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You'll never be bored in Cairns. Ancient rainforests, tropical underwater paradises, and picturesque little towns surround this small laidback city, and there are plenty of tours to take you there.
If you've never dived before, Cairns offers easy access to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef where you can dive, snorkel or just view from a viewing platform if you prefer to keep your feet dry. If you're up for some amazing on land sight-seeing, head up to Mosman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest where you can marvel at the ancient tropical scenery, and even look for crocodiles on a river cruise, or swing through the jungle on a zipline. Another popular place to visit is Kuranda, a pretty town set up in the Atherton Tablelands overlooking Cairns. Take the skytrain gondola from Cairns to discover incredible views over the area, and on the way back hop on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway.
In Cairns itself, head down to the lagoon on the waterfront, where you can soak up the tropical atmosphere amongst the palm trees and ocean breezes as you watch the boats heading to and from the reef. Wander along the Esplanade where you'll find lots of different cafes, take-away spots and restaurants serving up some delicious locally grown food. Take a stroll into Cairns and meander round all the souvenir shops selling aboriginal art, scenic photos and pictures, and local arts and crafts. The famous Cairns night markets are right on the doorstep at BreakFree Royal Harbour. A hugely popular shopping and entertainment attraction, the night markets are open every night from 5pm, with 130 stalls selling everything from giftware and home wares to glass blowing and pearls.
The night markets in Cairns offer souvenirs and handicrafts every night while Rusty's Markets are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday on Grafton St with a variety of fresh produce, flowers and deli items. In Port Douglas, the Sunday Market in Anzac Park is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Whether sailing, snorkelling, by glass bottom boat, an island day trip, helicopter flight or dedicated reef pontoon, you'll find a way of discovering the Great Barrier Reef.
45 kilometres north of Port Douglas and accessible only by the Daintree ferry is the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Estimated to be 130 million years old and home to a huge variety of bird, insect and marsupial wildlife this unique region deserves its World Heritage status. It can be explored either by self driving or on one of the many day trips to the area.
It is rare to find so many choices of day trips in the one area. You can choose from the Atherton Tablelands, the outback of Mareeba, the many national parks close to Kuranda or even night spot lighting opportunities to see platypus and possums in the wild.
Cheap eats, a la carte or buffet options are all available along the Esplanade and Pier Waterfront. In Palm Cove the village atmosphere of ultimate tropical serenity offers a collection of small intimate dining experiences while Macrossan Street will pleasantly surprise you with many dining experiences.
Bungy jumping, white water rafting, sky diving, cable skiing, world class mountain bike tracks or even kite surfing are just some of the possible activities to get the heart rate racing in North Queensland.
From small intimate rainforest walks of the Kuku Yalanji to the award winning performances in the large theatres of Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park you can find a style and pace that suits you if you wish to learn more about the local aboriginal tribes.
You are never too far away from a relaxing massage, vichy shower or facial treatment when you stay at our properties. Treat yourself, you know you deserve it.
There are many companies offering day trips with these two iconic attractions that travel to the famous Kuranda markets. The Barron River Falls can be seen from either of these tours.
Crocodiles can be seen either from river cruises or in one of the many local wildlife parks. Cuddle a koala, learn about cassowaries or feed a kangaroo. Our local parks are no longer just for looking at animals but for interaction as well.