Travelled: to Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia.
Lived: like a princess
Learned: that the Whitsunday Islands are supremely beautiful, brimming with awesome holiday options for anyone seeking fun, fitness, rest, relaxation, fine dining and fabulous cocktails.
I grew up in Far North Queensland, right on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, but never before have I ever seen it as I did on the weekend, in all its spectacular glory. I was invited on a Whitsundays experience and flew down the coast from Cairns to Hamilton Island this past Saturday.
Visibility was pretty much perfect, as you can see from the photos! Usually airline passengers will only view the deep blue below, but over the weekend the reef was showing off, and looked entirely magical from above.
I waited a short while at Hamilton Island airport before boarding the ferry to Airlie Beach, a pretty, hilly ocean-side paradise set within the Whitsunday Islands.
While, like Cairns, Airlie Beach offers fun for party-goers and backpackers, there is also a luxurious resort culture here that presents a playground for adults (without the noise or crowds at the bar).
Resorts are built into the hills around Airlie Beach, overlooking the ocean, and we stayed at Pinnacles Resort & Spa which I’d highly recommend for its large, lush rooms, views as far as the eye can see, and easy proximity to everything in town. Room number 6 is the way to go, although I’m told by all our group that every room was divine (and HUGE). Particular highlights are the vast balconies that include a yummy spa bath and views of the Whitsundays.
We indulged in a fabulous dinner at Capers at the Beach Bar & Grill with none other than the Executive Chef, Tim Whitehorn. The divine set menu we sampled was enough to ensure we understood why the likes of Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey and Hugh Jackman have also enjoyed a meal or two here.
A highlight? the Twice cooked pork belly, prawn, chorizo sausage, scallops, cauliflower cream & crispy prosciutto main, only to be matched by a dessert of strawberries and passionfruit with mango sorbet.
Interesting to note – place five gals with iPhones together in front of beautifully presented cuisine, then check out Instagram for live streaming of foodie pics.
It seems ‘food porn’ is the new favourite pastime of anyone with a camera and an eye for colour; and really, what better to photograph then food that looks like this…?
A peaceful sleep and beautiful sunrise later, it was time for brekky. Capers was so good that we returned again the next morning.
After guzzling as many pancakes, strawberries, delicious pork topped with pineapple, fresh fruits (locally grown, of course) and muesli, we wandered around the corner to Airlie Day Spa & Hair Studio for a bit of pampering.
This lovely establishment is conveniently located in the centre of town and caters to any and all beauty needs – both in-salon or by appointment to your room! Toes (Linda), manicure (me), and a couple of facials (Felicity and Meren) later, we bid farewell to the friendly team at Airlie Day Spa and went to meet our Whitsundays media familiarisation (‘famil’ in journalist speak) guide, Tamara, who was taking us on our next adventure to Hamilton Island.
We ferried across the channel keeping a keen eye open for whales splashing about in the sparkling blue.
A number of excited Japanese tourists raced outside in the breeze and indicated there were sightings to be had, but no such luck by the time we got to the deck.
It didn’t matter too much because in no time we had arrived at Hamilton and were distracted by the island’s many charming attributes.
Following check-in at the fabulous Reef View Hotel, we toured the famous Whitsundays holiday destination by electric buggy (no vehicles allowed here) before settling in for a divine relaxation massage at Spa Wumurdaylin.
We were all fairly sleepy by the time we finished ‘work’ on Sunday, but Linda and I powered on and ventured into the village for an evening ice-cream and martini (it was important to us to ensure our meal contained all essential nutrients required for a healthy diet).
FAST FACTS
The Whitsundays
74 Islands including Hayman Island, Daydream Island, Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Island (and Whitehaven Beach), Long Island and North & South Molle Islands.
Getting there: Fly or drive to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast Airport), Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island (airport).
Things to do: Snorkel, dive, sail, eat, relax, hike, explore, camp, golf, dine, swim, jetski, shop, party, indulge.
CIAF and Cairns Festival are just two of the exciting events on the horizon; in eager anticipation then, here are some of the city’s best travel secrets.Â
Everyone has heard of Cairns. It’s just a little bit famous because of … what was it again? Oh that’s right, the Great Barrier Reef! Did you know that between June and September is the best time to visit Cairns? Not only is the weather generally perfect, but this contemporary little city by the sea is a hive of activity and at the height of its annual tourist and festival season.
