Cairns is a modern tropical city with a relaxed atmosphere and is the primary gateway to Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region. Cairns is an ideal base to explore the wider Tropical North Queensland region with front door access to World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Rainforest and Outback. An amazing number of tour options are available each and every day from Cairns. Cairns is also well know for it's marlin fishing.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's greatest reef system, stretching more than 2000km along Queensland's north-east coast. As the world's largest and most complex reef system, it has thousands of individual coral reefs and hundreds of continental islands, reef islands and cays, small bare sand cays, and permanent vegetated cays. Exploring the Great Barrier Reef is both exhilarating and easy. You can snorkel or scuba dive with equipment provided and a trained crew on hand to assist, or view the reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible or underwater observatory. Swimmers and non-swimmers are catered for or take a scenic flight in a plane or helicopter. There is easy access to the outer reef and islands from points all along the coast, to suit your style or budget. -
Port Douglas is just an hour’s drive from Cairns via the spectacular coastal road that is surrounded by forest and the Coral Sea. It is the only place on Earth where two World heritage listed jewels exist; the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest of Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Port Douglas is a laid back tropical oasis with a small friendly village atmosphere. Go from business suit to barefoot and frantic to free. Refresh, restore and revitalise, in the aquamarine reef waters of the Coral Sea, the crystal creeks of Mossman Gorge, and the palm fringed golden sands of Port Douglas Four Mile Beach. Discover the breathtaking Northern Tropics of Australia through pristine Daintree Rainforest walks and safaris, diving and snorkelling the reef and sailing the waterways. The climate is seductive. Balmy days dissolve into tropical evenings with velvet starry skies. So, if you want to get away from it all…this is it !
some Musts-dos!
1. A day cruise on the Great Barrier Reef.
2. Kuranda Scenic Railway Train winds through 15 tunnels and over 36 bridges as it travels along the 90-minute train track between Cairns and Kuranda. Watch the spectacular scenic views from the open-air railway train windows as it comes to a halt at Stoney Creek falls for some amazing scenic photo opportunities.
3. Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a unique rainforest experience taking you on an unforgettable journey through Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforests near Cairns. Guests glide just metres above the canopy in Cairns Skyrail comfortable six-person gondola cabins, before alighting at two rainforest mid-stations to learn more about this fascinating environment from the forest floor on the way to Kuranda. A one-way Skyrail experience takes 1 ½ hours, including time at both rainforest mid-stations
4. The Daintree Cape Tribulation coast is where the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforest meet, the only place on earth where two World Heritage areas exist side by side. The Daintree National Park is an ecotourism paradise.
Day Tours
1. City highlights, Coral Coast, Palm Cove. Tour the highlights of Cairns then visit the tropical Botanic Gardens and Palm Cove. Resorts, white sand beaches and an azure tropical sea make the Coral Coast one of Australia’s foremost destinations. Highlights includes;
Cairns Esplanade paralleling the harbour Historic Courthouse Hotel Reef Casino Hotel Grand verandahed pubs and heritage buildings Pockets of dense rainforest Bats and water birds Visit the Royal Flying Doctor and learn of this remarkable service and its history Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea at Mandy’s Deli in trendy Edge Hill Tropical homes and suburbs Panoramic views over Cairns and surrounds from Copperlode Lookout Take a guided walk through Flecker Botanic Gardens - a breathtaking collection of lush native and exotic tropical plants - orchids, palms, heliconia, bamboo, tropical fruits and vines Visit stunning Paradise Palms Golf Course Palm Cove - an idyllic tropical resort town Stroll along the glorious beach front Williams Esplanade of Palm Cove.
Departs daily at 12:45, returning around 6:30 pm.
Costs: Adult AUD 59.00, Child 29.50. Includes Afternoon tea and Royal Flying Doctor.
2. Best of Cairns. The above tour PLUS crocodiles, kangaroos and “true blue” Outback Aussies.
CAIRNS NIGHT ZOO _ Tuck into a delicious Aussie BBQ with complimentary drinks _ You will be provided with a torch (flashlight) by your guide _ Walk in the dark and meet creatures of the night _ Owls, possums, koalas _ Large numbers of crocodiles - watch their eyes glow in the torchlight _ Enjoy Billy Tea and damper with a "swaggie" (an original Australian bushman) _ Kangaroos are sure to say g’day and maybe even share a bite to eat! _ After a complimentary beer, wine or soft drink, join in the fun and learn some Aussie bush dances.
