Population 130,000
The Far North Queensland region extends from Cardwell in the south to the
Torres Strait in the north, and west across the Gulf of Carpentaria to
the Northern Territory border, an area of 377,796 sq km (145,829 sq miles)
which is almost twice the size of the state of Victoria. Cairns, its
major city and service, administration, distribution and manufacturing
centre, has recorded the second highest percentage of population growth
of any Australian city since 1979. In fact, it was named Australia's
most livable regional centre back in 1995.
Climate
Average temperature: January max 32C (90F) - min 24C (75F); July max 25C
(77F) - min 16C (61F). The humidity is high in summer, and the best time
to visit is from May to October.
Characteristics
Cairns, in the heart of the tropical wonderland, is an international tourist
mecca. It is a modern, colourful city situated on the shores of a natural
harbour, Trinity Inlet, with a magnificent backdrop of rugged mountains
covered with thick tropical rainforest.
The major glamour activity in Cairns is Big Game Fishing, and numerous
fish over 450kg (992 lb) are caught each year. The game fishing season
starts in early September and continues through to late November, however
light game can be caught all year round. As well as being a major city
for tourism, Cairns is an important centre for the export of sugar and
the agricultural products of the Atherton Tablelands. The city was named
after William Wellington Cairns, the third Gov-ernor of Queensland.
How to Get There By Air
Ansett, 13 1300, and Qantas, 13 1313 have frequent daily flights to Cairns
from major southern ports.
Sunstate Airlines, 13 1313, operate daily flights to/from Cairns, Cooktown
and Thursday Island, along with scheduled services to other centres.
Flight West, 1300 130 092, is another option when travelling internally
around northern Queensland.
Cairns International Airport accepts many international airlines including
Qantas, Thai International, Air Nuigini, Continental, Air New Zealand and
Japan Airlines.
Cairns' Domestic and International airports, 4052 9703, are approximately
6km from the centre of the city. Regular coach services depart from the
domestic terminals for the city and the northern beaches, and there is
also an inter-terminal coach service.
By Rail
The Queenslander and The Sunlander operate regular services from Brisbane
to Cairns. Both services provide sleeping berths, sitting cars, dining
and club cars, and a lounge car. Single economy fares for The Queenslander
are $142 adults and $71 concession, and passengers have the option of taking
their private vehicles on this service. Single economy fares for The Sunlander
are $177 adults and $106 concession. The Brisbane to Cairns trip takes
about 32 hours on these fast and luxurious trains. For more information,
132 235.
By Bus
Greyhound Pioneer, 13 2030, and McCafferty's, 13 1499, operate regular
daily express coach services from major southern cities.
By Road
From Brisbane, via the Bruce Highway, it is a four day trip covering 1,720km
(1,070 miles).
From the north, access is via the Captain Cook Highway.
Visitor Information
The Visitors Information Centre is on the Cairns Esplanade (near the pier
complex). Open 7 days, 9.30am-5.30pm.
For information relating to all areas in North Queensland, contact Tourism
Tropical North Queensland on 4051 3588 or at ttnq@ tnq.org.au. If you wish,
visit the website at www.tnq.org.au
The Great Barrier Reef Visitors Bureau has developed a web site encompassing
the entire region, with detailed and up-to-date information on accommodation,
sightseeing, tours and more for every major locality. The address is www.
greatbarrierreef.aus.net with email at visitors@greatbarrierreef.aus
.net
Accommodation
The Cairns area has over 40 motels, as well as hotels, guest houses, holiday
apartments and over 20 caravan parks. Prices vary considerably depending
on the standard of accommodation and the season. Here we have a selection,
with prices for a double room per night, which should be used as a guide
only. The telephone area code is 07.
Radisson Plaza, Pierpoint Road, 4031 1411. 219 rooms, 22 suites, licensed
restaurants, swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym - $370-405.
Hilton Cairns, Wharf Street, 4050 2000 or 1800 222 255 (toll free). 260
rooms, 5 suites, licensed restaurant, 3 cocktail bars, coffee shop, barbecue
area, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, sauna, beauty salon, shopping,
tour desk, garage parking - $230-320.
Holiday Inn Cairns, cnr Esplanade & Florence Street, 4050 6070. 232
rooms, 6 suites, licensed restaurant, bars, swimming pool - $260-290.
Cairns International Hotel, 17 Abbot Street, 4031 1300 or 1800 079 100
(toll free). 339 rooms, 18 suites, licensed restaurant (closed Sunday),
cocktail bars, coffee shop, entertainment, barbecue area, swimming pool,
fitness centre, spa, 2 saunas, beauty salon, shopping, tour desk - $320-430.
