Download - Tropical North Queensland
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Great Barrier Reef
Tropical North QueenslandAdventurous by nature
Adventurous by nature, Tropical
North Queensland mixes the
excitement of new discoveries
with the enchantment of exotic
experiences.
The only place where two World
Heritage-listed areas are side by
side, you can dive the depths of the
Great Barrier Reef or soar above the
world’s oldest tropical rainforest.
Spectacular tropical landscapes
are matched with superior natural
encounters where you can step out
of your comfort zone or retreat to
indulge in modern luxuries.
Test your nerve at rafting rainforest
rivers, be at one with nature in the
vast Outback, jump 20,000 feet
to an unspoilt beach, find your
inner artist learning Aboriginal
handicrafts, taste ocean-fresh
seafood or lose yourself in an
island daydream.
The warmth of the tropics is
reflected in engaging activities that
deliver exhilarating experiences
and peaceful escapes to discover
the adventurer within.
WelcomeTropical North Queensland
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cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au
EncounterThe Great Barrier Reef
Take the plunge into one of the
Seven Wonders of the World and
discover why the Great Barrier Reef
is the largest, most spectacular coral
reef system on earth.
Diving, snorkelling, sailing, cruising
and island hopping are all part
of everyday life in Tropical North
Queensland, the gateway to the
Great Barrier Reef. Fly to a deserted
sand cay to marvel at an aerial view
of the Reef, dive with minke whales
for a really big adventure, parasail
from an island for an adrenalin rush
or spy on baby turtles making their
first dash for the freedom of the
Coral Sea.
Departing daily, a variety of tours
offer snorkelling, introductory
or certified scuba diving and
live-aboard dive courses with
multilingual, professional tutorage.
For those who prefer to stay dry,
semi-submersible and glass-
bottom vessels provide popular
introductions to the Great Barrier
Reef, while helmet dives and
motorised underwater scooters are
the fun way to get to the bottom
of the ocean without getting your
hair wet.
Escape to a secluded tropical island
in the middle of the Great Barrier
Reef where your days and nights
can be spent exploring a colourful
underwater world, dining with the
Coral Sea lapping at your toes,
discovering marine birdlife or gazing
at the ocean from a luxurious spa.
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ExploreWorld Heritage Rainforest
Immerse yourself in the living
museum of Australia’s World
Heritage-listed Wet Tropics where
ancient, evergreen rainforests are
parted by waterfalls tumbling into
cool waterholes and giant kauri
pines reach for the heavens.
The Great Tropical Drive allows
you to experience Tropical North
Queensland’s self drive journeys
with many unique discoveries along
the way.
From Cardwell to Cooktown, the
sheer majesty of nature is evident in
Tropical North Queensland’s pristine
rainforest which is home to a third
of Australia’s mammal species, a
quarter of its frogs, a third of the
freshwater fish and nearly half of
Australia’s birds.
There are three key areas where the
tropical beauty of the rainforest is
best revealed.
The iconic Daintree region is where
the World Heritage rainforest
meets the World Heritage Great
Barrier Reef. Relax in cosy bed
and breakfast accommodation
then explore serene volcanic lakes
and spectacular waterfalls on the
Atherton Tablelands, while Mission
Beach is as famous for its rainforest-
clad, secluded beaches and
offshore islands as it is for adrenalin
activities such as skydiving and
white water rafting.
At night the Wet Tropics rainforest
puts on a spectacular show with
mammals emerging for midnight
feasts, bush turkeys hosting
noisy parties and frogs providing
the rainforest chorus. Or let the
Indigenous people of the rainforest
take centre stage with a magical
evening of entertainment beneath
the stars.
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DiscoverThe Outback & Gulf Savannah
Escape to the vast landscape of
the Gulf Savannah and uncover
the quintessential spirit of Outback
Australia only a few hours from the
coast. Hidden gorges, rodeos and
country races, mining relics, hot
springs, limestone caves, World
Heritage fossil fields, lava tubes
and wetlands abounding with
birdlife are all part of the region’s
enormous diversity.
