Things to Do in Cairns & The Tropical North

Earning renown as an alternative fashion Mecca during the 1960s, Carnaby Street was once the hippest place to shop, home to iconic boutiques like Mary Quant, Lord John, Marion Foale and Sally Tuffin, and frequented by music icons like The Who and the Rolling Stones. In fact, the famous shopping street has become so synonymous with Swinging London that it’s been name-checked in pop hits like The Kinks’ ‘Dedicated Follower of Fashion’ and TV shows like The Simpsons, and even inspired a musical of the same name.

Today, Carnaby Street is decidedly more demure, but the pedestrianized shopping district still retains its left-of-centre attitude, as well as its distinctive yellow arches and two plaques commemorating mod fashion pioneer John Stephen and The Small Faces (outside no.1 and no.52 respectively). Of course, the main reason to visit Carnaby Street is the shops and there are plenty to choose from, including many independent fashion, home and beauty boutiques and British brands like Ben Sherman, Paul Smith and Lyle & Scott. One notable highlight is the small shopping arcade of Kingly Court, home to some London’s most unique young designers, vintage stores and jewelry boutiques, as well as a cluster of cafés and restaurants. Look out for seasonal events too – Carnaby Street is renowned for its pop-up shops, live entertainment and street stalls, making it a colorful place to visit during the summer or Christmas holidays.

A shaded square surrounded by classic architecture, Carmo Square is the perfect place to stop for a break while exploring Lisbon’s Bairro Alto and Chiado neighborhoods. Park benches line the area as well as small tables and a few kiosks serving up drinks, beers, sangria, and snacks. In the center of the square there’s a trickling fountain, with a tall gazebo over it. During the spring and summer, the square comes alive with purple blooming jacaranda trees and is always filled with tourists and locals alike—an excellent place for people watching. 

The square is also home to the Carmo Convent, a gothic-style convent built in the late 14th and 15th centuries. Parts of the convent were destroyed in an earthquake in 1755, leaving ruins to explore. In the rehabilitated parts of the convent, there is an Archeological Museum that displays artifacts and art from throughout Portuguese history.

Medellin is the second world capital of tango (after Buenos Aires), and tango music can be heard throughout the city. This is due in large part to Carlos Gardel, a famous tango musician who died in 1935 in a tragic plane accident in Medellin while touring Colombia. Gardel’s death spurred a movement that lives on to this day. In fact, the International Tango Festival, held in Medellin every June, commemorates Gardel’s life with dancers, singers, musicians and faithful followers of this musical expression. 

To celebrate the music of a man who changed Medellin, the Casa Gardeliana Museum opened in 1972. Dedicated to tango, this museum has projects, programs and services that are all about teaching tango dance, singing and music. They have collections that include photos, recordings and documentaries about how tango has influenced life in Medellin. There are guided tours and special day and evening performance programs. This is small, unique museum in Medellin for those who want to get a glimpse at Gardel’s life and influence on the world of tango.

On the northern tip of St. Lucia’s windward shore, Cas en Bas Beach is one of the best kitesurfing spots on the island, with regular tradewinds blowing onshore and a protected cove where the water stays calm and glassy. Kitesurfing St. Lucia offers lessons for all levels right off the beach. This somewhat secluded spot is the ideal destination for travelers who prefer a quiet place to swim and sunbathe away from the crowds and persistent vendors on the beaches closer to town—it’s also home to unique artifact, a spent rocket booster that washed ashore here after it was jettisoned by a spacecraft in flight. Join one of the horseback riding tours through the forests of the northern coast, and you’ll stop to relax and swim at Cas en Bas Beach before turning back on the trail. And hungry beachgoers can find food and drinks at Marjorie's Restaurant and Beach Bar, a casual, open-air eatery offering local favorites like fresh seafood and BBQ right on the sand. 

The 800-year-old Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. Built in the 12th century by Norman lord John de Courcy, it was used to ward off attacks from the Scots, Irish, English, and French, and also served as a garrison during World War I and an air raid shelter during World War II.