Righa Colonial Club Resort, 18 Cannon Street, Manunda, 4053 5111. 145 units,
licensed restaurants, 3 swimming pools, tennis court, courtesy coach transfers
and shuttle to and from the city - $220.
Bay Village Tropical Retreat, 227 Lake Street, 4051 4622. 63 rooms, licensed
restaurant, room service, bar, swimming pool, courtesy coach to airport
- $125.
Club Crocodile Hides Hotel, cnr Lake & Shields Streets, 4051 1266.
70 rooms with private facilities, some with shared facilities, swimming
pool, spa, bistro, bars, 24 hour security - $85-120 per person (including
light breakfast).
Ocean Blue Resort Cairns, 702 Bruce Highway, 4054 7383. 36 units, licensed
restaurant, bar, swimming pool - $110
Country Comfort Outrigger, cnr Abbott & Florence Streets, 4051 6188.
90 units, licensed restaurant, bar, coffee shop, swimming pool, spa - $110-130.
Acacia Court, 223 The Esplanade, 4051 5011. 150 hotel style rooms, 16 motel
units, licensed restaurant, lounge, bar, swimming pool - $99-110.
Flying Horseshoe, 281 Sheridan Street, 4051 3022. 51 units, licensed restaurant,
swimming pool, spa, games room - $90-105.
Cairns Holiday Lodge, 259 Sheridan Street, cnr Thomas Street, 4051 4611.
35 units, licensed restaurant, swimming pool, courtesy bus - $85-95.
G'Day Tropical Village Resort, 7 McLachlan Street, Manunda, 4053 7555.
68 studio units, licensed restaurant, swimming pool - $90.
Great Northern, 69 Abbott Street, 4051 5966. 33 rooms, air conditioning,
cooking facilities - $90-120.
Cairns Tropical Gardens, 314 Mulgrave Road, 4031 1777. 55 units, licensed
restaurant open Mon-Sat, pool, spa, sauna - $65-85.
A1 Motel, 211 Sheridan Street, 4051 4499. 31 units, 1 suite, licensed restaurant
and bar, swimming pool - $70.
Adobe, 191 Sheridan Street, 4051 5511. 15 units, licensed restaurant, room
service, swimming pool - $55-85.
Caravan Parks
Cairns Coconut Caravan Resort, cnr Bruce Highway & Anderson Road, 4054
6644. (No pets) 279 sites, recreation room, barbecue, playground, cafe,
transfers, tennis, pool, mini golf, basketball - powered sites $28 for
two, cabins $50-85 for two, units $80-95 for two.
First City Caravilla Caravan Park, Little Street, 4054 1403. (No pets)
100 sites, barbecue, playground, kiosk, mini golf, pool - powered sites
$22 for two, cabins $50-75 for two.
Cairns Villa & Leisure Park, 28 Pease Street, Manunda, 4053 7133. (No
pets) 163 sites, recreation room, lounge, barbecue, playground, shop, pool
- powered sites $17-25 for two, units $55-70 for two, cabins $50-65 for
two.
Crystal Cascades Holiday Park, Intake Road, Redlynch, 4039 1036. 92 sites,
recreation room, barbecue area, salt water pool, spa - powered sites $21
for two; villas $65-80 for two.
There are two Youth Hostels in the area: Cairns Esplanade, 93 The Esplanade,
4031 1919. 18 rooms, $22 per person twin share; and Cairns-McLeod Street,
20-24 McCleod Street, 4051 0772. 30 rooms - $21 per person twin share.
Local Transport
There are public transport services to all Cairns city areas, suburbs and
beaches. Timetables and routes are available at hotels and bus depots.
Cairns City Airporter, 4031 3555, have an airport/city/airport service,
and bookings are essential for trips to the airport. They also have vehicles
available for charter.
Coral Coaches, 4031 7577, have daily services between: Cairns, Hartley
Creek, Port Douglas, Mossman, Daintree, Cape Tribulation, Bloomfield, Cooktown
- Inland and Coast Road. They also have airport transfers to/from: Northern
Beaches, Port Douglas, Mossman and Cape Tribulation.
Whitecar Coaches, 4051 9533, service the Atherton Tabelands and Chillagoe.
Car Hire
Avis, 135 Lake Street, 4051 5911, and Cairns International Airport, 4035
9100.
All Car Rentals, 30 Grafton Street, 4031 6322.
Cairns Tropical Rent-A-Car, 141 Lake Street, Cairns, 4031 3995.
Hertz, 436 Sheridan Street, Cairns, 4053 6701.
Mini Car Rentals, 150 Sheridan Street, Cairns, 4051 6288.
Peter's Economy Rent-A-Car, 36 Water Street, Cairns, 4051 4106.
Cairns Leisure Wheels, 314 Sheridan Street, Cairns, 4051 8988.
