Insider Guide to Cairns – 6 Local Tips from Maddie at Cairns Zoo

Explore FNQCairns

Apr 25

It's time to introduce Maddie from Cairns Tropical Zoo who has, Charlie (my 9 year old) believes, the Dream Job - working with BIG fluffy animals everyday. It's what my daughter wants to do when she grows up and it's where we celebrated her last birthday (click HERE to read more about Cairns Tropical Zoo).

**Maddie and her fluffy workmate ‘Pebbles’ at Cairns Tropical Zoo**

Thankfully Maddie took time out from all that 'cuddling' and her official job as Mammal Department Supervisor and gave us her Insider Guide to having fun in Cairns.

1. Why Cairns?

"I moved to Cairns 'temporarily' for work, luckily the temporary position at Cairns Tropical Zoo turned into a permanent one. Five years later I am still here.

**Maddie makes the most of the great hiking tracks around Cairns**

I love the laid back lifestyle of the tropics. I live in Palm Cove and frequent the cafes and restaurants along the esplanade and love the community feel. Living in the tropics I get to spend so much more time outdoors cycling, hiking and finding beautiful secluded swimming holes."

2. Best Coffee?

"Caffiend has the best coffee in town, if you are a huge coffee geek then it is definitely the place to go. Especially with the 'science project looking' cold brew slowly filtering in front of you and the amazing graffiti art in the alley way.The owner of Caffiend, Oliver James is possibly the most passionate person you will ever meet when talking coffee, art and (supporting) local businesses.

**Ethiopian Natural Filter Brew – Image by Caffiend**

Chill Café in Palm Cove, hands down has the best view. I go there most mornings to start my day with a coffee and usually a beautiful sunrise."

**Maddie loves the coffee & views at Chill Cafe**

3. Favourite Food Spots?

**Il Forno at Palm Cove make the yummiest pizzas - Image by Our Naked Austraila**

"Il Forno Pizza in Palm Cove is hands down the best pizza. It’s a nice casual restaurant right on the beach front. I definitely recommend that you save space for desert – the Nutella calzone is a chocolate lover’s heaven! "

4. Best Local Escape?

**Lake Tinaroo on the Atherton Tablelands is another favourite of Maddie’s**

"I love getting up to the Atherton Tablelands and Lake Tinaroo (for camping). Such a beautiful part of the world, so much bird life and always a great place to explore. I love heading up there in Winter, it’s a good excuse to light the fire and snuggle up with a glass of red wine.

**Fitzroy Island is the perfect getaway**

Fitzroy Island is always a great way to get away, even if you only have a day spare. The resort accommodation is great and all the activities are suited perfectly to the island."

5. Must Do Activity?

So far my favourite things I have done up in Tropical North Queensland are the Jungle surfing in the Daintree and heading out to the reef.

**Anywhere on the Great Barrier Reef is good in Maddie’s eyes**

I am lucky enough to have a few friends with boats and knowledge of good spots, otherwise I really enjoyed my day with Passions of Paradise. The boat was a good size without too many people and I think no matter where you go out on the reef there is always amazing sea life to look at.

6. If money is no object?

If money were no object I would love to do a heli tour out to the reef, picnic on one of the cay’s and spend the day snorkelling. Then maybe on my way home we could stop off and stay at Port Douglas for the night.