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Man restores mate's dream pub after tragic death

Kevin "Stumpy" Darmody ran the Peninsula Hotel in the Cape York town of Laura, Cairns for over 20 years before he was tragically killed by a crocodile during a fishing trip. The 65-year-old went missing on the Kennedy River at Rinyirru National Park in April last year, with his body recovered a month later, after wildlife officers shot and killed a crocodile during their search, discovering his remains in its stomach. Now, Darmody's best friend Stuart Wiggins has picked up where he left off, and travelled all the way to Cairns from Canberra to restore his mate's pub. "I've been coming up for 20 years myself and watched all the hard work Kev's put in and I thought I didn't want to see that get wasted," he told the ABC. He got to work and trimmed the three-metre long weeds that covered the pub. "The weeds were like trees. We've worked from day to night and it's looking really good now." Wiggins recalled how his best mate first moved to Laura, Cairns 20 years ago after he came across the town on a 4WD trip across northern Australia. Now, in honour of his late friend, Wiggins has renamed the hotel "Stumpy's Bar". "I've got a nice big sign out the front of the pub to remember him," Wiggins said. He also reminisced their friendship and how the pair "got on like a house on fire", saying that he too had "fished off the same spot" where Darmody was taken "so many times". "He was always warning people going out there, 'don't get too close to the water. If you fall in you're not going to get out,' so what happened that day we'll never ever know", he said. Wiggins shared that Darmody was known to for his tough exterior, but was the type of person that would "give you the shirt off his back and do anything for you". "Even the week before he passed, he bought a plane ticket to sneak down to surprise me for my 60th birthday," he said. Prior to Darmody's death Wiggins was working a "cruisy job" at Parliament House in Canberra, before deciding to leave his family behind to re-enter the hospitality industry. "It was a massive move to leave my family behind but even my lady Tanya knew it was something I needed to do," Wiggins said. "I couldn't just sit at parliament thinking the place was going to go to rack and ruin." Images: ABC/ Stuart Wiggins

Domestic Travel

COVID queue jumper met with road rage response

A frustrated man in Cairns has confronted a daring queue jumper at a busy drive-through COVID-19 testing centre. On the first day of lockdown for the city in the north of Queensland, tensions were high as many lined up in a queue stretching for kilometres to get tested for coronavirus. The argument kicked off when one driver pulled into an empty stretch of road in front of several vehicles who had been waiting for their turn to get tested. A man witnessed the car jump the queue, and waved down a cameraman for 9News who was filming the area to expose the audacious driver. When the driver refused to leave their spot in the queue, the man made aggressive hand gestures at the car's driver and stood in front of its bonnet. <img style="width: 445.4828660436137px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842985/cairns-man.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8d806272ecd1408db4183845bf73ba9d" /> Image credit: Nine News The car then rolled forward, forcing the man to slide up onto the bonnet and sit there defiantly. "Mate it was pretty full-on wasn't it, ay," witness Jan Bradley told 9News. Residents have said that sights like these are becoming more common, as COVID-19 cases grow in the region causing long lines and wait times at both testing and vaccination clinics. One local said, "People's tempers getting frayed sitting here, but I mean you've gotta do it." Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Hodgman has urged locals to re-assess their behaviour during the three-day lockdown, as police have called for patience and calm during the difficult time. Image credits: Nine News