As you read this story, Cairns Festival will just about be ready to launch, as will the extraordinary Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) which showcases Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Cairns Festival is the city’s lively annual event celebrating life in the ‘Far North’. When I was a little kid growing up in Cairns, the festival used to be called Fun in the Sun – actually, quite an accurate description! Across September, the fun continues because from around September 15 for a couple of weeks you can take part in any number of Peace Week / multicultural festival activities. It’s like the party never stops (actually, ask some backpackers in the north and they’ll tell you it doesn’t in Cairns), because the city centre and Esplanade will be alive with entertainment, markets, art exhibitions, drama, comedy, dance and much more. On September 21 (International Day of Peace), a special welcome will be hosted by Study Cairns for international students in the region (a very popular study tourism destination), and a huge free concert, the RUTHLESS Festival, will take place. In fact, this event will be broadcast live around the globe with simultaneous peace concerts being held in New Zealand, London, Paris, New Orleans, Hiroshima, Jerusalem, Los Angeles, Ireland, Kashmir, and Cairns has been selected as the representative location for Australia!
With cheap flights, school holidays and a little window of ‘escape’ on offer before the Christmas rush settles in, now would be a terrific time to head north for a long, relaxing, fun weekend away.
What else to do
The city is a playground for those who want adventure, romance, delicious dining options or just a bit of R&R. A brand new phone APP, Taste Paradise, was recently released that offers details on numerous self-guided food and wine trails throughout the region. One such trail takes visitors up to the picturesque Atherton Tablelands where you can explore organic farms, vast swimming and kayaking areas formed of extinct volcanoes, and the interesting Herberton Historic Village, an outdoor museum showcasing Australia’s pioneer heritage.
Obviously you will want to experience the Reef while in Cairns. Day-trips abound, just visit the convenient tour offices on the waterfront, or check with your hotel for suitable options. For an unsurpassed experience, consider investing in a chartered helicopter flight with Skysafari.
Kuranda is a quaint village in the rainforest, 25-minutes from Cairns, famous for its fabulous markets. You can drive, or take the popular Kuranda Scenic Train – and why not come back down to Cairns via the Skyrail cable-car for views that stretch across Cairns, the Reef and surrounding landscapes. If you’re keen for a bit of culture then Cairns offers several options in the form of JUTE Theatre (located in town; where you’ll catch quality, locally produced theatre), TANKS Arts Centre (nestled in a rainforest enclave close to the city, often featuring live music and chic clientele), and the world-renowned Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. For more travel inspiration download another brand new APP, ‘Tropical North Queensland’.
EAT
The Pier Bar by the waterfront offers delicious $12 meals, $5 pizzas and a great kids menu all week, drink specials and a vibrant ambiance. If you’re seeking something a little more stylish, book a table at the divine Salt House by the marina. Indulge in fine fare then dance the night away as a band and DJ enter the premises after dinner.
Locals adore the super cute Candy Cafe Bar, 70 Grafton Street, particularly for its quaint decor and interesting variations on breakfast options. If you’re on holidays and keen to let your hair down, stop by the sexy Attic Bar on Grafton Street, renowned for delicious $6 cocktails on Friday nights after 9pm. For a low-key but glamorous evening out, you can’t go wrong with Bar8 below the Shangri-La Hotel on the waterfront – decadent food options, lovely wine list and views to die for.
SHOP
Cairns Central is a large shopping centre in the middle of town. It’s a vibrant space to explore all the usual chains at your leisure. If eclectic is more ‘you’, take a wander down Grafton Street (between Spence and Aplin Streets) which is popular for its collection of chic boutiques, eateries and left-of-centre shopping experiences. Keep an eye out for markets along the Esplanade – perfect for souvenir hunting; and don’t miss the vast night markets located under-cover, 71-75 The Esplanade, 7 days.
STAY
Doubletree by Hilton (formerly Holiday Inn) on Cairns’ Esplanade is a family-friendly, economical option boasting a variety of rates, on-site restaurant and convenient, waterfront location – prices start at around $150 per night. You’ll love the luxury of Shangri-La by the marina (from $200 per night), with resort pool, surrounded by restaurants and spa options. Rydges Plaza is located amongst the city action, a few blocks back from the Esplanade, priced from $130 per night. This hotel has recently revamped its delicious buffet breakfast options, and often offers competitive rates for couples and families. Cairns is quite aged and disabled-friendly too, and if you need to hire equipment for family members, Phoenix Healthcare will be able to assist.
