Cairns – Day 1
Cairns – Day 1
We got up on our last morning in Uluru, enjoyed one more lovely buffet breakfast, and then it was off to the airport—next stop: Cairns.
We had been looking forward to Cairns since before we even landed in Australia, and while we were in Uluru, we ended up booking something extra special here… more on that soon.
A Special Little Surprise
On the coach ride to the airport, our tour guide Mel shared something that made this leg of the trip feel even more special.
She told us this was likely the last land tour to include both Uluru and Cairns, as flights between the two are being discontinued.
If that’s true, it makes me feel incredibly grateful we were able to experience both in one trip—and a little sad for those who won’t get the chance in the same way.
She also warned us that the waterfalls and rivers would be flowing strong thanks to recent cyclones further north.
Welcome to the Humidity
We landed in Cairns—definitely a bigger airport than Uluru, but still smaller than Sydney. After grabbing our luggage and loading it onto the coach, we stepped outside and…
WOW.
It was hot in Uluru, but this was a whole different level. Think 99 degrees with 98% humidity. The kind of heat that hits you instantly.
Waltzing Matilda (The Real Story)
On our drive up toward the rainforest, Mel decided it was time for a little lesson—on a song I actually remembered from childhood:
Waltzing Matilda.
Turns out, it almost became Australia’s national anthem… until you learn what it’s actually about.
The song tells the story of a swagman (a traveling worker carrying his belongings), who steals a sheep and is chased by a landowner and police. Rather than be captured, he jumps into a billabong and dies.
It’s tied to real events from a sheep shearers’ strike in the late 1800s.
So yes… catchy tune, but a surprisingly dark story.
Naturally, after learning all that, Mel had us all sing together on the coach. Slightly awkward—but also pretty fun.
Into the Rainforest
As we climbed into the rainforest, we learned about the elusive southern cassowary—a large, flightless bird related to emus and ostriches. I kept watching out the window hoping to spot one… no luck.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Then we arrived at one of the highlights of the day: the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
This nearly 5-mile gondola ride takes you over the rainforest in Barron Gorge National Park, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. When it opened in 1995, it was the longest cableway of its kind—and every piece was flown in by helicopter to protect the rainforest.
Soaring Above the Trees
Once we boarded, we were off—floating high above the canopy.
It was incredible. Massive ferns growing on top of trees, layers upon layers of green, and just the feeling of being completely immersed in nature.
At the first stop, we were able to get off and walk along a boardwalk through the rainforest. I loved being able to slow down, wander, and take it all in.
Back on the Skyrail, we headed to our next stop: Barron Falls. After a short walk, we reached a viewpoint overlooking the rushing waterfalls—powerful, loud, and absolutely beautiful.
One helpful tip we discovered: sitting facing forward in the gondola to catch a bit of airflow—it definitely helped in the heat!
One Last Surprise
On the final stretch of the Skyrail, we were told to keep an eye out in the fields below for wildlife.
Sure enough, we spotted a wallaroo hopping along. Such a fun way to end the experience.
Exploring Cairns
After loading back onto the coach, we headed to our hotel, The Pullman Cairns International, right in the heart of the city.
That evening we decided to walk around and explore. Cairns is very walkable, and we wandered through the night markets, browsed shops, and even picked up some leather hats.
Most restaurants had outdoor seating—which is lovely… unless you’re desperately searching for air conditioning like we were. 😄
We finally landed at Hemingway’s Brewery right on the water.
Bats, Dinner & a Warm Night
On our way there, we witnessed something unexpected—fruit bats migrating overhead.
Hundreds of them, flying across the sky with wingspans over three feet. It was surreal.
Dinner was great, even if it was “natural air conditioning” (aka open-air with fans). Afterward, it was a short walk back to the hotel.
Time to call it a night—because tomorrow is something we’ve been looking forward to for over a year.