Fasta Pasta
Once we got to Cairns, we were not in the mood to cook! So we took a look around and stumbled across this place and it didn't look too expensive. We ordered the seafood platter and linguine del mar. They were divine! The linguine in particular was really good! Definitely worth checking out if you get the chance.
Down Under Dives
Finally, the day has come when I find Nemo. I hadn't realised how excited I had been for this until the night before. I was like a child! This is an early start- I am guessing so you can get as much from the day as possible.
You have to go and check in at the marina first where we found out we had only been booked in for a snorkel. We were pretty annoyed because we expressed specifically when we booked that we wanted to do a dive. At this point, we had to pay an additional $65 each. However, we were not going to allow this to ruin our day.
Once we got on board, we were sorted with stinger suits which cost $10 to hire- this happens a lot on these tours so just make sure you have cash on you. We were also given flippers which we then put in to a storage compartment in the number you were given once you got on board. When we came to dive, unfortunately someone has took my equipment so I had to get rekitted out- nightmare!
After feeling alright on boats so far on the trip, I did not think that today would be any different. Oh how wrong I was. Due to the ship being a lot smaller, it swayed a lot more! So I would advise taking the sea sickness tablets they offer.
Whilst I was attempting to find my sea legs we had a talk about diving and how the day was going to run before jumping in for the first snorkel of the day. Everyone is right, Whitsundays is good for snorkelling but Cairns is insane. It is so clear down there- hopefully once my underwater pics are sorted you can see for yourselves!
Once we were finished with the snorkelling, it was dive time and more importantly time to find Nemo. Once kitted out we went down to do some exercises with our instructor before going down.
I cannot explain to you, how amazing it was so to be able to see the fish up close and personal! It was an experience I will keep with me forever and one that I recommend you doing! This is bucket list stuff ladies and gentlemen! I did not want it to end!!
Back on the boat, it was lunch time- finally the bbq that I wanted. Plus so many prawns, sauces and salads. It was so good. Nevertheless, I was still experiencing sea sickness so I couldn't enjoy as much as I would have liked!
Once our hunger had been satisfied we were off back snorkelling again! One thing I did notice, the equipment used on board was on another level in comparison to Whitsundays.
So I was now all snorkelled out, so we're were treated to wine, crackers and cheese- up on the deck and down below.
It was such a good day and even if you don't go with Down Under Dives there are so many companies that offer dives. Just make sure you do it and remember the weather in Cairns is unpredictable so leave yourself some time if needed.
Barefoot Tours
During your stay in Cairns, a trip to the Atherton Tablelands are a must. Regardless of who you decide to go with or even if you rent a car and do it yourself it will be such a fun day! We went with Barefoot Tours because this was what was included in the package we booked.
They pick you up early in the morning and it's a long day so my advice would be to lay of the goon one night! Believe me it's worth it. So when we got on the bus it had been pimped out with lights and flowers which we thought was a really nice touch!
So we arrived at our first stop and our first waterfall of the day. The great thing about Barefoot tours is that they bring s camera along with them that's waterproof and take photos of you all day so even if you don't bring yours you will have a momento. Just beware, the water is quite cold here in the lakes so be careful when you jump in etc.
So following or first frolic in the water, we were treated to morning tea. This included team coffee, hot chocolate, cakes, biscuits- specifically Anzac which are coconut biscuits and are so nice! However, the best part of the tea was the large selection of fruit which included; pineapple, dragon fruit, kiwi, mangosteen, honey dew and watermelon.
Then we went to Zillie Falls which is a bit of all get walk but still definitely worth it all the same. Remember to wear a bit of bug spray aswell if you are prone to bites!
So our fun filled morning was complete therefore it was time for one thing and one thing only-LUNCH! You need to bring your own lunch- this is probably my only disappointment of the day! We spent lunch at the infamous Millaa Millaa Falls. Known for being the backdrop to Peter Andre's Mysterious Girl video and also for a Herbal Essence advert- hence the hair flicking!
We went up to one of the highest points in the Tablelands in search of more wildlife. Despite being unsuccessful, the landscape did look similar to at home which was good especially because here in Australia you get the views whilst being able to wear shorts without catching pneumonia.
At our last waterfall of the day, I am not going to lie I was starting to become weary. There is also a cave that you can dive in to if you are interested in that sort of thing!!
Our last stop of the day was the Volcanic pools which was really gorgeous. It was at this point unfortunately that the heavens opened. Luckily we managed to set up camp under some shelters for Afternoon Tea- my favourite type of tea! We indulged in of cake, timtams, biscuits and hot beverages and it was delicious.
That was the end of the day, you get dropped off at your hostels around 8oclock in the evening and they give you vouchers to use at PJ Murphys.
Gilligans
Although there is not an extensive places to necessarily go out in Cairns, it is still a good night out. Whether you stay at Gilligans or not it is easy to get to! There are several drinks deals and happy hours. Gilligans, like so many other bars in Australia hold wet t shirt competitions aswell so if that's your thing then I think they are every few nights!
PJ Murphys
We were recommended this by someone on our travels. Although it wasn't particular busy when we went, drinks weren't the cheapest and we were most definitely the only girls in there! Regardless, if you aren't in to clubbing and just want to chill in a pub- this is probably more your scene.
Love Imogen xoxo
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