( Great Barrier Reef from the plane ) 

In October, while living in Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast, there was a plan to change houses since the landlord’s mother was visiting from the UK. A perfect solution quickly emerged. Carmel’s sister invited us to Cairns to stay in a large Airbnb for a week at no cost, which allowed for an extended stay for just Carmel and a chance to explore the area, even though Cairns had already been visited in 2020. The result was a delightful two-week vacation in North Queensland.

DAY 1 – Wednesday 01.10.2025 

( Night at: Fitzroy Island Resort, Queensland ) 

( Nudey beach, Fitzroy island ) 

The day began early, waking at 4:30 am to pack the last few things. By 5:15 am, it was time to head to the airport via Uber for a 6:40 am flight to Cairns. Although the flight was scheduled to land at 9:10 am, a delay pushed the arrival to 10:00 am.

From the airport, an Uber ride took everyone to the pier, arriving at the marina in time for the 11:00 am ferry to Fitzroy Island. Upon arrival, lunch was enjoyed at the island bar, followed by a quick change into swimwear to relax on the famous Nudey Beach.

After some time by the water, it was time to check in, freshen up, and change for the evening. As the sun began to set, a return to the beach offered the perfect view, before heading back to Foxy Bar for dinner. After a long day full of travel and sun, an early night provided much-needed rest.

DAY 2 – Thursday 02.10.2025 

( Night at: The Jack Backpacker, Cairns ) 

( Breakfast at the Fitzroy island resort ) 

The day started at 7 am with a buffet breakfast at the resort. Afterwards, a morning stroll led to Nudey Beach, where the time was spent swimming and capturing photos of the stunning surroundings.

Returning to the resort, a refreshing ice cream provided a sweet break before heading to the Turtle Conservation Park at 2:40 pm for the scheduled talk tour. After the tour, there was some time to relax before boarding the boat back to Cairns at 5 pm.

Once back in Cairns, the journey continued with a walk to the accommodation for check-in, followed by a quick trip to the supermarket to pick up dinner. The day ended with rest and preparation for the next adventure.

DAY 3 – Friday 03.10.2025

( Night at: The Jack Backpacker, Cairns )

( Rusty’s Market, Cairns ) 

The day began at 8 am with a visit to Rusty’s Markets, followed by a short walk around the area. The heat made a long stroll challenging, so lunch was enjoyed at La Pizza, a lovely spot that also offered a chance to catch up with Santina. 

After lunch, there was time to relax before heading out in the evening to Whiskey and Wine by Crystalbrook, a beautiful location to enjoy the sunset. The night continued with a stroll through the night markets before returning to the accommodation for a restful night.

DAY 4 – Saturday 04.10.2025 

( Night at: The Jack Backpacker, Cairns ) 

( Green Island from the boat on the way out ) 

We woke up early to do the day tour that we booked on Getyour Guide the full day tour to Green island departing from the marina at 8:30 am and then once in green island we could do snorkeling but unfortunately the tide was very very low so was impossible and then we just chilled a bout around the. We had lunch on the boat and again in the noon we nap and then after we swim a bit since the water actually was pretty warm and very enjoyable. Then around 3 pm we made the way back to cairns on the boat and once we arrived we walked back to the hostel and then we had a quick dinner and straight to sleep. 

DAY 5 – Sunday 05.10.2025 

( Night at: Palm Cove Carmel’s sis friend place ) 

( The house where we stayed in Palm Cove ) 

The day began at 7:30 am with a visit to Rusty’s Markets to pick up fresh coconuts and seasonal fruits. Around 10 am, it was time to check out, call an Uber, and pick up the rental car, opting for full coverage insurance for peace of mind.

The journey continued to Crystal Cascades, where a short hike offered beautiful scenery and plenty of photo opportunities. Later, the day shifted to a family gathering at Carmel’s relatives’ house. While groceries were being done, time was spent playing with the child in the pool. The evening concluded with a BBQ prepared by the brother-in-law, followed by a restful night’s sleep.

DAY 6 – Monday 06.10.2025 

( Night at: Palm Cove Carmel’s sis friend place )

( Kuranda Scenic Railway, Cairns ) 

The day started at 6:30 am with breakfast and lunch preparations before driving to Smithfield terminal. The rental car was parked, followed by a bus ride to board the Kuranda Scenic Train. Upon arrival in Kuranda, the Butterfly Sanctuary was explored, and a quick lunch was enjoyed.

The return journey was aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, with a stop at the Rainforest Skywalk to admire the lush surroundings. Back home by 2:30 pm, the afternoon was spent at the nearby beach with Carmel and her nieces. The evening concluded with a home-cooked pasta with ragù, shared for dinner, followed by a restful night.

DAY 7 – Tuesday 07.10.2025 

( Night at: Palm Cove Carmel’s sis friend place )

( Patio of the house in Palm Cove ) 

The day began around 8 am with breakfast, followed by a quiet morning at home spent with Carmel’s family, playing and coloring with the nieces. After lunch, a trip was made for groceries, preparing for a cozy evening at home. Dinner consisted of a shared chicken meal, enjoyed together as the day concluded. The weather was cloudy and rainy, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

DAY 8 – Wednesday 08.10.2025

( Night at: Palm Cove Carmel’s sis friend place )

( Flying Robin ( the drone ) on the beach ) 

The day began at 8:30 am with breakfast at home. Despite the weather being less than ideal, a morning trip to Trinity Beach was planned. Gradually, the sun came out, making the drive to Palm Cove perfect for taking photos among the iconic palm trees. A visit to Numi followed for a refreshing ice cream treat before returning home.