Legal

“We don’t know what happened”: Boy, three, dies in daycare van

<div class="body_text "> Police are investigating how a three-year-old boy was left to die in a day care bus in Cairns, which is in the midst of a heatwave where temperatures skyrocket above 34C. The boy was tragically found dead by the driver of the Goodstart Early Learning Centre minibus. Queensland Police Far North Inspector Jason Smith said investigators are still piecing together how the tragedy unfolded. “We’re just trying to work out exactly what’s happened between now and when he should have been delivered to the daycare centre,” he said to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/boy-3-left-for-dead-in-minibus-outside-hambledon-state-school/news-story/cb28a36c6dc4703242bb0c62b24283bd" target="_blank">The Courier Mail.</a> “It appears the child was to be delivered to a daycare centre. The child has now been discovered deceased.” Goodstart Early Learning CEO Julia Davison admitted on Channel 9’s Today that the organisation “doesn’t know what happened”. “All of our 15,000 educators are devastated and shocked,” she said. “It is every family’s worst nightmare that something might happen to their child and it is every educator’s worst nightmare something might happen to a child in their care.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> TRAGIC: A three-year-old boy has been found dead on a childcare bus in Cairns. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> <a href="https://t.co/kyxZ4doIBz">pic.twitter.com/kyxZ4doIBz</a> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1229844080739471362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote> It is not apparent why the van was parked outside Hambledon State School, which is just 1.6kms away from a Goodstart Early Learning Centre. “Obviously there’s the police investigation that has already commenced. There will be various other agencies who are involved in investigations. We have decided, as a precaution — this has been a very difficult decision for us to make — to not use our buses from later today,” Davison explained. “We obviously don’t know what happened in this particular incident but we want to be cautious but at the same time we’re a not-for-profit that picks up and collects lots of vulnerable children who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to access early learning.” Inspector Smith said that the scenario is awful. “The mother has been notified,” he said. “The death of any child is an awful thing, which is why it is so important for us to get to the bottom of this.” “We don’t know at this stage because it is early days, and a number of factors could be at play here”. “We’ll investigate all possibilities,” he said. </div>

Family & Pets

Prince Andrew’s alleged victim living lowkey in Australia

The woman embroiled in one of the biggest sex scandals to have rocked the royal family in decades is reportedly living a well-to-do life in a gated community in Cairns, Queensland. When she was just 17, Virginia Roberts, now known as Virginia Giuffre, was photographed alongside Prince Andrew - an image believed to be taken in the Belgravia terrace of Epstein’s then-girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell in 2001. The seemingly innocent snap has become the defining image of the long-running drama that led to Prince Andrew being forced to take a step back from his royal duties and public life for the “foreseeable future”. Virginia claims now at 36-years-old she was recruited as an underage sex slave and forced to engage in sexual activities with Prince Andrew three times between 1999 and 2002. The Duke of York has vehemently denied claims he had sex with the then-teenager, and also says he doesn’t remember meeting her. Jeffrey Epstein, 66, was found dead in his New York jail cell in August while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Now, Virginia is set to share her side of the story BBC’s Panorama programme that was filmed before Prince Andrew’s Newsnight interview went to air. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7832789/image.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cddad4a17b9d4ae18b61625344d3e846" /> Despite being apart of one of the most highly publicised alleged sex trafficking cases in the world, Mrs Giuffre has managed to live a relatively peaceful life in a quiet community in Cairns, with her husband Robert and their three children. Since her name and pictures made headlines around the world for having a connection with both Epstein and royalty, Virginia has been photographed out shopping or on school runs in Cairns. Locals in the area have described both she and her husband as “lovely.” “They’re both lovely, especially her,” a bartender at a local pub told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.womansday.com/" target="_blank">Woman’s Day. </a> “I can’t believe she’s involved with all that. It just goes to show that you never know anything about people.” Mrs Giuffre claims she was recruited by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s girlfriend in 2001, at the age of 15 while working at the Mar-a-Lago spa in Florida. She claims the pair allegedly took her on a trip to New York, where they trained her to be “everything a man wanted me to be”. “Over the next few weeks, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell trained me to do what they wanted, including sexual activities and the use of sexual toys,” she alleged in the documents. “The training was in New York and Florida, at Epstein’s mansions. It was basically every day and was like going to school. I also had to have sex with Epstein many times.” Mrs Giuffre is just one of a few alleged victims who have come forward and claimed she was used by Epstein for sexual purposes until she turned 19, and consequently became “too old” for him. The court papers allege during those years she was taken on trips around the world and given to men for sexual purposes. Mrs Giuffre claims she met Prince Andrew, a friend of Epstein’s, in London in 2001 when she was 17. The infamous photo of both Prince Andrew and Virginia is believed to have been taken in Belgravia, London at the home of Ghislaine Maxwell in 2001. However, the Duke of York said in a recent interview with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/prince-andrew-reveals-all-about-relationship-with-jeffrey-epstein-in-worldfirst-interview/news-story/0fbbcaced861147882ec90e8ae60d2af" target="_blank">BBC Newsnight</a>, he had no recollection with ever meeting her. “I don’t remember meeting her at all. I do not remember the photograph being taken and I’ve said consistently and frequently that we never had any sexual contact whatever,” he said. “I’m at a loss to explain this particular photograph.” The royal further said he did not have sex with Virginia on the night in question, as he was taking his daughter, Princess Beatrice, for pizza. He explaineds during the interview he wasn’t in Tramp nightclub as she alleged and couldn’t have been sweating because he had a medical condition after suffering from adrenalin overload in the Falklands War. Following the death of Jeffrey Epstein, Mrs Giuffre has urged Prince Andrew to “come clean”, and said he needs to “stop with all of these lame excuses”. Close friends of the royal claim the picture was “doctored,” with sources suggesting his fingers look “too chubby” for it to be him. “This photo has been verified as an original and it’s been since given to the FBI and they’ve never contested that it’s a fake. I know it’s real,’ she said. “He needs to stop with all of these lame excuses. We’re sick of hearing it. This is a real photo. That’s the very first time I met him.” A BBC interview with Mrs Giuffre will air on December 2, where she will lay out her side of the story when it comes to allegations about Prince Andrew.