National Car Rental, 135 Abbott Street, Cairns, 1800 350 536.
Honeycombs Cars & 4WD's, 303-307 Mulgrave Road, Cairns, 4051 9211.
Entertainment
Cairns has nightclubs, discos, karaoke bars, theatre restaurants, live
theatre and cinemas. There are street musicians and all types of performing
artists in and around the shopping areas, taverns and bars.
Club International & My Karaoke Bar, 40 Lake Street, 4052 1480.
Sports Bar, 33 Spence Street, 4041 2533.
The Beach Nite Club, 78 Abbott Street, 4031 3944.
The Cat House Night Club, 78 Abbott Street, 4051 6322.
Because the weather is quite warm at night there are always lots of people
to be found along the Esplanade, eating at pavement tables, or picnicking
on the lawns. Cairns also has a couple of clubs who welcome visitors and
offer free temporary membership for those who live more than 40km from
the club.
Brothers Leagues Club (Cairns), 99 Anderson Street, Manunda, 4053 1053.
The Yacht Club, 4 The Esplanade (between Hilton Hotel and Great Adventures),
4031 2750.
Shopping
There are plenty of shopping opportunities in Cairns. The large hotels
have boutiques offering imported fashion items and jewellery, and then
there is The Pier Marketplace, 4051 7244, in Pierpoint Road. The Pier
is a landmark in Cairns. The building contains the Radisson Plaza Hotel
and a specialty retail leisure centre. It has separate theme walkways,
the most glamorous of which is the Governor's Way, where Cairns' best
fashion stores and boutiques are found. The main entrance leads to Trader's
Row, which has a colonial air and some appealing shops that are not the
usual 'high fashion'.
The Mud Markets are held on Saturday and Sunday in the main amphitheatre
of the specialty retail centre, and local artisans and artists set up stalls
selling all sorts of interesting objects from handcrafts to glassware.
Live entertainers roam around the markets, creating a really festive atmosphere.
The Pier Marketplace is open daily 9am-9pm, but most of the shops in the
city centre are open Mon-Thurs 8.30am-8pm, Fri 8.30am-9pm, Sat 8.30am-5.30pm,
Sun 3-8pm. Those in the suburbs have shorter hours with night shopping
on one night only.
Eating Out
Cairns has some of the best eating places in Queensland. Most of the international
standard hotels and motels have at least one restaurant as well as a
bistro, or the like. There is also a good selection of restaurants, some
of which can be found along the Cairns Esplanade, where you can enjoy
both the meal and views of the natural harbour inlet. Here is a selection
of restaurants in the area:
Tawny's Seafood Restaurant, Marlin Parade, 4051 1722. Seafood specialists
with an a-la-carte menu. Open 5.30pm-midnight 7 days, closed on Public
Holidays.
Golden Sun Inn, 313 Kamerunga Road, Freshwater, 4055 1177. Chinese cuisine,
BYO and licensed. Open 5pm-10pm every day except Tuesday and Public Holidays.
Tandoori Oven, 62 Shields Street, 4031 0043. Open 6.30pm-10.30pm daily,
closed Sunday and Public Holidays.
Thai Pan Restaurant, 43-45 Grafton Street, 4052 1708. Licensed and BYO,
take-away and free home delivery available. Open 6pm-8pm every day.
Cosmo On The Bay, The Esplanade Centre, 4031 5400. Cosmopolitan dining,
seafood is a speciality. Open 5.30pm-11.30pm daily, and for lunch and extended
hour on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Jango Jango Club Restaurant, Level 1 Palm Court, 34 Lake Street, 4031 2411.
Asian influenced fare and karaoke. Open 6pm-2am daily.
Brothers Leagues Club (Cairns), 99 Anderson Street Cairns, 4053 1053. Betting
and gambling facilities. Open 9am-11pm daily except on Public Holidays.
The Sorrento, 70 Grafton Street, 4051 7841. Italian cuisine, pizza, seafood
and steak.
Red Ochre Grill, 43 Shields St, 4051 0100. Modern Australian cuisine with
seafood and outdoor dining facilities. Open 10am-11pm Mon-Sat, 3pm-11pm
Sunday and Public Holidays.
Aphrodisias Restaurant, 82 Sheridan Street, 4051 5871.
McDonalds is in both the Cairns Central Shopping Centre and on the Esplande.
KFC is at Shop 5, 71-75 The Esplanade and at the corner of Mulgrave and
Florence Streets. Pizza Hut is on the corner of Aurnullar Street & Mulgrave
Road, 13 1166.