 

Carrickfergus Castle is now a historical attraction, with exhibits showcasing life inside the Norman castle. It’s often visited as part of organized guided tours from nearby Belfast. Day tours typically stop at other attractions in County Antrim, such as the Old Bushmills Distillery, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Giant’s Causeway. Some tours also stop at Game of Thrones filming locations, including the Cushendun Caves, Larrybane, the Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle.

 

 

Carrickfergus Castle is situated about 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Belfast, overlooking the shore of Belfast Lough. Follow the A2 Shore Road; the journey takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, take the train from Belfast Central or Great Victoria Street stations and get off at Carrickfergus train station. The castle is just a 5-minute walk from the station.

 

The castle is open year-round. Last admission is relatively early (4pm from April to September, 3:30pm from October to March), so be sure to arrive before then. Go midweek to avoid the weekend crowds.

 

Carrickfergus Castle is just one of many castles and fortifications that dot the green landscapes of Northern Ireland. Other fairy-tale fortresses and manor houses include the Scottish baronial-style Belfast Castle, the ruined cliffside castle of Dunluce, and Enniskillen Castle, a 16th-century stronghold for the Maguires of Fermanagh.

Located in the dreamy, medieval and semi-ruined Provençal village of Les Baux-de-Provence in the Alpilles Natural Regional Park, the Carrières de Lumières is a multi-media attraction featuring the works of world-famous artists such as Klimt, Gauguin and Van Gogh. Making use of a former quarry with huge, bare galleries held up by massive columns, art-based images are projected onto the surrounding rock accompanied by stirring music in an amazing son et lumière show that lasts for 40 minutes. The current show (due to end in January 2016) features the spectacular works of Italian Renaissance artists Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael in a totally immersive experience backed by the use of numerous video projectors and 3D audio. In between shows, the quarry walls are illuminated with ever-changing colors to reveal glittering minerals in the walls.

The excellent art bookshop on site features all the artists whose works are used in the light shows; there is also a program of concerts at the entrance to the Carrières, set against the backdrop of roughly hewn, 20-meter (66-foot) marble columns. 

Aside from the thrill of “discovering” new lands, the Spanish conquistadores were endlessly driven by thoughts of discovering gold. Here at Bogota’s Casa de Moneda, walk amidst the spot where gold was first minted in Colombia, having stood in this spot since 1622 when the King of Spain ordered the production of gold coins in Bogota. Since money and power seem to go hand in hand, this museum that’s based around Colombian currency has many political undertones, where the type of currency that’s been minted through the years shows fascinating parallels between the political era and Colombia’s historical events. From the initial barter of ceramics and pots that was used by indigenous tribes, the currencies weave a chronological tale as viewed through production of money.

Crossing the nerve-racking Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a feat for the sure-footed—the narrow 66-foot-long (20-meter) swinging span is suspended high above the choppy Atlantic waters, connecting the Northern Irish mainland to Carrick-a-Rede Island. Originally built more than 300 years ago by salmon fishermen—and since rebuilt with sturdier materials—the National Trust-managed footbridge is now traversed by wobbly-kneed travelers who want to soak up the rugged coastal scenery.

 

Many visitors come to the bridge on guided tours from Dublin and Belfast. Because of the bridge’s proximity to Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a 20-minute drive away, full-day tours often combine the two attractions, as well as other prominent Northern Ireland sights, such as Game of Thrones filming locations and the state-of-the-art Titanic Belfast, set on the site of the former Harland and Wolff shipyard where the ill-fated cruise liner was built. Individual visitors must purchase a ticket for the bridge at the site on the day of and will receive a time slot for crossing.

 

The Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is situated in County Antrim, about 60 miles (96 kilometers) north of Belfast city. The easiest way to travel is by guided tour. Visitors can also take Ulsterbus 252 or Ulsterbus 376 (also known as the Causeway Rambler) during summer.

