Last Friday I spoke to doctors at the Cairns Base hospital about how important early life experience is for the long-term health of Indigenous Australians. What a privilege it was then to attend the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair the next day and view a dance performance by the Kawandji-Wimpa dancers. The Kawandji-Wimpa dancers are…
Apologies to readers that have seen this article before. It was lost as a result of blog disruption and I am re-posting it. For those traveling internationally, an essential issue to discuss with your doctor at your pre-travel medical visit is vaccination. Vaccination often divides opinion, inciting strong emotional responses from parents and health carers…
A big congratulations goes out to Lauren, a Cairns local who blogs at The Surprise Beginning She won the Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat Family Pass. The winner was chosen by random (random number generator). I am really keen to host other competitions for Cairns/Port Douglas attractions so keep on reading…
Mossman Gorge is located within the southern Daintree National Park, 77km north of Cairns. We explored the Gorge recently with our two young sons (ages 1 and 4) as well as investigating the new Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre. The Visitor Centre is an ecotourism initiative of the local Kuku Yalangi people. We enjoyed a…
Recently we drove the Wheelbarrow Way, a road connecting the Queensland Atherton Tableland’s town of Mareeba with the outback mining town of Chillagoe. Our 2 1/2 hour road trip from Cairns took us through rainforest, past mango plantations and eventually into the red-dusted, termite mounded outback. This photo was taken as we slowed to a…
There is a new interactive wildlife experience in Cairns that our family is really excited about. Zoo to You Wildlife Discovery Centre is located at Pier Market Place on the Esplanade (adjacent to the Lagoon). Wildlife biologist and qualified teacher Jodie Creek has been conducting wildlife exposure experiences in Cairns daycares, kindergartens and schools for…
Our four year old has asthma. His illness, as well as the disruption it causes to our daily lives, influences decisions we make about travel. For example, we will only travel to places that have access to both an emergency department and hospital ward capable of looking after him if he becomes unwell as he…
Before delving into this post I want to remind people that this is a personal blog. I am not paid to advertise products or services. The following advise regarding the necessity of travel insurance is therefore independent and a result of my own reasoning and experience. Travelling without travel insurance leaves you and your family…
Jack Barnes Bicentennial Mangrove Boardwalk, Cairns[/caption] I admit it. My children get far too much screen time. The reason? My eldest son is particularly high drive, requiring stimulation round the clock as well as demonstrating a persistent resistance to independent play. If it were not for the TV I would not be left in…
Gone are the days when I could throw a few items in a bag and make do at my destination. Modern parenting involves furnishings, toys and devices which help both to keep our children safe and our days running smoother. We can’t of course take everything we use at home. Good packing is therefore one…