On October 6, 1876, the first survey stakes were nailed at the junction of Abbott and Wharf Streets, and the demarcated area was officially named Keynes. Unexpectedly, 138 years later, I have a connection with this city. Talking about Keynes, we have to talk about James. Captain Cook ---- the first European to come to the area. In the crisp drizzle, our bus officially entered Cairns, and outside the city there was a statue of a captain several meters high, and the red captain had a sword in his left hand, and in the direction of his right hand, it was his city ---- Keynes.
Australia is truly a treasure trove, and Cairns in the top right corner is home to two WNAW-listed attractions---- whether it's the magnificent Great Barrier Reef underwater or the mysterious Daintree Rainforest in the mountains.
<h3>Get a brand new energy box in the rainforest</h3>
The Rainforest Aerial Tramway is a one-of-a-kind rainforest experience. The Aerial Cable Car traverses Barron Gorge National Park for 7.5 kilometres, and in the comfort of a six-passenger cable car cabin you can enjoy spectacular views of the Cairns Rainforest, as well as the Coral Sea and lush Cairns Highlands.
There are two platforms halfway down the cable car to overlook the forest beneath your feet and savour the amazing scenery. At Red Peak Station, the staff of the skyrail will guide you on a seaside tour to let you know that in this ancient tropical forest, there are huge plate-like tree roots, ancient kauri pine trees, and you can also climb the staying palm trees. At Barron Falls Station, numerous trails and observation decks rise above barron canyons and waterfalls, as well as numerous historical exhibitions and rainforest interpretation centres.
When visiting the rainforest, it is necessary to fully mobilize all the senses to enjoy. For myself, what impressed me the most was the sound of the rainforest. I can't literally describe what kind of sound it is, unless you are in it and you will feel the same as me. The sound is indeed a small concerto of nature, it combines the beautiful birds of the rainforest, the babbling of water, the sound of the wind... As you walk through the natural "oxygen bar", please be sure to take a breath and enjoy the ancient sounds of nature in your ears.
The australians' love of the rainforest is self-evident, as evidenced by the construction of the rainforest aerial sightseeing vehicle. In order to protect the ecosystem of the tropical rainforest from being destroyed, the locals have specially built a cable car, and tourists can only overlook the rainforest from above, but can not enter it; it is understood that when the cable car was built, adhering to the principle of not destroying the rainforest grass and trees, many projects were also completed in the air.
The Sky Sightseeing Cable Car is easily accessible from Cairns and Port Douglas, which are just 10 minutes and 50 minutes respectively. It is worth mentioning that the Skyrail cable car has two kinds of ordinary carriages and crystal carriages, (similar to the transparent carriage of Hong Kong Ngong Ping 360) If you choose the crystal carriage, you can enjoy the rainforest below through the glass under your feet. According to locals, if you see wild blue butterflies in the rainforest, this day will be your lucky day, be sure to pay attention to observe.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Kuranda Scenic Railway is a period of time, whether you want to believe it or not, in fact, you and this journey is actually an "old acquaintance", along the way scenery and train cars photos, you must have seen in a postcard or any travel guide. My first reaction when I came here was, ah, it's here! So all the way I followed the pictures that had been added on the postcard, trying to find the best shooting angle.
Even today, the Cairns-Kuranda railway, built between 1882 and 1891, is a monumental feat. Built by hundreds of wage-labourers, these 15 man-made tunnels and 37 bridges are like a monument to the pioneers of tropical North Queensland; it is a fascinating chapter in Northern Queensland's history, witnessing the ambition, perseverance and suffering of the hundreds of men involved in its construction. Completing the whole tour is also a tribute to them.
The famous railway winds from Cairns to the rainforest village of Kuranda and lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Journey through the World Heritage-listed rainforest, pass by beautiful and spectacular waterfalls, and enter the stunning Barron Gorge, climbing from sea level to an altitude of 328 meters above sea level. On the tour, you can also take the KSR Gold Class, which, yes, is equivalent to the first class cabin on the train, with club-style seating, appetizers, refreshments and exclusive bags that together transport you back to the aristocratic experience of a hundred years ago.
<h3>The Great Barrier Reef: The best "spokesperson"</h3>
If the Great Barrier Reef were to be used as the best "spokesperson" for Keynes, I don't think anyone would dispute it. The Great Barrier Reef, stretching south from the mainland town of Port Douglas to Bundaberg, stretches for more than 2,000 kilometres and is a world-class water wonder. This calm sea is home to a splendid coral kingdom and thousands of marine life, with deep cliffs, tunnels and caves. When you swim in it, you can truly experience the magic of nature, and the scenery is "unique" underwater.