News

Deadly brain shrinking fungus found in suburban Australia

A fungus titled as the world’s second deadliest has been discovered in suburban Cairns, with researchers fearing it could be spread throughout the Australian tropics. The Poison Fire Coral fungus has caused multiple deaths throughout Asia and was originally identified by James Cook University’s Dr Matt Barrett after a local photographer took a photo of it growing in Redlynch, a suburb in western Cairns. “Of the hundred or so toxic mushrooms that are known to researchers, this is the only one in which the toxins can be absorbed through the skin,” said Dr Barrett, as he warned people to not touch the fungus. “Just touching the Fire Coral fungus can cause dermatitis (reddening or swelling of the skin). If eaten, it causes a horrifying array of symptoms: initially stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and numbness, followed (over hours or days) by delamination of skin on face, hands and feet, and shrinking of the brain, which, in turn, causes altered perception, motion difficulties and speech impediments.” If left untreated, consumption can prove to be fatal due to organ failure and brain nerve damage. The brightly coloured fungus is usually found in the mountains of Japan and Korea, though it has been spotted in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Scientists now believe it is naturally growing in Cairns. “This record extends the distribution of the fungus considerably, and it may be even more widespread in tropical Australia,” Dr Barrett warned. “The fact that we can find such a distinctive and medically important fungus like the Poison Fire Coral right in our backyard shows we have much to learn about fungi in northern Australia.”

Travel Trouble

You'll never believe the strange place this snake popped up in the Queensland floods

