CairnesTropical Moments in Tropical North Queensland

Over the Christmas vacation recently we had the opportunity to visit Cairns in the Tropical North Queensland State. Whether it's an indulgent break or a life changing adventure, this stunning region offers you a magical and unforgettable tropical experience.

Tropical North Queensland offers a wide range of unique attractions, cultural drawcards, magnificent tropical scenery and first class facilities. Enjoy world-class accommodation, fine dining, art, culture and famouse icons.

Cairns is a modern, sophisticated city, offering access to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier reef as well as islands, rainforests and the Outback, New projects have rejuvenated this tropical city and with almost a century of architecture reflected in the streets. Cairns presents a comfortable blend of traditional and modern designs.

We enjoyed fresh seafood plucked straight from the Ocean every day of the trip. The city offers some interesting sights, such as a handful of museums and the old wharf area. You think of an activity, and it is very likely you will be able to arrange it in Cairns, or at least discuss it over a beer in one of the many bars that make Cairns famous for its nightlife. There's enough to do in and around Cairns to keep you occupied for weeks.

Climate in Cairns

Seasons

Winter: The ideal weather in Cairns for most is between May and October which is the dry season. The dry season along with the low humidity and cool breeze makes it pleasurable for activities.
Summer: Is between November and April, which is the wet season with tropical rainfalls caused by the monsoons. With the wet season comes the arrival of the Box Jellyfish close to the beach which prevents swimming in the Surf unless they are using the protective nets. However, the Great Barrier Reef is free of the Box Jellyfish through all the seasons.
Rainfall
Average is 169mm or approximately 62 inches per month.
Temperature
The average minimum is 62.6 Fahrenheit and 17.o Celsius
The average maximum is 88.5 Fahrenheit or 31.4 Celsius

While you're in Cairns

Go on a reef excucsion to the Great Barrier Reef
Go snorkelling on the small coral cay of Green Island
Catch the Skyrail to Kuranda Village and visit the famous markets
Go exploring on a wilderness tour
Dine al fresco at an award-winning restaurant, cafe or bar.

Cairnes Beaches

Lying just north of Cairns, the 26 kilometre stretch of northern beaches are popular for their laid back feel and range of apartment, luxury and guest house style accommodation. One of the most renowned, Palm Cove is recognised as the spa capital of Australia, with a variety of 5-star resorts, fine dining and unique spas on offer. Set beside the Coral Sea and exclusive Double Island Resort, Palm Cove's palm-lined beachfront has accommodation ranging from self-contained apartments to world class resorts and boutique hotels.

While you're in Palm CovePalm Cove

Enjoy fresh seafood plucked straight from the ocean, try award-winning Far Horizons Restaurant, located on absolute beachfront.
Pamper yourself with a world-class spa treatment
Snorkel and dive on the reef
Rent a kayak and paddle around Double Island
Go hourse rididng on the beach

Visit The Daintree and Cape Tribulation

These are the region's most popular rainforest stops, with pristine white sand beaches, unspoilt rainforests. picnic areas, rainforest walks, 4WD safaries, unique accommodation options, reef trips, mangrove and crocodile-watching tours, ocena kayaking and hourse trekking.

While you're in The Daintree

Visit the 135 million-year Daintree Rainforest's 23-metre high canoppy
Pack a picnic and head to the Daintree Village jetty
Relax at your resort with a rainforest maggage
Experience the beauty of the Mackay and Undine reefs
Spot a Crocodile on a river cruise

The location of Cairns makes it an ideal base from which to explore the region and visit the neighbouring townships which all offer their own unique attractions and history.

Our First day was spent at Kuranda. You most not forget to visit "The Village in the Rainforest" as it has been affectionately known to locals and visitors alike. This sleepy little town comes alive on the weekends with the famous Kuranda Markets, where locals sell their wares ranging from art & crafts to bric-a-brac & fresh locally grown produce.