LOCAL SECRET
Escape the city limits to a serene little spot called Trinity Beach, just 20-minutes drive from the centre of Cairns (on the way towards Kewarra Beach, Palm Cove and Port Douglas). Here you will discover all the attributes of other more famous Queensland beaches – soft sand, warm ocean – but without the crowds. In fact, sometimes you will enjoy having the entire beach to yourself. If you get bored or hungry though, pop across the road to the terrific Trinity Beach tavern, or indulge in fine Italian at a favoured local haunt, L’Unico’s.
Images courtesy Cairns Festival and Tropical Tourism North Queensland.
This morning I had the privilege of hearing the lovely Tal Fitzpatrick of Volunteering Queensland speak. She was enlightening members of Study Cairns on the benefits of volunteering, particularly with respect to engaging international students who are studying in Australia. We take the term ‘volunteer’ or ‘volunteering’ for granted here – most of us being aware of the definition, and the difference for example, between ‘volunteering’ and ‘work experience’ (corporate placement etc.). However, some cultures aren’t so familiar with our use of the term ‘volunteer’. In a nutshell, volunteering in Australia means ‘giving up time for a not-for-profit organisation’. For example, in Tropical North Queensland, organisations of this description that need assistance include Meals on Wheels, YAPS and RSPCA, Wildlife Rescue, SES, to name but a few. In Australia we hold volunteers in high regard. Many volunteers are extremely well trained and sacrifice hours of their own time to assist when others need it most. A good friend of mine, Julie, has spent countless hours over the past ten years training, learning and dedicating her experience and time to help the SES and Red Cross, and as such has gained valuable emergency response experience – critical during floods, cyclones and disaster periods.
Bringing this back to the context of ‘international students’, well, imagine moving to a new country, where the culture is different and English is your second language. Sometimes it’s lonely trying to fit into a community. Challenges for international students include:
Language
Culture shock
Poor coping skills
Isolation
Accommodation & financial issues
Discrimination or perceived discrimination
Loneliness
These types of issues can often be overcome and addressed through positive volunteering experiences; the same could be said for others feeling isolation within a community.
Additionally, volunteering offers a great opportunity to practice language skills, make friends in a safe environment and to learn work skills at a comfortable pace. Employability is increased, especially in Australia where we value skills gained from those who volunteer; and students who have engaged in volunteering activities cite the benefits as including learning new skills, practising English, making a difference, making friends, helping people, trying something new, engaging in teamwork, giving back to the environment, learning leadership skills and making the most out of a ‘living abroad experience’.
Whether you want to help with animals, kids, elderly, community events and much more, there’s a wealth of info at www.volunteeringqld.org.au.
And if you’re in the North Queensland region, find Study Cairns on Facebook and Twitter for info on being a study-tourist, traveller, or even home-stay host, as well as heaps of travel advice on the beautiful northern Queensland region.
The weather has been so perfect here that I decided to take the chopper out for a spin …
Oh wait, that’s not mine – I get so easily confused these days. Alas, I was on foot on Friday, headed firstly towards Canopy Arts Space on Grafton Street to find out all about Inkfest initiatives (awesome!)  + Inkmasters as part of Festival Cairns.
Inkfest is an innovative addition to Cairns Festival showcasing the fascinating and diverse artform of printmaking 17 August – 2 September, 2012. The Inkfest program includes a number of inter-related printmaking activities, for indigenous and non-indigenous artists, emerging and experienced professional artists, and community engagement. It includes two exhibitions, at the Tanks Arts Centre and Canopy Artspace (pictured below), where some of the best local print media artists will be showing works alongside Australia’s most celebrated printmakers.
Visitors are welcome to drop by the gallery on Grafton Street – it’s huge, interesting and informative. Well worth it!
Next on Friday’s adventure …
It’s not as scary as it looks. A bunch of travel journalists and I visited James Cook University’s Cairns campus to explore some uniquely ‘Tropical North Queensland’ areas of education.
Baby Nemo! :-)
We went behind the scenes of a marine research centre that is used to film nature docos including the BBC’s The Great Barrier Reef that aired internationally earlier this year. And we discovered impressive research into the Eliminate Dengue project.
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It was actually really interesting to hear about this research, and we did learn that mozzies are attracted to those of us who have ‘hotter body temperatures’ or people wearing dark clothes – so be warned.
The aim of the experiment is to breed the dengue gene out of the mozzies that have it, then all these new mozzies are released into the ‘wild’ to hopefully breed with the other evil mozzies. Such amazing stuff – but we don’t envy the poor guys at JCU who are continually getting bitten!
