TRAVEL CAIRNS
GENERAL INFORMATION-Cairns is the gateway to the World Heritage wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the Tropical Rainforests. Cairns is the jewel in Australia's tropical crown, being a popular holiday location for tourists. With its warm climate & amazing scenery, it's a fun & beautiful city to visit. Bordered by the Great Barrier Reef, the mountains of the Great Dividing Range and a number of nearby attractions, there is no shortage of things to do in Cairns. Cairns Central Shopping Centre is in the centre of town and next to the Cairns Station, spend your day shopping or the other great shops in the Cairns CBD. The Cairns Library in Abbott St and the Cairns Regional Gallery on the corner of Shields and Abbott Sts. are both right in the centre of town and about a 2 minute walk to each, from the city Mall. Those who like to gamble, the Casino is a 2 minute walk to each other from the centre of town on the corners of Abbott and Spence Streets and The Esplanade. You can also visit the Cairns Wildlife Dome on the top of the Casino. The glass dome above the casino was once a restaurant and show venue, but then it closed . They re-opened it and is now home to many animals, birds and a 4 metre long crocodile. On the Harbour Walk you can do some awesome bird watching. The lagoon is located on the Cairns Esplanade right next to the sea so you get magnificent views of the ocean beyond.
HISTORY- Captain James Cook journeyed up the North Queensland coast on his first Voyage of Discovery in 1770, aboard the HM Bark Endeavour, arriving on Trinity Sunday and naming the area Trinity Bay. The journey was not a pleasant one as the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most difficult waterways to navigate in the world. Captain Cook was the first known European to visit the site where today's city of Cairns is located. The discovery of gold by the early explorers began this development. Cairns was officially founded in 1876 as a frontier town to support the gold rush. The city took its name from the State Governor of the day, Sir William Cairns. In 1984 with the arrival of the international airport, major tourism boom began which transformed Cairns from a sleepy regional town to the thriving city of today.
GEOGRAPHY- The northern part of the city is located on Trinity Bay and the city centre is located on Trinity Inlet.
TROPICAL RAINFOREST-Millions of years ago, the Australian continent was warm and humid and rainfall was plentiful. During this time rainforest thrived in places such as the Ayers Rock region. As Australia became more arid, there were fewer and fewer places where rainforests were able to survive. In the Daintree region, however the climate and topography were ideal, so the area became a last remaining refuge for rainforest. Within this refuge many species were able to live comfortably without reason to change. Their descendants that are still living today retained many of their ancestors' primitive characteristics, some dating back 110 million years.
Australia’s Tropical Rainforests cover approximately 9,00,000 square hectares and are internationally recognized as being one of the most ecologically fascinating natural areas in the world. These forests contain an amazing array and diversity of flora and fauna. These rainforests are the oldest continually surviving rainforests on earth and once covered the entire Australian continent. Over millions of years, as the climate and geography changed, the Australian rainforests receded to a small band. To be classified as a tropical rainforest, the area must receive at least 1.3 metres of rain per annum. Approximately 2,800 different plant species from 221 families are found here. Some of the trees found here are more than 2,000 years old. The tallest trees in the forest reach up to 60 metres. These rainforests of Tropical North Queensland are home to one of the world’s largest flightless birds, the Southern Cassowary.
Australia’s Tropical Rainforests cover approximately 9,00,000 square hectares and are internationally recognized as being one of the most ecologically fascinating natural areas in the world. These forests contain an amazing array and diversity of flora and fauna. These rainforests are the oldest continually surviving rainforests on earth and once covered the entire Australian continent. Over millions of years, as the climate and geography changed, the Australian rainforests receded to a small band. To be classified as a tropical rainforest, the area must receive at least 1.3 metres of rain per annum. Approximately 2,800 different plant species from 221 families are found here. Some of the trees found here are more than 2,000 years old. The tallest trees in the forest reach up to 60 metres. These rainforests of Tropical North Queensland are home to one of the world’s largest flightless birds, the Southern Cassowary.
CORALS- Corals are marine invertebrates, live in compact colonies, inhabit tropical oceans and secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton. Corals are major contributors to the physical structure of the coral reefs.
CORAL REEFS-There are two different types of islands on the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breath-taking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the world’s most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches. The continental islands are actual bodies of land that sit on the continental shelf of the continent. These were formed thousands of years ago when coral grew on the hills due to the rising sea level. The cays are sandy islands that have formed on top of coral reefs.
GREAT BARRIER REEF -The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breath-taking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the world’s most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches. Its over 2,300 kilometres over an area of approximately 3,44,400 square kilometres. A visitor to the Great Barrier Reef can enjoy many experiences including snorkeling, scuba diving, aircraft or helicopter tours, bare boats (self-sail), glass-bottomed boat viewing, semi-submersibles and educational trips, cruise ship tours, whale watching and swimming with dolphins. It is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space. The reef is located in the Coral Sea. This reef structure is composed and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps.
