Arrived in Cairns

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We arrived safely and timely in Cairns, Queensland, Australia via Singapore. Boy it's humid! Even the locals are finding it too hot. Our daily budget is AUS $200 (GBP 80), which we achieved on day 1 - despite the most enormous breakfasts you've ever seen at the Lilypad.

Our accommodation (Dreamtime Travellers Rest) is basic (no ensuite!), but for AUS $60 a night (approx. GBP 25 - just realised no pound sign on this keyboard!!) is just what we hoped for. Also, the double room did have a fan and coin operated aircon. The tour desk was very friendly here, offering plenty of suggestions and even giving us a lift into town during torrential rain. They booked our Greyhound tickets, nothing was too much trouble.

We ate out in the evening for a little over GBP 5 for the pair of us at a pile-your-plates-with-as-much-food-as-you-can eatery in the Night Market, only to find if we'd waited a little longer they bring their prices down further!

As for Cairns, a number of people expressed mixed views on it. For me, it does what it sets out to - it is a good base for the backpacker, with tons of cheap accomodation, eateries and a good point from which to explore more scenic parts of tropical Queensland. The big 3 tours to do from here are : The Great Barrier Reef (blog: Great Barrier Reef), Kuranda and Atherton Tablelands.

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Photos

Jason looking jet lagged
The Esplanade, Cairns.

Comments

[Mark Evans]

Hair loss
I am concerned on your hair loss buddy. Not that you ever had much -lol anyone would think you were on your hols.

[Knightsontour]

Hair loss
Hardly surprising after the Wetsunday's cruise! It always looks shorter when I don't spike it. Not worth waxing it up in this heat - it just melts!!!

[Russ]

You have to look like a convict to fit in