Explore Cairns: Ultimate East Australia Bus Tour Experience Episode 1
DAY1
I kicked off my stay at Gilligan’s and began exploring Rusty Market. The market buzzed with vendors offering a colorful array of vegetables and fruits, and I managed to complete my tour in just 10 minutes. While the items for sale were somewhat repetitive, I could still find unique offerings like taro, white radish, and a variety of Asian spices.
Almost all the sellers were of Asian descent, giving the place a vibe reminiscent of Thailand. At Central Shopping Centre, I decided to try a taro milk tea from Gong Cha, which turned out to be a huge letdown. It was possibly the worst milk tea I’ve ever tasted, with a flavor that suggested it was made with tap water.
The seaweed rice rolls and Vietnamese spring rolls were also nothing to write home about, falling squarely into the average category.
DAY2
My second day started with a leisurely walk along the Esplanade towards the Botanic Garden. Along the way, I passed by the picturesque Lagoon (Picture 1) and the striking Reef Eye (Picture 3). The area was bustling with activity: people walking their dogs, exercising, playing volleyball, and skateboarding, creating a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.
However, during low tide, the water level dropped significantly, making the view less appealing; it looked much better during high tide. The sea appeared murky and uninviting due to the cloudy weather, reminding me of Shenzhen Bay. The walk from the pier to the Botanic Garden took about an hour. Using the All Trails app, I explored nearly the entire garden.
The garden excelled in plant identification, with informative signs near almost every type of plant, showcasing a wide variety. Flecker Botanic Garden, Rainforest Boardwalk, and Chinese Friendship Garden are must-visit spots, though be prepared for the abundance of mosquitoes. I tackled the Red Arrow Track, which involved continuous climbing but was not too long, taking only a few dozen minutes to complete.
The lookout at the top wasn’t particularly breathtaking, but the entire track winding through the rainforest was truly enchanting! You can easily spend an entire afternoon in this free and lush botanic garden.
DAY3
On my third day, I embarked on the Dreamtime Snorkel Tour, which I booked on Bookme for 120 AUD. It was absolutely worth it, as the package included snorkeling and fish feeding at the outer reef. We visited Hastings Reef and Saxon Reef, where we were greeted by a plethora of small fish and vibrant corals.
Lunch consisted of salad, fruit, and shrimp, but I could barely eat due to seasickness and constant nausea. [I suspect my seasickness was partly due to my roommate at Gilligan’s, who snored so loudly that I didn’t get a good night’s sleep for two nights!] Despite the discomfort, the outer reef was stunning, and I’m already planning a return visit.
After disembarking at 5 PM, I took a moment to relax near the Lagoon before indulging in some Thai basil pork, which instantly revived me. The market, while not very large, had a variety of stalls selling clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. I was tempted to buy a bush hat, which would have been a fun souvenir.
I also treated myself to a mango milkshake, which, despite being unsweetened, was naturally sweet and delicious. The crepe stand had a long queue, so I skipped it, but the other food stalls offered the usual fare you’d find in any food court.