Road Distances-From Cairns to Brisbane = 1718
Sydney = 2730
Melbourne = 3387
Road Distances-From Cairns to Brisbane = 1718
Sydney = 2730
Melbourne = 3387
AREA-488km2
POPULATION-1,47,000
TIME ZONE-UTC+10
CO-ORDINATES- 16°5′32″S 145°46′31″E
CLIMATE-
MON JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
HAv 31 31 31 29 28 26 26 27 28 29 31 31
LAv 24 24 23 22 20 18 17 17 19 21 22 23
POPULATION-1,47,000
TIME ZONE-UTC+10
CO-ORDINATES- 16°5′32″S 145°46′31″E
CLIMATE-
MON JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
HAv 31 31 31 29 28 26 26 27 28 29 31 31
LAv 24 24 23 22 20 18 17 17 19 21 22 23
SIGHTSEEING PLACES AT CAIRNS-
001-CAIRNS ESPLANADE, BOARDWALK & LAGOON-
i-The Esplanade Lagoon- Although the city does not have a notable swimming beach as such, most visitors and locals favour the centrally located artificial lagoon. It is perhaps the area's favourite attraction and is a 4800 square metre saltwater swimming pool which allows swimmers safe year round swimming. The centrepiece of the Lagoon is the steel sculpture standing in the lagoon itself. These ‘woven fish’, spouting water from their tails, were commissioned by the Cairns City Council in 2003 and have since become an icon of Cairns. The lagoon is located on the Cairns Esplanade right next to the sea so you get magnificent views of the ocean beyond. While paddling around you can gaze out over the harbour and watch all the activity – ships arriving and leaving, helicopters taking off with passengers bound for the Great Barrier Reef, and sea-planes coming in to land on the water. One of the most amazing things about this resort-style pool is that it is completely free.
ii-Walk- Have a walk along the Harbour Walk that takes you past the lagoon, the marina and ending up at Trinity Inlet. On the Harbour Walk you can do some awesome bird watching with birds coming as far as from Russia. There's a Bird Directory to help you know what you're looking at and a hire powered telescope to give you great close up views.
iii-Esplanade- The Esplanade is also host to weekly live entertainment so you can sit back on the grass and enjoy live music, fire twirling, animal shows.
iv-Esplanade Market-Each weekday between 10am - 4pm and Sunday 8am - 5pm the Esplanade hosts the Esplanade Markets. Here you will find a wide array of locally produced art, fashion, leather work, woodwork, pottery, food stuff and much more.
i-The Esplanade Lagoon- Although the city does not have a notable swimming beach as such, most visitors and locals favour the centrally located artificial lagoon. It is perhaps the area's favourite attraction and is a 4800 square metre saltwater swimming pool which allows swimmers safe year round swimming. The centrepiece of the Lagoon is the steel sculpture standing in the lagoon itself. These ‘woven fish’, spouting water from their tails, were commissioned by the Cairns City Council in 2003 and have since become an icon of Cairns. The lagoon is located on the Cairns Esplanade right next to the sea so you get magnificent views of the ocean beyond. While paddling around you can gaze out over the harbour and watch all the activity – ships arriving and leaving, helicopters taking off with passengers bound for the Great Barrier Reef, and sea-planes coming in to land on the water. One of the most amazing things about this resort-style pool is that it is completely free.
ii-Walk- Have a walk along the Harbour Walk that takes you past the lagoon, the marina and ending up at Trinity Inlet. On the Harbour Walk you can do some awesome bird watching with birds coming as far as from Russia. There's a Bird Directory to help you know what you're looking at and a hire powered telescope to give you great close up views.
iii-Esplanade- The Esplanade is also host to weekly live entertainment so you can sit back on the grass and enjoy live music, fire twirling, animal shows.
iv-Esplanade Market-Each weekday between 10am - 4pm and Sunday 8am - 5pm the Esplanade hosts the Esplanade Markets. Here you will find a wide array of locally produced art, fashion, leather work, woodwork, pottery, food stuff and much more.
002-KURANDA RAINFOREST- Kuranda is a village located amidst the natural beauty of World Heritage Rainforest. The town is located 25km to the north-west of Cairns and has had an amazing history which is quite astounding for such a small town. It is close to Skeleton Creek. It's a beautiful place to visit for a day. People enjoy the cooler temperatures in the highlands and find it a great retreat from the humidity of the coast. Accessible by train, cableway or road, the charming Village in the Rainforest'. Accessible by train, cableway or road.
a-Australian Butterfly Sanctuary- Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in Australia - an all-weather experience in the heart of Kuranda. Home to over 2,000 magnificent tropical butterflies. All butterflies are local rainforest species, including the electric blue Ulysses and the majestic green and yellow Cairns Birdwing butterflies. After walking through the aviary, your guide will take you to the breeding laboratory, which houses up to 4,000 caterpillars.
