This trip to Cairns we are hoping to fulfill one of the ‘MUST Dos’ of OZ which is diving in Great Barrier Reef, the world heritage and wonders of the world!! Though the weather seems to be quite cold since it's winter but it is the best time (peak season) of the year where everyone flock in from the southern part to enjoy the sunny days and temperate sea. It is also because there is less rain and weather is more stable.
So we checked in at Cairns holiday park for $34 (for unpowered site, phew!) then explore around the city center searching for diving course. Eventually we found the cheapest diving course package at CDC (Cairns Diving Centre). A 5 day live aboard diving course for $580 (normal price $680, special discount of $100 during that time because the manager says business is quite slow). 2 days of pool training, 3 days on the boat doing 9 dives, where accommodation and food onboard included. That sounds so good! Other expenses is paying the reef tax of $60 ($20 a day in sea) and diving medical check up of $60 to the doctor. The program is under SSI company. PADI courses would require student to purchase a book for $80, whereas at CDC we can borrow the book and return it after the exam.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon*****
A nice place for a dip in the water
The beach of Cairns, which is not nice at all. That's why they build the esplanade and lagoon =P
Cairns Night Market****. It feels like Bangkok in here! Many shops selling souvenirs, massage stalls and asian food court! We found a shop selling local coffee beans that are planted in the highlands. Some Australians said Cairns has the best coffee bean! There are several coffee bean estates in Mareeba (about an hour drive from Cairns) that offers tours but we don't have the time to travel. So we just tried a cappuccino from Coast Roast coffee shop.
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Taste normal... Hehe
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