The Kuranda Scenic TrainKuranda Scenic Train
There are three popular ways to travel to Kuranda, the scenic drive through the rainforest, the charm of the Kuranda Scenic Train or by breathtaking aerial view from the Skyrail cable cars. Which ever way you choose, you will be touched by the unspoilt beauty of this little town.

Most visitors prefer to travel up to Kuranda by the Scenic Train which departs from Cairns three times a day and returning via the Skyrail. Bookings can be made at your hotels tour desk or any of the booking agencies in the city.

Apart from the Markets and getting to know the locals, the Barron Gorge is only a few minutes away, from here you can see the spectacular view of the Barron River Falls.

The view is simply breathtaking, looking down into the Gorge you get a sense of peace and tranquillity and feel the pre-historic absence of man.

During the Wet season, when all tropical climates receive their deluge of monsoonal rains, the Barron Falls puts on a spectacular show conducted by mother nature herself.

Kuranda has a lot to offer visitors apart from the Markets, Barron Gorge and Skyrail. The town boasts excellent shopping for such a small country town. Everything from paintings by local artists, clothes and jewellery can be found.

The little town has undergone extensive development over the past few years but has kept the feel of the town the same by restricting commercialisation - so you won't see the Golden Arches there.

The vibrant colours of the Australian opal Jewellers are abundant in Kuranda offering fine quality Opals at very reasonable prices. You will find an assortment of Opals ranging from a few dollars to a few thousand depending on the Opal and craftsmanship involved.

Gift shopping is very easy in Kuranda with a large selection of hand made arts and crafts. Didgeridoo's and boomerangs are the most popular. Fluffy koalas and kangaroos

are as abundant as the real things. Glass art is also very popular with the local craftsman displaying his skills for curious onlookers. Glass dolphins and intricate ornaments are created before you very eyes and crowds look in awe as a bulb of glass is transformed into a work of art.

There are plenty of places to eat in Kuranda, restaurants and cafes are easily found with a large selection of dining options, whether you prefer a quiet snack on the go or a eisurely dining experience you are assured of finding the right place in Kuranda. The markets offer a lot of snack foods and fresh juices for the thirsty traveller - all at reasonable prices.

How to Get to Kuranda

There are several options to get to Kuranda

Train-Skyrail
Skyrail-Train
Coach
Hire Car
each offers it own unique aspect, the decision is always a difficult one.

If you are limited on time, then taking the Kuranda Scenic Train up to Kuranda and returning by Skyrail is a popular option.

Coach tours provide informative commentary about the history of the region and your tour guide would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

For those who have their own car there is plenty of parking at the Skyrail station at Smithfield which is conveniently located right next to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Dance Theatre.

Electric river Boat The DaintreeThe Daintree

The Daintree is a must also to include on your visit. Although the Reef offers so much fun and relaxation the Daintree Rainforest is a world of it's own Ntures own little secret, dense, untamed rainforest extends endlessly in all directions. The Daintree Rainforest is listed as a part of the protected World Heritage.

Here you will find trees and plants hundreds of years old. No where in the World will you find two World Heritage areas listed side by side, this alone demonstrates the diversity of the ecological environments we have. Literally hundreds and thousands of plant species can be found, some unique to only this part of the world.

The Daintree region, despite its seclusion, offers first class facilities in terms of accommodation and tours. Most of the activities are centered around bush walking and river cruises. The untouched rainforest offers unique wildlife and flora, so be sure to bring take your camera and walking shoes. The lush, and sometimes dense, tropical rainforest provides many enjoyable walks. Our favourite was the Cruise on the River on the Electric Boat. The Electric Boat is known as the quietest boat on the Daintree River. They offer very personalised river cruises with a maximum seating of 12 persons. Whilst gliding on the Daintree River you not only see the rainforest, you hear it as well

Port Douglas

An overnight trip to Port Douglas is always planned into our Cairnes Holdiay. The scenic drive to Port Douglas is an experience in itself, winding along the coastline, you will get an appreciation of the diverse environments here in the North. To one side you have the rugged mountains and to the other miles of beautiful,secluded coastline with golden sand and crystal clear waters, all this just 50 metres to each side. We always stay at the Sheraton Mirage Resort Nestled amongst the rainforest, this Internationally renowned resort blends invisibly within the environment. The preferred destination of movie stars and heads of state. This beautifully designed resort provides a real sense of tranquility and opulence. Backing onto the resort is the beach for guests to take in the early morning sun, or for honeymooners to romantically watch the crimson sun disappear into the depths of the Pacific Ocean.