Entry Fees- Adult $19.50
b- Birdworld Kuranda- Birdworld Kuranda displays no less than 60 species of the most spectacular birds from all corners of the planet - as well as from the earth's fast diminishing rainforests. Visitors are free to wander through the lush, tropically landscaped aviary to observe the birds in their own and natural habitats. Two lakes connected by a tumbling waterfall for example are home to waterbirds such as stilts, herons and Australia's own unique Black Swan. Cassowary is a must see bird.
Entry Fees- Adult $18.00
c-Kuranda Koala Gardens- Here you can enjoy the 'Cuddle a Koala' opportunity. A small fee applies and this includes a digital souvenir photo. Visit Australia's first walk-through 'Reptile House' and see pythons and other reptiles roaming free.
Entry Fees- Adult $18.00
d- Kuranda Riverboat- It takes you on a 45 minute tour on the Barron River in Kuranda. There is a host of wildlife on the river and you may see freshwater crocodiles, snakes, fish, turtles, water dragons and tropical birds.
Fees- Adult $18.00
e-Rainforestation Nature Park- Rainforestation Nature Park is a 100 acre tourist attraction set in the midst of World Heritage Rainforest. Board an amphibious World War II Army Duck for a unique rainforest tour on both land and water. Join the Dreamtime Walk which includes boomerang throwing, spear-throwing and the didgeridoo. Handfeed kangaroos and wallabies, or have your photo taken cuddling a cute koala or holding a small crocodile (optional extra cost).
Price-$47.00
f-Kuranda Heritage Market-Take a stroll through the Kuranda Heritage Market, which is a sight in itself as it is a market set in the rainforest. The market is open daily and has a huge array of undercover stalls that sell locally produced food, arts and craft, jewellery, gemstones, clothing, paintings and much more.
a-Australian Butterfly Sanctuary- Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in Australia - an all-weather experience in the heart of Kuranda. Home to over 2,000 magnificent tropical butterflies. All butterflies are local rainforest species, including the electric blue Ulysses and the majestic green and yellow Cairns Birdwing butterflies. After walking through the aviary, your guide will take you to the breeding laboratory, which houses up to 4,000 caterpillars.
Entry Fees- Adult $19.50
b- Birdworld Kuranda- Birdworld Kuranda displays no less than 60 species of the most spectacular birds from all corners of the planet - as well as from the earth's fast diminishing rainforests. Visitors are free to wander through the lush, tropically landscaped aviary to observe the birds in their own and natural habitats. Two lakes connected by a tumbling waterfall for example are home to waterbirds such as stilts, herons and Australia's own unique Black Swan. Cassowary is a must see bird.
Entry Fees- Adult $18.00
c-Kuranda Koala Gardens- Here you can enjoy the 'Cuddle a Koala' opportunity. A small fee applies and this includes a digital souvenir photo. Visit Australia's first walk-through 'Reptile House' and see pythons and other reptiles roaming free.
Entry Fees- Adult $18.00
d- Kuranda Riverboat- It takes you on a 45 minute tour on the Barron River in Kuranda. There is a host of wildlife on the river and you may see freshwater crocodiles, snakes, fish, turtles, water dragons and tropical birds.
Fees- Adult $18.00
e-Rainforestation Nature Park- Rainforestation Nature Park is a 100 acre tourist attraction set in the midst of World Heritage Rainforest. Board an amphibious World War II Army Duck for a unique rainforest tour on both land and water. Join the Dreamtime Walk which includes boomerang throwing, spear-throwing and the didgeridoo. Handfeed kangaroos and wallabies, or have your photo taken cuddling a cute koala or holding a small crocodile (optional extra cost).
Price-$47.00
f-Kuranda Heritage Market-Take a stroll through the Kuranda Heritage Market, which is a sight in itself as it is a market set in the rainforest. The market is open daily and has a huge array of undercover stalls that sell locally produced food, arts and craft, jewellery, gemstones, clothing, paintings and much more.
003-TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK-
Explore the rich history of the world’s oldest living culture dating back over 40,000 years. You’ll enjoy a unique cultural experience with performance, dance, food and arts. Your Tjapukai by Day cultural experience includes:- Face painting on arrival, Didgeridoo - A Journey, Art of My People - Art and Totems talk, Tjapukai Traditional Dance Theatre, Bush foods and Medicine show, Hunting & Weapons demonstration, Meet the Artists in the Cultural Village, Boomerang and Spear throwing and Story Stone painting. A delicious buffet lunch is available in Boomerang Restaurant or snacks in Sugar Bag Café.
Explore the rich history of the world’s oldest living culture dating back over 40,000 years. You’ll enjoy a unique cultural experience with performance, dance, food and arts. Your Tjapukai by Day cultural experience includes:- Face painting on arrival, Didgeridoo - A Journey, Art of My People - Art and Totems talk, Tjapukai Traditional Dance Theatre, Bush foods and Medicine show, Hunting & Weapons demonstration, Meet the Artists in the Cultural Village, Boomerang and Spear throwing and Story Stone painting. A delicious buffet lunch is available in Boomerang Restaurant or snacks in Sugar Bag Café.