The Savannah Way is Australia’s
Adventure Drive linking Cairns on
the East coast with Broom on the
West coast. You can explore just a
section of the Savannah Way whilst
connecting with Aboriginal and
pioneer heritage on your very own
outback adventure or as part of a tour.
Whether you want to rough it and
follow in the footsteps of explorers
in a 4WD vehicle, join a luxury
coach tour to explore underground
marvels, hop aboard a rail
adventure through cattle lands and
country towns or swoop in from the
air to remote eco-resorts, there’s an
Outback adventure sure to appeal.
Activities are just as varied. Crack
a whip at a working cattle station,
fossick for gold and gemstones,
canoe beneath rugged sandstone
cliffs, boil the billy on a campfire,
enjoy the dance of the jabiru, relax
with a cold drink in an historic hotel,
discover a complete rainforest
ecosystem hidden in a lava tube,
be mesmerised by opera in a
spectacular natural setting or hook
a giant barramundi in a mighty river.
The only thing more colourful than
the characters and experiences
of this Outback region is the
spectacular pink and orange hue
of the sun as it dips into the
waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria
each evening.
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CairnsTropical adventures...
Combining the allure of the
tropics with the sophistication of a
cosmopolitan city, Cairns is Tropical
North Queensland’s gateway to the
World Heritage-listed Great Barrier
Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest.
One of Australia’s busiest cruise
ports and only 15 minutes to the
Cairns International and Domestic
Airports, Cairns is the perfect entry
point for your tropical adventure.
With world-class shopping, dining,
entertainment, sporting events,
cultural facilities and more
than 600 tours departing daily,
your Cairns holiday will be
naturally adventurous.
Discover a vibrant city that takes
pride in its cultural heritage and
where time seems to last a little
longer. Swim at the Esplanade
lagoon, sample tropical produce
at a farmer’s market, enjoy free
entertainment, shop for beach
wear or cruise around the marina.
After dark choose a lively bar for
drinks, taste local seafood at an
award-winning restaurant, party on
a dance floor, discover treasures
at the markets or watch a local
cultural show.
Choose from a wide range of
accommodation including five-
star international hotels, luxurious
resorts, waterfront apartments,
family-friendly motels and fun
backpacker hostels. Then, with
the city as your base, set out
on your Tropical North
Queensland adventure.
Travel from the city’s Reef Fleet
Terminal to the Great Barrier Reef
and its islands, join a tour to the
ancient rainforests, step back in
time with a train ride to Kuranda or
treat your tastebuds to one of the
many food and wine trails on the
Atherton Tablelands.
Cairns BeachesFind your own stretch of sand...
Find your own stretch of sand,
jump on a jet ski, kayak to an
island or sip cocktails as the sun
goes down. From cosmopolitan
Palm Cove to laidback Holloways
Beach, there’s a beach with the
right holiday mix for your tropical
adventure. The 26km of sandy
beaches to the north of Cairns
each have their own character but
all share one thing - no crowds - so
they are the perfect place to unwind
after a day adventuring in Tropical
North Queensland.
Enjoy a BBQ with a beachside
view at Trinity Beach, have a beer
with the locals at the Ellis Beach
Surf Life Saving Club, cast a line
at Machans Beach as the running
tide brings the barramundi out from
the Barron River, build a sandcastle
at the Clifton Beach playground,
watch the boaties return to shore
at the Yorkeys Knob marina or dine
right on the beach at Kewarra.
The Cairns Beaches are close
to some of Tropical North
Queensland’s iconic experiences
including Skyrail Rainforest
Cableway. Take the adrenalin
up a notch with bungy jumping,
experience local wildlife at the zoo
or test your drive at a world-class
golf course.
The beaches are a perfect base
for a different self-drive adventure
each day. Then return in time for
a refreshing ocean dip before
dinner at one of the many beach
restaurants.
Accommodation choices are
varied with luxurious resorts and
waterfront apartments popular,
but you’ll also find caravan parks,
bed and breakfasts, family-friendly
units and some very special private
homes to rent.
