Little Finders adventure to Cairns and Port Douglas
A place for Honeymooners only – we think not. Whilst we do respect those that need a tranquil getaway and not want screaming munchkins around, there are plenty of resorts, villas etc that will accommodate that. Fear not.
What a great visit for families. Have we got some places and ideas for you.
Lets start with the Great Barrier Reef. This truly spectacular ecosystem is the largest living thing on earth and is even visible from outer space. We departed Port Douglas for a trip out to the Reef on Wavelength 4 and snorkelled three different sites during the day. With Marine biologists onboard, you are more than equipped with information and knowledge for what to look out for. And we found a shark. Yep, laying low in a crevice, there was the reefy. Kids couldn’t believe they were swimming with ‘real’ sharks. To think the Great Barrier Reef is larger than the entire country of Italy still perplexes me. This wonder needs to be seen. A wonderful day out with the incredible staff from Wavelength 4.
Hartleys Crocodile Farm
Such a thrill seeing these snappers. Lots of wow’s from the kiddies. This highly regarded wildlife park features not just the largest collection of crocodiles in captivity in Queensland, but also a huge array other animals such as snakes, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and much more – the majority of which you’ll be able to touch for yourself.
The Daintree Forest and Mossman Gorge
Get the kids out and about. Walk and get wet. How fun is it just letting it all go. That we did. A stroll into the forest is predictable. Yep, it rains. And the Gorge is the place to really get wet. Such a fun afternoon taking a dip into Mossman Gorge and wandering through the Daintree Forest afterwards.
Kuranda Scenic Rail and Sky
Ride up to Kuranda on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, then glide back down over the rainforest on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway! We spent much longer than anticipated up at the Village as we strolled the heritage markets and found many FUN things to do. Lots of options to choose from, you have the Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld and Kuranda Koala Gardens for more kid action.
Must admit, my biggest highlight was the discovery of Chocolate Pudding Fruit.
Coming from a Black Sapote Tree (only in Far North Queensland unfortunately) these delicious gems are like a rich gooey chocolate pudding on the inside and have have no sugar. Totally guilt free. Low in fat and an excellent source of Vitamin C only meant that I must try.
Kids Highlight Kuranda Candy – Need I say More !!
Other attractions – Butterfly Sanctuary / Kuranda Koala
Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome
Whilst in Port Douglas and Cairns there really is so much to do with kids. The Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome, the world’s first Challenge Ropes Course in a wildlife exhibit, is an all-weather experience in the Cairns CBD. Experience adventure on the Mid-ZOOM or Hi-ZOOM courses, consisting of 65 elements including crossings, tunnels, a climbing wall, cargo nets, and three ziplines at various heights and lengths, including one directly over Goliath, their 4-metre saltwater crocodile. Get your heart racing with the PowerJump – a free-fall adventure with a 13-metre drop, or try the Pirate Climb and Commando Rope Climb challenges. For all activities, there is a minimum age of 6 years. Tickets available on our APP.
Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
The Wildlife Habitat is an excellent, reasonably-priced showcase of the diversity of Aussie and tropics animal life with enough of its own interesting quirks and offerings to set it apart from other standard zoos in the bigger cities. It puts a real emphasis on getting “hands-on” with the animals and encouraging interactivity that is always a hit with the kids. All your essential Aussie wildlife staples are covered here – standards such as kangaroos, koalas and snakes are interspersed with other species that are more representative of Tropical QLD.
Time for us mammas
I had the pleasure of travelling with very dear friends where further memories have been created. Its ever so important to enjoy the family but to also take some ‘me time’ and some well earned ‘girl time’. We even took a cheeky little visit back to the chapel where my bestie got married. Reminiscing swirling our way down that isle. Yes, I was Bridesmaid.
And we wrapped it up with a few cocktails. All are happy.