- i-Public transport connects with Tjapukai via Translink Route 123 from the Cairns City Place Bus Stop and returns from the Tjapukai Bus Stop, the Tjapukai/Skyrail bus stop Mon – Fri.
- ii-Tjapukai is open daily 9:00am to 5:00pm.The General Admission ticket price includes all our scheduled shows and interactive activities.
- iii-Tjapukai is situated on the Cairns Western Arterial Rd, directly next door to Skyrail and the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum.
- iv-General Day Admission-$60.00(without transport)
004-SKYRAIL RAINFOREST CABLEWAY-It is the world's largest gondola cableway when opened in 31 Aug 1995. The journey is 7.5km and will pass through and above some of the most beautiful natural rainforest in the world to Kuranda village. You can hop off at two points and view the beautiful vistas below, explore this amazing environment from the forest floor on boardwalks, scenic look-outs and in the state-of-the-art Rainforest Interpretation Centre. Gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins, the Skyrail journey immerses you in an intimate rainforest experience where you’ll see, hear, smell and become part of the tropical rainforest environment. It takes around 90 minutes from Smithfield Terminal (Caravonica Skyrail Terminal ) which is located 15 minutes outside of Cairns. There are 32 towers in total. The highest tower is 40.5 metres (133 feet) high.
Ticket-One Way Skyrail $50.00
Diamond View Gondolas- 11 Diamond View Gondolas provides guests with panoramic views of the tropical landscape, coral sea and rainforest canopy, but also offer the unique perspective of looking straight down from the treetops to the forest floor below.
Diamond View gondolas carrying a maximum of 5 passengers, will depart stations approximately every 7 minutes and passengers travelling on them will enjoy dedicated boarding queues at all terminals and stations.
Upgrade/Additional Ticket-$12/Adult(Return Skyrail).
a-Red Peak-It is the first rainforest mid-station 545m above sea level is nestled amongst pristine rainforest with a 175 metre boardwalk providing you with the perfect opportunity to explore the forest from ground level.The Station is surrounded by towering trees, lush palms, giant ferns and a diverse array of plants and wildlife. Here you’ll witness the true grandeur of these ancient forests.Rainforest displays and interpretive signage provide you with additional information on the native flora and fauna.
Between Red Peak and Barron Falls Stations you will see some of the most pristine areas of this World Heritage environment, a million different shades of green and splashes of vibrant colour making nature’s pallet complete and picture-perfect beautiful scene.
b-Barron Falls Station- This is the second rainforest mid-station. Easy access walkways at Barron Falls Station lead you through the rainforest to three separate lookouts providing breath-taking views of the Gorge and Falls. The Falls are at their most spectacular during the green (wet) season, December through to March.
Rainforest Interpretation Centre- The Centre, developed in conjunction with CSIRO, Australia’s premier scientific research organisation, houses a visual and interactive presentation of the rainforest environment. Touch-screen computers, videos and pictorials will help you to unravel some of the mysteries of this complex ecosystem while providing you and your family with a fun and entertaining learning experience to enhance your enjoyment of the rainforest.
c- Kuranda Terminal-Skyrail continues through the mountains before gliding over the mighty Barron River and arriving at Skyrail’s Kuranda Terminal. It is at 1.7kms from Barron Falls Station and takes about 10 minutes at 336 metres (1,100 feet). Here visit the Skyrail’s souvenir shop. The Skyrail terminal is located a short walk from the famous village of Kuranda. Kuranda, ‘Village in the Rainforest’ is home to many attractions including Australia’s largest butterfly sanctuary, a lively bird aviary, Koala park and a diverse range of shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Free wireless internet is available at our Kuranda Terminal during opening hours.
Ticket-One Way Skyrail $50.00
Diamond View Gondolas- 11 Diamond View Gondolas provides guests with panoramic views of the tropical landscape, coral sea and rainforest canopy, but also offer the unique perspective of looking straight down from the treetops to the forest floor below.
Diamond View gondolas carrying a maximum of 5 passengers, will depart stations approximately every 7 minutes and passengers travelling on them will enjoy dedicated boarding queues at all terminals and stations.
Upgrade/Additional Ticket-$12/Adult(Return Skyrail).
a-Red Peak-It is the first rainforest mid-station 545m above sea level is nestled amongst pristine rainforest with a 175 metre boardwalk providing you with the perfect opportunity to explore the forest from ground level.The Station is surrounded by towering trees, lush palms, giant ferns and a diverse array of plants and wildlife. Here you’ll witness the true grandeur of these ancient forests.Rainforest displays and interpretive signage provide you with additional information on the native flora and fauna.