Points of Interest
There are no sandy beaches in Cairns itself, only mudflats, but prolific
birdlife gathers here. Palms line many streets, with parks and gardens
displaying a riot of colour from bougainvillaea, hibiscus, poinciana
and other tropical blooms. The old part of town is to be found around
Wharf Street and The Esplanade. The National Trust has put out a walking
tour brochure about this part of town.
The Esplanade is 5km (3 miles) long and runs along the side of the bay.
This park-like area is a very pleasant place to relax in the cooler part
of the day.
The Flecker Botanic Gardens, Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, are hopen daily
and feature graded walking tracks through natural rainforest to Mount Whitfield.
From here there are excellent views of the city and coastline.
The Centenary Lakes, Greenslopes Street, Cairns North, are an extension
of Flecker Botanic Gardens and were created to mark the city's centenary
in 1976. There are two lakes - one fresh water, the other salt. Bird life
abounds and barbecue facilities have been provided. Mount Mooroobool (610m
- 2000 ft) in the background is the city's highest peak.
The Pier Marketplace hosts live entertainment daily, and is the departure
point for most reef cruises and fishing boat charters. Sit on the verandah
for a quick snack or a delicious meal from one of the many food outlets,
while checking out the magnificent views over Trinity Inlet.
The Royal Flying Doctor Base, 1 Junction Street, Edge Hill, 4053 5687,
has fully guided tours, film shows, and displays of the history and present
operations of this legendary service. Open seven days.
Sugarworld Waterslides, Mill Road, Edmonton, 4055 5477, is 14km south of
Cairns City centre, and has tropical horticulture, a licensed restaurant,
tours, rides and waterslides.
The Reef Hotel Casino, 35-41 Wharf Street, 4030 8888, offers what all casinos
offer: a glitzy way to part with your money.
The Cairns Convention Centre, cnr Wharf & Sheridan Streets, 4042 4200,
may have a function on at the time of your visit.
Festivals
The festival season begins with the Mareeba Rodeo in early July and then
onto the Cairns Show for three days of entertainment. The Cairns Amateur
Horserace Meeting is held in September, and the week-long Fun in the Sun
Festival is in October.
Sports
All types of water sports are catered for, as well as the usual sporting
activities.
Diving
The following companies in Cairns offer diving trips and lessons.
Pro Dive, 116 Spence Street, 4031 5255. 5 day learn to dive courses are
held 4 times weekly. 3 day/2 night liveaboard cruises 4 times weekly -
PADI 5-Star facility.
Deep Sea Divers Den, Wharf Street, 4031 5622. Dive and snorkel trips, dive
courses (beginner to instructor level), diving/fishing charters on the
Outer Barrier Reef.
Taka 2 Dive Adventures, 131 Lake Street, 4051 8722. Offer dives in Cod
Hole, Ribbon Reefs, Coral Sea - liveaboard, departs bi-weekly.
Great Diving Adventures Cairns, Wharf Street, 4051 4444. PADI open water
dive courses available on tropical Fitzroy Island, including accommodation,
meals, transfers and certification - other great dive locations include
Norman Reef and Michaelmas Cay, both on the Outer Barrier Reef.
Tours
Cairns is a staging place for tours to the Great Barrier Reef, the Islands,
the Atherton Tablelands, the Barron Gorge, Cooktown and Cape Tribulation.
Here are a few.
The Cairns Explorer bus leaves from Lake Street Transit Mall every hour
9am-4pm Mon-Sat. It visits Wescourt shopping, Earlville shopping, Freshwater
swimming hole, Freshwater Connection, Mangrove Boardwalk, Botanical Gardens,
Flying Doctor and Centenary Lakes. For bookings and enquiries, 4033 5344.
Wait A-While Environmental Wildlife Tours, 5 Alkoo Close, Bayview Heights,
4033 1153. Day/night wildlife tours - the best way to see the rainforest,
birds and animals of North Queensland - small groups, 4WD, experienced
guides - departs 2pm daily and costs adults $145.
Tropic Wings Luxury Coach Tours, 278 Hartley Street, 4035 3555. Specialise
in day tours around Cairns and The Tropical North - Atherton Tablelands,
Port Douglas & Daintree, Cape Tribulation, Chillagoe, 3 day Outback
and Gulf.
Down Under Tours, Cairns, & 4035 5566. Offer tours to Kuranda, Daintree/Port
Douglas, The Tablelands, Cairns and Orchid Valley, Weatherby Station (outback).
Australian Pacific Tours, 278 Hartley Street, Cairns, 4041 9419 or 1300
655 965 (reservations). They have an extensive range of half and full days
tours, as well as extended tours from 2 to 12 days.
Wilderness Challenge, 15 Tranguna Street, Trinity Beach, 4055 6504. 4WD
adventure safaris from 1 to 14 days or charters - travel to Cape York,
Hinchinbrook, Cooktown, Daintree, Kakadu, Lava Tubes, and more.