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Palm CoveUltimate tropical serenity...
Relax under a coconut palm, paddle
around a Great Barrier Reef island,
enjoy a spa treatment or delight
in a fusion of tropical delicacies. It
is all part of life at Palm Cove, an
intimate slice of paradise boasting
a plethora of holiday experiences.
With its long sandy beach lapped
by the Coral Sea and a backdrop
of rainforest-clad mountains,
Palm Cove offers ultimate tropical
serenity in a postcard setting. It’s
the perfect place to relax with a
book while enjoying the sun or to
discover exquisite fashions after an
early morning dip in the Coral Sea.
Dangle your legs over the jetty
while the locals hook a fish or stroll
along the shady tree-lined paths to
experience the welcoming village
atmosphere which earned Palm
Cove the title of Queensland’s
Cleanest Beach.
This sophisticated beachside hub
boasts award-winning restaurants,
peaceful day spas and exceptional
resorts along its picturesque
esplanade where ancient
melaleucas define the relaxing
atmosphere. The sheer variety of
dining experiences at Palm Cove
means your palate can take a trip
around the world, discover tropical
produce at its best or reminisce
with fish and chips by the sea.
Accommodation options are just
as varied whether you prefer the
luxury of a resort, the convenience
of an apartment or want to pitch
your tent at the caravan park right
on the beach.
Mission BeachFrom action to relaxation...
The serene beauty of Mission
Beach hides another side to
this friendly beachside retreat...
adrenalin-pumping adventure!
Skydive from a plane on to the
beach, head into the heart of the
rainforest for white water rafting
or explore the area on a jet ski or
mountain bike.
Boats leave the Clump Point jetty
daily for the Great Barrier Reef or
travel only 4km to Dunk Island to
try resort activities and explore the
national park. Join a kayaking tour
or hire a dinghy and take a picnic to
the tiny uninhabited islands.
Lush rainforest touches the shores
of Mission Beach which has the
largest population of the illusive
southern cassowary. Look for
these majestic creatures on easy
rainforest walks frequented by the
brilliantly blue Ulysses butterfly,
another local icon, and be sure to
include the majestic licuala fan
palm forest.
Nearby is the spectacular Misty
Mountains Trail, a series of long-
distance walking trails through
high-altitude rainforest. Several
of the walking tracks follow the
ridgelines long used by the area’s
traditional owners, the Jirrbal and
Ma:mu Aboriginal people.
Mission Beach has 14km of sandy
beaches overlooking Great Barrier
Reef islands, so it is easy to find a
quiet place to relax with a book or
check into the couple’s treatment
room at a day spa with fabulous
beach views.
Luxurious resorts or elegant hill-top
and beach houses are favourites
for those wanting to escape
from their busy lives, or choose
from family-friendly apartments,
beach caravan parks and popular
backpacker hostels.
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Port DouglasThe place to get away to...
Favoured by A-list celebrities as the
place to get away, Port Douglas has
the charm of a laidback seaside
village and the sophistication
of a modern resort town. The
former fishing village is an hour
north of Cairns along the Captain
Cook Highway, a spectacular
coastal drive with rainforest-clad
mountains on one side and the
Coral Sea on the other.
Port Douglas is the gateway to the
World Heritage-listed Daintree and
Cape Tribulation rainforest where
you can jungle surf through the
rainforest canopy or explore it from
the ground in a 4WD or on foot.
The Great Barrier Reef is just as
close with vessels departing daily
from the marina in the heart of town.
Visit Low Isles where you can
snorkel from a sandy beach or
travel to the outer Great Barrier Reef
where the colour and variety of the
fish and coral are astounding.
Swim at beautiful Four Mile Beach,
wander down the main street for
boutique shopping with a tropical
twist or dine with the birds at a
wildlife park.
Restaurants are many and varied
with exquisite interpretations of
local produce, tastes from around
the world or counter meals at
a gorgeous Queenslander pub
among the choices, or visit the
Sunday markets to sample tropical
fruits fresh from the farm.
