Ming-chan's Daily Babbling

Just my personal blog

Cairns is situated in Australias far north and has a superb tropical climate. Here is a place where tropical rainforests meet the Great Barrier Reef and the result is spectacular. Cairns has a varied and colorful history, and its wide streets today, are a product of the necessity for lots of room required to turn around a bullock dray. Earlier last century the city was put on the map by famous American game fishing aficionado, Zane Grey, who visited the region on a regular basis chasing the giant Black Marlin that are still prevalent in the area today. Marlin Fishing charters are readily available.

There are so many things to do in Cairns that it would be nearly impossible to experience them all. A trip to the Great Barrier Reef is essential. There are a number of experienced operators including Sunlover Cruises, Ocean Spirit, and Mike Balls dive adventures. Of Course there are many others to choose from including day trips and extended cruises in all sorts of boats and yachts. Some of these cater for the adventure scuba divers and some just for a family day out.

The world heritage listed Daintree Rainforest lies just to the north of Cairns and Port Douglas and there are heaps of day tours and hotel options to allow you to visit or stay overnight. Take a tour that visits the historical town of Cooktown and comes home along the Bloomfield track past Cape Tribulation. Here you will get to see some of Australia’s oldest rainforests in one of the rare places where 2 world heritage areas are situated side by side.

Accommodation in Cairns and its surrounds comes in all shapes and sizes. Here you will find everything ranging from top quality motels right through to the most luxurious resorts that you can imagine. In Cairns itself, there is a wide range of options including a number of resorts and hotels situated along the Waterfront. Cairns Holiday Packages contain many of these hotels.

There are some top quality accommodation options here also including The Sebel Beach Club and Sanctuary Resort. Other resorts in the area include Kewarra Beach Resort, Thala Beach resort and the Radisson Port Douglas. If you are looking more on the budget side try Gilligans or Nomads Serpent resort.

Men about the country dream of receiving the perfect Cairns bucky party – there are few guys who manage but many who share the typical dream. This is essentially beneficial information for Cairns as this process is bringing almost as much revenue and as many guests as the weddings have in the past. The positive news is that girls nowadays are demanding equal rights as far as fantasies go and have decided that what is good for the goose is good also for the gander. In other words more and more ladies are also deciding to hold their hens parties in Cairns too. Not quite as much but it’s a rather good share of both and a terrific boon to the economic climate.

There are even companies cropping up all over Cairns that provide services, decorations, planning, hosting, and the execution of such events for brides and grooms to be alike. Remember, “what occurs in Cairns, remains in Cairns” and this is the one remaining hoorah before you take that very long walk down the aisle.

The main thing to try to remember is that most of these parties are all in good fun and basically leave absolutely nothing to tell.

The foremost aspect of bucks or hens parties for most is that one last night of getting together with old friends, building new good friends, and cutting ties with the unmarried lives you’re preparing to leave behind. Whether you are just getting together with friends for drinks or heading off to take a look at all the strip clubs along the strip for 1 last time it’s safe to say that Cairns appreciates how to throw a bucks party.

One of the foremost issues to take into account about your bucks or hens night in Cairns is that you should really perhaps book your room before you go out partying so that you are certain you’ve a place to stay once all is said and done.

It’s always recommended not to stray too far from your room if you’re going to be drinking and having fun but this is a once in a lifetime form of event so it’s forgivable as long as you are not driving, if you’ve a little too much to drink. Just make certain that you are able to find your clothes, the ring, and a fast shower the following morning.

Some of the parties that are the most exciting don’t involve leaving the room or suite that you book.

You can almost always uncover dancers that specialize in bucks parties and will be willing to come to you rather than heading from club to club to club. Unless of course you’re trying to experience a little extra diversity amongst ladies than hiring one or two would provide.

You are near drinking, gambling, ladies, sex, and tons of ribbing from the men. If you truly are a great best man or maid of honor you will have put plenty of thought into what will be executed through the bucks party. Of course, the notion is to send your best companion off into wedded bliss with 1 last night to try to remember. It does not have to contain girls, who’s kidding, of course it does. The point to keep in mind is that it really is the best man’s job to make certain there is no evidence of impropriety. When you think about it, Cairns actually is the ideal city for a bucks party.

Make certain you’re all having a wonderful evening, you are all safe and sound, and that your pal makes it to the chapel on time tomorrow and you might all survive the bucks party experience. Cairns will always be the ideal place to go for brides and grooms alike as they face their up coming vows and gather with friends as unmarried men and women 1 final time. While there is something somewhat sad about the process there is also something wonderful about the upcoming future and brilliant opportunities that lie ahead.

