|
Welcome:
Tropical North Queensland
is a vast region stretching from reefs and islands, through to
beach and coastal wetlands to mountains, tablelands and Gulf
Savannah grassland. The major centre is Cairns, a tropical town
with irresistible markets and shopping arcades. North of Cairns
are the beaches such as Palm Cove,Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach
and Ellis Beach where palm trees hang lazily over the sandy beaches.
Further north is the resort town of Port Douglas and continuing
on you find the spectacular Mossman Gorge, World Heritage listed
Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. North of Cape Tribulation
is the area Cape York and the Gulf Savannah renowned for its
rugged coastline and wild and sparsely populated wilderness.
Dazzling blue skies, long
white beaches, coral reefs, vibrant green vegetation, and warm
perfumed air are the common ingredients of a holiday in Cairns
and the surrounding Tropical North region. The stunning array
of things to do and see mean that there is something for everybody.
Explore deserted ghost towns and small isolated communities that
serve the mining, pastoral and fishing industries. Whatever a
holiday means to you, from luxury island resorts to camping,
from champagne cruising to white- water rafting, you’ll
find it in Queensland’s Tropical North.
West of Cairns is Kuranda and the beautiful Atherton Tropical
Tablelands and travelling further west you come to the Gulf Savannah
with its rich history of gold rushes, bushrangers and wandering
Aboriginal tribes. South of Cairns is the Cassowary Coast including
Mission Beach, and to the east off Cairns are the magnificent
Green, Lizard and Fitzroy Islands .
On the Reef:
The brilliant colours and fascinating life-forms of The Great
Barrier Reef are within easy reach of Cairns and its northern
beaches. Several day trips head out to the pontoons anchored
adjacent to reef outcrops, providing safety for those wishing
to snorkel, swim ,or scuba dive. For those who don’t want
to get their feet wet, there are also semi-submersible reef viewing
vessels and glass bottomed boats.
Rainforest Delights:
Walk under the lush rainforest canopies and discover the rainforest’s
ancient secrets. Visit Cape Tribulation where two World Heritage
areas merge in a mix of white sandy beaches, rocky headlands,
blue sea, coral gardens and jungle clad mountains. Lakefield
National Park at Cape York is a naturalist and birdwatcher's
dream. It contains 90 percent of all the species of birdlife
found on the Peninsula.
Kuranda:
A Kuranda Scenic Rail ride up the range west of Cairns will take
you over bridged ravines, through tunnels and past the Barron
Gorge waterfalls, arriving at Kuranda, famous for its markets.
Alternatively, you could take a 7.5 kilometre trip to Kuranda
above World Heritage rainforest on Skyrail, the world’s
longest gondola cableway. The Skyrail experience includes the
amazing rainforest canopy and spectacular views of the mountains,
cane fields, beaches and the Coral Sea.
Gulf Savannah
- Outback by the Sea:
Queensland’s legendary Outback extends west of Cairns from
the Great Dividing Range to the waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Known as the Gulf Savannah, it also features wetlands, winding
rivers and an abundance of wildlife. Fossick for gemstones, fish
for barramundi or explore the astonishing Undara Lava Tubes near
Mt. Surprise.
Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Culture:
Quinkan Reserve west of Cooktown is known for its breathtaking
split rock galleries and contains one of the largest displays
of Aboriginal Rock Art in the world. The tip of Australia is
a traditional hunting, fishing and camping ground and visitors
can enjoy guided tours to historical locations with native guides.
The world famous Tjapukai Aboriginal Dance Theatre, tells the
story of Aboriginal culture in song and dance at its Cultural
Park outside of Cairns.
Queensland’s Aboriginal
sites are a national treasure and an important thread in our
historical tapestry that deserves to be respected and preserved.
Experiencing a new culture brings with it several responsibilities
and visitors to the settlements of Queensland's indigenous people
are asked to be aware of the site's immense spirituality, tradition
and heritage.
Adventure:
Action seekers have their appetites well fed. Experience the
exhilaration of sightseeing in a Tiger Moth aeroplane, or a bungy
jump over the spectacular rainforest at Kuranda. Take a hot air
balloon ride at sunrise or a helicopter ride that flies low over
spectacular waterfalls or out to tropical islands. Enjoy a 4
wheel drive safari through rugged outback country. Scuba divers
and those chasing big game fish love to visit this region. |