A snake catcher in Cairns is urging people about the peculiar places the slithery snakes are turning up after heavy rain that has flooded north Queensland over the last month. Matt Hagan says he has been busy removing snakes from all sorts of strange places – from gyms and schools, to houses and shopping centres after 300mm of rainfall in Cairns during the first week of February, <a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/snakes-popping-strangest-places-queensland-floods-013156457.html" target="_blank">reports Yahoo 7 News.</a> “Wet conditions in Cairns have resulted in many snakes seeing a reprieve from the weather in dryer areas in and around buildings, homes and shops,” the expert reptile removalist wrote in a post to Facebook. Mr Hagan says he was called to a supermarket at Trinity Beach on Wednesday morning after employees found a small brown tree snake trying to get away from the intense rain. “They are nocturnal animals so they search for food, sometimes near buildings, during the night and crawl up into wall cavities for sleep during the day,” he explained to Yahoo7. “But this one was probably spooked when the neon lights got flicked on. It was upset and ready to go to bed.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcairnssnakecatcher%2Fphotos%2Fa.1443161255930517%2F2253592524887382%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="531" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> Mr Hagan confirmed all staff were OK after the ordeal, explaining it only took five minutes to remove the snake from the supply store shelf. This is not the first time a snake has turned up in an odd place, as just a few days ago a slithery reptile was found <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/home-garden/venomous-snake-found-in-this-chilling-part-of-aussie-home">chilling out in the back of a fridge</a> in an Adelaide home. Another was found on Sunday after its <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/home-garden/the-terrifying-place-this-snake-was-found-in-an-australian-kitchen">head peaked out of a kitchen sink drain.</a> The snake catcher says it's best to keep all screens tightly shut on homes and buildings to avoid running into “cranky” serpents. Have you ever found a snake hiding out in a strange place? Let us know in the comments below.

Travel Trouble

We’re cycling from Cairns to Perth for brain research

Retirement for most means enjoying a gentler pace of life but for New Zealanders Del and Cindy Henley, both 77, cycling across Australia has been a long-term goal. In 2017, health problems sabotaged their plans to attempt a ride, but now both are fit and well and on May 27,2018 they begin a 7000kms cycle from Cairns to Perth, unsupported, towing their tent, food and belongings behind them in trailers – and praying for a tail wind! On retiring, the couple took up cycling for exercise and soon began looking for longer, more challenging rides. After two, month long cycling holidays in France, they turned their sights on Australia. “At 70 we began cycling and since then have completed several lengthy cycle rides in Australia,” says Cindy. The pair have since completed three lengthy rides in Australia over the last 5 years – Perth to Adelaide over the Nullarbor Plain, Adelaide to the Gold Coast via the Great Ocean Road, and Adelaide to Darwin through the outback. “This next trip will be the most challenging yet,” says Del. “We’ll cycle through vast isolated areas with no cell phone coverage, or sources of food and water, so there’s been lots of careful planning.” “For me it’s the challenge,” he says. “Everything’s impossible, until it’s done.” Not so for Cindy, though. “I don’t do challenges. I just go along for the ride – and to keep an eye on him,” she claims. The pair will be raising funds for brain research and have opened a “Give a Little” page for donations to the NZ Neurological Foundation. “Both our mothers, family members and several friends have succumbed to brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Stroke and Motor Neurone Disease.” “We want to help our world class neurosurgeons to unravel the complexities of the brain and eventually prevent these commonly occurring disorders,” Cindy adds. Follow their blog on <a href="http://www.cairnstoperthcycle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.cairnstoperthcycle.blogspot.com</a> To donate, go to <a href="http://www.givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/cairnstoperthcycle" target="_blank">www.givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/cairnstoperthcycle</a>

Mind

6 people rushed to hospital after horror Jetstar flight

Six crew members on a horror Jetstar flight from Cairns to the Gold Coast have been rushed to hospital, after inhaling a mysterious gas at the airport. Two pilots and four members of the cabin crew reported the same symptoms of dizziness, light-headedness and nausea after their domestic flight, and were promptly taken to Tweed Heads Hospital for monitoring, according the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>. The source of the fumes remains to be uncovered, but thankfully the passengers on the flight had already disembarked by the time the incident had taken place. <blockquote class="twitter-video"> A mystery fume onboard a Jetstar plane at Coolangatta Airport has placed six crew members in hospital. <a href="https://twitter.com/penelopeliersch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@penelopeliersch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9News?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9News</a> <a href="https://t.co/iDi9Fmz8T6">pic.twitter.com/iDi9Fmz8T6</a> — Nine News Gold Coast (@9NewsGoldCoast) <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsGoldCoast/status/943387805723402240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2017</a></blockquote> Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman Harry Beyne told <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>: "It's just a bit abnormal that all the crew were starting to experience some nausea." What are your thoughts? <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-insurance/?utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=travel-insurance&utm_medium=in-article-banner&utm_content=travel-insurance" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.oversixty.com.au/images/banners/Travel-Insurance_Website_GIF_468x602.gif" alt="Over60 Travel Insurance"/></a>