 

The bridge opens daily from 9:30am. Closing time varies by season but is as late as 7pm in peak summer and as early as 3pm in winter. Ticket sales stop 45 minutes before closing. Book a guided tour or arrive first thing in the morning to secure your shot at crossing the bridge. Only a certain number of people are allowed on the bridge at any time, and timed tickets help keep lines manageable and moving. Avoid windy days when the bridge may be closed for safety reasons.

With so much attention placed on the bridge itself, many travelers give little thought to the island to which it connects. Though tiny, the grassy islet is worth exploring. Look for the traditional fisherman’s cottage, open to visitors on select weekends of the year, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes patrol the coastline, while basking sharks, dolphins, and porpoises frolic in the surrounding waters.

Step back in time and see how upper-class Filipinos lived during the colonial era at Casa Manila, a beautifully reconstructed traditional Spanish colonial home within the walls of Intramuros, in the heart of Manila. Casa Manila is filled with period furniture, furnishings, decorative objects, and artwork from the colonial era.

 

Although the house itself is a reproduction built in the 1980s, all the furnishings inside are authentic and sourced from different homes. Guided tours are available, but you can also wander around the three-story house on your own. See the living room, dining room, and kitchen on the top floor, then move down to the bedrooms and office-library on the floor below. Don’t miss the double-seated toilet in the latrine. Finally, end your visit at the lovely fountain in the outdoor courtyard.

 

Many sightseeing tours, whether half-day or full-day, stop at Casa Manila, in addition to other top attractions such as Rizal Park, Fort Santiago, and the National Museum of the Philippines. Or experience Manila like a local and visit as part of a jeepney tour. Book a private tour to combine Casa Manila with other must-see attractions on your list.

 

 

Casa Manila is located in the Plaza San Luis Complex in Intramuros. It’s easiest to take a taxi or jeepney directly to Intramuros. You can also take the LRT to Central Terminal Station, then catch a jeepney to Intramuros. Once at Intramuros, you can walk or take a pedicab.

 

Casa Manila is open daily except on Mondays. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.

 

Near Casa Manila, San Agustin Church and Museum is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Next to the church is the museum, built on the site of a monastery destroyed during World War II. Today the museum houses a collection of rare books, manuscripts, and religious artifacts.

Casa Fernando Pessoa is in Lisbon’s slightly raffish neighborhood of Campo de Ourique and was the home of the revered Portuguese poet and literary critic Fernando Pessoa (1888–1935) for the last 15 years of his life. Opened in 1993 as part museum and part cultural center, there are displays of many of Pessoa’s possessions—such as his writing desk, his typewriter and spectacles—in rooms laid out as if he had just departed, providing an intimate portrait of the life and times of the city’s favorite 20th-century poet. Ironically Pessoa’s best-known work, The Book of Disquietude, was only widely acclaimed after his death.

Regular workshops, lectures, poetry recitals and temporary art exhibitions are held at the center, and Pessoa’s vast private library can also be accessed for research. The glass extension at the rear of the museum houses a delightful, poolside restaurant called Flagrante Delitro, with an reputation for producing excellent local Portuguese dishes; it’s the perfect pit stop after a guided tour of the museum.

The life and times of Fernando Pessoa can be further explored on walking tours of the areas of Lisbon associated with him; they are lead by a Pessoa expert from the University of Lisbon.

If you’re interested in cultural events while in Nicaragua’s Granada, make Casa de los Tres Mundos part of your itinerary. This non-profit arts and cultural center shows temporary collections by local and international artists, and the works on show are often for sale.

Located in a colonial mansion, Casa de los Tres Mundos hosts many performances each month, including poetry readings, films screenings, and dance performances by the likes of the local dance group, Nicarocalli. Entrance to performances is normally for a small fee, or completely free.

Founded in 1987 by Austrian author Dietmar Schönherr and Nicaraguan poet and politician, Ernesto Cardenal, Casa de los Tres Mundos also acts as a community center for Nicaraguans who are looking to get creative at the Casa’s theater school, art studio and music academy. Casa de los Tres Mundos also finances and develops rural development projects in the Malacatoya area. The foundation welcomes individuals or groups who can volunteer at the center. 

