Posted by: Libby Williamson, Freshwater and Ravenshoe

North, south, east and west of Cairns, we're spoilt for choice. Whichever direction we travel, there's an abundance of natural scenic attractions to explore.

Click here for more of Libby's wonderful photographs of the region.

We emigrated from the UK with our young family 25 years ago direct to Cairns arriving in tropical wintertime: 26C suited us just fine.

The friendliness of local people and new neighbours was fantastic and, after visiting the iconic World Heritage Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforests of the Daintree National Park, we soon learned of endless interesting scenic areas to be found both on the coast and also on the Atherton Tableland and beyond, where we could picnic, camp, swim, fish and go looking for unique North Queensland wildlife among many other activities. 
 
Quickly, we absorbed the uncomplicated, healthy and relaxed lifestyle of Cairns, where we spend a great part of our homelife outdoors on our verandahs or beside the pool taking in the beautiful tropical surrounds and observing irridescent butterflies and listening to tropical birdlife living among the swaying palms, native trees and colourful shrubs.
 
Summertime in Tropical Far North Queensland bursts into colour with magnificent flowering trees lining roadsides and  new season crops of mangoes and other tropical and exotic fruits.
 
Now in retirement, our overseas friends spend repeat holidays with us and we urge them to stay at least three weeks so we can show off more of this unique area. 

Do you love Cairns? Tell us why here!

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