Ranked: The Far North’s top Instagram influencers
From fitness models to fishermen, they are the names shaping our city – one photo at a time. Discover the fascinating lives of the Far North’s top Instagram influencers of 2021. SEE THE LIST
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THEY are the social media stars of Far North Queensland and they come from all walks of life.
From fishermen to fitness models, these Instagram influencers may be worlds apart but all share a massive online following.
Appearing in order of their popularity on Instagram, we rank some of the Far North’s top influencers and reveal how they are shaping our city, one photo at a time.
TWENTY
Caitlin Simms, @caitlinjesssimms
Followers: 9,262
Caitlin Simms is a body builder who regularly competes in WBFF bikini competitions. The model admits she is “not naturally lean”.
In 2020 the 25-year-old launched a boutique gym called Balance Performance Centre that operates from The Walk on Lake St in the Cairns CBD.
“My biggest catchphrase is I get women strong physically and mentally,” she said.
NINETEEN
Sarah Latham, @_sarahlatham
Followers: 10.1k
Sarah Latham is a photographer who specialises in tourism and travel content creation.
She “prides” herself in “creating unique and natural images”.
After posting stunning images of Far Northern natural wonders, Ms Latham recently fulfilled a lifelong dream to move to England.
“I try to match my desire to visit as many countries as possible with my love for my Australian home,” she said.
EIGHTEEN
Ryan Moody, @ryan_moody_fishing
Followers: 13.3k
Hinchinbrook-based fishing guide Ryan Moody helps anglers worldwide catch more fish through training workshops
“I’m proud to have been helping people like you catch bucket list fish for over 30 years,” he said.
SEVENTEEN
Gary Wright, @garyifbbpro
Followers: 15.6k
Gary Wright was the first North Queenslander to join the International Federation of Bodybuilding.
Raised in the tiny Cape York Town of Bamaga the professional athlete, online coach and personal trainer says he uses his new-found status as a professional body builder to give motivational talks and seminars in towns and cities across the country.
SIXTEEN
Tahlia Kaleas, @tahliakaleas
Followers: 17.8k
Twenty two-year-old Cairns body builder and fitness model Tahlia Kaleas took second place in the WBFF Diva Bikini Model Tall in 2019.
“Instagram has helped me a lot along the way with motivation and it is a great platform to meet people and share the journey I have gone through,” she said.
FIFTEEN
Cayla George, @cfrannykg
Followers: 18.3k
Professional basketball player Cayla George plays for the Melbourne Boomers and recently competed at the Tokyo Olympics with the Australian Opals.
The athlete, who has strong ties to Cairns where she plays both basketball and netball, has two huskies named Coco and Caesar and owns a business called Rehmee and Coco.
FOURTEEN
David White,@solar_whisper
Followers: 19.3k
Daintree River tour guide and nature photographer David White operates Solar Whisper Crocodile and Wildlife Cruises, which is claimed to be the only zero emission boat on the Daintree River.
His imagery gives a fascinating insight into the daily lives of saltwater crocs, birds, snakes, bats and frogs.
THIRTEEN
Sabria Franciskovic, @sabria_franciskovic_xx
Followers: 21.5k
Sabria Franciskovic is a Cairns-based sunshine lover and slightly obsessed fur mumma and wife to Aaron Franciskovic.
Full of Far North Queensland colour, Ms Franciskovic’s Instagram feed has gained a huge following by featuring posts about the life of a super glamorous dog mum in the tropics.
TWELVE
Lauren Higgs, @lauren.higgs
Followers: 25.7k
Lauren Higgs is the Cairns-based owner of Lorena the Label fashion brand, which specialises in luxury linen and loungewear.
The designer and model’s Instagram feed is full of lifestyle inspiration, cool tones and tropical touches.
ELEVEN
Cooper, @cooper_the_cavoodle_
Followers: 32.1k
Four-legged Cairns influencer Cooper Cavoodle is a cavalier toy-poodle cross, with a cult following.
His account chronicles the pooch’s puppy stage to adulthood while taking in a bunch of beautiful Far North Queensland locations.
