With the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef on one side and the scenic tropical forests that climb their way up the Great Dividing Range, it was not just the gold that attracted the early settlers to the region. The immense beauty is also matched with the calm and tranquil lifestyle. Shorts, Singlets and Thongs (Jandals or Flip Flops) are the order of the day where ever you go, excluding the Casino, and the many bars, clubs and restaurants are always close by to assist in quenching your thirst with an ice cold beer.
In almost stark contrast, to the North of Cairns are the very popular holiday destinations of Trinity Beach, Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Not only are they scattered with luxurious Hotels, Apartments and Resorts, but are also the chosen location for holiday homes to some of the countries richest people. Prada, Gucci and Versace fashion labels are found in the beach front boutiques, whilst Dom Perignon and Moet et Chardon flow in the Cafes and Lobby bars. Sun loungers are lined with bronzed bodies, year round, and a holiday atmosphere is everywhere you go.
But you can't visit the area without seeing the Great Barrier Reef. Whether or not you are a water baby, the normally calm trip out to the inner reef locations is well worth the expense and the hour long cruise. Most tour operators give visitors the option of Scuba Diving, Snorkeling and Swimming. A select few offer a 'Glass Bottom Boat' ride which allow a great view of the corals and marine life. The boat trip itself will also give you the opportunity to sight Dolphins, Turtles and in the migration seasons, a variety of Whales.
For those that make it through the day and still have the energy, night time comes alive in Cairns. A large Backpacker contingent in the area pack out the bars and clubs. Most shops and stalls are open late and souvenirs from the area are high on most people 'to do lists'. Grabbing a bite to eat? With all cuisines from around the world catered for, then your only problem is going to be deciding which restaurants to choose. Beautiful scenery, action packed days followed by a buffet of fresh foods and refreshing drinks ... Cairns is certainly the place to unwind and enjoy yourself.
Although reported that Captain James Cook sailed up the North Queensland in 1770 during his Voyage of Discover on the HM Bark Endeavour, it is unclear whether or not he landed in the area we now call Cairns City. A dangerous voyage, thwarted by having to navigate the sharp coral of the Great Barrier Reef finally forced him ashore in the Endeavour River, now Cooktown, only to find dense vegetation and such animals as Crocodiles. Mix in the uncomfortable living conditions of the wet season and the tropical cyclones that came with it, then it is no wonder that it took almost another 100 years before the area was properly settled.
By1976, on the back of the gold rush that originated in Cooktown, some 370 km Northwest, Cairns was officially founded and settled. At the time it was argued that this sandy Mangrove swamp was not ideally suited, however as it was the only area flat enough to support a township and given that the bay was well protected from the seasonal weather the town was finally named after the first Irish born Governor of Queensland, Sir William Wellington Cairns, and the population began to grow. At the time, the area was vastly different to the modern day site. What is today the Trinity Inlet was once the mouth of the Barron River until the forces of nature diverted the rivers' flow to the south of the town.
Like most towns gripped by the Gold Rush Fever, once the gold had dried up, the region needed to look for new industries to support the growing population. The humid climate and ample wetlands were well suited to growing crops such as Rice, Cotton and Sugar Cane. Today the Far North regions coastal strip is still dominated by the Sugar Cane industry, producing some 4 million tones of export sugar each year.
Leading into the 21st century, tourism is stepping up as a leading export of the area. Amongst concerns to the native wildlife, fisheries and even the Great barrier Reef itself, many tour operators deliver millions of visitors annually to interact with the sensitive environment. Of greatest concern is the 'bleaching' of the coral. A condition that is believed to be associated with Global Warming and a rise in the ambient water temperatures. Added to this are the thousands of litres of sunscreen that are washed off of tourists bodies and form a thick film on the waters surface, further trapping in the heat, and the ecosystem is one that will need to be carefully monitored in the future. The Queensland Government, together with Federal authorities have implemented a range of initiatives to ensure that this fragile balance between man and nature is preserved and so that we can continue to enjoy its wonders for generations to come.
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