Built in the 1920s under the orders of wealthy textile manufacturers, the striking white façade and towering blue domes of Casa Carbonell has become an iconic landmark in the Alicante skyline. 

According to an old legend, Enrique Carbonell, a well-to-do businessman, arrived at a swanky local hotel after WWI and was turned away because of his shoddy dress. In an act of revenge he vowed to build an even better structure—what is now Casa Carbonell—right next door. While most locals deny the validity of this tale today, the impressive iron, glass and marble work of this classic building is irrefutable. Travelers will love to wander the grounds and capture images of Casa Carbonell against the striking backdrop of modern Alicante.

Madrid’s Casa de Campo is the city’s 1,722-hectare verdant heart, an urban park that originated as hunting grounds for the Spanish Royal Family, whose decorative Palacio Real lies just to the south on Plaza de la Armeria. Since 1931, the park has been open for all comers to enjoy, and a favorite weekend picnic destination for Madrileño families.

Centered on a vast boating lake, this sprawling green oasis is a haven for walkers, joggers, cyclists and skaters; for kids there’s a small amusement park with a Ferris wheel, water slides and rollercoasters, plus a zoo and aquarium. Free classical and rock concerts are held in the park in summer.

Casa de Campo is linked by the Teleférico de Madrid cable car to the Paseo del Pintor Rosales; the cabins travel at a height of 40 meters (130 ft) above Madrid and the single 2.5-km (1.5k mile) journey takes 10 minutes, looking down on Plaza España and the Palacio Real en route, with far-reaching panoramas over the Manzanares River. The terrace of the restaurant at the Casa de Campo cable-car station also has panoramic views over Madrid, and is just the spot for a reviving glass of sangria.

Carriacou provides a laid-back alternative to the larger neighboring island of Grenada, where many day trips to Carriacou begin. One of the Grenadine Islands, Carriacou is known as “the island surrounded by reefs." Its pristine beaches and clear waters offer ideal conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving.

 

Located northeast of Grenada, Carriacou was settled by Arawak and Carib people from South America; their influence, along with that of the French and British, can still be seen in Hillsborough, the only town on the island. Gain insight into island culture by attending a music or dance performance, or visiting the small Carriacou Museum. Day trips from Grenada via ferry are available.

 

 

Carriacou is 20 miles north of Grenada. Ferry service is available Monday through Saturday starting at 9am, and Sunday from 8am. Travel time from Grenada is 1.5 hours. Return ferries depart Carriacou daily starting at 3:30pm. Small aircraft can also land at the island’s Lauriston Airport. Minibuses run on the island from 7am to 5pm.

 

If you want to catch the Carriacou Maroon Music Festival, which celebrates the traditional Caribbean practice of a “maroon”—offering thanks for the last harvest and asking for good fortune for the next planting season—plan your trip for April. If you want to join in the celebration of Carnival, book your visit for some time in February or early March (depending when Easter falls).

 

Located 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Carriacou, Petite Martinique is a tiny island with a small population, most of whom make a living building boats, fishing, and seafaring. Tourists who visit Petite Martinique and Carriacou on the same day trip can climb Petite Martinique’s Piton volcano via a well-marked trail. From the top, catch views of the neighboring Grenadine Islands.

To see evidence of the damage inflicted upon Lisbon by the destructive earthquake of 1755, the restored medieval Carmo Convent stands next to the ruins of its great barn of a Gothic church. It was founded in 1389 for the Carmelite order by the great military leader Álvares Pereira, who played a large part in securing Portugal’s independence from Spain before joining the convent himself in 1423. 

