Stuart Kelly moved to Cairns with his family in 2010 and immediately fell in love with far North Queensland. He commutes for work across Asia Pacific, so feels that it is important the family are in a place that they love, are safe in and can have an “amazing quality of life”. Far North Queensland is that place, he says. “Brilliant people, location and access to all of Asia Pacific.”
What do you like about living in Cairns? With three boys, the life they have in Cairns is superb. Sunshine, outdoor activities and blue sky helps children enjoy Mother Nature at its best. We get back to Ireland annually and love our trips, enjoying time with family and friends. However, I have to say I love nothing more than landing in Cairns and walking out to the heat and sunshine.
Where is the first place you bring people to when they visit Cairns? The weather is amazing. A cold winter's day is about 25 degrees Celsius and fantastic. Add in the very relaxed atmosphere and amazing quality of life for kids, it's pretty much the perfect location to live and to visit. So go outside anywhere with your guests and enjoy it.
The top three things to do there are ... Sundowners on the beach. Grab a bottle of wine or a few beers and enjoy the sun setting over the coral sea.
Travel up to the Tablelands, a scenic one-hour drive west from Cairns to visit the rainforest. Enjoy the coolness of the climate and the amazing sights and people.
Head into the city and spend time with family at the lagoon followed by dinner in the city.
Where do you recommend for a great meal that gives a flavour of Cairns? Hard to overlook C'est Bon, an amazing French restaurant owned by Nick from Marseille. Cairns has such an eclectic population. Everywhere you go you meet people from all over the world and the food represents this. L'unicos Italian restaurant at Trinity beach is owned by a Sydney man called Aldo, who makes everyone feel so special in paradise.
What should visitors save room in their suitcase for after a visit to Cairns? A crocodile!!!!!!! Go to Hartley's crocodile farm and be amazed at these incredible creatures. They are bordering on being pests, so are quite topical, but as far as your suitcase is concerned, get a cuddly toy version.
If you'd like to share your little black book of places to visit where you live overseas, please email your answers to the five questions above to abroad@irishtimes.com, including a brief description of what you do there and a photograph of yourself. We would love to hear from you.
