Visiting Cairns?

Question

My husband and I are planning our first trip to Australia (from NZ), and are flying into Cairns (mid-Feb). I have two questions:

1. Is it best to rent a car to travel around the area (Port Douglas, Mission Beach, etc.), or is other transportation (bus, shuttle) easier? We like the freedom of renting, but of course aren't familiar with the local road system.

2. Can we see Kangaroo and Koala bears in this region (cheesy question I know, but it is our first AU trip)?

Answer 1

I live in Cairns.
Best bet is to rent a car. There is a public bus system and believe me plenty of tourist operators here, but you just can't beat your own 'freedom'. The road system is easy, we have no confusing overhead motorways/highways ... one road out from Cairns to Port Douglas - very easy drive up to the Daintree Rainforest etc.

Kangaroos and Wallabies - yes there is alot around. Between Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach you'll see 200 of them in a paddock - this is only 15 mins from town. Unfortunately you may see the odd one on the road in and out of town.

Koalas do not live in the wild in Cairns, but there is the Cairns Tropical Zoo where you can cuddle one and get your photo taken.

More info: Things to do and See in Cairns

http://www.welcometocairns.com
http://www.cairnseguide.com
http://www.cairnsattractions.com
http://www.tropicalaustralia.com.au/things_to_do_and_see
http://www.cairnsattractions.com
http://www.cairnsinfo.com

Great Barrier Reef - http://www.greatadventures.com.au and http://www.quicksilver-cruises.com
http://www.greenisland.com.au

Paronell Park - http://www.paronellapark.com.au is worth the short drive out of Cairns

Kuranda Scenic Railway - http://www.ksr.qr.com.au

About the Wet Tropics and World Heritage North Qld - http://wettropics.gov.au

Skyrail Rainforest Gateway - a must see ! - http://www.skyrail.com.au

Cairns Tropical Zoo - http://www.wildworld-aus.com.au

Cairns Esplanade - http://www.cairnsesplanade.com

Resorts - http://www.capetribulationresorts.com.au/

Port Douglas Info - http://www.portdouglaseguide.com/
http://www.vcentres.com.au/port-douglas/

Have a great trip !

Answer 2

There is a tropical Zoo in Cairns and a wildlife Sanctuary in Port Douglas. You can go on Organised trips which give you lots of information. Why don't you take a couple of organised trips to Port Douglas, The Great Barrier Reef ,The Sky rail . then hire a car for a couple of days and drive South to Mission Beach . Personally I would rather be driving South with my flask to stop on the road for breaks and have a few diversions. The Road is good. If you haven't organised all your accomodation have a night or 2 at mission Beach There are other wild life parks I believe there is a good one at Innisfail.You are going to be there in the wet cyclonic season . It will be hot and sticky if it's not raining so be prepared. Take mozzie replelent.