I got on my Oz experience bus to Cairns on a drizzly grey morning in Sydney.

I dont know how many times we stopped, but at every stop it was like Groundhog Day “So here we have a McDonalds Cafe, theres a Hungry Jacks or a KFC.” We were SICK of the idea of junk food. We both know, Apparently Australia is one of the most obese countries in the world, and although I didn’t see too many fatties, I can now beleive that fact. They have some weird names for fast food places, including “Red Rooster” and “Chicken Treat”. Its probably worth mentioning at this point the names issue in Oz. “Hungry Jacks” is Burger King- god knows why they changed the name for Australian people, but obviously they would be much more hungry at Hungry Jacks than they would be for “Burger King”.

I was also surprised that their biggest supermarket is Woolworths, because in England Woolworths went under in the GFC.

The Oz experience bus I took definately stood out with its bright orange colour and was also very comfy with leather seats and air conditioning. Everyone understands, They like to encourage you to get to know each other on the coach, and you have to play a sort of musical bus seats, where when you hear a certain song played you have to walk around the bus untill it stops, then sit in the first seat you can find and talk to the person next to you.

Our next destination was a Surf school. It’s location is a secret so I cant tell you the location, but the surf school is included in the Oz Experience trip. You have to pay a local payment of around for your food and camping but at least the lesson is included. We were allocated tents, which all looked very similar, and boys kept “accidentally” walking in on us naked. One of the surfers of course was an aspiring musician and continued to sing badly on his guitar and promote his CD. Well, We were herded like cattle to get our food like in a prison and then we all gathered round a camp fire with our drinksn for a bit of a sing along. Its amazing how, even if they are butt ugly, guides in any thing transform into sex gods. Girls were sat on the floor right in the instructors face like experienced groupies.

Look out for the rest of my adventure to Cairns.

What can be a more adventurous and gratifying scuba diving vacation journey than liveaboard luxury yacht cruising and scuba diving in the tropical paradise of Cairns?

Contrary to what many scuba divers think, liveaboard scuba diving may possibly not be as pricey as you think. In truth if planned correctly, stay on board diving vacations may very well even save you money and inconveniences. Firstly, you are going to on transportation time and costs traveling to your dive operator’s boat and then once your dive, returning to your hotel or resort lugging your cumbersome scuba diving gear with you and repeating the same exact process for the next couple of days during your vacation in Cairns.

Next, you save funds on hotel or resort accommodation because since that you’re living on the dive boats, there will be no demand for hotel or resort bookings. Furthermore, you don’t need to hunt for pricey meals in your hotel or resort as a result of all liveaboard scuba diving packages will include delightful food which will also mean that you will be probably having very fresh and delectable sea food caught by the crew whilst you’re enjoying your cruise or are scuba diving.

The highlight of your liveaboard Cairns vacation is that you may very well dive in a great number of unique dive locations instead of just the dive spots near the place you stay.

This is simply because since that you need not return to your resort or hotel to retire for the day, the liveaboard dive yachts will cruise away to far flung scuba diving areas whilst you are sleeping. This again saves you time and best of all, you get to keep extra funds through diving in additional locations for the same price.

Here is a typical illustration of a liveaboard Cairns scuba diving itinerary. It is a seven days Cairns Scuba Diving excursion.

Day One – Visit one of Cairns’s most appealing street on the way to Pemuteran & Menjangan North West Cairns which will also include things like a stopover in View Point Restaurant Sanda. You will scuba dive in Pemuteran House Reef & Reef Project or Secret Bay in Gilimanuk

Day Two – Your liveaboard boat will cruise to Menjangan Island.

You will be diving at the National Park, Walls, Anker Wreck, Coral Garden, buffet lunch on the white powdery sandy beach of the island. The boat will then land and send you to the north coast and take a look at a nicely kept secret Waterfall and a hot spring.

Day Three – Scuba diving activities will be at Amed Tulamben or Secret Spot, Drop Off, Liberty Wreck Dive (American combat ship sunk during WW2) & some wall diving.

Day Four – Some land excursion to delight in the view of Cairns’s world famous terraced rice fields in the morning. Then your liveaboard yatcht will take you diving at the Blue Lagoon & White Beach. There will also be a night time dive at the Blue Lagoon.

Day Five – Continue your Cairns vacation by way of cruising to Gili Mimpang & Gili Tepekong or Gili Biaha for great dive spots.