Billy Tea Bush Safaris, 94 Upper Richardson Street, Whitfield, 4032 0077.
1 day to 14 day safaris available to Cape York, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock,
and more.
Oz Tours Safaris, Captain Cook Highway, Smithfield, 4055 9535. 7, 9, 10
and 12 day overland/air or 16 day all overland Cape York safaris. Both
camping and accommodated options available - also Cairns-Cape York-Thursday
Island.
Barrier Reef Cybertours, Shop 9, 7 Shields Street, 4041 0666.
Cairns Eco-Tours, 85 Lake Street, 4031 0334.
Cairns Harley Tours, &0417 45 4962 (mobile).
Cruises
Sunlover Cruises, cnr Tingara & Aumuller Streets, 4050 1333. Luxurious
travel aboard Super-Cats to Moore or Arlington Reef - most innovative reef
pontoons afloat, underwater theatre and marine touch tanks, free guided
snorkelling tours, delicious buffet lunch - free semi-sub (Moore Reef),
Supa Viewer (Arlington Reef), and glass bottom boat rides - all levels
of diving catered for - optional helicopter and sea plane joyflights (Moore
Reef only) - free guided rainforest walk on Fitzroy Island.
Ocean Spirit Cruises, 33 Lake Street, Cairns, 4031 2920. Daily departures
aboard the Ocean Spirit I or Ocean Spirit II sailing vessels, to either
Michaelmas or Upolu Cay - delicious tropical seafood buffet available.
Big Cat, Pier Marketplace, 4051 0444. Has cruises that depart daily from
The Pier at 9am and travel to Green Island - snorkelling, glass bottom
boat tours, lunch served on board, submersible reef coral viewer, guided
snorkel tours - return Cairns 5pm - from $70 adults.
Captain Cook Cruises, Trinity Wharf, & 4031 4433. Offer 3, 4 and 7
day Reef Escape cruises every week - cruise to Hinchinbrook and Dunk Islands,
or Cooktown and Lizard Island.
Coral Princess Barrier Reef and Island Cruises, Shop 5, 149 Spence Street,
4031 1041. Sails between Cairns and Townsville, calling at island resorts
and uninhabited islands for beachcombing, swimming and a tropical barbecue.
Clipper Sailaway Cruises, 287 Draper Street, Cairns, 4052 8300. Sail on
SV Atlantic Clipper - a 140' sailing ship catering for 34 passengers -
cruises from Cairns to Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Cape York.
Seahorse Sail & Dive, B16 Marlin Marina, & 4041 1919. Snorkelling,
diving, lunch included.
Auspray Seafaris, 125 Aumuller Street, 4035 3931.
Sport n Game Fishing Charters, 23 Bolton Street, 4053 1828.
Barrier Reef Luxury Cruises, Marlin Marina, 4051 3555.
Blue Whaler Charters, Marlin Marina, 4051 1414.
Scenic Flights
Tiger Moth Scenic Flights, Hangar 8, Tom McDonald Drive, Aeroglen, 4035
9400 or 4055 9814 (after hours).
Outlying Attractions Cape York
This remote mainland spur is Australia's northernmost tip, 2753km north
of Brisbane. Like an outstretched finger the peninsula points towards the
south coast of Papua New Guinea, just over 100km away on the other side
of the Torres Strait. The Jardine National Park hugs the eastern portion
of the Peninsula about 50km south of the Cape.
From Cairns, the most direct route is by 4WD only via the Peninsula Development
Road which cuts through the eastern side of the peninsula to Cape York.
The journey is 861km on the direct route and 1062km if you weave through
the National Parks. Road conditions vary with each Wet season, so it is
essential that you check current road integrity with the Visitor Information
Centre in Cairns, 4031 4355, or visit the relevant web pages listed in
the Tourist Information chapter.
Crocodile farming at the Edward River Crocodile Farm, 4060 4177; pearl
farming; black boar hunting; barramundi fishing, 4031 3988; and Aboriginal
Corroborees at Bamaga Mission, are just a few of the unique attractions
Cape York has to offer.
The Pajinka Wilderness Lodge is only 400m south of Cape York, 4031 3988.
They have 24 units, resort facilities, a licensed restaurant and a pool
- $460-500 for two, for a three night minimum stay with all meals included.
Several cruises sailing to Cape York and the Torres Strait are available,
and this is probably the best way to visit this remote region if you are
not the rugged, adventurous type.
For a preliminary look, the web pages to explore are www.tnq.
org.au and www.visitcapeyork
.com Additional information can be obtained from the Cooktown Tourism
Association, 4069 6100 or 1800 001 770. Their email address is info@cooktownau.com
Lizard Island
With an international reputation as the place for big game fishing, Lizard
Island is 97km (60 miles) north-east of Cooktown and is basically a 1000ha
National Park boasting pristine natural beauty. It has an area of 21
sq km, and is the most northerly of the Barrier Reef resort islands.
