A Bright Sunshiny Day in Cairns

We hopped on a shuttle bus this morning to spend time in Cairns. Both the Esplanade and Rusty's markets were operating and we browsed locally made jewellery on the Esplanade and stocked up on local (and cheap) fruit at Rusty's. A couple of people had recommended Billy's Coffee at Rusty's so we thought we'd give it a try. Yum.

Whilst the day turned out fairly warm (26 to 27 degrees), there was a lovely cooling breeze blowing. I took advantage of a seat under a large shade tree on the Esplanade to enjoy the breeze while Barbara walked another 4 or 5 klms. 

The last time I came to Cairns, the Esplanade was tired looking and the wharf consisted of ugly shed like buildings. The change is unbelievable and Cairns has done a great job on the wharf and esplanade area as well as most of the city, whilst still retaining many of the old buildings and a tropical charm. The massive free public pool near the wharf area on the Esplanade is essential given that Cairns' main beach is a mudflat - hundreds of people were in the water or sunbaking.

We spotted a great egret, a jabiru and a white faced heron on the tidal flats close to the busiest part of the Esplanade - I never thought I would see these birds in such a busy place and in the middle of the day.

The Esplanade:

The tide goes out a fair way:

Bird life on the tidal flats:

We lunched on oysters and prawns (and coral trout) at Salt House restaurant near the marina. I couldn't believe that coral trout was the cheapest fish on the menu - how could I pass that up?

$14.90 for all of this locally grown fruit (most likely the Tablelands) at Rusty's Market: