Discovering Cairns: My Top 4 Hidden Gems and Must-Visit Spots on the Map
Before I arrived, a friend suggested I choose the Whitsundays over Cairns, but my heart was set on both skydiving 🪂 and bungee jumping, so Cairns it was. However, I doubt I’ll be returning; I found it a bit lackluster [Cry-laughing emoji].
I wouldn’t really recommend the city center; there’s not much to do, the food is mediocre, and the prices are steep. The night market was the only place I visited, and it was just okay—there wasn’t much to see. After extensive research, I’ve discovered these 4️⃣ spots that are definitely worth a visit 😊
1️⃣ Mission Beach
Perfect for leisurely walks and skydiving 🪂, this place boasts stunning scenery and a peaceful atmosphere (check out my previous notes for specific skydiving 🪂 tips).
2️⃣ Mossman Gorge
Nestled within the Daintree Rainforest, this location was also a filming site for the iconic movie 🎬 “Avatar.” Given the vastness of the Daintree and my recent visit to Tamborine National Park, I felt that tropical rainforests have a similar vibe, so I opted for this spot.
The 2-kilometer hiking trail here is a must-see, with an incredible variety of vegetation (Photos 1-8). There’s also a beautiful water system (Photo 9) where many families enjoy splashing around (don’t forget your swimsuit 🩱). If you’re looking for a relaxing half-day of sightseeing, this is an excellent choice.
3️⃣ Port Douglas
Known as a haven for the wealthy ⛱️ (Photos 10-13), I highly recommend Tin Shed. It was the only restaurant in Cairns where I had a truly delicious meal. The seafood pasta is outstanding, and the views are breathtaking (Photos 14-16). The ambiance here exudes a laid-back, luxurious lifestyle, hahaha 🤣
4️⃣ Palm Cove (Photo 17)
A picturesque spot filled with palm trees 🌴, though the wind here is incredibly strong. In my photos, the trees look like they’re being blown sideways [Face-holding emoji]. The bars and restaurants are right by the beach, so if you have some time, grab a drink and soak in the view.
We explored these places in the order of 2-3-4 (Photo 18), starting from the farthest and working our way back. Walking back was a great way to unwind. I hope this helps, dear friends [Heart emoji]
