Cairns Visitor Information

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.

The majestic coral structures that make up the Great Barrier Reef extend over 1,500 kilometres, and are home to the greatest variety of flora and fauna species found in any one location in the world. The scope of the reef is magnificent, encompassing some 21,900 individual reefs and an area of 348,000 square kilometres larger than the combined total area of Ireland and the United Kingdom! The Great Barrier Reef, now a national marine park, provides superb recreational activities such as snorkelling, diving, swimming, semi-submersibles, coral viewing and fishing, and offers a unique environment for scientific research.

The rainforests of the Wet Tropics, a 'living museum' of flora and fauna, were placed on the World Heritage List in 1988 and cover an area of nearly 900,000 hectares of rainforest and tropical vegetation. Here, pockets of primitive plants have remained undisturbed for millions of years, and rare, even previously unidentified species of birds, insects and mammals have emerged to delight biologists and nature lovers.

The warmth of the tropical climate has fostered a vigorous outdoor lifestyle, reflected in the architectural styles of open verandahs and balconies and extending to the most traditional of Australian cuisine - the barbecue. Dining is a high point of any holiday, and the cosmopolitan local restaurants, cafes and eateries offer an eclectic fare of Australian and international cuisine, the highlight of most menus featuring the region's mouth-watering fresh seafoods and unusual tropical fruits. Accommodation in the region is diverse too, ranging from luxury resorts and five star hotels to award winning budget style apartments and backpacker lodges.

There are so many unique attractions and activities to see when you visit us...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, and our tourism industry and infrastructure is designed to ensure you, the visitor, will have a truly memorable holiday.

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A day spent discovering the beauty and splendour of the reef is one that will stay with you forever. Snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef is, quite simply, the adventure of a lifetime. From the stunning natural destination - the worlds largest marine park - to the superbly comfortable vessels, the genuinely friendly crew and professional organisation of the daily reef trips, your reef adventure will surely match and exceed your expectations.

Naturally, you can snorkel or scuba dive with equipment provided and a trained crew on hand to assist, but you can also view the aquascape from the comfort of a semi-submersible or underwater observatory, or even from above on a helicopter scenic flight from a reef moored pontoon! Whatever your style or budget, there is a reef cruise designed just for you and memories waiting to be captured in the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea.

There is no better way to experience the romance of the sea than a extended ocean cruise on our Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is fortunate to attract both international cruise liners and regional cruise companies who present a range of holiday options. Check with travel agents on liners scheduled to call in Calms and you'll find many of the major companies visit this increasingly popular tropical port - an option to consider is including a three to seven day regional cruise itinerary in your holiday plans. A new emerging cruising destination in the style of the Caribbean is the Great Barrier Reef and the region of the Arafura Sea, bounded by northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. If you love the idea of a cruise but want to do it on your own. there are vessels available for private charter in Cairns to suit your style and your pocket - simply contact the experts who specialise in local boats and boat charters.

What better way than to charter your own vessels and enjoy snorkelling, diving, fishing for the elusive Giant Black Marlin or just sailing for fun!

Reef Islands
There are over 1,000 islands in the Great Barrier Reef, but the best are easily accessible from the main centres of Cairns and Port Douglas. The reef islands are in fact two distinct types of formations - vegetated coral cays and mountainous continental islands which were once part of the mainland. Both styles have diverse vegetation including rainforest, and are encircled by coral reefs. Accommodation ranges from camping grounds and bungalows to luxurious resorts, and many have activities included in the tariff.

Lizard Island is a resort island renowned for deep sea fishing, some 80kms north, of Cooktown.

The Low Isles, 15 kms off Port Douglas, is a picturesque destination for day visitors and the location of one of the most famous lighthouses on the coast. Palm Cove's appeal is enhanced by nearby Double Island, the site of a small exclusive resort.

Green and Fitzroy Islands are the closest to Cairns, and easily accessible on day tour excursions via a catamaran cruise. Green Island is a small 12 hectare coral cay and features a low-rise resort, an underwater observatory and Marineland Melanesia. The major natural attractions of nearby Fitzroy Island are the rainforest and island walks, including a guided tour of the clam farm.

The Frankland Islands are a group of five islands protected at a National Park within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, accessible to visitors via a day cruise departing from Deeral, 45 minutes south of Cairns.

