is the scenery - jungle greenery and wild flowers.

The best way to return to Cairns is by the Scenic Railway. As the railroad twists and turns through tunnels and mountains, you better appreciate the amazing Australian landscape. Another bonus to the ninety minute ride in the restored train is chatting with your seatmates and comparing restaurant notes. At the suggestion of some friendly Canadians, we went to the Cityplace area of Cairns for an excellent Italian meal. The restaurant, called Piccolo Cucina, is owned by a man who's father was an Italian who came to Australia during World War II. The father fell in love, and the owner, as a kid learned to cook from his Italian grandmother when he visited Italy in the summer. However his roots are in Australia, and he shares his cuisine with Cairns.

Due to the humidity of the rainforest, you end your day in Cairns a bit wet, even though you did not go to the reef. You do have a better appreciation of the variety of landscape surrounding Cairns and you have soaked up some history too.