Thanks to its obliteration in the earthquake, the convent’s library of thousands of rare books and manuscripts was lost; while that was rebuilt and became the HQ of Lisbon’s Municipal Guard (Guarda Republicana), the church has never been fully rebuilt. It was used as a wood storage facility before being turned into a small archaeological museum (the Museu Arqueologico do Carmo) in 1864. Today its nave still stands roofless and open to the elements, a romantic jumble of broken archways and pillars, while relics of a nearby Roman settlement, mummies from Peru and models of the original church are displayed among a scattering of tombs in the sacristy and apse, which remain intact. To get a bird’s-eye view of these photogenic ruins, head to Rossio Square in Biaxa (downtown Lisbon).

Hit the beach at one of Curacao’s most idyllic sandy shores. Cas Abao Beach is a protected escape on the island’s west side, where you can enjoy the crystal-blue water and gleaming white sand among a convenient collection of amenities. The private beach has plenty of parking, and once you’ve paid the entry fee, you can rent whatever you need on-site, from beach chairs and umbrellas to paddle boats and snorkeling gear. At lunch time, you can get burgers, sandwiches and frozen drinks at the Beach Bar & Restaurant, and if you’re looking for even more relaxation, book a massage at the open-air hut on the beach. The beach also has bathrooms with showers and lifeguards to keep everyone safe as you swim or snorkel.

Travelers seeking a true Oaxacan culinary experience will find it at Casa Crespo, a popular restaurant and cooking school that serves up traditional regional cuisine that highlights age-old flavors and market-fresh ingredients. Visitors can settle in for an el fresco cocktail on Casa Crespo’s rooftop, where scenic views of the Church of Santo Domingo and the Oaxaca countryside offer a perfect backdrop.

It’s best to arrive ready to relax with the expectation that this traditional dinner will be served at a leisurely pace that’s perfect for enjoying company and cocktails. Caldo de piedra, a seafood stew that’s cooked over hot stones tableside, offers up a bit of dinner drama that’s worth every savory bite.

Caroni Swamp is a 12,000-acre swamp situated just south of Port of Spain on Trinidad & Tobago’s west coast. Being the second largest mangrove wetlands on the island and the natural nesting home for one of the country’s national birds, Caroni Swamp is protected under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance.

The swamp runs along the banks of the Caroni River and features a maze of channels and lagoons. The central section is designated as a wildlife sanctuary, with the mangrove trees providing the ideal nesting place for the distinctive Scarlet Ibis birds, along with around 100 species of migratory birds, making it perfect for birdwatchers. The main attraction for nature lovers occurs just before sunset, when the ritualistic roosting habits of thousands of the brightly-colored Ibis can be observed close-up. The birds fly in unison to feed and nest here, creating a dazzling cloud of red against the evening sky.

Caroni Swamp is naturally a popular tourist destination, and flat-bottom boats with experienced guides conduct regular tours through the mangroves, helping you to spot the many bird species and other swamp inhabitants, such as crabs, caimans, and boa constrictors. Book a Caroni wetlands boat tour or a Caroni Bird Sanctuary tour from Port of Spain to experience the natural wonders of this unique swamp for yourself.

Did You Know? While the Scarlet Ibis birds are the main attraction at Caroni Swamp, other birds you’re likely to spot here include the neotropic cormorant, large-billed tern, red-capped cardinal, tricolored heron, snowy egret, and the bicolored conebill.

With a history dating back to 1870 and a reputation for producing some of Mexico’s finest tequilas, the Casa Herradura Distillery is among the most famous of Jalisco’s many tequila distilleries. A family-run hacienda located at the center of tequila country, Casa Herradura lies just outside of Amatitan and is devoted to preserving traditional hands-on production methods alongside modern processing techniques. 

The most popular way to visit the Casa Herradura Distillery is with a ride on the Tequila Express train from Guadalajara, an historic railway route set against a backdrop of blue agave fields and sweeping mountains. Exploring the vast distillery, visitors can discover the secrets of tequila production, from harvesting and crushing the agaves, to the fine art of fermentation and distillation. Of course, the most important part of the tour is the tasting and a master tequilier will be on hand to guide first-timers through the different varieties produced on site, from the premium 100% agave blanco (white) and añejo (aged) tequilas that are sold under the Herradura name, to popular mixed blends like El Jimador and New Mix.