The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the ultimate destination for visitors to Far North Queensland. Cairns is the closest gateway to the Great Barrier Reef with trips taking as little as 45 minutes to reach coral reefs and sandy islands. All the cruise. dive and snorkel boats leave from Cairns Wharf less than 15 minutes drive. There are a variety of reef experiences on offer, whether it’s your first time snorkeling, active diver, non-swimmer, there are many ways to get the most out of your Great Barrier Reef experience. One that we have enjoyed is the Ocean Spirit, a large sailing Catamaran that motors out to Michalemas Cay (a sandy isle on the outer reef) and sails back into Cairns (weather permitting). However, there are lots of packages available and I am sure you will find something that suits you

The Daintree

The world heritage Daintree rainforest (where the rain forest meets the reef) is spectacular and well worth a visit. You will need at least a full day to discover the area. The road ends at the Daintree River and you will need to use the car ferry to cross and travel North into the rainforest.

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 or join a fishing charter to haul in a mighty barramundi.

Once you get to the other side, the road is sealed until just past Cape Tribulation. Along the way visit the Alexander Range Lookout and the Daintree Discovery Centre.

Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is a 45 minute Fast Cat ride (about 30 kms) from Cairns in Queensland, and is surrounded by a reef system that forms part of the Great Barrier Reef and the island offers a unique combination of rain forest and coral reef. A great alternative to the reef pontoon experience, here you can snorkel right off the sand. Idyllic white sandy beaches lead into the safe, sheltered waters, which are also ideal for swimming and water sports as well as yachting and boating.

The Cairns Botanical Gardens

The Cairns Botanical Gardens are well worth a visit. Babbling brooks and waterways meander throughout the Cairns Botanical Gardens, and small ornate bridges over these waterways create picture-perfect photograph opportunities. Lush rainforest vegetation gives way to large grassy lawns, the perfect place for the children to play and the adults relax. Tall trees provide shaded areas to relax and watch exotic butterflies and birds. Located underneath the lush canopy of the rainforest is the Botanic Garden Restaurant. The Botanic Garden Restaurant is open-air and undercover. Alongside are the Centenary Lakes – A saltwater and freshwater lake. There are boardwalks and pathways meandering through the rainforest and mangroves.

Kuranda Skyrail

The start of the skyrail is only 10 minutes drive from the home. The skyrail, spanning 7.5 kms over pristine rainforest, glides just metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins. There are two stops along the way where you can alight – Red Peak and Baron Falls, where you can explore the environment from the forest floor on boardwalks, to scenic look-outs.

http://www.skyrail.com.au/

Kuranda Scenic Railway:

Riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway, you’ll meander through a lush green world, a tropical paradise framed by rugged mountains and waterfalls.
Authentic timber carriages transport you between Cairns and the pretty village of Kuranda, via hand-hewn tunnels and across towering bridges, through the awe-inspiring Barron Gorge.

There are packages available to combine the skyrail and scenic railway.

http://www.ksr.com.au

Kuranda

Kuranda: A small village in the rainforest. Stroll through the markets that are open 7 days a week. There are a number of cafes open for you to enjoy a light lunch or maybe explore Kuranda Birdworld, Butterfly Sanctuary and Koala Gardens. Plan to explore the village earlier in the day because most of the shops shut around 3 pm.

Hartleys Crocodile Adventure

Hartleys Crocodile Adventure is located just 100 metres off the Captain Cook Highway at Wangetti on the spectacular scenic drive between Cairns and Port Douglas, about a 30 minute drive north. They have a number of shows and lagoon cruises through the day. Check out the website to plan your day.

http://www.crocodileadventures.com/

Tjapukai Cultural Park

Tjapukai Cultural Park is located on the Captain Cook Highway, approximately 8 Kilometers from Holloways Beach. Tjapukai is a celebration of the living history of the indigenous people. Learn to play the didgeridoo, discover the medicinal values of bush tucker, throw a spear and a learn how to throw a boomerang. There is traditional Aboriginal dance, fire making and story telling. Day or night tours are available.

http://www.tjapukai.com.au/

Port Douglas

Port Douglas is under an hours drive from the home. It is a lovely drive along the coast of the coral sea with some spectacular scenery! The central hub of Port Douglas is Macrossan Street, where you will find many great restaurants, beautiful galleries and boutique shopping. One of our favourite restaurants ‘On the Inlet’, at 3 Inlet street, is built over the water at Dicksons Inlet and has great waterfront views. The popular Port Douglas Village Markets are held every Sunday, 8:30am-2pm, Anzac Park, across from The Courthouse Hotel.

Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge:

The crystal-clear water of the Mossman River cascading over granite boulders forms watering holes surrounded by lush green rainforest. The perfect location for a refreshing swim..

Access to the gorge is now via the new Mossman Gorge Centre open 7 days a week from 8 am – 6 pm. Shuttle buses ferry you from the centre to the gorge and return. Note that the last buses return around 5.30pm

Adventure

Adventure

If you are looking for adventure there is white water rafting and kayaking along the Baron River with Foaming Fury. Quad bike riding in Kuranda. Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. A J Hacket bungy jumping and minjin jungle swing in the Rainforest.