Day Six – More scuba diving activities at Gili Biaha or Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. The sea at such diving places could be rough from time to time, so the dives would very much be dependant on the weather.

However, if the weather allow, you are going to be scuba diving in one of the most breath taking underwater scenery in the world.

Day Seven – More scuba diving at the Blue Lagoon, White Beach and the Channel and then off to Cairns airport to your upcoming scuba diving adventure.

So if you want to save time and funds during your Cairns Scuba Diving vacation, why not try liveaboard luxury boats instead?

Sailing across Australia’s desirable coastline is a wonderful trip.

The country’s tourism industry has been flagged up on the grounds that of Australia’s cruising and yachting industries. With more than 1,180 islands and 3,000-mile long coastline, one can feel the grandeur of the magic the country may perhaps provide. In 2005 alone, there are approximately ten million tourists in Australia with most of them wanting to take a quick look at the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas.

If you prefer to sail in Australia’s southern regions, commence your adventure in the port of Sydney. The metropolis of Sydney, which consists of a population of around 2,000,000, is also a cultural center for the reason that of its medieval urban partitions, historic Rector Palace, and extraordinary old-fashioned convents. I particularly recommend that you take a couple of days of your charter and stay in a local resort in the city. It is one of Australia’s most visited tourist sights, especially by Cairns charter boats, because of its close proximity to the Coral Sea. As a standard guide you ought to regard Split to Sydney as a minimum of a 1 week trip and give it two weeks if you need to start and end in the same marina.

Aside from Sydney, yacht charter Australia include things like the ports of Cairns, Port Douglas, Cooktown, Townsville, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, and Lizard Island.

Perth is located on Australia’s western coast along the cape Llewyn. It is a metropolis administered in the Istria County. Perth is an ideal harbor if you want to sail to Rottnest Island. The city’s climate is mild and gentle. Unlike other areas of Australia, its summer season heat isn’t harsh. The hottest month is August while the coldest month is January. This condition is perfect for diving, snorkeling, and/or just hanging around in your yacht. The temperature of Perth’s sea is 28 C, which is not too scorching and not to chilly. The city’s key historic tourist attractions are the Euphrasian Basilica, Dieta Istriana Hall, Marafor, and the historic streets of Cardo Maximus and Decumanus.

Sailing in Australia is available daily. Typically, you can sail the country’s shores 365 days a year. During this period, the weather is so nice and the sea pretty calm. But, the ideal time to cruise the Australian coast is from the months of April (spring season) to October (autumn season). However, the spring season sometimes incorporates rain showers. Nevertheless, with the country’s approximately 3,000-mile long coastline and 1,180 islands, you could by no means have enough of Australia’s coasts.

Aside from its fantastic coastline, Joe Joe Charters also includes a beautiful green interior.

The area was also judged as having the country’s best tourist infrastructure because of its accessibility. Many hotels, restaurants, cultural centers, and tourist points of interest are in Istria. Some of the most visited cities and towns in Australia can include Pula, Rovinj, and Porec.

The Great Barrier Reef is thought to the ultimate in scuba diving adventures in the world which provide you with same exhilaration to experts as well as beginners. So what is so unique about the Great Barrier Reef? First of all, the dimension. It isn’t just the largest reef system in the entire world, but many consider it as one of the most beautiful as well.

Its simple vast stretching over 1400 miles along Australias East Coast. If this has been your dream to take a look at this natural wonder, here are some recommendations for Cairns Scuba Diving.

Situated near Queensland in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is approximately 185 miles away from the mainland on the southern side. It is around 12 miles away from the shore on the northern side. It is about 50 miles wide at the northern side the widest stretch. What can you expect to see at the Great Barrier Reef. The remarkable diversity of plant and animal life which have made its home here is mind-boggling. You can, actually see around 4000 species of mollusks, more than 1000 species of fish, roughly 380 species of coral, 500 species of seaweed, 6 kinds of sea turtles.

There are each day flights to Australia from the West Coast in the United States. When you reach Australia, you will probably have to take a smaller connecting flight to land near one of the gateways to the reef.

Generally people go for Cairns and Townsville, two tropical cities positioned near the northern side of the reed. The other gateway is at Gladstone and Bundaberg, positioned near the southern side of the reef.

The calm and lucid waters around the reef make it the perfect area for scuba diving in the world.

For beginners, diving ought to be in shallow waters approximately 60 feet in depth. Water may run deep at certain areas, then again is generally reasonable for amateurs to dive in. However for professionals, there are reefs around the Coral Sea in which the depth is around 300 feet.