Popular Dunk Island appears to be only metres from the township of Mission Beach. It is, in fact a five minute boat ride but seems a million miles away from the mainland. Beyond Dunk are the exclusive hideaways of Bedarra and Orpheus Islands, which feature villas and bures set amidst tropical greenery and private beaches approaching perfection.

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If idea of the perfect holiday is less relaxation and more excitement, then you've come to the right place. Here, you can float over the Cairns Highlands (also known as the Atherton Tablelands) at sunrise in a hot air balloon or dive in the depths of the outer Barrier Reef at midnight in November to watch the coral spawning. Rappel down a ravine, raft a foaming river, or race across the outback into the setting sun on a wilderness trailbike safari. Join one of the many 4WD excursions for a day or a week exploring the rainforest or the outback; naturalists will love the evening spotlighting tours to see the nocturnal native fauna. There is a tremendous choice of excellent day tours featuring luxury coaches, safari-style 4WD or minibus offering itineraries which include the region's diverse attractions. Choose the ones that best suit you and ask for information that relates to your field of interest.

Whatever you can imagine, chances are you can do it in the Tropical North. Our tour operators are some of the most innovative and professional in the world!

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Whatever your experiences of cultural tourism, prepare to be captivated by the sheer quality, professionalism and enthusiasm exhibited by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders of the Far North. From the phenomenal impact of a multi-award winning Aboriginal Dance Theatre, through the compelling displays of indigenous outdoor performance troupes to the award winning business acumen of the local arts and craftspeople, this region has pioneered a new and dynamic style of cultural presentation which has become a benchmark for indigenous Australians. Visitors can now choose from a range of cultural experiences including theatre, dance, boomerang and spear throwing, bush tucker presentations, and more from the world famous Tjapukai Cultural Theme Park that opened in 1996!

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Aside from the superbly co-ordinated day tours which depart Cairns, there is a great deal of scenic and interesting terrain which you can explore at your leisure with a hire car and a few well chosen, informative maps. Travel north along one of the worlds most scenic coastal drives to Port Douglas and Mossman, explore the pretty township of Daintree and cross the river into the national parks of Cape Tribulation and the historical settlement of Cooktown.

Don't miss the opportunity to drive up the beautiful Kuranda range and picnic at some of the scenic water spots that dot the Tablelands. There is a wealth of history waiting to be discovered and you'll find information on places of interest easy to come by - just stop and ask a local! The southern Tablelands and the national parks of Bellenden Ker are home to a rich botanical world and one of the best ways to explore is to follow the Bellenden Ker Heritage Trail. Another route for self drive enthusiasts to consider is the Great Ring Road - some 1200kms of touring which takes in the entire Tropical North.

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One of Cairns' newest features and one that is attracting a great deal of interest is the Cairns Convention Centre, the facility at the forefront of the region's burgeoning conferences and incentives industry. The Centre opened in July, 1996 and already the global meetings industry has responded enthusiastically with events booked through to the year 2001. The building's innovative design elements have captured worldwide attention - it is Queensland's first 'green' public building, incorporating solar energy and a host of factors designed to reduce energy consumption and recycle elements such as rainwater and sunlight. For those interested in conducting serious business in a stunning location, there is none to surpass Cairns which in addition to the new Convention Centre provides an array of superb conference auxiliary services.

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The Tropical North is a fishing and boating paradise. The thrill of the catch and encounters with great sportsfish such as giant black marlin and sailfish have long enticed recreational anglers to the azure waters of the Coral Sea and the quiet estuaries of the coast. Quite simply, your expectations of a fishing adventure are sure to be realised because the calibre of our local fishing guides and charter operators is world renown, and the superb natural environment and weather conditions lift the experience into a class of its own.Fishing here is an all year round pastime, and all classes and angling preferences are catered for with the balanced management of recreational fishing being a subject dear to the hearts of many locals.

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There is something wonderfully novel about travelling by train that brings a youthful smile to any face. Far North Queensland is home to some very special rail routes, and chances are you'll soon fall in love with these unique historical highways. Travelling between the pioneering towns of Normanton and Croydon the Gulflander, constructed between 1888 and 1891, is more like an adventure than a train ride. Another famous railway which recently celebrated its centenary is the Kuranda Scenic Railway - a picture postcard image of which has defined the region for many years.

The 'final journey to the last frontier', the Savannahlander, operates between the remote townships of Mount Surprise and Forsayth, weaving through the remote towns and open plains of the Gulf Savannah.