It is 240km from Cairns, but close to the outer Barrier Reef, and has
23 beaches that are good for swimming and snorkelling, and a superb coral
lagoon.
Captain Cook and Dr Joseph Banks landed on Lizard Island, after they had
repaired the Endeavour at what is now Cooktown. They named it after the
many large lizards they found there.
Lizard has over 1000ha of National Park, and some good walks. The climb
to the top of Cook's Look is the most popular, and is well signposted,
and from the Resort it is a short walk to the ruins of the Watson's house.
The waters around the island are home to coral reefs and countless tropical
fish, including the renowned Black Marlin. From August to November it attracts
fishermen worldwide. The Island is very remote and exclusive, with access
only via a scenic air one-hour flight from Cairns Airport. You can make
arrangements when booking accommodation.
There are no regular ferry or boat services to Lizard Island, but it is
included as a destination in some of the cruises run by Captain Cook Cruises,
4031 4433.
Accommodation is available in 40 well-appointed units facing the beach
at the Lizard Island Resort, &07 4060 3999. Tariffs start from $600
twin share per person per night in the Anchor Bay Rooms, to $800 for the
Premium Sunset Point Villas. Enquire also about package deals on offer
at the time of your trip.
Camping is also available at Watson's Bay, by application and with a permit.
Facilities include toilets, drinking water, barbecues and picnic tables.
Contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service in Cairns, 4052 3096, for
more information.
Some believe that Lizard Island has the best diving along the Great Barrier
Reef, and in fact it is surrounded by excellent coral reefs.
The Ribbon Reefs lie only a 20 minute boat ride from the island. These
are comprised of a string of ten coral ramparts that support an immense
undersea world of living coral and sea animals, and the most spectacular
underwater scenery. All the Ribbon Reefs are great, but following are a
few highlights: The Code Hole is world renowned and very popular. It is
at the northern tip of Reef No. 10, and divers can hand feed giant Potato
Cod, some over 2.5m in length.
Pixie Pinnacle is a coral bommie on the southern end of Reef No. 10. Here
divers will find species of pelagic fish, black coral, and a host of tropical
fish. Dynamite Pass is a narrow area of water just north of Ribbon Reef
No. 10. the depths range is from 4m to 40m below the surface, but visibility
is about 30m and there is plenty to see.
Detached Reefs are located in the Coral Sea half-way between Cooktown and
Cape York. Both reefs extend from a metre or so under the surface to the
seabed some 500m below. This is sheer wall diving at its best with visibility
extending more than 40m. Expect to see giant sponges, sea whips, Angelfish,
Clownfish, Manta Rays, sharks and varieties of coral. You can explore the
website at www.lizardislandresort.com
Cooktown
Cooktown is 246km north of Cairns. Its close proximity to Aboriginal culture,
diverse wildlife, rainforests, unique land formations and extensive surrounding
savannah, means that it can be described as the geographical intersection
of Reef and Outback. The town is clustered on the banks of the scenic
Endeavour River. Cooktown is etched in history, drawn from the early
days of its Aboringinal inhabitants, to Captain Cook's forced landing,
to gold rush times and the adventures of subsequent pioneers and explorers.
Apart from the picturesque surrounds, it is worth exploring the historical
buildings in Cooktown, including the old Post Office, Westpac Bank and
the Sovereign Hotel. The James Cook Historical Museum is in Helen Street,
4069 5386. Cook's Monument, The Cannon, Grassy Hill and the Chinese Graveyard
are additonal points of interest.
Cooktown Tours, 4069 5125, will take you by coach on a two-hour guided
historical tour of the city for $18 adults, $12 children, departing at
9am. The Cooktown Tourism Association can be contacted on 4069 6100 or
1800 001 770. They have a website at www.cooktownau.
com and their email address is info@cooktownau.com
Daintree and
Cape Tribulation
25km (16 miles) north of Mossman and about 146km (92 miles) south of Cooktown
lies the township of Daintree, nestled in the heart of the Daintree River
catchment basin, surrounded entirely by the rainforest-clad McDowall Ranges.
The Daintree National Park lies to the west and Cape Tribulation National
Park to the east; both have flourished largely unspoilt for millions of
years. A World Heritage listing now ensures the continued preservation
of this 17,000ha region.
Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef, is an increasingly
popular tourist area for both camping and day visits. Crystal clear creeks
and forests festooned with creepers and vines, palm trees, orchids, butterflies
and cassowaries, are part of the Cape Tribulation experience in one of
the country's finest rainforest areas. There are several resorts, hostels
and camping grounds. The atmosphere is relaxed and 'alternative' in this
tropical rainforest retreat. It is a very popular haven for backpackers.
