Cairns-do attitude in Australia's Queensland

Fitzroy Island is the closest Great Barrier Reef island to Cairns. — Tropical North Queensland

The country’s gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the wondrous creatures that live in its waters, Cairns has been a jumping-off point for many of my adventures. I’ve cruised to the outer reef, explored the adjacent Atherton Tableland’s food trail, watched crocodiles jump for their lunch and floated down silent rivers.

This time it’s different. It’s Cairns the city that I have come to see and explore because she’s had a serious facelift. Not just a little lip pumping but a full-fledged makeover that’s made her look younger, shinier and definitely on-trend.