Tropical Paradise Escape: Cairns Australia

Cairns is one of Australia's best-kept secrets. While it is well-known among us Aussies, it is not the first destination people think of when traveling from overseas. However, this tropical gem should definitely be added to your must-see list when jetting to Australia.

Cairns is in tropical north Queensland, right toward the top of Australia. It is easy to reach by plane, with its own international airport. It also makes for a great road trip from other parts of Australia.

The temperature in Cairns is warm all year round, reaching fairly extreme tropical temperatures in Summer, and remaining warm enough for t-shirts and shorts in Winter. It is definitely a great place to go if you are looking for a tropical escape, away from the cold that some other parts of Australia provide in comparison.

Cairns has been designed to appeal to tourists. Here you will find endless varieties of restaurants, with every cuisine imaginable, all lined along the happening zone of the Esplanade. The city is not large, but certainly not small either, with all essentials located within walking distance from one another.

Along the Esplanade is a man-made lagoon with lifeguards on patrol from 6am until 10pm every night. This town has certainly been designed with the safety and enjoyment of tourists and visitors in mind.

When in Cairns you are only a short bus or car trip away from so many other amazing Australian destinations. There is Port Douglas and its well-known Daintree rain forest less than an hour away. You can also take day trips to explore beaches, caves, islands and other wonderful landmarks. And while you are there, definitely ensure you take a trip up the Karanda railway, into the rain forest town in the mountains, then catch the skyrail back down, for an amazing aerial view of the mountain landscape.

And for the night life, come along to one of the many clubs, bars and restaurants that stay open late, every night of the week. Or if you fancy yourself lucky, head to the Casino, which even has a wildlife enclosure on the roof. And if that isn't enough, take a trip on one of the hundreds of cruise boats to one of the nearby islands, for your chance to snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef.

The options are endless in Cairns, making this city a must see destination on any trip down under to Australia.