Domestic Travel

Experience true luxury in a stunning Cairns ocean view apartment

In this wildly varied country of ours, Far North Queensland truly is the jewel in Australia’s crown. With lush tropical forests and pristine white sand beaches, there really is something for everyone in this beautiful part of the world. Want to experience it for yourself? We’ve found the perfect base for your sunny getaway. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/5186046?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_cairnsluxury">This luxury, 4 ½-star, top-floor, ocean view apartment</a> in the heart of Cairns will have you feeling like a millionaire, but with prices starting from just $98 a night, you don’t need to be one to afford it. Included in the cost is parking, Wi-Fi, pool access, laundry facilities – plus, you’ll be extra comfortable with air conditioning throughout, meaning no sleepless, sticky, hot Queensland nights. Just 10 minutes from the airport and only a five-minute walk to the CBD, you’re close to all the action but in a quiet enough area that you can relax in serenity. All of the city’s top restaurants, cafes, shops and facilities are right on your doorstep – not to mention those stunning beaches. See the beautiful accommodation in the gallery above and <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/5186046?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_cairnsluxury">click here</a> to learn more. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/accommodation/2017/02/vineyard-cottage-in-mudgee/">Relax in a vineyard cottage in Mudgee</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/accommodation/2017/01/tasmania-seaside-studio/">Relax on the beach in this stunning Tassie seaside studio</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/accommodation/2017/01/charming-forest-cottage-in-muckleford/">Step inside a charming Muckleford cottage</a>

Accommodation

Elton John is returning to Australia

Forty-one years ago, Sir Elton John first performed in Australia, kicking off a decades-long love affair with our beautiful country. Now, the “Rocket Man” singer has announced he’ll be returning to our shores for two shows in “first-and-last time events” in Mackay and Cairns. The tour, aptly titled “Once in a Lifetime,” will take Sir Elton and his band (Davey Johnstone on guitar, Matt Bissonette on bass, John Mahon on percussion and Kim Bullard on keyboards) to Queensland to perform fan favourites from his stellar career spanning more than 50 years. Mackay and Cairns are the first cities to be listed by tour promoter <a href="http://www.chuggentertainment.com/eltonjohn2017" target="_blank">Chugg Entertainment</a>, but if you’re not a Queensland native, there’s still hope – more tour dates are still to be announced. The Mackay show will be held at BB Print Stadium on Friday, September 22, while the Cairns show will take place at Cazaly’s Stadium on Saturday, September 30. For more information, <a href="http://www.chuggentertainment.com/eltonjohn2017" target="_blank">click here</a>. UPDATE: Chugg Entertainment have just announced a new NSW show to be held at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Sunday, September 24. Related links: <a href="/entertainment/music/2016/12/bob-king-50-years-of-music-photography/">Bob King celebrates 50 years of music photography</a> <a href="/entertainment/music/2016/04/the-surprising-real-names-of-singers/">The surprising real names of famous singers</a> <a href="/entertainment/music/2016/05/1970s-songs-that-defined-a-decade/">1970s: songs that defined a decade</a>

