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Tropical, fun, exotic and vibrant. That's how I describe the city of
Cairns. A gateway to many attractions, with so much to explore and see it's like a new found paradise.
I lived in
Cairns for many years and something always draws me back. While I'm fortunate to work there from time time, I always make time to re-connect with friends and visit places I still hold wonderful memories of. There's something about the area that forever stays with you.
Ask the locals and they'll tell you that there's sunshine for most of the year. They'll also tell you that while people flock to the area to escape the southern winter between June and October, they're quite happy to claim their piece of paradise all year round.
A holiday doesn't mean you have to give up the comforts of home. It's about looking for the best option that suits. With more competition in the market place nowadays, you can still enjoy comfort and space, and the right location is a bonus. Photos on the internet can be deceiving and if you don't know much about the area, you can spend hours online trying to find out from other travellers where the best place is to stay.
Park Regis Piermonde Apartments Cairns. Photo: Management
So where do you start looking for accommodation in
Cairns. A destination with so much to do is location really important? It certainly is.
I had my eye on the
Park Regis Piermonde Apartments in the heart of
Cairns for a while and glad I went with my instincts. The apartments are perfect for holidaying with a friend, partner and family. There's even a pull-out sofa bed in the living room for an extra person.
The Cairns Esplanade is a block away
One block away from the vibrant
Esplanade precinct everything is within walking distance from the apartment - Cairns Convention Centre, Reef Hotel Casino, Marlin Marina, shopping, chic restaurants, coffee shops and tour operators.
Apartment is quite spacious
Stunning kitchen
Management and reception staff went above and beyond to accommodate my requested dates, even check in was a breeze. The two bedroom spacious apartment is modern, tastefully decorated, with a larger than average balcony to take in views of
Trinity Inlet,
Coral Sea, endless rainforest mountains, and night city-scape.
The apartment is designed to take in the views
The two bedrooms each have their own bathroom, and the shower pressure is heavenly! Lovely colour coordination with the linen, pillows and cushions, and the bed extremely comfortable for a restful night's sleep.
Master bedroom with views and bathroom
Second bedroom with its own bathroom
The
Esplanade is walking distance from the apartment and one of my favourite places to take in a morning walk and have breakfast. Walking past Cairns' high end fashion boutiques felt as if I was on
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills - both renown for palms lining the street.
Cairns definitely has its own unique character.
Louis Vuitton Spence Street, Cairns. For a moment it reminded me of Rodeo Drive. Located around the corner from Piermonde Apartments, there's also other high-end designers such as Gucci, Bvlgari, and Coach in the same complex
Walking distance from the apartment
Walking on the
Esplanade would lift my spirits for the day. With a glorious lagoon area, water playgrounds for kids, exercise equipment, eateries, and a host of free activities, it's a buzz with people from all walks of life enjoying all it has to offer.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon at night
While admiring the tall palms and luscious tropical plant varieties lining the
Esplanade boardwalk, I glanced over
Trinity Inlet to see birds gather and feed on the mudflats.
Birds feeding on the mudflats
The area attracts people from all walks of life out and about walking their dogs, jogging, taking photos, even a group of retirees enjoying a game of bocce. Shrieks of excitement from children were heard coming from the playground as they ran through water fountains, clearly a popular spot for families. Everybody seemed to fit in somewhere - and most of all everybody was happy.
So many playgrounds, each different from each other for kids
Esplanade day and night
I will always hold a wonderful memory of a little boy out with his grandmother climbing the naval gun flank outside the
Cairns RSL Club. I thought how beautiful it would be to watch the sunrise over the ocean on
Anzac Day, the service would be so moving. I believe this
RSL Club would have to be positioned at one of the most enviable locations in the world.
Cairns RSL on The Esplanade
Cairns RSL on The Esplanade
Exercise stations are popping up everywhere these days and
Cairns is no exception. What a stunning location for a quick workout!
Free exercise stations and programs
Enjoy
Cairns at your pace. Take one of the most beautiful scenic drives along the coast to
Port Douglas, explore
The Daintree Rainforest, take the
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway which takes you over pristine rainforest to the village nestled in the rainforest
Kuranda, visit the
Atherton Tablelands, Baron Gorge National Park and the northern beaches.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Photo: Wikimedia
are close to
Rusty's Markets where you can stock up on fresh fruit and veggies, bread and local seasonal produce. Stall holders let you sample before you buy, much to my delight as I can be fussy when it comes to taste and quality. For groceries
Woolworths and
Cairns Central are nearby, as well as a
BWS.
When the sun goes down, the open air
Cairns Night Markets are open for business. It's a lovely spot to have dinner and the retail shops have lots of unique treasures.
Explore the magic of the
Great Barrier Reef as a snorkeler, or enjoy lunch on the deck of the boat, soak up some rays and see the reef through a glass bottom boat.
Close to the apartment is the
Cairns Wildlife Dome situated on the rooftop of the
Reef Hotel Casino. A must see, this spectacular rainforest environment houses different species of animals in a glass enclosure, replicating their natural environment in a wildlife exhibit. Fascinating.
Visit one of the surrounding
islands -
Green Island, Fitzroy Island, Double Island, Frankland Islands and
Low Isles. Best of all, tours can be booked via the hotel tour desk.
It's about picking and choosing what you'd like to see and experience. Lose yourself relaxing around the pool, and take a spa all complete with views.
Park Regis Cairns Piermonde Apartments outdoor spa
Park Regis Piermonde Apartments outdoor pool
There's a special energy about
Cairns that will forever stay with you. I know you'll love this part of Australia as much as I do.
I've lived it, you'll love it.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Qantas, Tigerair fly into Cairns as do a few international carriers. From Cairns Airport transfers can be arranged, or hire a car and make your own way there.
BOOKINGS:
Park Regies Piermonde Apartments website.
A MUST DO:
Get out to the reef, take the scenic drive to Port Douglas.
Dine at
Fettas Greek Taverna. Great food, entertainment, hospitality.
EXPERIENCED IT WITH:
My bestie.