In the afternoon, time was spent at the nearby beach with Carmel’s nieces. The evening concluded with a group dinner at Miguel’s, followed by another ice cream stop at Numi, wrapping up a relaxing and enjoyable day.

DAY 9 – Thursday 09.10.2025 

( Night at: Palm Cove Carmel’s sis friend place )

( Thala Beach Natural Reserve ) 

The day started at 5:15 am with an early visit to the beach to watch the sunrise, followed by breakfast at home. Later, a trip to Kuranda was planned for just Carmel and a companion, while the rest of the family had other plans.

Arriving in Kuranda early, most shops were still closed, so a few photos were taken despite the drizzle. A fresh coconut was enjoyed at Fruibies, followed by a stroll through the markets where some local honey was purchased. Before leaving, a stop back at Fruibies offered sugar cane juice and dragon fruit smoothies.

The journey continued with a drive to the palm farm at Thala Beach Nature Reserve for more photos, and then to Port Douglas, stopping at the Four Mile Beach lookout. Due to the weather, plans were adjusted, and the trip back home began around 4 pm.

The evening included a family dinner at El Greco Greek Taverna at 6 pm, followed by a sweet treat at Numi Ice Creamery. The day ended with a restful night, very tired but full of memories.

DAY 10 – Friday 10.10.2025

( Night at: PK’s Jungle Village, Cape Tribulation ) 

( Daintree ice cream company ) 

The day began with an 8 am departure, saying goodbye to Carmel’s family. By 9:45 am, the Daintree River Cruise Express was reached for the crocodile cruise. The cruise was relaxing, and despite the calm pace, one crocodile and several birds were spotted.

Afterwards, Carmel enjoyed a coffee at the bar while deciding whether to take another cruise, which was included for free, but the choice was made to continue exploring instead. Crossing the river by car, the journey led to Alexandra Range Lookout for panoramic photos.

Next, a visit to the Discovery Centre was considered, but it seemed more suited for children and a bit expensive, so it was skipped in favor of a quick picnic lunch in the car park. The afternoon included a stop at Daintree Ice Cream Company, followed by Thornton Beach for some relaxation and photos. The final stop was Kulki Boardwalk, though heavy clouds limited the views.

The day ended at the hostel, with check-in and a home-cooked dinner. A call home wrapped up the evening before an early night at 9 pm.

DAY 11 – Saturday 11.10.2025 

( Night at: PK’s Jungle Village, Cape Tribulation )

( “fan palm” Dubuji Boardwalk, Cape Tribulation ) 

The day started early with a sunrise near the hostel, followed by a return to sleep and a 9 am breakfast. Afterwards, a visit to Dubuji Boardwalk offered an incredible rainforest walk, showcasing lush scenery and tranquil surroundings. The nearby Myall Beach was next, though the cloudy weather limited the view.

At 2 pm, a fruit tasting tour provided an engaging and educational experience, featuring ten different tropical fruits and a sample of organic tea. The tour lasted about two hours and offered insight into the variety and flavors of local produce.

Later in the afternoon, a return to Kulki Boardwalk was attempted in hopes of better weather, but the skies remained cloudy. The day concluded back at the hostel with dinner and an early night’s rest.

DAY 12 – Sunday 12.10.2025

( Night at: PK’s Jungle Village, Cape Tribulation )

( Mackay Reef, Queensland ) 

The day began at 6:45 am with breakfast, followed by a 7:45 am check-in at Ocean Safari to start the tour. The morning started cloudy, but the skies cleared by the time the tour reached Mackay Reef Cay and the nearby sandbar. A one-hour snorkeling session revealed vibrant marine life, followed by an hour of relaxation on the sandbar, enjoying the sun and taking photos.

The tour returned around 1 pm, with wetsuits returned and a stop for ice cream at a nearby convenience store. The next destination was Mason’s Swimming Hole, though the water was too cold for a proper swim. Instead, time was spent at the hostel’s nearby beach, capturing photos and relaxing until rain began at 3 pm.

The evening concluded with a dinner of noodles at 7 pm, followed by a restful night.

DAY 13 – Monday 13.10.2025 

( Night at: The Jack Backpacker, Cairns )

( Port Douglas, Queensland ) 

The day began at 7 am with breakfast, followed by packing the car and a quick stop at Turtle Rock Café to refill water bottles and enjoy a coffee and a soft drink. The journey started with a brief visit to the Tea Company and an ice cream break at Floravilla Ice Cream Factory.

Continuing the drive, the next stop was Mossman Gorge Cultural Center. After taking the shuttle, a hike through the gorge revealed stunning scenery, followed by a picnic by the river. Later, the trip continued to Port Douglas, where an acai bowl was enjoyed at Nectar and photos were taken near the port and at Four Mile Beach.

The drive back to Cairns included a stop at Rex Lookout for panoramic views. By 6 pm, the hostel was reached for check-in. The evening concluded with packing, a dinner of noodles, and a restful night.

DAY 14 – Tuesday 14.10.2025

The day began at 6:30 am with preparations and packing before heading to Bargain Car Rental. From there, the free shuttle took the group to the airport. Breakfast was enjoyed at Hungry Jacks before departing at 9:45 am. The flight landed on the Gold Coast at 12:00 pm, followed by an Uber ride home. The rest of the day was spent organizing the room and relaxing, marking a calm and restful arrival.

Fruits that we tried at the fruit tasting in Cape Tribulation 

Malay Rose apple

Star apple

Breadfruit 

angosteen yellow 

Black sapote ( fruit & ice cream ) 

Wattele sead ( ice cream ) 

Yellow sapote ( ice cream ) 

Bilimbi 

Sour sop

Jackfruit 

Rollinia/ wild sweetsop 

Miracle fruit – helps post chemio