Looking around a new city can be exhausting.
Constantly navigating new vistas and people.
But there are refuges to seek out in the tropical city of Cairns.
The Cairns Public Library
Cairns Public Library - photo blogs.slq.qld.gov.au/jol/2009/06
This has very cheap internet ($5.20 an hour). A quiet place to sit, the daily papers, a coffee machine ($3), all in a pleasant air-conditioned environment. Unwind while looking out to the trees crawling with the native bats.
The building itself is modern and well maintained.
A cautionary tale. When I was trying to find the library I asked for directions at a tourist office and was given the street directions to a Laundromat!
Not quite the same thing.
Perotta's at the Gallery
Perotta's cafe in Cairns, go where the locals go.
When seeking a place to rest go where the locals go. This café does an excellent breakfast, with a wide choice on the menu. Very acceptable coffee, with newspaper and magazines to read.
The lunch menu is a little more restricted if you are a vegetarian, but the juices are good and it has an acceptable wine list.
A special bonus for dining exists, which gives a 50% discount to the gallery next door (Cairns Regional Gallery).
Cairns Regional Gallery
Cairns Regional Gallery
Small regional galleries often punch well above their weight in terms of innovative use of space, the calibre of exhibitions and the promotion of new artists.
This small gallery in Cairns is certainly leading the way. Housed in a heritage building, it has three levels of exhibition spaces. A variety of art styles and media was on display.
The standout exhibition is entitled Illumination; the art of Philip Wolfhagen. 9 May - 6 July 2014.
The artist has his own studio in Tasmania and this clip is shown in the exhibition. It is a fascinating window into the life of an artist. The kids art trail also utilises info from the clip.
Tasmanian landscapes may seem a world away from Far North Queensland but there is that same sense of untamed isolation that pervades the landscape.
The Cairns Esplanade
Once you have been sated with coffee, books, art and food head out to the Cairns Esplanade.
Cairns Esplanade image from wikipedia
Another place the locals flock to, and with good reason. This is a great way to relax.
The walk along this esplanade includes a boardwalk, a separate cycling track, multiple kids playgrounds, established greenery, sculptures, volleyball courts (always in use), skateboard track and fitness equipment (playground for adults!).
Explore the foreshore and amenities in the tropics.
