🏝️ Cairns & The Great Barrier Reef

Cairns kicked off our Aussie road trip—but warning: ⚠️ February is monsoon season (avoid Cairns + Whitsundays!). 📍 Itinerary Snapshot A complete guide to Cairns—gateway to the Great Barrier Reef! 🗺️ Hand-drawn maps + route planning 🚶♂️ Efficient city walk (no backtracking!) ⛵ Reef boat comparisons 👍 Like & follow for more (Perth maps coming!) Day 1: 🚢 Great Barrier Reef day trip Day 2: 🌿 Kuranda Rainforest (skip if you hate touristy spots) Day 3: 🎈 Atherton Tablelands hot air balloon Day 4: 🪂 Mission Beach skydive / Tully River rafting / Paronella Park Day 5: 🏙️ Cairns City Walk (art gallery → lagoon → aquarium → night market) *Flexible 4-5 days!* 🚗 Transport Tips Skip renting a car—most tours include free shuttles! 💡 Must-Knows ☔ Avoid February (torrential rains!) 🏨 Stay downtown (tiny city = easy walks) 🧴 Pack: Sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear 🚣 For rafting: Bring dry clothes (you’ll get SOAKED!) Manage expectations: Beyond the reef, Cairns is a chill coastal town—not mind-blowing, but perfect for slowing down. #TravelMaps #Australia #Cairns #GreatBarrierReef #HotAirBalloon #Skydiving #Snorkeling #Wanderlust 🌏✨