Music

Grandmother found dead on cruise ship off Cairns

Tragedy has struck a cruise liner docked off the coast of Cairns over the weekend, as 79-year-old grandmother Margaret Carlson was found dead in her cabin. Queensland Police were called on board the P&O Pacific Jewel on Saturday. Media outlets are divided over the cause of Mrs Carlson’s passing, with some suggesting she died due to natural causes while others suggesting a gastroenteritis outbreak. Mrs Carlson's daughter Vanessa D'Souza, who had boarded the ship with her teenage son, spoke to <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/" target="_blank">Fairfax Media</a>, describing the death as sudden, “I keep getting these bunches of flowers at home and I just want to scream because I'm like, 'Oh, these flowers are beautiful and mum would love them', but she's not here." Ms D'Souza added, "My first priority was to let people know, because I thought you would not want to send your mother or grandmother on that [ship].” Queensland Health has reportedly not been informed of a gastro outbreak on the ship, but as the Fairfax Media report stated gastroenteritis is not considered a “notifiable” condition and there is no ironclad obligation to disclose such an outbreak. A spokesperson from P&O cruise has stated there is no gastro outbreak on the cruise, “The woman did sadly pass away on board our ship on Saturday. But there is no report of a gastro outbreak on board. Our thoughts are with the family during this time.” But new reports have suggested that a passenger was medically evacuated from the ship by helicopter on Monday, for undisclosed reasons. Ms D'Souza said most of the passengers “can't wait to get off”, sating, “We'd like some answers. Is there really some issue with hygiene, or is there something going wrong?" Related links: <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/09/po-unveils-plans-for-biggest-ever-cruise-ship/">P&O unveils plans for biggest cruise ship ever</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/06/man-kicked-off-p-and-o-cruise-after-flicking-cigarette-butt/">Man kicked off cruise after flicking cigarette butt off the side</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/05/po-ships-first-new-zealand-cruise/">P&O’s first cruise around New Zealand</a>

Cruising

3 accommodation options in Cairns under $50

As the winter chill sets in at the cooler parts of the country there’s still one region in Australia whose residents are still laughing. We’re talking about Cairns, Australia’s gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and an incredible location all year round. Home to some of the best sailing, diving and snorkelling in the world, Cairns is a fascinating region that has a lot of offer tourist of every taste. We’ve taken a look at three incredible, affordable accommodation options for your next Cairns holiday. At less than $50 a night these properties offer comfort and convenience that won’t break the budget. To see them all, scroll through the gallery above. 1. High-set Queenslander home Comfy, cosy and close to the region’s famous Esplanade, the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/9417511/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_queenslander" target="_blank">high-set Queenslander</a> is the perfect base to explore everything that’s great about Cairns. Wooden floors and high ceilings create a homey, comfortable feel and at $40 a night it won’t break the budget. Find out more or <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/9417511/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_queenslander" target="_blank">book the high-set Queenslander here</a>. 2. Comfy Cairns apartment Another property constructer in Queenslander style, the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/9667742/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_apartment" target="_blank">comfy Cairns apartment</a> is ideally situated at the foot of Mt Whitfield, minuets form Edge Hill Village, the Botanical Gardens and Lakes conversation area. The property is spacious and beautifully appointed. Find out more or <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/9667742/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_apartment" target="_blank">book the comfy Cairns apartment here</a>. 3. Private apartment on Trinity Beach A stone’s throw from the famous Trinity Beach esplanade, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/11534199/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_trinitybeach" target="_blank">this private apartment</a> is the perfect property to help you forget about winter with a swimming area, BBQ and easy access to some of the region’s best beaches, walks and eateries and shops. Find out more or <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/11534199/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_trinitybeach" target="_blank">book the private apartment on Trinity Beach here</a>. Even if you’re not headed to Cairns any time soon, make sure you scroll through the gallery above to see just how incredible these properties are. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank">Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further, head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</a> Related links: <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/07/5-incredible-regional-australian-cities/">5 incredible regional Australian cities</a> <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/06/in-touch-with-the-tropics-in-cairns/">In touch with the tropics in Cairns</a> <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/04/what-to-do-tropical-north-queensland/">8 things to do in Tropical North Queensland</a>

