For any fervent traveller, there is one free pastime that has always been worthwhile, as well as often thoroughly entertaining and that's meeting 'the locals'.
As in Cornwall, Mississippi, Rajasthan, the Dominican Republic, or anywhere else in the world, it takes well over twenty years to b
zecome a real local hereabouts. Nevertheless, even relative newcomers do have their own place in local society and it is frequently these novitiates who will be more open to any strangers looking for some company with local flavour.
In Cairns, every Friday and Saturday, Rusty's Markets is a bustling, busy bazaar crammed with crowds of locals selling and buying truckloads of fresh fruit, veg and a myriad sundry items. Farmers from the Tableland, hippies from the rainforest, housewives from the suburbs and millionaires from hillside mansions, all commingle in colorful profusion and generally a wonderful time is had by all. It's free to wander in and the atmosphere is a feast for the senses, but the fresh tropical fruits, cappuccinos etc will set you back a few coins at least.
Cairns pubs such as 'The Cape York' in Spence Street, 'The Grafton' in Edmonton and 'The Red Beret '(Red Hat) in Redlynch are excellent locations to find real locals. As anywhere, there's a few unwritten customs and guidelines the locals almost unconsciously comply with, yet the observant and un-self-centred tourist usually comes to grips with these fairly easily.
In Port Douglas, try the Courthouse Hotel (particularly on a Sunday afternoon), the Central Hotel or the Cactus Bar. In Cooktown, have a beer at the Cooktown Hotel (aka the Top Pub).
Further out from Cairns and the smaller the town the better, old hotels with bars unchanged in 20-50 years, are always a good place to find some local color. Do beware of rednecks.
Three country pubs we can recommend for their amiability and atmosphere are the 'Mt. Molloy Hotel,' the 'Malanda Hotel' and the 'Innot Hot Spring Pub'. These all have accommodation available as well.
Travelling on the suburban buses around Cairns is a fine way to both get in touch with the local, relaxed lifestyle and to find plenty of local people. Take a 'Sunbus' going to the northern beaches or one which visits two or three outlying shopping centres. You'll not only enjoy some sight-seeing but also have plenty of opportunity to meet some genuine locals.
Other places where locals often gather include the gyms, the bowling centre, lawn bowls clubs, concert halls, community centres and footy clubs. Tourists at these venues, though not common, are definitely welcome. Even if fronting up to some of these requires a modicum of courage at first, the likelihood of some simple enjoyment and entertainment is very real and indeed worth the effort.
For those seeking a specific group, nationality, club or special interest, check the DestinationEX site on Community Organisations.
Meeting the indigenous Aboriginals, other than at a pub, is not an easy assignment. They are often naturally shy and uncertain about friendly advances from strangers, but then again, can be rather cheeky and demanding when congregating in public places. We ought to warn you to be ready for some rude and crude language should you attempt a little interfacing with the itinerant Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders who gather in groups close to the Cairns CBD.
Be aware too, that some of them are only interested in the next drink, not making friends. Don't get us wrong, please. We at DestinationEX prefer primitivism, to western modern progressiveness, in a big way and cherish the few indigenous friendships that have come our way. However, we're also familiar with the well meaning tourist hoping to discover their spiritual nature through contact with the 'Real Australians' and the reality they encounter is far too often quite opposite to their expectations.
