Cairns
Cairns is the capital city of Far North Queensland. The 16th largest city in Australia, with a population of over 120,000 people, Cairns is continuing to be a favoured destination – for its rare mixture of ecological environments and its cosmopolitan, colourful coastal character. Cairns location is absolutely magnificent. Located 400km from the northernmost part of the State of Queensland, it lies on the warm waters of Trinity Bay. No matter which direction is taken you will come across a World Heritage listed site The Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rainforest. Apart from its unique location and natural wonders, Cairns is set apart from its sister cities by a highly distinctive structural character. One most conspicuous feature is the distinct lack of high rises compared to the metropolitan cities of the south. Cairns is the gateway to most destinations within the Cairns region and like the early settlers acts as a base from which to explore.
Tropical North Queensland is as diverse in natural treasures as the cosmopolitan mix of cultures and peoples that call this region home. First to arrive were the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders… followed by the Dutch navigators and eventually Capt. James Cook, who claimed the coast for Britain and paved the way for European settlement to begin. Gold rushes and foreign wars brought immigrants from around the world to enrich the north with their skills, traditions and cultures. There are so many unique attractions and activities to see when you visit Cairns …cruise to the reef or islands, take a 4WD safari to the outback, trek into the rainforest or see it from the rainforest cableway above its green canopy on your way to or from Kuranda. Day touring in this region is so easy – there are over 600 trips to choose from.
Accommodation
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Activities
Scenic Highlights
Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest in Australia is one of the most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Nature in the world. It is home to the most diverse range of plants and animals on earth, and all are found within an area of approximately 1200 square kilometres – the largest chunk of tropical rainforest in Australia.
This World Heritage Listed area contains the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare, or threatened with extinction, anywhere in the world. The Daintree Rainforest is a unique area, precariously balanced between the advances of development and the warnings of environmentalists.
Great Barrier Reef
One of the top reasons people visit the far north of Australia is to experience the Great Barrier Reef. The amazing array of marine wildlife and exotic colours cannot be found elsewhere in the world with the ease this region affords. Cairns offers an ideal hub for trips to the reef. Some of the most exotic and rare diving and snorkelling in the world are a short distance from the city of Cairns, courtesy of dozens of reef tour companies. This exotic playground twice the size of Tasmania, is waiting to be explored.
Josephine Falls
The Josephine waterfalls are ranked among the most beautiful in the Tropical North Queensland, and have been used in many television commercials. Visitors can swim in the crystal clear waters, and relax on the sandy beach as the gentle breeze rustles leaves high in the rainforest canopy.
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Activities
- Snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef
- Go on a boat tour in the Great Barrier Reef
- Hire a sail boat and skipper and venture out into the great reef
- Take a guided or independent tour into the Daintree Rainforest
- Bird and Nature watch in the Daintree Rainforest
- Experience the northern beaches of Cairns by horseback
- Fishing is readily available in cairns, whether you like big game, deep sea, reef or freshwater fishing, cairns has something for you
- See Cairns from the sky in a hot air balloon
- Play a round of golf
- Spend the afternoon seakyaking
- Be amazed by the great Curtain Fig Tree
- Have a picnic and a swim at the Josephine Falls
- See the Walsh’s Pyramid, the highest freestanding natural pyramid in the world.
- the Babinda Boulders is a popular swimming hole and are perfect for afternoon dips
- Visit Cairn’s local markets, there are always interesting sights and purchases to see
- At the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary more than 1500 colourful tropical butterflies all residents of the local area flutter around their enclosure in complete safety.
- Spend a day at Cairns Tropical Zoo a locally operated wildlife experience.