To go through 1 of the ideal scuba diving experiences, you could board one of the widely used live aboard boats. These specialized boats take visitors right wherever the action is. There are day boats available for day-time scuba diving. Many such boats have convenient luxury amenities and could organize boats to take divers immediately at the middle of the reef. These day boats take visitors for 4 to 5 hour trips into the reef. Even local resorts organize this kind of day boats for their visitors.

Resorts located in smaller islands around the reef are capable of preparing scuba diving trips for the visitors. They provide simple access to the reef and are terrific for visitors searching for a scuba diving adventure. Generally such resorts are positioned in Lizard, green, lady Elliot, and Heron islands. The”Cod Hole” is a well known diving site is located off Lizard Island.

Anytime of the year is thought to be safe and suitable to pay a visit to the reef for scuba diving. This is because of the nature of the water which is usually calm and constant. Because of the tropical weather, the temperature typically hovers around 70 to mid-80s.

The Australian summertime is considered to be popular which is in between December and March. This makes a visit to the Great Barrier Reef and its surrounding cities pleasant at anytime of the year.

Quicksilver Cruises to the outer Cairns Great Barrier Reef. You can visit the spectacular World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef cruising via a wave piercing catamaran.The distinctive catamarans that Quicksilver owns offer the latest in wave-piercing technology, giving you a calmer ride and higher comfort levels. Boasting an air conditioned cabin and fully stocked bar, Quicksilver will give you a comfortable and memorable trip.The action packed activities commence upon arrival to the pontoon located at Agincourt Ribbon Reefs.Resort scuba dives are possible for “beginners” and those who are already qualified can do a certified dive. Snorkelling expeditions are also possible for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Scenic heli flights are available from the pontoon at Agincourt Reef.Experience the best that the outer Great Barrier Reef has to offer today with Quicksilver Cruises from Cairns.

With a complimentary pick up from your accommodation, Skyrail endeavours to make your day easy. Gaze at the spectacular views as you travel above the rainforest canopy for a truly amazing view of this magical part of the world. Stop along the way at Barron Falls Station which is the best chance to view the spectacular Barron River Falls. Stroll along the rainforest boardwalk and maybe get a sight of some local fauna.When in Kurunda spend some time and explore this quaint village. Take the chance to just relax or have a look at the famous Heritage Markets for some handmade treasures. Board the Kurunda Scenic Train for a journey back to Cairns you won’t forget. Weave through the rainforest, across bridges, through tunnels and past waterfalls as you take in the awe inspiring scenery. Your day of adventure concludes when you arrive at Freshwater Station. where the courtesy coach will transfer you to your accommodation.

Reef Magic Cruises is the best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef; especially if you have a short time. One fully packed day cruise shows you to one of seventeen locations on the outer Great Barrier Reef.The planet’s largest marine eco system, the Great Barrier Reef is World Heritage listed, also being one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. Reef Magic is locally owned and operated and has been in service for almost 20 years.The fast 24 metre catamaran has a cruising speed of 40 kmh. Departing from Cairns is at Marlin Marina at 9:00am and returning at 5:00pm, makes this a action packed tour.Reef Magic also has a coral viewing submarine, purpose built so guests can see the varied species of marine life up close and personal.

Sample the amazing experience of exploring the underwater kingdom with the Seawalker. A uniquely designed piece of equipment, the Oceanwalker allows you to experience the underwater world without getting your head wet! You can even still wear your spectacles! It is used with a minimum of fuss, and there are no tanks and only a little instruction is required. No experience or certification is necessary. This type of diving is ideal for non swimmers and is available to tourists 12 years of age and above.

View the amazing Cairns area from above it all – either by parasail, bungee, minjin swing or the new parabungy a unique way with AJ Hackett. situated approximately 15 minutes outside of Cairns in the foothills of the rainforest, AJ Hackett offers each of the above listed activities and uses fully qualified instructors and ultra safe equipment to make sure your experience is safe, fun and exciting! Spectators are also welcome to view your activity. Enjoy a cool drink at the fully stocked Jungle Bar and Cafe, or enjoy the action from the comfortable viewing decks.

Why not travel to the Great Barrier Reef for your Australian Luxury Vacation, and stay at the Angsana Resort & Spa, one of Australias fantastic luxury resorts, and 1 of the smaller luxury hotels of the world. It is the only resort in the region situated on the waterfront, and it nestles in the beautiful village of Palm Cove.

It is the hotel for going to the Great Barrier Reef and the planets oldest tropical rainforest which is near by.