Between Red Peak and Barron Falls Stations you will see some of the most pristine areas of this World Heritage environment, a million different shades of green and splashes of vibrant colour making nature’s pallet complete and picture-perfect beautiful scene.
b-Barron Falls Station- This is the second rainforest mid-station. Easy access walkways at Barron Falls Station lead you through the rainforest to three separate lookouts providing breath-taking views of the Gorge and Falls. The Falls are at their most spectacular during the green (wet) season, December through to March.
Rainforest Interpretation Centre- The Centre, developed in conjunction with CSIRO, Australia’s premier scientific research organisation, houses a visual and interactive presentation of the rainforest environment. Touch-screen computers, videos and pictorials will help you to unravel some of the mysteries of this complex ecosystem while providing you and your family with a fun and entertaining learning experience to enhance your enjoyment of the rainforest.
c- Kuranda Terminal-Skyrail continues through the mountains before gliding over the mighty Barron River and arriving at Skyrail’s Kuranda Terminal. It is at 1.7kms from Barron Falls Station and takes about 10 minutes at 336 metres (1,100 feet). Here visit the Skyrail’s souvenir shop. The Skyrail terminal is located a short walk from the famous village of Kuranda. Kuranda, ‘Village in the Rainforest’ is home to many attractions including Australia’s largest butterfly sanctuary, a lively bird aviary, Koala park and a diverse range of shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Free wireless internet is available at our Kuranda Terminal during opening hours.
005- KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY- Experience one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia.This famous railway winds its way on a journey of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Cairns to Kuranda, the village in the rainforest. During this journey have views of dense rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls. The journey to Kuranda passes through World Heritage protected tropical rainforest, past spectacular waterfalls and into the awesome Barron Gorge. The Cairns-Kuranda Railway was constructed between 1882 and 1891.On the rail route there are 15 hand-made tunnels and 55 bridges, 98 curves and with length of 37kms.
ii- Freshwater Station- Situated in the nearby suburb of Freshwater with views of the surrounding mountains, visitors can enjoy a hearty breakfast in authentic antique railway carriages. The Station also includes a railway museum and pioneer cottage which provide visitors with an interesting and educational experience.
iii- Kuranda Station- The heritage-listed buildings blend with the tropical surrounds providing a relaxed environment to enjoy. The Kuranda Railway Tea Rooms at the station offer a great range of souvenirs and refreshments.
iv-Kuranda Rail Journey- The Kuranda Scenic Rail journey takes one and a half hours to complete. Each carriage is fitted with three media screens to provide passengers with detailed information of the history of the Kuranda railway.
- Departs daily from Cairns Station to Kuranda: 8.30am & 9.30am
- Returns from Kuranda to Cairns at 2.00pm & 3.00pm.
- Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class-$50.00(oneway)& $76.00(return).
ii- Freshwater Station- Situated in the nearby suburb of Freshwater with views of the surrounding mountains, visitors can enjoy a hearty breakfast in authentic antique railway carriages. The Station also includes a railway museum and pioneer cottage which provide visitors with an interesting and educational experience.
iii- Kuranda Station- The heritage-listed buildings blend with the tropical surrounds providing a relaxed environment to enjoy. The Kuranda Railway Tea Rooms at the station offer a great range of souvenirs and refreshments.
iv-Kuranda Rail Journey- The Kuranda Scenic Rail journey takes one and a half hours to complete. Each carriage is fitted with three media screens to provide passengers with detailed information of the history of the Kuranda railway.
006-DAINTRY RAIN FOREST-The Daintree Rainforest is the largest area of tropical rainforest in Australia and is located a short 2 hour drive north of Cairns. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Cairns to the Daintree Rainforest and it will take you on one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, Cook Highway. You'll pass Port Douglas, amazing views of the Coral Sea with a backdrop of rainforest on your left. The Daintree National Park is a World Heritage Site. Daintree Village is a laid back rural town located on a bend on the mighty Daintree River. It was once a place for gold rush pioneers, then became a centre for the Queensland timber industry and is now a tourist town. The Daintree covers a huge expanse of country from rainforest to beach, river to ocean. This is the home of the world's oldest surviving rainforest with examples of plant species that existed millions of years ago. Be dwarfed by king ferns and giant bull kauri pines. Guided walks, Four Wheel Drive or Eight Wheel Drive tours also give an insight into this special environment. Daintree village has a number of eateries, artists' studios, local souvenir shops and a general store with a post office, bottle shop and information and tour booking centre. It is the last stop-off before the Daintree River Ferry which takes you across the river even deeper into the Daintree rainforest.
i-Daintree National Park-Park is believed to be around 110 million years old and home to the largest range of animals on earth. Daintree National Park is comprised of two sections—Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. The crystal-clear waters of the Mossman River cascade over granite boulders in Mossman Gorge while Cape Tribulation features rainforest-clad mountains that sweep down to long sandy beaches. Mossman Gorge begins 80km north of Cairns; Cape Tribulation begins 110km north of Cairns.
