Gilligan’s and Cairns

If one could imagine a college spring break, Gilligan’s would have been a perfect example.  This place was party central.  Local bands would come in six days a week; the partying would last until 5 the next morning, alcoholic drink specials galore, a pool with volleyball net, a sandy beach next to the pool, and even a waterfall going into the pool.  This place was an excellent spot to unwind for a few days.  Even for one who does not drink, there was much to do in Cairns.

During my final day in Cairns (really, Australia) I walked around and saw the beauty of Cairns.  My sightseeing included the Cairns Botanical Gardens, hiking the red and blue arrow circuits (it is supposed to take 5-6 hours, but I did it in 2.5 hours), and the Cairns Esplanade walkway.  The sights were excellent, from hiking through forests through seeing a beach looking out into the Great Barrier Reef.  

 

 

What surprised me about Cairns was the historical importance of the city.  During World War II, Cairns was a base for Allied forces before going into Japanese-occupied territory.  Along the Esplanade walkway, memorials and plaques were dedicated to those in the service from a few Allied countries.  The countries included Australia, USA, and even New Zealand.  Many of the buildings from the WWII era still stand today.