Green Island Fringing Reefs
Located in the Cairns waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island is a true coral island surrounded by sandy beaches and a vast coral reef system. 4 meters above sea level, 606 meters long, 200 meters wide and 0.5 kilometers in circumference. It is ideal for diving, regular scuba diving and underwater viewing. It is a great choice for day trips. There is a dive shop near the reef, which also offers scuba diving courses and a diving charter service. There are also resort hotels, cafes and souvenir shops on the island.
Moore Reef Dive Site
At Moore Reef in the Cairns Waters off the Great Barrier Reef, you can dive over this staghorn coral bush slope that stretches from the sandy beach to a depth of 22 meters. Explore the surrounding soft corals and observe the reef up close. There is an abundance of hard corals, as well as snappers hidden in soft corals, which sometimes jump out of the water to hunt plankton. You can often see the head carp, parrotfish, emperor fish, butterfly fish and stingray fish. Ideal for macro photography, especially at night.
Norman Reef Dive Site
Norman Reef is located in the Cairns Waters off the Great Barrier Reef and is home to Māori wrath, moray eels, giant clams, sea anemones and their symbiotes all year round. There are large soft corals, antler coral bushes and small hills covered with corals. There are also top swimming tunnels and caves. The sandy area has garden eels. Batfish, drumfish, blue-billed dragons, black-tailed winterfish and red sea bass also swim here. Turtles, moray eels, blue-spotted spokes and giant clams can also be seen. From midwinter to late winter, it becomes the domain of minke whales.
A new experience: the gospel of the undersea motorcycle "Dry Duck"
Undersea motorcycles allow guests to engage in underwater activities without wearing a mask or regulator. Composed of helmet-mounted gas supply systems and standard recombinant motorcycles, the underwater scenery with a 180-degree view is definitely the best choice for a relaxing swim in the underwater world.
Suitable for operation in open waters, the helmet of the undersea motorcycle is connected to the cylinder in front, which provides an hour of fresh air inside the helmet for passengers to breathe normally underwater. The battery lasts at least 1 and a half hours, and the speed of travel in the water is 2.5 knots (about 4.63 kilometers per hour), which is about a little faster than the average person walking. The entire activity is 20 minutes long, and even if you are not good at swimming or physical fitness, there is no reason to miss the opportunity to experience the Great Barrier Reef.
<h3>Embrace the happiest animal in the world</h3>
Before I left for Australia, I had already made a list of N wishes in my mind, of which "Holding Koala" ranked first. Vegetarian, who sleeps more than 20 hours a day and is protected by law, koalas are simply the happiest creatures in the world. As the keeper gently placed a little guy named "Bundy" in my arms, my whole being melted away. The feeling of the furry flesh mound is particularly magical, and the Bundijun in his hand has an innocent face, looking around at the camera next to him, "dumb and cute" is the best description at the moment. In the following 3 places, you can get up close and personal with "cute things".
Cairns Tropical Zoo
The award-winning Cairns Tropical Zoo is located on the Captain Cook Highway in Palm Bay, just 20 minutes north of Cairns. The 6-hectare zoo is a tropical landscape and is a natural habitat for Australia's endemic animals and some exotic animals. At the zoo, visitors can 'hug koalas' and visit giant pythons or baby crocodiles (high-quality souvenirs and digital photos are available at an extra cost). It's a great place where a variety of wild animals showcase their extraordinary wild life, and visitors can get up close and personal with them, all included in the entrance fee. Artificially feed kangaroos and wallabies and visit one of Australia's most vivid reptile exhibits. Daily activities are entertaining and educational. You'll be delighted with a unique snake show featuring some of the world's most venomous snakes, surprise keepers by feeding giant saltwater crocodiles by hand, and see Queensland's first Free Flying Bird Show, where many species of birds, including eagles, will be on display. In Queensland, you'll also see the unique Little Raccoon, and at the interesting Exotic Exotic Animals and Plants Showcase, you'll learn more about the Baby Raccoon and its endangered flora and fauna. Be sure not to miss this mystery tour - it will be an extraordinary day!
Cairns Wildlife Dome
The Cairns Wildlife Dome is a spectacular all-weather wildlife gallery located on the roof of the Reef Hotel Casino, a 20-metre-high glass dome. Located in the heart of Cairns, around 60 species of animals roam and fly freely within the walls, the paddock is built to resemble a natural environment. The walls are interwoven with paths and boardwalks, allowing guests to view a variety of animals such as rainforest reptiles and frogs, turtles, small wallabies and a variety of colorful birds. Visitors can see a giant seawater crocodile, which will be your first time seeing a crocodile in the water in North Queensland. Or donate to our animal reserves, where visitors can get up close and personal with our koalas. Guided browsing and animal presentations are available throughout the day, providing you with an interactive learning experience about rainforest wildlife, with excellent photo opportunities. Go to the Koala Management Area to hug the koala, you can hug the koala and take a souvenir photo (extra charge). The facility offers a distinctive blend of benefits due to its proximity to the Cairns Convention Centre and major five-star hotels, combining attendance at the conference and animal watching in the rainforest scene.