While luxury is definitely a highlight
of Port Douglas with magnificent
resorts, elegant homes and superb
apartments the holiday choice of
the well-heeled, backpackers and
families are equally well catered
for in the relaxed tropical
atmosphere of Port.
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Daintree & Cape TribulationWhere the rainforest meets the reef
A truly special place where the two
World Heritage areas of the Wet
Tropics rainforest and the Great
Barrier Reef meet, it is no wonder
the Daintree and Cape Tribulation
region excites passion in many.
The earth’s oldest surviving tropical
rainforest is a world of contrasts
where primitive species which
existed 150 million years ago
survive alongside modern eco-
resorts, where the green landscape
is interrupted by the flash of a blue
Ulysses butterfly and where the
majestic cassowary can be spied
from easy-to-access boardwalks.
Home to the Kuku Yulanji people,
you too can experience their
culture through dreamtime stories,
bushwalks looking for Indigenous
foods, learning to paint and hunt
or feeling the healing powers of an
Aboriginal spa treatment.
Cruise the Daintree River to spot
prehistoric crocodiles, explore
mangrove landscapes, immerse
yourself in a forest of fan palms,
surf through the jungle canopy
or cool off in a rainforest stream.
Leave the green for the blue and
marvel at empty beaches where
driftwood and shells wash up to
form natural sculptures. Take a
high-speed trip to a sand cay to
snorkel among the fish, feel the
wind in your hair as you ride a horse
along the beach or pitch your tent
beside the Coral Sea.
Luxury also lies within the
rainforest with discreet eco-resorts,
amazing tree houses, blissful day
spas, and backpacker resorts.
Exclusive wildlife-spotting tours
offering another perspective of this
precious part of the world. Make
your own mark and join the locals
planting trees for a lasting memory
of an eco-friendly adventure.
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Cape York & Torres Strait IslandsAdventure abounds...
Adventure abounds in Cape York
Peninsula, Australia’s last wild
frontier and the step-off point for
the exotic Torres Strait Islands.
The Epic Cape York Drive unleashes
the explorer in any 4 wheel drive
enthusiast, taking you on an
adventure through untamed
wilderness right to the tip of Australia.
From red Outback roads to
wetlands brimming with birds
and fish or from gold town ruins
to camping spots beside pristine
waterfalls, Cape York Peninsula
promises a mighty slice of
Australian history and an insight
into modern life in remote areas.
Magnificent national parks,
Aboriginal and Islander
communities, cattle stations and
tiny towns can be visited, each
with its own story of adventure
to tell. Watch for a flash of red
as a palm cockatoo takes flight,
admire Aboriginal artists at work on
internationally-commissioned art or
join a helicopter cattle muster.
This region is renowned as the
site of the world’s largest body of
prehistoric rock art painted in caves
by Aborigines some 15,000 years
ago. Wander in from the road for a
glimpse or join an Indigenous guide
for a unique cultural insight.
At the very tip of Cape York where
the South Pacific Ocean and the
Arafura Sea mix their currents
are the 274 islands of the Torres
Strait, including Thursday and Horn
Islands. This unique tropical region
is home to the indigenous Torres
Strait Islanders whose culture is
rich in the arts and whose lifestyle
has evolved from the sea and its
abundance of wildlife.
Step back in time to discover a
diverse history spanning World
War II and the pearling industry,
vibrant headdresses and colourful
dance, ancient carving and modern
printmaking plus a welcoming
people who live simply in paradise.
CooktownA place of history...
Best known as the site where
Captain James Cook spent
several weeks repairing the Bark
Endeavour in 1770, Cooktown is
the largest town on Cape York
Peninsula. Each June, marks the
landing of Captain Cook with a
re-enactment ceremony as part of
the three-day Discovery Festival.
Indigenous, European and Chinese
history come together in this once-
bustling town where there is still
plenty of evidence of Cooktown’s
prosperity from the gold rush
era. Wide streets with impressive
handmade stone guttering, quaint
buildings that were once the hub of
commercial activity and graceful,
well preserved Queenslander
architecture give a hint of days
gone by.
