Cairns Travel Forum

Hi.

I wish to know if its common to see drunken aborgines during the day and/or night in Cairns CBD. And also if they pose much of a threat to travellers or the public.

The reason why I ask is I have heard stories of people being mugged by them, and this does have a bearing on whether I would go there with some elderly folks who have been victims of indigenous crims already.

Especially for those living in Cairns, what is the safety record of the city compared to other cities you have been to?

Thanx

To add to enough said already!? as ive read this with interest - we had to study/look into these issues at our uni nursing studies and a lot of empathy goes to the plight and history of the history - ive also lived in areas where the history of the way they were allowed to be treated was appalling - the paving of the way for alcoholism is appalling and there are still governmental, economic, environmental and social issues that dont address or still facilitate these issues.
Apart from investigating and being more aware and in any way being proactive in these issues - from a fellow Australian or tourist visiting standpoint and without too much splitting of hairs and risking going into the racialist category Id rather be amongst drunk Aborigines than drunk europeans or most other people groups!

Pretty much same approach as venturing anywhere - safety behaviours and commonsense. I would of course not say dont take elderly folk and miss a visit just because of those fears. I dont really know why Id bother going into the Cairns CBD actually anyway.... the sights are away from there. or are you worried about being mugged on the way to your barrier reef glass bottomed boat...?

Bloody hell this is stupid!
A question was asked and it was answered.I don't think we have to put our personal views on culture in that.
As for not visiting the Cairns city area when here is rather silly as this is where there are great restaurants and also parks, boardwalk and most of the accommodation. So when in Cairns you do visit the city area if you are staying here, it makes sense.
I don't think Quirky needs a history lesson, he/she was asking a question a question. Once he/she comes here I am sure all the areas will be explored and enjoyed.
You really have to come and live in an area/country for some time to understand all that is relevant to an this area or any other. You can't really take what is taught or read as gospel, live and breathe it and that's when you can make judgements.
It ain't all black and white, there are many grey areas, people from both sides of the fence have conflicting veiws on this here, here being, living in Cairns.

This has not only sprouted legs, it's sprouted wings as well and is flying high.

But bottom line is that if you ask sensitive questions in an insensitive way you've got to expect the responses you've got. To paraphrase an old saying "If you can't stand the heat in the kitchen then don't go in". You went in, and now you're getting your answers. Cop it sweet.

ahem I think "sweet" is a guy LOL ;-)

ahem I think "sweet" is a guy LOL ;-)

Don't you hate it when it does that!!!grrr...

That's the problem with not being able to delete after you've posted. But anyway, haven't you heard that expression "Copping it sweet"? Or are you just taking the mickey outta me!

I note that the poster is from Sydney, and presumably fully well aware of any issues concerning native Australians as opposed to immigrants. This is an extremely specific question as opposed to a rank generalization for all of Australia. There are bad neighborhoods and bad cities in every country and rumors abound about many of them. This is indeed the right forum to question such issues, just as one might ask about the safety of a park picnic in certain areas of New York City or Detroit or whereever. Idealism is a wonderful thing - I try and be that way myself whenever possible - but realism is not therefore a bad thing - and sadly we have to deal with realism as well.

Sorry Zig, I was reading it different way, but see it all now :-))
YEah, this forum is the right place to ask for sure nico, I thing the way it was asked just irked some.

which is exactly how I ended up poking my nose into a forum on Australia when the closest I have ever been is in Bangkok. Kiwi - hey - happy new year.

STick around heckle and you will see longer LOL ;-) Welcome to VT by the way!