Where's ya dinner.. there's ya dinner!
If you go to Cairns the only hostel to stay at is most definitely Gilligans. Party Central! Good location, swimming pool, food and drink deals, endless entertainment and the main club right on your doorstep. The only down side is how strict they are on bring in your own alcohol - sneak it in before the guard comes on at about 7pm!
There is no beach in Cairns but there is a lagoon and many bbq stations. It is perfect for having an evening barbie - although it may have taken about ten lads to cook it - a few drinks and watching the bats take flight for the night!
Cairns was activity central!
1. Uncle Brian's
I highly recommend this tour. It is excellent value for money and was such a brilliant day out! I was take to the Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls, an amazing tea house, Milla Milla Falls, Lacke Eacham and Yungabarra. The tour guide was hilarious and the trip was well planned out so that the group was constantly entertained.
2. Scuba Diving
I went on a day trip to the great barrier reef. I do not advise drinking the night before as I experienced awful sea sickness/hangover on the boat that was not enjoyable. I was taken to a two snorkel and scuba diving sites on the outer great barrier reef. The scuba diving experience as an uncertified diver was a little restricting. The group went over some basic training and checks before heading out into the big blue! We went down in groups of four - two people on either side of the instructor. Each person took it in turns to have photos taken underwater and with nemo - which could be purchased on the boat later. If you have scuba dived before this experience may not be overly impressive.
The best part about the trip was venturing off on my own with a snorkel. I was able to get right into the coral and discover a variety of fish and see a sea turtle - which was most definitely the highlight of the trip!
3. Bungee Jump
I hadn't originally planned to do a bungee jump in Australia, wanting to take on Nevis in New Zealand. However, a group of us decided to go for it - why not aye! I completed two 50m bungee jumps - a tandem and a single.
4. Skydive
I successfully skydived 14,000ft over Mission Beach with a 60 second free fall. I was taken away by the breathtaking beauty of the east coast! This is the ultimate adrenaline rush and an experience I will never forget. There is a fair bit of waiting around during the day but it is well worth it. If you can afford it definitely get both the photos and the video option! Word of warning - the sky dive hurts your ears so make sure you try and pop then during your descent.
