Not such a bad place after all

Upon arrival we headed to our accommodation at Paradise Palms Resort, in our small Hyundai vehicle from Avis.

After some rest, we hit town and went into Cairns.  Our impressions were really positive!  We couldn’t figure out why we’ve been given the thumbs down by most of our friends who always recommend Port Douglas instead.

We loved the cheap eats and cheap massage in the Night Market which is essentially an arcade and food hall joined together.  It is a backpacker heaven I guess … and you don’t have to scratch deep below our surface to know that we enjoy value!

I can see why some think that Cairns isn’t attractive … it is set by the sea … but turns out to be a huge mudflat during low tide.  But the authorities have done their best to make it attractive with a very nice boardwalk and a free shallow pool for the public to swim in and enjoy.  Visitors on a budget can stay at a hostel across the road and enjoy a free swim in the pool!