Accommodation

In touch with the tropics in Cairns

Not ready for winter? A short plane ride will get you enough palm trees, blue skies and tropical cocktails to help you pretend it isn't happening. Cairns is a town built around tourism and the centre is a thriving backpacker hotspot, with bars jam packed along the waterfront and touts popping out of every second shop front to offer you the best deal out to the biggest draw in town - the Great Barrier Reef. But a short 20-minute stroll away sits The Holiday Inn in a prime spot offering sweeping views of Trinity Bay - from the mangroves surrounding the airport to the bustling waterfront. It's calm and quiet, as you kick back on the sun lounger and watch the constant stream of dog walkers and lycra-clad yummy mummies make their way up and down the esplanade. The hotel is tucked in between palm trees and every outdoor spot is covered in lush and exotic plants - there is no mistaking we're in the tropics. Made up of two towers linked by a central reception, the hotel feels spacious and secluded, even though it's sandwiched between two quite busy roads. Once you spot the pool, twinkling invitingly in the sun, the water a deep oh-just-jump-in-me-now blue, all thoughts of traffic are gone. <img width="500" height="250" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/21472/shutterstock_413952421_500x250.jpg" alt="Cairns"/> Every room here has a private balcony, complete with sun loungers, and views of the bay or the mountains and rainforest surrounding Cairns. As well as the pool there's a wine bar/cafe and restaurant on site, as well as free wi-fi and unlimited use of the gym in the next street. My room is on the top floor looking out over the bay, and in the far distance Green Island where you can get your first encounter with the reef. It's quiet, spacious and decorated with a modern finish. All the usuals are here: TV, armchairs, minibar (filled on request, they don't want to force you into anything, the staff tell me. They encourage people to buy their own drinks and snacks from the local shops and stock the fridge themselves.) There is also a leather super-squishy chaise lounge that I become so fond of, I want to take it home with me. The bathroom is equally crisp and modern, with a shower over the bath and enough towels for you and all your friends. There's a kind note that they will happily bring you any toiletry you need free of charge - "forgotten your comb? Just call us." Well, now that you mention it, I have - so yes please. The bed is massive and one of the most comfortable I have ever slept in - that perfect mix of just soft enough and just hard enough, like sleeping in a cloud. But my favourite thing is the pillows - four in total - two with a stitched pillow case saying soft, two saying firm. This commitment to my personal comfort is appreciated. The hotel overall is very quiet with none of that annoying middle of the night door slamming or loud TVs you often get in thin-walled rooms. And everyone is very invested in your comfort, everywhere you turn there's a friendly, smiling staff member wanting to know if they can help, or just how you are. Can they bring you a towel? Are you hungry? You look lost, forgotten your room number? <img width="500" height="250" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/21473/shutterstock_207350500_500x250.jpg" alt="cairns"/> There is a free shuttle bus every hour into central Cairns if you fancy popping to the local mall, or Woolies, or just fancy a stroll around shops. There are eating options galore in Cairns, many of them an easy walk away at the other end of the esplanade. But if you can't drag yourself away, there is Teshi's restaurant. The flavours are Mediterranean and feature local goodies like barramundi, tiger prawns, lemon myrtle and Queensland's own chicken. They also have a special children's menu that's been designed with help from nutrition Australia to be healthy but still something the kids are actually going to eat. Highlights include pitta burgers, a nacho bowl and DIY falafels. If that's not alluring enough, the Holiday Inn has a "Kids stay and eat for free" plan for anyone under the age of 12. Next door to Teshi's is the Blue Mango cafe and wine bar, where you can get lighter snacks and salads at any time of the day, including the best beer-battered fries known to man. But if even getting into the lift and going downstairs is too much to face after a day exploring the rainforest, there is 24-hour room service on all of the menus. The main drawcards for Cairns are the reef and the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Tours are abundant and the Holiday Inn staff knowledgeable, so do get them to help you book. There is still plenty to check out much closer to the hotel. The beach is basically a swamp (and croc-infested, the locals will tell you with delight) but there is a beautiful waterfront lagoon you could easily spend the entire day in. Further up the coast are the Northern Beaches, including Palm Cove and Port Douglas, where swimming is easier. Every night there are night markets, with stalls selling locally made soap, sweets, shoes and clothes. You can also grab a quick massage here or walk through to the food court. Have you ever been to Cairns? What was the highlight of your visit? Let us know in the comments below. Written by Kathrin Goldsworthy. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/05/10-amazing-queensland-waterfalls/">10 amazing Queensland waterfalls</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/04/top-10-australian-destinations-to-visit-in-2016/">Top 10 Australian destinations to visit in 2016</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/04/pictures-from-best-drives-in-australia/">10 jaw-dropping pictures from Australia’s best drives</a>

