(1807km north of Brisbane)

Trip duration: A minimum of seven days if travelling from Brisbane to Cairns.

On the road
The long stretch of the Bruce Highway leads north from Brisbane.

CAIRNS

Cairns is one of the most attractive cities in Australia, and the capital of the tropical far north of Queensland. There is The Esplanade that runs along the foreshore, with parks and gardens that appear to be perpetually ablaze with flowers, tropical trees and plants. It is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef; tropical beaches, nearby national parks, the Cairns Highland, world heritage listed rainforest and the remote wilderness of the Gulf Country.

From Cairns, daily cruise boats and sailboats travel to islands and the outer reef. Charter seaplanes and helicopters are also available. At Green Island, Fitzroy Island and the Outer Reef, boats are moored at floating pontoons, or anchored offshore from sandy cays. Many dive options are available from one to four days.

Cairns Night Markets are an eye opening attraction along the Esplanade, complete with leather goods, local arts and crafts and much more. Rusty’s Markets every Friday; Saturday and Sunday night has fresh fruit and vegetables.

Flecker Botanic Gardens and Mt Whitfield Environment Park offer a diversity of tropical flora and fauna habitats. While you are in the area drop into the Tanks Art Centre on Collins Avenue, which houses local artists work.

40km north-west to Kuranda via the Kennedy Highway.

At this rainforest village you will find attractions of singular beauty and diversity. Ride the Kuranda mountain train, see the mighty Barron Falls, and venture into the rainforest. Visit the markets on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Sunday for arts and crafts, Aboriginal artefacts, homegrown produce and gems direct from the mines.

Visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and view more than 35 species as you wander by miniforests and fern-fringed pools. Bird World is home to many birds of the world, where pathways take you to a simulated rainforest.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns is a picturesque tourist train which includes a running commentary with spectacular views of tropical scenery from lovely old carriages.

Alternatively take Skyrail, a gondola cableway departing from Smithfield, taking you over the rainforest canopy. There are two stations in the rainforest with boardwalks and an interpretive centre, that you can visit while on Skyrail. You can also see performances by the Tjapukai Aboriginal Dance Theatre and see traditional skills, dance and Dreamtime legends at the Tjapukai Centre next door to the Skyrail Centre.

At Palm Cove you can visit Wild World animal park, home to many Australian native animals. Have you picture taken with a Koala. See toad races, snake and crocodile shows and cockatoo capers.

A 50-minute dive north of Cairns along picturesque coastal roads brings you to Port Douglas, a relaxing resort village in a tropical tree-covered mountain setting.

The Marlin Coast is a 26km ribbon of Shaded beaches, tiny coves and beach communities offering a range of accommodation along the palm-studded shoreline.

The scenic splendour of Mossman, a small traditional cane town, engulfed by green canefields and the darker green rainforest-clad mountain, is stunning. Mossman gorge, a five minute drive from Mossman, has a spectacular walking track 3km long, leading you to pristine rainforest with crystal clear swimming holes.

For further information, contact:

Far North Queensland Promotion Bureau Ltd
Cnr Grafton and Hartley Streets
CAIRNS QLD 4870
Phone: (070) 512 588
Fax:(070) 510 127

Acknowledgement

Images courtesy of Tourism Queensland

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