3. The Must Do 3s - Scenic train, SkyRail and Tjapukai.
Your day begins when your Coach Captain meets you at your accommodation and transfers you to the Cairns Railway Station where the tour commences on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is universally known as one of the world's great train experiences. Built under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions over 100 years ago, the line now winds its way from Cairns to Kuranda, 350m above sea level.The journey takes in 34 km of breathtaking, world heritage listed, tropical rainforest in the Barron Gorge National Park.Travel on board original historic carriages past spectacular waterfalls, deep ravines, winding tunnels and views to the Pacific Ocean providing many great photo opportunities.
Upon arrival at the Kuranda Scenic Railway Station you have free time to explore the rainforest village of Kuranda.
1:00 pm. Start your journey on Skyrail,The World's Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience. Skyrail is a unique rainforest experience, gliding silently over 7.Skms of pristine rainforest in gondola cabins just metres above the rainforest canopy.The Rainforest Interpretive Centre at Barron Falls Station provides an opportunity to unravel the mysteries of a rainforest eco system. The Skyrail Experience allows you to learn and understand more about the tropical rainforest environment with complimentary guided boardwalk tours at Red Peak station allowing you to explore the rainforest floor. Skyrail rangers are on hand to share their knowledge and answer your questions about the fascinating environment. Your journey on Skyrail combines spectacular views of the rainforest with panoramic views of the Coral Sea, Cairns City, lush Tablelands region and mountain ranges.
Tjapukai showcases the culture of the rainforest people of Tropical North Queensland. Situated on 25 acres of land owned by the Tjapukai people at Caravonica, north of Cairns, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is a stunning theatrical interpretation of Aboriginal culture from the beginning of time into the future. Seven separate arenas allow visitors to experience every facet of the rainforest people’s culture - from the provocative History Theatre to the inspiring Creation Theatre, and the original Dance Theatre and the interactive Camp Village, where visitors can learn didgeridoo playing and boomerang throwing.
07:45 Pick up from Cairns Hotel and transfer to train station.
08:45 Take the scenic train from the Freshwater Station to Kuranda.
10:15 – 12:45 Free time to explore Kuranda and invididual arrangements for lunch
1:00 pm Board SkyRail Forest Cableway from the Kuranda terminal.
2:30 pm Visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural park (next to SkyRail terminal)
5:15 pm Board coach for return to hotel.
4.World Heritage areas of Daintree& Cpae Tribulation - Billy Tea Bush Safari.
Your naturalist guide will meet you at your accommodation and after introductions, we drive north along the scenic route to Mossman.
Lush farmland contrasts with seascape as we approach the majestic Daintree River. Time for a short morning tea break then its 'all aboard' for an informative river cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and wildlife, this is nature at its best!
We ascend the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea. Experience the rainforest intimately on our elevated National Park Boardwalk. Accurate interpretations of flora and fauna will be given with ample time for photographs and questions as we search for the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species within this particular habitat.
A delicious barbecue lunch with freshly prepared salads is served while you have the opportunity to hand feed a kangaroo and enjoy a cold drink from the bar.
Our tour does a little more. It takes us beyond Cape Tribulation along the 4WD Bloomfield Track to pristine Emmagen Creek and time for a refreshing rainforest stream swim. Seek fish and turtles in the creek, butterflies and exotic birds in the trees and indulge in a feast of tropical fruit, a complimentary glass of wine and a cup of traditional Billy Tea, all of which enhance the tranquil surroundings At Cape Tribulation Beach there is a little time to swim in the Coral Sea (seasonal) or stroll alond the beach and boardwalk to the photographers' platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the 'Rainforest meets the Reef'..
After a short afternoon refreshment stop, we cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and begin our homeward journey somewhat wiser for our 'Total Rainforest Experience'.
Accommodation:
Cairns :
5 stars ***** Cairns International Hotel
4 stars **** Rydges Tradewinds Hotel
3 stars *** Bay Village Hotel
Port Douglas:
5 stars***** Sheraton Mirage
5 stars***** Peppers Links Resort (for the golfer)
4 stars**** Outrigger Heritage
3 stars*** Archipelago Apartments.
For more information on hotels and rates, please click here.
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