Well before we get to Cairns a special mention must go to our stop in Bramston Beach. An ideally placed campsite right off the beach where we could see the water. Unfortunately winds gusting up to 60km/hr and rain to go with it meant that we just had to bunker down. We could imagine how beautiful it would have been but alas the sun didn’t come out for us which is very unusual this time of year.
As good as it got the weather turned just after we got set up for lunch. 
Bramston beach 
On a clear day this would have been magical 
Curlew birds roamed the campsite. By day you hardly noticed them but at night their scream is quite terrifying.
First stop in Cairns was Rusty’s market right in the middle of town. A great fruit and veg market where Sarah continued her quest to find morning glory (we ended up getting a couple of equally delicious substitutes). There was a real hustle and bustle about the markets which is something we definitely miss at home on the Sunshine Coast and we definitely enjoyed stocking up on some delicious fruit and veggies.
The rest of town unfortunately wasn’t quite so busy due to COVID and the fact that Cairns relies heavily on international visitors. I certainly feel so sorry for all those affected and it will be great to come back when the place has its usual buzz!!
We decided to stay in Cairns as a base to be able to explore the surrounds chiefly Kuranda and Palm Cove and as the weather was still pretty overcast we decided to head the 30mins up the range towards Kuranda first.
Kuranda is a hippie haven up in the hills and the road up wound it’s way through luscious rainforest until we eventually arrived. The main attraction was a market selling trinkets and was quite nice to walk around as it was set somewhat in a forest. However again it was very quiet due to a lack of tourists so I have a feeling a lot was actually shut.
There was some lovely aboriginal artwork on display and there would have been some nice walks to go on unfortunately we couldn’t as no dogs allowed.
Kuranda had been on our list of places to stay but we were glad we didn’t as we didn’t really feel it was worth it. I guess we are more interested in markets selling food and groceries rather than those selling cheese boards and hand made soap.
It would have been amazing if the sun had come out for our next day and our trip 30 mins up the coast to Palm Cove…but it didn’t. Which was a real shame as it would have made Palm Cove even more beautiful than it was. A white sandy beach lined with palm trees and behind them a host of restaurants and bars with views of the sea is why many people come here. The atmosphere was very laid back as visitors enjoyed walking up and down the pathways shaded by huge Melaleuca trees. It was really a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon and while we didn’t stop at a restaurant (we were full of samosas and smoothies from a quick visit to Rusty’s markets) we did enjoy an ice cream as we sat on a bench and soaked in the atmosphere.
I think if the sun was going to come out we could have enjoyed some time here in Palm Cove unfortunately the forecast was for more overcast days so we thought we would head elsewhere instead. We will be back. T