International Travel

Top 6 things to do in Cairns

From the Great Barrier Reef to Flecker Botanic Gardens, Cairns offers a range of activities for travellers of all tastes. Scroll through the above gallery to discover 6 of the best. 1. Great Barrier Reef Visible from outer space, the Great Barrier Reef is a 2,300km-long ecosystem comprising of thousands of reefs and hundreds of island made up of hard and soft coral. 2. Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk & Lagoon The spectacular swimming lagoon on the city’s reclaimed foreshore is lifeguard patrolled and illuminated nightly with a beautiful 3km foreshore boardwalk sitting adjacent. 3. Flecker Botanic Gardens A birdwatcher’s delight and a botanist’s dream, Flecker Botanic Gardens provides you with a great way to get back to nature with free guided walks around these gardens available. 4. Salt House Located just by the yacht club, Salt House is one of Cairn’s coolest and classiest bars with a restaurant that service up excellent, modern Australian fare all will enjoy. 5. Night Markets A must-visit for any foodie who finds themselves at the Top End, the Cairns Night Markets provide a great option as well as a busy, Asian-style food court for all to enjoy. Delicious! 6. Kuranda Scenic Railway An action-packed day trip from Cairns, Kuranda Scenic Railway offers a scenic helicopter tour and a great way to experience some of the beauty and splendour of the Top End! Related links: <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/02/great-tourism-australian-travel-photos/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/12/shibuya-pedestrian-crossing-japan/">The busiest pedestrian crossing in the world</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/01/10-most-amazing-man-made-structures/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/01/10-most-amazing-man-made-structures/">10 most amazing man-made structures</a> <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/02/great-tourism-australian-travel-photos/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/01/odd-and-amazing-toilets-from-around-the-world/">12 odd (but amazing) toilets from around the world</a>

International Travel

TV reporter Tova O'Brien arrested for using camera at Chris Cairns trial

A New Zealand journalist was arrested for using a camera outside the Chris Cairns perjury trial in London.TV3 reporter Tova O'Brien was using a GoPro camera within the precinct of Southwark Crown Court, a MediaWorks spokeswoman said.O'Brien, who was reporting on the perjury trial, was arrested for filming in a prohibited area.She was issued a caution and was allowed to resume reporting on the trial.<img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10161/nz-reporter-tova-obrien_497x280.jpg" alt="NZ Reporter Tova OBrien" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">Ms O'Brien is a reporter for TV3Cairns, 45, is accused of lying under oath when he said he'd "never" cheated at cricket.Perjury is a criminal charge carrying a maximum of seven years' jail. Cairns has denied all charges.Former teammates Lou Vincent and Brendon McCullum have provided evidence at the trial.First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a> Related links:<a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/10/all-blacks-fireworks-gone-wrong/">All Blacks fireworks display gone wrong costs pyrotechnics company $100K</a><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/10/new-zealand%E2%80%99s-best-views-are-being-sold/">Some of New Zealand's most beautiful views are being sold to private hands</a><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/10/kiwis-avoid-app-store-price-hike/">Kiwis avoid Apple's App Store price hike</a>

TV reporter Tova O'Brien arrested for using camera at Chris Cairns trial

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TV reporter Tova O'Brien arrested for using camera at Chris Cairns trial

TV reporter Tova O'Brien arrested for using camera at Chris Cairns trial

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