A few days in Cairns 24/2-28/2

[Blackadder]

A combination of leave and rostered days off has seen me with a week away from work, so a last minute decision to take a trip to the Tropics in the Wet season.
Initially my plans were for Darwin, but flight costs and the price at my go to hotel (Darwin Hilton) put the kibosh on that idea. So the next option was to Cairns for 4 nights and a great rate at Cairns Hilton of around $240pn.
Flights to/from Cairns direct with QF (QF 922/923) , day tours booked for the Daintree , and for something different heading to other side of the Atherton Tablelands to Chillagoe Caves. Also booked the Kuranda Scenic Railway trip to Kuranda in Gold Class (last seat available), and the Diamond View for the Skyrail.

 

[Saab34]

I’ve been up this way for the past week
Weather has been pretty good until around 2/3pm when the odd storm roll on in (slowly), if not it’s just overcast, but it’s mostly been isolated cells on the tablelands side of the rainforest.

It’s been a dry ish Feb compared to prior years.

The city is a bit feral now like most regional cities across the country which have now become crime and feral ridden.

The next few days are looking pretty good so looks like you are in for a good week. This morning was sensational, blue skies/no wind, spent hours in the water this AM.

 

[Blackadder]

First off, I must say how much easier it is going through security without having to unpack things , both the regular line and Business lines were non existent at 8.30am , so breezed through there.
Had a complementary lounge pass so used if for the Qantas Lounge, nothing to write home about but a place to sit away from the masses.
Had the weirdest tasting juice, it was so bad I could only manage two sips. I can only surmise that it was detergent residue in the juice machine. On the plus side Barista service was great.
Boarding was on time, and for Groups 1&2 at least boarding seemed to flow smoothly.
My flight today was on VH-XZI “Kalbarri”
A short Taxi and we were underway around 10mins behind scheduled , but only a 2.5hr flight saw a on time arrival to Cairns.
Refreshment service in whY was a Beef Ragu,Thyme and Mushroom pie and was actually not bad with a good ratio of filling to gravy, and didn’t fall apart in your hands.
On arrival into Cairns a short wait for my bag, then to make my way to the Hilton my home for the next 4 nights.
Only 1 taxi at the rank is a weird sight to see for an airport, so Uber it was and $20 later I was at the Hilton.
Apparently the Hotel is fully booked, so my room wasn’t available and no upgrades available (either free or paid), to her credit the young lady at reception was very apologetic about it, despite my early arrival.
In a sliding doors moment while chatting to her, I mentioned I’m up from Sydney for a few days, and as it turns out she is headed to Sydney tomorrow for a week.
Still no room available as of 2.20pm , so hopefully soon something becomes available.