The township has art and craft centres, and the Daintree Timber Museum & Gallery,
12 Stewart Drive, 4098 6166. The real attraction, however, is the National
Park itself. Given the majestic quality of the natural environment, the
emphasis here is on eco-touring. Several cruises operate on the Daintree
River offering passengers a leisurely tour observing the beauty of the
river and rainforest, and enjoying morning or afternoon tea.
The famous "bouncing stones" are just north of Thornton's Beach.
The Daintree Tourist Information Centre is in 5 Stewart Street, 4098 6120.
The Great Barrier Reef website has a section on Daintree at www.
greatbarrierreef.aus.net as does Tourism Tropical North Queensland
at www.tnq.org.au
Mossman
171km south of Cooktown and only 20km (12 miles) north of Port Douglas,
Mossman is in the heart of the Mossman Valley. It is a sugar town surrounded
by green mountains (highest is Mt Demi, 1159m-3802 ft) and fields of
sugar cane. Mossman is fast becoming well-known as a centre for exotic
tropical fruit growing, and a number of farms conduct tours and offer
their products for sale.
The business centre of the Douglas Shire, Mossman has wide tree-lined streets,
colourful gardens and a large sugar mill. Guided tours of the Mossman Sugar
Mill, Mill Site, 4098 1400, are conducted during the cane crushing season
(June to December). A few minutes' drive from the township, a sealed road
leads to the Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park. This is a wilderness
area of 56,000ha (138,320 acres), with crystal clear running streams, waterfalls,
walking tracks through towering rainforest, barbecue picnic sites and a
unique suspension bridge over a steep ravine.
Port Douglas
The 83km (52 miles) drive north from Cairns to Port Douglas covers some
of the most spectacular coastal strips and beaches in Australia. The
Captain Cook Highway is wedged between towering, lush forest-covered
mountains and the Coral Sea. Situated 6km east of the highway, Port
Douglas is one of the closest towns to the Great Barrier Reef. It has
all the charm of a fishing port tastefully combined with modern tourism
facilities. This place draws visitors like a magnet, but as long as you
plan ahead there is little chance of you finding yourself without a bed
in Port Douglas.
The township was settled in 1877 as the main port for the Palmer River
goldfields, and today it is a popular departure point for professional
and amateur fishermen, for trips to the outer reef and islands, and for
scuba diving and aquatic sports.
Flagstaff Hill offers a great view over Four Mile Beach.
The Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas Road, 4099 3235, has over 300m of
elevated walkways with thousands of butterflies, native birds, crocodiles,
koalas and wallabies set among waterways and shaded tropical gardens. They
have over 1,000 animals representing more than 140 species. Breakfast With
the Birds and The Koala Spot are two popular attractions. The Habitat is
open daily from 8am-5.30pm, with admission prices at $18 adults and $7
children.
Ben Cropp's Shipwreck Treasure Trove Museum, is located on Ben Cropp's
Wharf, 4099 5488, and houses nautical exhibits of historical significance,
including Spanish galleons, a century-and-a- half-old wreck and a lost
loot. It is open daily 9am-5pm and admission is $6 adults, $3 children.
The Bally Hooley Steam Express travels through Mossman and its countryside
to the sugar mill. For more details, contact the Information Centre in
Grant Street, 4099 5051.
The Port Douglas Tourist Information Centre is in 23 Macrossan Street,
4099 5599. The relevant website is www.portdouglas.
com and there is an email service at reserv@greatbarrierreef.aus .net
Green Island
The island has an area of 15ha and is 27km north-east of Cairns. It is
a true coral cay surrounded by coral reefs, and has the only 5-star resort
on a coral cay in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Incidentally, this
island was also named by Captain Cook, after his chief astronomer. The
island grew out of debris washed from its surrounding platform of coral,
and is gradually being pushed north-west by prevailing currents. The
waters abound with sea life, and the beach is quite beautiful. It only
takes about 20 minutes to walk around the island, passing tropical vegetation,
fringing casuarinas and pandanus. Green Island is very popular with day
trippers.
Green Island's Underwater Observatory is well known. From 5m below the
surface, the ever-changing panorama of marine life can be seen through
portholes. Marineland Melanesia, 4051 4032, has been the island's main
attraction for many years. It is an underwater observatory which also features
Cassius, the largest salt water crocodile in captivity. It has interesting
displays of Melanesian tribal art, and a collection of early Coral Sea
sailing relics. Interest in the observatory draws many people out to Green
Island for the day. There are shows at 10.30am and 1.45pm, daily. Marineland
Melanesia is open 9.30am-4.30pm every day and costs adults $8 and children
$4.
