The thing I loved most about Cairns on both visits was the absolute friendliness of the natives. I swear they have a course going there on how to be friendly to tourists. Everyone was happy, smiling and friendly. Actually, it got on my nerves after awhile [just joking].
If I had the means, its the place I would love to move to.

Been here 2 years, love the greeness, the rainforest, reef, wildlife etc.

The Esplanade is indeed very good for birds but come on, it's mud ! apparently there used to be a really nice sandy tropical beach until they dredged the inlet.

The beaches are really nice but the brown water is a bummer. Been up at Cape Trib and had crystal clear water there thoughbut it would be nicer if it was like the Whitsundays - knee deep clear water.

Locals all seem really friendly and who cares if the shop girls are made to say stuff like "enjoy the rest of your day / weekend". it's still nice to hear.

Bad points - because of the reliance on tourism they go on and on about it all the freakin time - on the local tv and papers. and live in a tourist town, pay tourist prices plus higher prices cos you're in FNQ 1700kms from Bris.
and try getting stuff posted to you from elsewhere - costs a fortune.
Wages not as good as major cities.

other than that it's great ! lol !

Andy

hahaha very exotic :-)