ii-The Daintree River- This river runs through the rainforest and is home to salt and freshwater animals including the terrifying saltwater croc. There's only one way to cross this mighty river and that's by the Daintree River Fairy which connects the northern section of the Daintree Rainforest to the Cape Tribulation Area. The ferry operates from 6am till midnight, 7 days a week and carries up to 40 vehicles at a time. Winding for 140 kilometres, the Daintree River is one of the longest rivers on Australia's east coast providing diverse habitats for many species. Cruise along it to spot prehistoric crocodiles and colourful birds.
iii-The Daintree Discovery Centre-The Daintree Discovery Centre is a great place to begin exploring the region as it offers great insight and information. Climb high into the rainforest canopy and walk through the trees on a series of boardwalks 400 metres above land. The Canopy Tower which has a number of different viewing platforms that take you from the forest floor to tips of the trees with amazing views to match.
iv-Daintree River Cruise Centre-The Daintree River Cruise Centre is located on privately owned land, on the banks of the Daintree River, where the mangroves merge with the rainforest. The reception area provides all amenities, free refreshments and native insect and seed displays. The Cruise Centre caters to birdwatchers, photographers and students.
Price- From $25.00 to $30.00
v-Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours and Jungle Adventures Nightwalks-Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours take you on a unique rainforest tour where your feet don't touch the ground. Seated comfortably in full body harnesses, Jungle Surfers fly through the trees on flying fox ziplines, stopping at six eco-friendly tree platforms to take in spectacular bird's eye views over the treetops, down to cascading streams. A unique flight system, making this the only flying fox in the world where you can fly hands-free and carefree, without any previous experience. One of Queensland's 'must do' experiences, Jungle Surfing takes around two hours and is the adventure activity for all ages from three to old.
Jungle Adventures also offer a night walk to experience the dark side of the Daintree. Armed with a flashlight, venture into a fascinating nocturnal world little changed in 120 million years.
TOUR-Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary Day Tour-The first stop is Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, an eco-park where one can observe the unique wildlife of Australia’s rainforest, wetlands and grasslands. Stroll the well-designed habitats to observe cassowaries, koalas and crocodiles, and hand-feed friendly kangaroos and wallabies.
Then to Mossman Gorge on the southern border of Daintree National Park. Take a guided nature walk through the rainforest, keeping an eye for native species like the Ulysses butterfly and Boyd's forest dragon. Observe the lush landscape from platforms above the Mossman River and learn about the customs of local Kuku Yalanji people.
Cross the Daintree River on a ferry, and make your way to Cape Tribulation. Admire spectacular views from Mt Alexandra Lookout, where you can see all the way to the Great Barrier Reef on a clear day. At the Cape Tribulation Beach House, stop for a delicious lunch.
After lunch, leisure time to stroll along the white sandy beaches and boardwalk at Cape Tribulation, swim in a nearby tropical pool or take a dip in the Coral Sea.
Take a 1-hour cruise along the Daintree River, where you can spot saltwater crocodiles, reptiles, exotic birds and butterflies that make their home in the mangrove wetlands. On the return drive south, make one last stop at Rex Lookout before your full-day tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.
Tour Price-$120.00
i-Daintree National Park-Park is believed to be around 110 million years old and home to the largest range of animals on earth. Daintree National Park is comprised of two sections—Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. The crystal-clear waters of the Mossman River cascade over granite boulders in Mossman Gorge while Cape Tribulation features rainforest-clad mountains that sweep down to long sandy beaches. Mossman Gorge begins 80km north of Cairns; Cape Tribulation begins 110km north of Cairns.
ii-The Daintree River- This river runs through the rainforest and is home to salt and freshwater animals including the terrifying saltwater croc. There's only one way to cross this mighty river and that's by the Daintree River Fairy which connects the northern section of the Daintree Rainforest to the Cape Tribulation Area. The ferry operates from 6am till midnight, 7 days a week and carries up to 40 vehicles at a time. Winding for 140 kilometres, the Daintree River is one of the longest rivers on Australia's east coast providing diverse habitats for many species. Cruise along it to spot prehistoric crocodiles and colourful birds.
iii-The Daintree Discovery Centre-The Daintree Discovery Centre is a great place to begin exploring the region as it offers great insight and information. Climb high into the rainforest canopy and walk through the trees on a series of boardwalks 400 metres above land. The Canopy Tower which has a number of different viewing platforms that take you from the forest floor to tips of the trees with amazing views to match.
iv-Daintree River Cruise Centre-The Daintree River Cruise Centre is located on privately owned land, on the banks of the Daintree River, where the mangroves merge with the rainforest. The reception area provides all amenities, free refreshments and native insect and seed displays. The Cruise Centre caters to birdwatchers, photographers and students.