Once in Port Douglas, there is plenty to do and see, the local markets on Sundays, with locals selling all sorts of things from coconuts to tropical clothing and souvenirs. You will also find the Sheraton Mirage Resort nestled in the lush environment, with beautifully landscaped pools which extend right to your balcony. The famous Four Mile beach attracts many visitors with its natural beauty. Once there take a look at Four Mile Beach
This beautiful unspoilt beach at Port Douglas is a classic example of the beaches in the area, with seemingly endless coastline of golden sands and palm trees.Just minutes from the heart of Port Douglas the beach offers uninterrupted views to the ocean which is iconic of the beaches within the region.
Mossman Gorge is not far from Four Mile Beach.
This beautiful and refreshing swimming hole is a favourite amongst locals and visitors.
Nestled in the rainforest, with easily accessible walks, this is one of many swimming holes hidden deep in the forests, away from the cares of the modern world.
Enjoy a relaxing swim or just get your feet wet.

Scuba Diving Cruise BoatScuba Diving in Cairns

Treat yourself to the experience of a liftetime.Live-aboard sailing and scuba diving adventures from Cairns, is incrediable. Santa Maria, which does 3 day/2 night trips, the luxury ketch Coral Sea Dreaming, which offers an alternative for those wanting a shorter tour of 2 days/1 night. Or Choose Kilulu, a fully equipped 50' Beneteau reserved especially so any group can take advantage of the fantastic experience of a private yacht charter. All charter yachts take a maximum of just 10 passengers with an attentive crew of 3 on each boat you’ll receive personalised attention not possible on the larger tour vessels. You can enjoy water-based activities including snorkelling, introductory & certified scuba diving. If you’re looking for a little more relaxing trip, simply go aboard with a great book and enjoy the serenity and the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with a small group of people you will call your friends. If you wish you can join in and help sail the boat or just ‘supervise’ from the deck.

New Horizon Sail and Dive liveaboards provide the best way to experience the Great BarrierReef as you will get to experience the wonderful marine life found early in the morning or in the evening that you would miss on just a day trip.

Fun:

You can sail the boat and join the crew in the voyage.

Value:

Much more time on the Reef, if you are coming to Australia to see the Great Barrier Reef then this is the way to make the most of your time.
After hotel accommodations and evening meals are accounted for your sail and dive adventure may save you money over a day trip to the reef.
They include much of the equipment and necessities that many charge as extras.
Service:

With only 10 passengers onboard and 3 crew; the crew is there to serve you.
Small groups ensure that your diving experience is very personal and uncrowded.
Every detail is taken care of as the crew will take the time look after you personally.
Being part of a smaller group increases your personal experience with the reef.
New Horizon supports and sponsors many of the groups that survey and study the reef, marine life and associated ecosystem. You may even enjoy a trip with some of the Marine Biologists that frequent the boats. Three day tours start at $560 au per person.

Accommodation

Whether you prefer the opulence of an International Five Star hotel or the friendly hostel atmosphere you will find a large range of affordable and luxurious accommodation in the Far North, most accommodation is located in Cairns but if you wish to travel further North there are special accommodation like Eco-Lodges and retreats, where you can get away from it all.
Which ever Cairns Accommodation option you decide to choose - you will enjoy your stay in Cairns.

Accomodation

Insight Pocket Guide Cairns, the Barrier Reef (Insight Pocket Guides Cairns and the Great Barrier Re author: Paul Phelan asin: 1585732435

A Guide to Cruising Northern Australia - Cairns to Darwin author: Leslie P. Richards asin: 184753077X