Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the wild nature of Tasmania promises beautiful hikes with breathtaking scenery. From Freycinet National Park to Lake Saint Clair-Cradle Mountain, not to mention Liffey Falls, it is a feast for the eyes (if not for the feet).

Hiking in Tasmania or Into the Wild

This part of Australia is unique and distinguishes itself from the other part of Queensland and the rest of the country by its impressive rain forests, deserted beaches, and very diverse animal and plant life. You must have heard people talk about the "wet tropics" which is home 36% of the country's animal species.

Cape Tribulation and its surroundings

A road trip through Australia is the best way to discover this unique country and its unusual landscapes. From Perth to Esperance, let yourself be captivated by the beaches with their turquoise water, wind-sculpted rocks and forests of giant trees, not to mention the opportunity to taste the best wines of Australia in the region of Margaret River.

Road trip from Perth to Esperance

Take a car and abandon yourself to the feeling of freedom in the heart of the Kangaroo Island wilderness. On the road, you will encounter wallabies, kangaroos, koalas, sea lions or penguins. You will discover the unique rock formations, fabulous national parks and the beaches that are tucked away out of sight.

Kangaroo Island: a feeling of freedom on an island of outstanding natural beauty

Great Barrier Reef

Kings Canyon

Kakadu National Park

West MacDonnell National Park

The biggest city to the north on Australia's east coast!

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Cairns is quite a lively city which is one of the main departure points to go to the Great Barrier Reef. The city also has an artificial beach at its disposal, as in this region you can't swim in the sea all year round due in particular to the jellyfish which can be deadly. Party lovers never miss the opportunity to participate in the Ultimate Party, an evening where you are taken to different bars and clubs in the city with attractive prices! During my trip through Cairns, I took advantage of it to go inland, visit the tropical forest, and admire the numerous waterfalls like Barron Falls a few kilometres away from the city. If you are lucky, you might be able to see the famous cassowary, that impressive and rare bird... which I had the good fortune to see whilst on a hike through the forest! I also went further north, to Cape Tribulation. After that point, the road to the north stops and there are only paths! The viewpoints are magnificent and from there you can see the tropical forest 'fall' into the ocean... <a href="/australia/">it is a visit to include in your itinerary!</a>

Cairns is a replica of Airlie Beach (a town located further south on the coast) but on the scale of a city: it is also the place where travellers converge to discover the Great Barrier Reef and to party in the numerous bars. Just as in Airlie Beach, you will find a lagoon (much larger) that is a wonderful place for a day's relaxation, even if you have to elbow your way through to find a place for your towel. There are lockers to store your things and you can even have a shower and change, just like at a swimming pool. This artificial lagoon is located at the edge of the sea, where bathing is prohibited. (Just watch the tide ebb as quickly as it came and think of all the charming animals that live there, such as the deadly microscopic jellyfish, and all your desires to take a dip will soon go away.)
After the lagoon, stroll through Cairns and take some time to visit the gift shops. The prices here are not too high, compared with other cities in Australia. Cairns has to some extent been influenced by Asia. So you will find a lot of restaurants that serve Asian food. As you stroll through the city centre, I recommend you stop to drink a bubble tea, or pearl tea, originating from Taiwan: a tea (hot or cold, as you like) with pearls of tapioca flavoured to your taste that is ideal for a refreshing drink. In the evening, enjoy yourself in a pub in Sheridan Street. As for me, after appreciating one of the pubs in the street, I continued on to a few cocktail bars, which are outdoors for the most part. Live music, coconut trees and sunset, I felt at ease with the gentle lifestyle. In the bars you will encounter fine specimens of the stereotype of Australian youth (blond, well-built, in tank tops and flip-flops).
Just like everybody else in Cairns, I wanted to see the Great Barrier Reef and booked the cheapest tour: a day on the closest island to Cairns, Green Island. This was perhaps not the best choice: I went snorkelling and, apart from a turtle, I did not see very much; the coral has almost disappeared except from under the pier! In contrast, the island is a paradise, with its small trail through the rainforest, but the place is a little too touristy for my taste. If you can afford it, don't hesitate to venture further afield on the reef.
Finally, after meeting a local, I was able to discover a place that is not in the guidebooks: Lake Morris, above Cairns, is an artificial reservoir in the heart of nature. To go there, the road winds through the mountain and offers wonderful views of Cairns. Lake Morris is a quiet and beautiful location, off the beaten track.

A relaxed seaside and tourist resort set in lush vegetation, Cairns is "The city" in Queensland, to discover the Great Barrier Reef <a href="/australia/">during your trip in Australia. </a>

Cairns Vacations

Cairns: How to get there?

Cairns: When to go?

Cairns: For how long?

Cairns: What to see in the surroundings?

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