TEN
Paige Hunter, @paigelizabethunter1
Followers: 34.4k
Paige Hunter, the owner and operator of Cairns beauty business Face Candy, is also a WBFF bikini competitor.
Her Instagram feed showcases her WBFF journey along with plenty of fitness inspiration, fashion and glamorous Far North locations.
NINE
Bec Piper, @bec.piper.photography
Followers: 43.7k
Cairns-based nature lover and photographer Bec Piper works with Biopixel and is a qualified dive master, camera assistant and marketing manager.
Passionate about the ocean and marine life, the image maker is highly regarded and sought-after throughout the Cairns dive, boating and photography industries.
EIGHT
Renee Gangell, @renee.gangell
Followers: 53.8k
Renee Gangell is a mum and Suncorp employee based in Cairns.
The Insta influencer made headlines in 2018 when Bachelorette contestant Charlie Newling was “busted” following online models, including Ms Gangell.
SEVEN
Lucy Miller, @lucycmillerrr
Followers: 53.9k
Cairns-based model, dancer and swimwear designer Lucy Miller scored a coveted feature in the American men’s magazine Kandy in 2015.
The creator of swimwear label Fiasco & Phoenix, the 31-year-old vegan turned down requests to appear in Playboy, citing business ambitions.
SIX
Christian Miller, @christian_miller_photo
Followers: 64.2k
Christian Miller is a Far North based nature photographer specialising in marine art images.
Also a filmmaker, the conservationist has recently released a children’s book called Ella’s Adventures which teaches children about keeping the ocean healthy.
FIVE
Drew Brauer, @drewboymusic
Followers: 68.8k
Drew Brauer is a Cairns-based musician known for his performances as Drewboy.
His fame increased in 2020 after making it onto Season 7 of Married At First Sight.
The fun-loving Insta star is also the founder of Kick On, a charity that promotes positive mental health.
FOUR
Katie Purling, @mycolourfulworld
Followers: 102k
Katie Purling is a Cairns-based wedding and travel photographer.
“My true passion was found the day I picked up my first camera in early 2015 and I haven’t been able to put it down since,” she said.
Ms Purling is also an image creator for Tourism and Events Queensland.
THREE
Aron Baynes, @houseobayne
Followers: 154k
Mareeba-born lad Aron Baynes has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the professional sporting world to now play for NBA team the Toronto Raptors.
The father-of-two previously played for the Phoenix Suns and the Boston Celtics.
He also represented Australia at the Tokyo Olympics though his campaign was cut short by injury.
TWO
Cass Olholm, @cassolholm
Followers: 219k
High-intensity strength trainer Cass Olholm is a Cairns-based mum and co-founder of The Ground workout centre.
In 2019 the workaholic fitness guru had baby Charlotte and has modelled for major fitness brands and in 2020 she became a trainer for renowned fitness program Sweat.
A post about abs was what initially sent her Instagram fame spiralling.
“It went viral and that’s when I noticed a lot of followers getting on,” she said.
ONE
Libby Powell, @libbypowell_
Followers: 1.1m
Libby Powell is a fitness model, WBFF Australian Bikini Champion and Muscle Nation sponsored athlete.
The 28-year-old Cairns mum of one has used her many years of training and nutrition knowledge to launch a 12-week fitness program, Perfect Peach, and website Libby Powell Fitness in 2020.
“It’s a passion of mine, health and fitness, so I wanted to put together an e-book for everyone else and share my knowledge,” she said.
Which other Far North influencers should make the list? Email peter.carruthers@news.com.au.
Originally published as Ranked: The Far North’s top Instagram influencers
ICED OUT: Why cocaine is new king of meth-scarred cities
Meth’s decade-long reign of Queensland’s drug scene is over as experts warn white powder power is rising in its place. MAPPED HOTSPOTS, DRUG CRIMS NAMED
Why child safety inquiry will start in Cairns
The commissioner of a Queensland inquiry tasked with examining the failures and challenges of the billion dollar child safety sector will visit the Far North.