All this talk of mosquitoes made me thirsty, so we decided to nip out for a quiet Friday afternoon drink at The Pier Bar. A few champers later and it was time to dance, so we visited one of my fave clubs in town, The Attic. Even discovered an awesome new mix of Super Bass mixed by Liam Keegan (love it).
Attic DJ you *rock* for sharing Liam’s details with us! Cheers to you :-)
YUM.
OMG… empty much?
Panic over… thank you kind lady. BTW these fab cocktails (think Appletinis, Cosmos, Martinis) are all just $6 at The Attic on Friday nights – they have a new menu and are testing it out. Bargain!
We’re looking to reno our bathroom soon (too much The Block for us, methinks) so paid a visit to Status Plus‘ fabulous showroom in Cairns on Saturday morning. Good timing too – they were hosting an outdoor broadcast with Zinc FM, there were cook-offs, demonstrations and much more. Big thanks to Shar’ron for all her knowledge and help during the morning. One such delight we discovered was this magic tap – the stream is blue when it’s cold, and red when … you guessed it, hot.
Beer o’clock (actually, we were waiting for Cooper’s mum who got lost among the Cairns shops – as you do), so we decided to take a quick pit stop at The Courthouse, sipping on $4 Coronas under the winter sunshine. .
On Sunday, after a little morning clean up and walk with the dog, we took a drive to stunning Paradise Palms Resort & Country Club for a catch-up with some friends and family. Nice day for it too.
There’s a beautiful under cover dining area, and Sunday was blissful here. We ate, drank and were merry.
For some reason many Aussies perceive that Cairns is simply too hot to visit. Further to that, thanks to so much negative press regarding cyclones people often assume it’s hot and wet. Has anyone been watching the weather channel this summer? Temps everywhere else in the country over Christmas, for example, were over 35 degrees yet Queensland, and in particular the Far North, were cool – under 30. Granted, it’s not always like that, however, everywhere in Australia is hot over summer, so don’t let this be a factor deterring your trip to the gorgeous tropical north. Similarly, the wet season is a part of life. Again, where has it been raining severely this year though? Down south!
Importantly, when you’re on holidays does it really matter if it’s hot and wet? No!
As a fan of North Queensland, and as someone who has been lucky to see some amazing places around the world I’d like to set the record straight. Not only is Far North Queensland one of the most gorgeous places in the world – literally – think about what you would be missing if you judged the region on negative connotations?
Nowhere else can you visit The Great Barrier Reef in all its glory. You’ll also discover rainforest, super chic clubs, bars and restaurants… it’s like Summer Bay!
Recently, Chinese visitors told us that this is a perfect area to experience what life is really like in a small Aussie city by the sea. Not only is Cairns a terrific city – unlike any other small city in Australia – but from this base you can choose your own adventure – head to Tully for some exciting White Water Rafting, go up the mountain to shop at the Kuranda markets or bungy jump with AJ Hackett. Not keen to hang out in the city if its due to rain? Easy fix – take a drive to the Atherton Tablelands and visit Mareeba – famous for its sunny weather 300 days a year! Escape to a sublime beach not overcrowded with tourists – try Trinity Beach just twenty minutes from Cairns, or drive along the highway to luxurious Palm Cove or Port Douglas. On this note, if you want to experience one of the most beautiful drives in Australia, take the coastal road from Cairns to Port Douglas – you’ll see what I mean!
Shopping, dining, spas, animal adventures, reef, rainforest, typical Aussie country towns – from a city by the sea to the true blue Aussie Outback – it’s all accessible within one idyllic location. Consider a $5000 budget for the ultimate vacation… I’m dreaming of lush resorts at Palm Cove, several divine spa treatments (why not one in each luxe stop – Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Cairns), delectable dining at L’Unico Italian Restaurant (Trinity Beach), cocktails at Salt House by the marina in Cairns, a shopping spree at DFO and several trips to the rainforest and the reef!
Perfect for families, couples, backpackers or honeymooners. Everyone who visits Cairns loves it! It’s the ideal place to boost Vitamin Me levels, and with more flights just added to the schedule from all major cities into the Far North, there’s never been a better time to design your own unforgettable adventure under the Queensland sun. And if it happens to rain, who cares? There’s always something fabulous to do in FNQ regardless!
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VIEW ENTIRE PHOTO GALLERYÂ / READ PART TWO
Interesting to note – place five gals with iPhones together in front of beautifully presented cuisine, then check out Instagram for live streaming of foodie pics.
