Cairns

Coastal Cairns (pronounced "cans") is unabashedly geared towards tourism and my gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. As I wander around the town, I discover that there is no beach here, but the magnificent Esplanade and Lagoon more than make up for it. Despite being low season, I am surrounded by more tourists than locals, even if you include the large number of spectacled flying-foxes that call Cairns home. After sampling the deluxe tasting paddle of Hemingway's Brewery, I retire early in preparation for tomorrow's adventure...