Monuments, gold town ruins
and museums with carefully
preserved relics are reminders of
the town’s rich history, while the
well-maintained cemetery bears
testament to the hardships endured
more than a century ago. History is
even evident in Cooktown’s Botanic
Gardens which were gazetted in
1878 and feature 62 hectares of
native and exotic plants.
Join an Aboriginal family for a yarn
and a meal at their home, tour the
Arts and Cultural Centre at the
nearby Indigenous community of
Hope Vale or take a guided tour of
the rock art sites high in the hills.
It’s bitumen all the way if you
travel the 330km inland along the
Mulligan Highway from Cairns, or
take a 4WD for a fun adventure
along the coastal route crossing
rivers and creeks through World
Heritage-listed rainforest and rejoin
the highway at the mysterious pile
of rocks known as Black Mountain.
Cooktown has a regional airport
with regular flights and a range of
accommodation from camping to
four-star hotels.
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KurandaThe village in the rainforest...
Colourful, quirky Kuranda in the
World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics
Rainforest has daily markets and a
quaint main street lined with shops,
galleries and wildlife experiences
perfect for close encounters.
The village in the rainforest has
earned a reputation as the arts
and crafts nexus of Cairns &
Great Barrier Reef and is a popular
destination in conjunction with
journeys on the Skyrail Rainforest
Cableway and Kuranda
Scenic Railway.
Kuranda’s cool, tropical mountain
climate makes it perfect for
rainforest walks along the Barron
River or around the village itself
where majestic fig trees are home
to yellow fig birds and colourful
parrots. Follow a tunnel of green
rainforest along Barron Falls Road
to see the spectacular Barron Gorge
and its mighty waterfall which
powers a hydro-electric station.
Experience the culture of the
Djabugay Aboriginal people who
have lived around Kuranda for
more than 10,000 years by visiting
a gallery with local indigenous work
or learn to play the didgeridoo
Surround yourself with colourful
butterflies, listen to a noisy
chorus of birds, cuddle a koala,
get up close to Australia’s unique
creatures or hang about with a bat
at one of the wildlife exhibits in the
heart of Kuranda.
See the rainforest from a different
perspective with an army duck tour
that takes you on water and land to
see snakes, birds and an array of
Australian wildlife. For something
exotic dine with a pride of lions and
marvel at a collection of wildlife
from around the world.
Atherton TablelandsNaturally beautiful...
Breathtaking waterfalls, deep
crater lakes, a colourful tapestry
of farmlands and wildlife-rich
savannah plains set the scene
for a variety of fun adventures
throughout the varied landscape of
the Atherton Tablelands.
Situated above Cairns, this
naturally beautiful part of Tropical
North Queensland offers cooler
temperatures and diverse
experiences. Whether your
passion is fishing or water skiing,
bush walking, bird watching,
gourmet food, the Tablelands is
the refreshing place for leisure
activities.
Tropical food and wine is plentiful
with a network of self-drive trails
highlighting the best the region has
to offer. Or pack a picnic and follow
the waterfall circuit, stopping to
swim in rainforest-clad crater lakes
or marvel at the majestic curtain fig.
Lake Tinaroo is the place to catch
whopping barramundi or tasty
red claw, whiz behind a speed
boat on skis or spend lazy days
aboard a houseboat exploring the
calm waterways.
Step back in time at a restored
historical village, discover relics
from World War II, visit a restored
Chinese temple, have a classic
Aussie meal at a country pub
or buy fresh produce at a
farmers’ market.
Platypus, tree kangaroos, wallabies
and colourful finches are among
the varied wildlife commonly seen,
or spend some time at a bird hide
to see how many of the area’s 230
species you can identify.
Bed and breakfast accommodation
is popular on the Atherton
Tablelands with luxurious tree
houses and family homes among
the choices. There are also caravan
parks, camping grounds, motels
and farm-stays where you can
interact with the animals.