For information on Green Island, either contact the Green Island Resort
directly, &07 4031 3300, visit the web page at www.green
islandresort.com.au or email them at res@greenislandresort.com. au
Marlin Coast -
Northern Beaches
The Marlin Coast area extends from Machans Beach, at the mouth of the Barron
River 13km (8 miles) north of Cairns to Ellis Beach, passing by Holloways
Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove and Kewarra Beach. Trinity
Beach and Clifton Beach are popular holiday destinations, and Palm Cove
and Kewarra Beach have international resorts. All beaches have picnic areas
and regular bus services to and from Cairns. Palm Cove and Ellis Beach
are regularly patrolled in the summer season by the local Life Saving Club
members. Water-sporters can hire catamarans, windsurfers and surf skis
at most of the major beaches in the area. Countless cruises to the coral
creefs are also available, and the Visitor Information Centre can advise.
Two attractions are located on the magnificent Cook Highway, both of which
are popular with tourists and locals alike. 40km north of Cairns is Hartley's
Creek Crocodile Farm, 4055 3576, where admission rates are $16 for adults,
$8 children and $40 for a family pass. Wild World, 4055 3669 at Palm Cove
along the same stretch of road 20 minutes north of Cairns, is a wildlife
sanctuary with a hands-on approach. It is open daily 8.30am-5pm and costs
$22for adults and $12 for children, with family passes available.
Trinity Beach and Yorkeys Knob have their own web sites: www.trinitybeach.com,
email at info@trinitybeach.com and www.yorkeysknob.com,
email at hmbr@internetnorth.com.au
For other information on the Marlin Coast, use the same contact details
as those listed under Tourist Information for Cairns.
The Atherton Tablelands
Inland from Cairns are the fertile Mareeba, Atherton and Evelyn Tablelands,
rising in three gigantic steps from the coastal plains. Jungle-fringed
volcanic crater lakes, waterfalls and fertile farmlands, coupled with
the only temperate climate in the Australian tropics, lure many visitors
to the Tablelands each year. Views from the lookouts on the Kuranda,
Gillies, Rex and Palmerston Highways are spectacular.
Kuranda, a tiny mountain hamlet in the rainforest, is the first stop-off
stage on the Tableland journey. The town can be reached by train from Cairns
(4032 3964) and the ride passes waterfalls and stunning views to the coast
before ending at picturesque Kuranda Station. Kuranda has many attractions
including Pamagirri Dancers, an Aboriginal theatre presenting daily shows
based on Dreamtime legends; Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest
butterfly farm in the world, listed in the Guinness Book of Records; and
the Kuranda Wildlife Noctarium, which provides a close-up look at the rarely
seen nocturnal inhabitants of the rainforests, and guided walks into the
jungle. The town's main street is lined with galleries, shops and restaurants.
The terraced Kuranda Markets, at 5 Therwine Street, are considered the
best in the north, 4093 8772.
The Mareeba/Dimbulah district, approximately 66 km (41 miles) west of Cairns,
is the largest tobacco growing area in Australia. Atherton, with its red
volcanic soil, is the central town of the Atherton Tablelands. Maize silos
dominate the skyline.
Malanda is situated in the heart of tropical Australia's only viable dairying
district. The Malanda milk factory boasts the longest milk run in the world,
which extends as far as Darwin in the Northern Territory.
Millaa Millaa is the waterfall capital of the Tablelands, taking in the
Millaa Millaa, Zillie and Elinjaa Falls. The Millstream Falls, south of
Ravenshoe, when in flood are the widest waterfalls in Australia.
Herberton is the north's historic mining town, and tin is still produced
in the area. Irvinebank situated near Herberton, is steeped in history.
Its tin crushing plant has been in operation since 1890, and it has other
historic buildings.
Ravenshoe is situated on the western side of the Evelyn Tablelands, and
is the gateway to the back country and gemfields of the north. It is a
major timber town providing some of Australia's most beautiful woods. Close
by you will find Koombooloomba Dam and Tully Falls, with many walking tracks
to Eyrie Lookout.
Some of the individual Tableland attractions include Tinaroo Dam, the Crater
National Park, the twin crater lakes of Eacham and Barrine, the Curtin
Fig Tree and Herberton Tin Fields. Further north of the Evelyn Tablelands
is the Chillagoe Caves National Park, which is accessible by road and air
charter from Cairns Airport, 4052 9703.
The Tropical Tableland Promotion Bureau has an outlet at the Old Post Office
Gallery Information Centre, Herberton Road, Atherton, 4091 4222. They have
a terrific website at www.athertontableland.com and
can be emailed at info@ athertontableland.com