The Angsana Resort & Spa has a lovable sandy tropical beach, 3 swimming pools, and a luxury spa, you dont have to go anywhere other than this luxury hotel, but there is lots to do if you so want. There are excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, trekking in the tropical rainforest, wildlife watching, and not for the faint hearted bungee jumping. All Cairns Tours will pick you up directly from the hotel.

If you’re a nature lover, then the Angsana Resort & Spa is ideal for you. On the other hand if you’re a water activity enthusiast, or a spa freak then you are also in the right place.

As the resort fronts the Coral Sea it’s perfect for snorkelling, windsurfing, scuba diving and windsurfing.

The Angsana Spa has a wonderfully calm setting, and here you’ll find aromatic baths, massages, facials, and body therapies on offer.

As befits 1 of the Small Luxury resorts of the World the lodging is understated however luxurious, there currently being just 67 suites, with ceiling to floor glass doorways that overlook outdoor patios and tropical gardens, permitting the breeze in.

They are all air conditioned and adorned with Thai silk drapes, with ceiling fans as well. Each suite comes entirely outfitted with television, personalized mini-bar, personalized safe, hairdryer, bath robes, slippers, espresso and tea making facilities and a kitchenette that comes with a refrigerator, microwave and table settings.

If your bank balance runs to it, then book the Angsana Suite, which is just furnished extravagantly, and superbly well outfitted, this suite features its own swimming pool, sun terrace, and even a BBQ.

The Far Horizons restaurant is a good restaurant serving Asian inspired meals based mainly on seafood and other regional ingredients. You could sit inside or on the beachfront, and you can add to this the Poolside cook yourself BBQ for lunchtime eating.

The Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef does credit to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Group, and if you’re in that part of the earth then you may possibly safely incorporate it in your Cairns Accommodation plans.

You will have plenty of choices of things to do once you check out Cairns. Here are just a few ways to spend your time in this lovable area.

Shoppers, you’re in luck!

You will be able to go home with at least 1 suitcase stuffed with wonderful presents and souvenirs. Look for trendy leather clothes, woolen items, arts and crafts and gifts made from sheepskin. Choose some distinct gifts that you are going to never find other locations.

Take a bushwalk and you’ll glimpse flora, fauna and all sorts of bird life. Bushwalking is a trendy pastime in Cairns and the parks are wonderful. You will get a little work out and some impressive photographs too. Not to mention the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef – the two areas are world heritage listed.

It would be a shame to go to Cairns without spending time on 1 of the gorgeous beaches. Along the coastline of Cairns there are miles and miles of amazingly beautiful sandy beaches. Sydney alone has almost forty ocean beaches and you are going to be able to sunbathe and delight in the beauty of the water and the sand. If you delight in the ocean air and desire to return home with a adorable tan, be certain to plan for time on the beach.

If you are a lover of wine, Cairns is the place for you. Arrange a visit to a country vineyard and enjoy some of the best wines in the world. And the Liveaboard Scuba Diving in Cairns is fantastic.

For those who take pleasure in the water there are a great number of activities. You can snorkel, scuba dive, water ski and wind surf.

Visit Cairns for an remarkable trip.

One attraction that you cannot miss out on seeing while you are in Cairns is doing the Outer Great Barrier Reef. There are hundreds of unbelievably coloured fish and corals that will astound you and your finger will get sore from taking so many snaps.

There are plenty of different varieties of reef trips that you can do, and it all depends on who you are as to which kind is going to go well with you. As I have done just about all reef day cruises from Cairns , I have highlighted the reef daytrips that I believed were the best and then sorted them in to 2 alternative categories.

These cruises are good value for money and are chiefly for the young. However, if you’re adventurous in body and spirit, you’ll definately enjoy these trips.

If you are looking for a boat trip that’s tons of fun, in addition to terrific snorkelling and diving, then look no further!
‘Passions’ has their own scuba diving site on the Outer Barrier Reef out of Cairns, meaning no one else kicking you in the face with their fins (no overcrowding)! The crew are very inter-active with all of the passengers, getting you involved in all of the days activities. We both know, You won’t be able to escape them once they come around to paint your face with zinc cream (all in the name of skin cancer awareness!), or once they try to get you dancing the waltz about the top deck of the boat on the way home.
Scuba diving is available, and ‘Passions’ is in fact the very first boat I ever did a scuba dive on. If you’re as hesitant as I was, the remarkably understanding dive instructors will take you’re concerns away.
Stopping at Upolo Cay on the way home to Cairns and being served a complimentary glass of wine while experiencing the sunset, is a fantastic end to a perfect day.