Price- From $25.00 to $30.00
v-Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours and Jungle Adventures Nightwalks-Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours take you on a unique rainforest tour where your feet don't touch the ground. Seated comfortably in full body harnesses, Jungle Surfers fly through the trees on flying fox ziplines, stopping at six eco-friendly tree platforms to take in spectacular bird's eye views over the treetops, down to cascading streams. A unique flight system, making this the only flying fox in the world where you can fly hands-free and carefree, without any previous experience. One of Queensland's 'must do' experiences, Jungle Surfing takes around two hours and is the adventure activity for all ages from three to old.
Jungle Adventures also offer a night walk to experience the dark side of the Daintree. Armed with a flashlight, venture into a fascinating nocturnal world little changed in 120 million years.
TOUR-Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary Day Tour-The first stop is Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, an eco-park where one can observe the unique wildlife of Australia’s rainforest, wetlands and grasslands. Stroll the well-designed habitats to observe cassowaries, koalas and crocodiles, and hand-feed friendly kangaroos and wallabies.
Then to Mossman Gorge on the southern border of Daintree National Park. Take a guided nature walk through the rainforest, keeping an eye for native species like the Ulysses butterfly and Boyd's forest dragon. Observe the lush landscape from platforms above the Mossman River and learn about the customs of local Kuku Yalanji people.
Cross the Daintree River on a ferry, and make your way to Cape Tribulation. Admire spectacular views from Mt Alexandra Lookout, where you can see all the way to the Great Barrier Reef on a clear day. At the Cape Tribulation Beach House, stop for a delicious lunch.
After lunch, leisure time to stroll along the white sandy beaches and boardwalk at Cape Tribulation, swim in a nearby tropical pool or take a dip in the Coral Sea.
Take a 1-hour cruise along the Daintree River, where you can spot saltwater crocodiles, reptiles, exotic birds and butterflies that make their home in the mangrove wetlands. On the return drive south, make one last stop at Rex Lookout before your full-day tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.
Tour Price-$120.00
007-GREEN ISLAND-This is a coral cay with marine park covered with rainforest and surround by white sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs and marine life life and having Green Island National Park. It is reached by a catamaran in 45 minutes (27kms) from Cairns. The full day tours departs from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, at 9am, 11am and back by 5.00pm. Stroll through the lush rainforest.
Holidaymakers have been coming to the island since the late 1930s when there was a small guesthouse, now there is a 46 luxury resort where people can holiday. The Green Island Resort is eco-friendly and has lots of activities to keep you occupied like a licensed bar, alfresco dining, shopping boutiques and a gorgeous pool. The island is also a wonderful place to visit if you're just day tripping around so combined with the great resort it makes it one of the most popular destinations in the Great Barrier Reef.
i-Green Island Day Trip with Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkel Hire-Green Island tour takes you to a paradise which sits just 45 minutes from Cairns aboard a fast catamaran to a beautiful 6000 year old coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef. With its unique reef and rainforest environment and home to over 120 native plant species and colourful bird life, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. Your Green Island tour includes both snorkelling and an informative glass bottom boat tour to fully experience this beautiful Great Barrier Reef island from both the wet and dry side of things and with a variety of departure and return cruise times, you have the ability to spend as much as 7 hours enjoying the island and its reef surrounds. At Green Island Resort to use the facilities including showers, restrooms and changing rooms to stay comfortable throughout the day. You can also hire beach chairs, umbrellas, canoes, sailboards and surf skis from the resort and take advantage of several walking tracks to explore the island’s tropical rain forest landscape.
There is also a range of optional activities available at an extra charge during your stay on the island including scuba diving, kayaking or walk underwater with a seawalker helmet dive, parasailing and even a scenic helicopter ride.
Island Walks-The area of the island is 30 acres with 660m long & 260m wide. The circumference is 1.60km.
http://www.greenislandresort.com.au/
Aproximate Prices -
i-Cruise transfers to and from Green Island by modern air-conditioned catamaran+ Morning tea / coffee+ glass-bottom boat tour+ Use of snorkelling gear for the day(without lunch)=64.00USD
ii- Introductory Scuba Dive AU$152.00
iii-Seawalker Helmut Dive AU$165
iv- Semi-submersible Coral Viewing Tour AU$20
v- Helicopter Scenic Flights-AU$170
vi- Parasailing- $140
Quicksilver Cruises operate tours to the outer edge of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, on the Continental Shelf. Discover an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance.