Kuranda Koala Gardens
Kuranda Koala Gardens, an award-winning garden that offers a first-class wildlife holiday experience, is located in Kuranda Village in heritage markets. This is the only place in the village of Kuranda where you can relax and relax, and you can also hug a koala. There is a small fee, which includes a digital souvenir photo. Also visit Australia's first accessible Reptile House, where you can see pythons and other reptiles wandering around uninhibited. Take a look at docile wallabies, wombats, freshwater crocodiles, lizards and more. Visit Pioneer Shed, who describes the settlement history of early European settlers in the Kuranda area. There is a free shuttle, which is run by the Skyrail and kuranda Scenic Train Stations. He's a huge draw for those with limited time , (and if you're short enough, they also recommend visiting the Cairns Rainforest Zoo and the Hartley Crocodile Adventure). Kuranda Koala Gardens is also part of a great part of Kuranda Wildlife Tours. He combines Kuranda Koala Park, Bird World and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. It is an ideal place for independent tourists and small tour groups.
<h3>visa</h3>
Non-Australian or non-New Zealand visitors must have an Australian visa to enter Australia. Before applying for or obtaining an Australian visa, please pay special attention to the following important matters: ensuring that the correct type of visa is applied for, clarifying the specific requirements for the visa application, understanding your obligations during your stay in Australia and the importance of complying with the visa conditions.
For more details, please visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship website or visitors with Chinese passports can visit the website of the Australian Embassy in Beijing for visa information.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows visa holders to travel to Australia, engage in business activities or visit relatives and friends. A visitor visa can be used to enter or leave Australia one or more times for a stay not exceeding three months, six months or twelve months;
This category of visa holder cannot work in Australia, provide services to Australian businesses or institutions, or sell products or provide services to the Australian public. If the purpose of the applicant's visit to Australia is to work in Australia for a short period of time, they should apply for a newly established temporary work visa (Short Stay Activity) (subclass 400).
This visa category consists of four series:
• Travel Series: For a holiday, leisure or family visit in Australia. If applying for this series of visas in Australia, the applicant should be in Australia at the time of visa approval. If applying for this series of visas outside of Australia, the applicant should be outside Australia at the time of visa approval.
- Student Groups: Students with a minimum of three months can apply for a Tourist Series visa. We have set up a special student group visa application procedure for school groups to go to Australia. If you are joining or organising a student group to Australia, please refer to the list of materials provided on the website of the Australian Embassy in Beijing. Please note that the teachers and staff of the tour should apply for a Business Visitor Series visa in the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).
• Business Visitor Series: Short-term business visit to Australia. This includes attending meetings, conducting business negotiations or talks. At the time of submission and approval of the visa application, the applicant should be outside Australia.
• Guarantee Family Series: Visiting relatives in Australia. The applicant must have a guarantor. The guarantor may be required to pay a security deposit. At the time of submission and approval of the visa application, the applicant should be outside Australia. Applicants cannot apply for other visas within Australia.
• Approved Tourist Destination Visa Series: Chinese citizens traveling to Australia in a group. At the time of submission and approval of the visa application, the applicant should be outside Australia.
Electronic Travel Permit (Category 601)
Passport holders from certain countries can apply for an electronic travel permit to travel or do business in Australia. Chinese passport holders cannot apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
<h3>currency</h3>
The currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels and international airports. The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, UnionPay, and JCB cards and credit cards with their affiliates. Try this easy currency exchange tool.
<h3>Goods and services tax</h3>
Australia collects a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). If you spend at least $300 in a store in the first 30 days of your departure, you may be able to apply for a GST refund on these items. Tourist Tax Refund Program facilities are located at the International Airport or Departures Hall at the Terminal. For more details, please check out the Australian Government's information on the Travel Tax Refund Scheme.
There are large department stores, shopping streets, shopping centres, gift and souvenir shops across Australia. Opening hours vary across the country, but shops in tourist areas and downtown areas are usually open until 6 p.m., and in some states they are open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays or Fridays. In Australia, you are protected by the Australian Consumer Protection Act, which requires businesses to treat every customer fairly.
Also if you need to buy nutritional supplements in Australia, check whether the trademark contains the letters "AUST R" or "AUST L" followed by numbers, indicating that the product has been approved for sale in Australia. For more details, please consult the Supplementary Drug Shopping Guide.
<h3>Gratuities and bargaining</h3>
Hotels and restaurants will not add a service charge to your bill. In high-end restaurants, waiters are often tipped up to 10% of their bill for excellent service. However, tipping or not is always up to you. There is generally no bargaining in Australia.
<h3>Power outlets</h3>
The power supply used in Australia is 220-240 volts, 50 Hz AC. The three-pin socket commonly used in Australia is different from some countries, so you may need to bring a conversion plug.