Cairns, Australia

 

Cairns is a smallish town in the northern area of Australia.  The main focus of Cairns is a point for people to do boat cruises, diving etc.

Everything is very spick and span, there are public barbeques to use (hot plates actually) and a public swimming pool off the Esplanade.

The best places to eat are the Italian on the Esplanade called Villa Roma if I remember correctly (excellent seafood, OK (bland) pasta and poor pizza), and the Mondo grill at the Hilton hotel (further down the Esplanade at the end)….try mexican fajitas or mixed grill for an outstanding meal).

Mondo Grill at the Hilton

 Hotels-wise, I would recommend the Hilton hotel - we stayed at Rydges Tradewynds and it was a bit below par.  For the few extra dollars, go with the Hilton.

AVOID  the Chinese market, particularly the massage stalls which run a scam.  They will offer you a massage for $15, you will then have your back beaten up during ‘accupressure’, the guy will then stick some patches on your back and then tell you you need to pay $5 a patch (typically $50).  Make sure you avoid the masseurs at the market.