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Whatever your tastes, our tropical region has a style of accommodation that will match your expectations. From boutique hotels to bed and breakfast, five star to backpacker-style familiarity the choice is yours. There are superb remote lodges nestled in the rainforest, lakeside cabins, international city hotels, serviced apartments, beachside bures - whatever you like.

Bed & Breakfast
Hospitality and courtesy are the hallmarks of bed and breakfast venues and the network of B&B's around the region will provide the perfect hosts and home for your stay. Many B&B's offer leisure activities such as swimming, fishing and 4WD touring. Your hosts are very knowledgeable about their region, and are happy to advise you on how to best plan your itinerary. Click here for the Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay Association of Far North Queensland website.

Farmstay
Close cousin to B&B but with a character all of its own is Farmstay. A farm holiday is many things to many people, whether it be contact with farm animals, picking fruit, exploring the countryside, or just meeting the 'real' Aussies. Visitors can choose from outback cattle stations, cool rainforest properties, rich green pasture lands, tropical fruit farms, bushland settings and coastal acreage.

Backpackers
For the young and the young at heart, the carefree mode of journeying known the world over as backpacking is a great way to travel. Not surprisingly, this region's natural attractions long ago gained a special status amongst these discerning, worldly travellers and the Tropical North has been catering for backpackers longer than any other regional Australian destination.

Accommodation around the area is both varied and good value for money, with traditional hostels, budget resorts, backpacker wilderness lodges and even tent villages on offer.

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One of the great experiences that define any holiday is dining out, whether it be a formal, fine dining affair or an al fresco sunset picnic. We are blessed with an abundance of local delicacies; fresh seafood from the oceans and rivers, tempting exotic tropical fruits from the hinterland plantations, and the piquant flavours of native Australian cuisine.

The world class restaurants of the city and its surrounding regions reflect the cosmopolitan nature of both its residents and visitors, with nearly all making a special point of presenting their own variation of local delicacies such as succulent prawns, delicate barramundi, mud crabs, reef species like the famed coral trout and red emperor, and the subtle indigenous flavours of kangaroo, emu and crocodile. Be adventurous, and you'll be rewarded by the very special experience that is 'a taste of the tropics'!

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Cairns is the heart of the Tropical North, and as such provides an ideal base for exploring and enjoying the rich, varied pleasures of this region. Founded in 1876 as the port for inland goldfields, Cairns has matured from a flighty frontier town to friendly international gateway and has become the most welcoming of all Queensland cities.

In 1995 it was named Australia's most liveable regional centre, which is reflected in its growing population of some 100,000 residents. Almost a century of architecture, from traditional Queensland hi-set to modern high rise, blend on the tree lined streets. Much of the holiday accommodation is close to shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, nightclubs and the two exciting new venues of 1996 - the glass-domed Reef Hotel Casino and the Cairns Convention Centre, featuring 21 meeting rooms, total number of people - 7330 theatre style with the largest meeting room capacity - 5000 people theatre style.

The airport is only a short drive from the city and visiting cruise liners and yachts moor at a marina and wharves only a block from the main centre. The Esplanade is a major focal point of the city, and invites you to stroll, fly a kite, relax on the grass under a shady tree, or share a barbeque or picnic with friends. At any time of the year, you'll see the flocks of different birds which migrate annually from around the world to feed on the tidal mudflats, much to the delight of the world's birdwatchers who pack cameras and binoculars and follow them here.

Excellent swimming beaches begin to the north and south of the city, and most holiday accommodation has a pool. Each day, over 600 sea, air and land tours depart from Cairns to nearly every part of the Tropical North, with most including pick-up and return to holiday accommodation.

City shops and duty free stores are well stocked with souvenirs and luxury goods from top Australian and overseas designers. There are large shopping centres in the suburbs, and buyers and browsers will find much to choose from amidst the city's many arcades, plazas and malls. Cairns' Regional Art Gallery has permanent and special exhibitions and private galleries sell original works by resident artists.

Restaurants, bistros, cafes, coffee shops and food halls open from early morning to late evening. Menus range from genuine Australian bush tucker to the tastes of home for overseas visitors.

On the city's northern fringe, within walking distance of each other, are the Tanks Art Centre, the Royal Flying Doctor base, and the century-old Botanic Gardens which include spectacular walks through the Mt Whitfield rainforest and the relaxing Centenary Lakes.

Information courtesy of Tourism Tropical North Queensland

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