Holidaymakers have been coming to the island since the late 1930s when there was a small guesthouse, now there is a 46 luxury resort where people can holiday. The Green Island Resort is eco-friendly and has lots of activities to keep you occupied like a licensed bar, alfresco dining, shopping boutiques and a gorgeous pool. The island is also a wonderful place to visit if you're just day tripping around so combined with the great resort it makes it one of the most popular destinations in the Great Barrier Reef.
i-Green Island Day Trip with Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkel Hire-Green Island tour takes you to a paradise which sits just 45 minutes from Cairns aboard a fast catamaran to a beautiful 6000 year old coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef. With its unique reef and rainforest environment and home to over 120 native plant species and colourful bird life, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. Your Green Island tour includes both snorkelling and an informative glass bottom boat tour to fully experience this beautiful Great Barrier Reef island from both the wet and dry side of things and with a variety of departure and return cruise times, you have the ability to spend as much as 7 hours enjoying the island and its reef surrounds. At Green Island Resort to use the facilities including showers, restrooms and changing rooms to stay comfortable throughout the day. You can also hire beach chairs, umbrellas, canoes, sailboards and surf skis from the resort and take advantage of several walking tracks to explore the island’s tropical rain forest landscape.
There is also a range of optional activities available at an extra charge during your stay on the island including scuba diving, kayaking or walk underwater with a seawalker helmet dive, parasailing and even a scenic helicopter ride.
Island Walks-The area of the island is 30 acres with 660m long & 260m wide. The circumference is 1.60km.
http://www.greenislandresort.com.au/
Aproximate Prices -
i-Cruise transfers to and from Green Island by modern air-conditioned catamaran+ Morning tea / coffee+ glass-bottom boat tour+ Use of snorkelling gear for the day(without lunch)=64.00USD
ii- Introductory Scuba Dive AU$152.00
iii-Seawalker Helmut Dive AU$165
iv- Semi-submersible Coral Viewing Tour AU$20
v- Helicopter Scenic Flights-AU$170
vi- Parasailing- $140
Quicksilver Cruises operate tours to the outer edge of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, on the Continental Shelf. Discover an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance.
008-SKY DIVE-Tandem Skydive in tropical paradise, with a tandem skydive over Cairns, will be an unforgettable lifetime experience. Sky Diving at Cairns is is one of the best activities to experience on the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is a skydiving destination, and Skydive Cairns provides with the only possible way to see the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical Rainforest all at once in freefall and under canopy. Experience the ultimate thrill of freefall from 14000 ft. at over 200km/hr for up to 60 seconds, and then float under canopy for 5-7 spectacular views from above. Here is no experience required for Skydiving because all jumps are done in tandem with highly trained instructors. The only requirements are that you are 14 or over, are reasonably fit, and weigh less than 100kg. All skydives include extensive safety briefings followed by a scenic flight to get to the required altitude of 10,000 to 14,000 feet. The 30 - 60 seconds of freefall ends when you pull the ripcord on your harness. This is followed by a gentle parachute ride that finishes with a soft landing in an open sugar cane paddock or on the beachfront.
Approximate Prices-
Sky Dive-$299.00
Photo-$104
Video-$135
Photo+Video-$160
http://www.skydive.com.au/cairns
Approximate Prices-
Sky Dive-$299.00
Photo-$104
Video-$135
Photo+Video-$160
http://www.skydive.com.au/cairns
009- SEAPLANE SCENIC GREAT BARRIER REEF FLIGHTS-Take in all the sights of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef as you gaze down on turquoise waters below and experience the Great Barrier Reef with breath-taking views of tropical islands, coral cays and pristine reef.
Price for 30 minutes flight-$249.00
http://www.cairnsvisitorcentre.com/
Price for 30 minutes flight-$249.00
http://www.cairnsvisitorcentre.com/
010-BALLOONING TOUR SUNRISE BALLOON FLIGHT- Cairns is the worlds top ten destinations for Hot Air Ballooning .The balloon gently floats above the tips of blue gums and paper bark trees, with the wide open spaces spaces of the Tablelands below with fantastic 360 degree views. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and some of our unique local wildlife as you go. Binoculars are on board to capture sightings of local birdlife too. Come back to earth then continue the fun by pack up. After ballooning one will be transferred back into Cairns to accommodation.
5.00 am- Transfer from Cairns to the ballooning grounds on the Tablelands is approximately one hour.
Sunrise- Ballooning starts at Mareeba in the Cairns Highlands (previously called the Atherton Tablelands) Enjoy the picturesque landscape at sunrise, enjoy 30 minutes flying time.
8.00 am-Return and Landing, hot air balloon pack-up.
9.00am - 9.30 am-Return transfers to accommodation.
Adult AU$205.00 + AU$30.00 Compulsory Civil Aviation Additional Levy
PRESENTED BY - V.P. GUPTA
5.00 am- Transfer from Cairns to the ballooning grounds on the Tablelands is approximately one hour.
Sunrise- Ballooning starts at Mareeba in the Cairns Highlands (previously called the Atherton Tablelands) Enjoy the picturesque landscape at sunrise, enjoy 30 minutes flying time.
8.00 am-Return and Landing, hot air balloon pack-up.
9.00am - 9.30 am-Return transfers to accommodation.
Adult AU$205.00 + AU$30.00 Compulsory Civil Aviation Additional Levy
PRESENTED BY - V.P. GUPTA