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Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Quick FactsLOcATiON TempeRATURe/SeASONS DRive Time & DiSTANceS
SeAWATeR Temp
RememBeR
AiRpORT DRive Time
LAGOON/eSpLANADe
O
ReeF FLeeT TeRmiNAL
iNTeRNeT AcceSs
TAxiS/SHUTtLe/BUS
cAR HiRe/DRiviNG
BANk & SHOppiNG HOURS
Size
pOpULATiON
HiSTORy
Cairns is located on the north east coast
of Queensland; a two-hour flight from
Brisbane or three-hour flight from Sydney.
Spring/Summer (Sept-March)
> Daytime 31oC/Evening 28oC
AuTumn/WinTer (April-August)
> Daytime 28oC/Evening 21oC
CAirnS To pAlm Cove> 20 minutes/25 kilometres/16 miles
CAirnS To KurAndA> 30 minutes/38 kilometres/15 miles
CAirnS To CAirnS HigHlAndS> 1 hour/60 kilometres/40 miles
CAirnS To porT douglAS> 1 hour/60 kilometres/40 miles
CAirnS To dAinTree> 1.5 hours/80 kilometres/68 miles
CAirnS To CooKToWn> 5 hours/200 kilometres/146 miles
CAirnS To miSSion BeACH> 1.5 hours/110 kilometres/87 miles
CAirnS To CArdWell/HinCHinBrooK> 2.5 hours/145 kilometres/110 miles
DRive NORTH QUeeNSLANDwww.drivenorthqueensland.com.au greAT TropiCAl drive> 2079 kilometres (round trip)
SAvAnnAH WAY> 3700 kilometres (Cairns to Broome)
epiC CApe YorK drive> 1039 kilometres (one way)
Average seawater temperature 26oC
When swimming in Australia it is
recommended you swim at beaches
patrolled by lifesavers and to swim
between the flags. Also wear sunscreen
and appropriate swimming togs.
AirporT To CAirnS: 10 minutes/7km
Stretching 2.5km along the foreshore
of Cairns CBD, the Esplanade has bike
and foot paths, as well as children’s
playgrounds, skateboard park, volleyball
courts, exercise areas, barbeques and the
Cairns Lagoon.
Located at the southern end of the
Esplanade, this is the primary departure
point for trips to the Great Barrier Reef.
Internet cafes are available throughout
the CBD and open from 8am to midnight.
Wireless internet access is available at
various internet cafes and coffee shops
with prices varying.
All of these services are available in and
around the region.
Driving is on the left side of the road in
Australia. Cars may be hired at the airport or
areas around the CBD.
Banks generally open from 9am to 4pm Mon
to Fri. ATMs are available 24 hours/7 days.
General shopping centre hours are 9am to
5.30pm Mon to Sat; 10am to 4pm on Sun.
Independent shops are often closed Sat
afternoon and all day Sun, with most shops
closed on Public Holidays.
Cairns is the hub of Tropical North
Queensland, which is 400,000sq km,
equal to the combined size of California and
Oregon or Spain and Portugal. Cairns also
has the closest access to the Great Barrier
Reef, which is the largest reef in the world,
measuring 2011km in length and 72km
across at its widest point, also making it the
world’s largest World Heritage Area. There
are an estimated 1500 species of fish, 300
species of hard, reef-building corals, more
than 4000 mollusc species and around 400
species of sponges on the Reef.
150,000 people within the
Cairns Regional Council area.
Aboriginal tribes lived in the Cairns region
for thousands of years before the first
white settlers arrived 100 years after
Captain James Cook discovered Cairns in
1770 when his ship HM Bark Endeavour
ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef. The
discovery of gold in the region saw the town
officially founded in 1876 and named after
the State Governor of the day, Sir William
Cairns. As the gold rush died out, settlers
discovered sugar cane, fishing and pearling
as the region’s major industries. In 1984, the
opening of the international airport ushered
in major tourism as the region’s primary
industry and continues to meld the city into
the international hub it is today.
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