Queensland Sunshine

In Cairns I spent my time relaxing in the sun. The Lagoon, a large, free, outside public pool, was located just across the road from my hostel, so I went there to read and take a dip.  Fogarty Park, where the Lagoon was located was a unique park on the esplanade. It offered guests not only a great spot to swim, but BBQ areas open for anyone to use and fitness stations that had benches and bars to do all sorts of cardio and aerobic exercises, including pull-up bars and the like.  Each day of the week there were FREE Fun Fitness classes throughout the park. I was tempted to go to Yoga to see the crowds that turn out for it, but as it started at 6am, I did not make it to it. I also walked around to the open-air market, Rusty’s, and went to the marina.

The Tropical North! Hence the Palm Trees!

I was trying to decide what I wanted to do here and how I wanted to get down the coast.  So many decisions overwhelmed me. I went to the visitor’s center and then to a couple travel places but was just unable to make up my mind until I ran into Kelly, from the Rock Tour. She was a travel agent in Cairns and helped me get a great deal on a 2-day adventure package that included snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef and hiking in the tropical rainforest of  Cape Tribulation.

I went to the other Nomads hostel in town, the Serpent Hostel for a free dinner and met a girl, Rosie from England traveling around. She took the bus with me back to the esplanade and we, along with two other girls went to the Night Market and browsed around. We enjoyed looking at all the crafts and artist and were tempted to get a massage (they were only $15/for 45 min!) We did a wine tasting that included fruity wines that were made just as traditional grape wine is, but with other fruits, than grapes. Passion fruit was my favorite while the banana was my least favorite.

The marina. Boats, boats, and more boats...

Cairns is a great place to hang out by the water, walk around the esplanade, and grab a bite to eat. Some places cater to backpackers offering deals during happy hour or later at night. A pizza that is $25, is often advertised as only $10 if you order it for take away. Regardless of deals, I am still finding Australia quite expensive. With the US dollar decreasing in value and the Aussie dollar becoming the strongest it has in a few years, even a good deal is still expensive in my mind.

Post Office

Kick Arts Center (had a nice printmaking exhibit)

City Council and Library

I also went to the Art Gallery, Post Office, and you guessed it, the Library in Cairns. Each of which offered me an escape from the heat, into an air-conditioned building and a chance to re-fill my water bottle with cold water.