| Dear Friends | | | | friend, because up to three people can swing at a |
| Take a few minutes, so I can tell you more about | | | | time. Hiking - You will find a variety of Walking Trails |
| Cairns in the Tropical North of Queensland, Australia. | | | | all in and around the city itself, or take some of the |
| This is one amazing place and one of the most | | | | bigger challenges on some that may even take you |
| favorite Holiday destinations in the Land Down Under! | | | | up to a few days. Mountaineering- Pyramid Mountain |
| | | | would be the most famous one to give a go close to |
| Cairns is a city with approximately 130 000 residents, | | | | Cairns and there is even a race up the mountain once |
| growing fast. The city is squeezed between the | | | | a year. |
| Great Dividing Mountain Range and the Great Barrier | | | | Wildlife? Zoo - You have the Cairns Wildlife Zoo close |
| Reef. The city is part of- and surrounded by | | | | to Palm Cove and the Wildlife Safari Zoo up at |
| Rainforest and is described as a "City in a Garden". | | | | Kuranda. Meet the native animals of Australia close-up |
| From the shore, the Great Barrier Reef closes in onto | | | | at the Cairns Wildlife Zoo and have breakfast with |
| the Mainland and can be visited in so many ways to | | | | the Beasts of Africa, at the Wildlife Safari Zoo. |
| choose from. The Activities is limitless and the best I | | | | Bird-and Butterfly Sanctuaries - You have a |
| can do, is to describe as many as I can think of. I will | | | | combination of these sanctuaries at Kuranda and the |
| try my best to group them, to give a good idea of | | | | Wildlife Habitat at Port Douglas. Interact with the |
| possible options. | | | | friendly birds and animals and feed them yourself. Be |
| Weather wise? The average Min. and Max. | | | | amazed by the colorful Butterflies, of which many |
| Temperatures during the Summer months, range | | | | native of the Tropical Rainforests of Australia. |
| between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius and during the | | | | Crocodile Farms - Go for a tour at Hartley's Crocodile |
| Winter months, between 17 and 28 degrees Celsius. | | | | Farm, or the Crocodile Tours up the Trinity Inlet. Get |
| Even in the Rainy Season you can expect heaps of | | | | expert guides to give you a presentation about the |
| sun, which will give you the time to work on a nice, | | | | Rulers of the River and watch them feed the crocs. |
| even Suntan. Relax on the many Beaches, Islands, | | | | Get a newfound respect for these awesome reptiles. |
| Esplanade Swimming Pool, or out at sea on the many | | | | Wildlife Spotting - Take a tour with the old Army |
| Reef charters. Just remember that the summer | | | | Duck at Kuranda and discover the native life in the |
| months may become very humid. Just make sure | | | | Tropical swamps up at the Tableland. At Cape |
| that you drink heaps of fluid on these days! | | | | Tribulation you can choose between a |
| Water activities? Swimming - Your pick whether it | | | | Crocodile-spotting Expedition at Night, or a |
| would be from a beach, in a pool, natural rock pools, | | | | Wildlife-spotting Tour at Night, around the local forest. |
| the Esplanade, or the Reef. Just keep well clear of | | | | One of the most diverse and natural eco-systems in |
| the Rivers, because they are considered as | | | | the world, can be found around Cape Tribulation. |
| "crocodile-invested". You want to have a relaxing | | | | Fishing? If you like fishing, Cairns is the place to be! |
| holiday, not to become a meal! Snorkeling - Be | | | | From fishing the Dams inland for the famous |
| amazed by the rich underwater life on the Barrier | | | | Barramundi, to fishing the Estuaries for Mangrove |
| Reef, Islands, or even off some beaches in the area. | | | | Jack, Trevally, Blue Salmon, or Barramundi again, you |
| Diving - You will find few places in the world, where | | | | still haven't scratch the surface of choices! You can |
| diving is more of a specialized, main attraction. It | | | | fish the many Rivers, the Beaches, the Rock-walls, |
| would be a sin to visit Cairns and not to use the | | | | the Islands, the Reef or the Deep-water of the Coral |
| opportunity to visit the Reef for some of the most | | | | Sea. Cairns is on top of the list to go for the most |
| pristine diving in the world! Even if you can't swim or | | | | sought-after heavy-weight,- the Black Marlin! Then I |
| have never dived before, expert Diving Instructors | | | | haven't even mentioned the many Tuna-, Mackerel |
| can be found on almost every Charter Vessel and | | | | and other favorite Deep-sea species. With at least |
| they are always ready to take you for an | | | | 1500 known species of fish on the Reef alone, the |
| Introductory Diving Lesson, to introduce you to | | | | possibilities is limitless! |
| diving. Certified Divers can explore the Reef under | | | | City life? Markets- Stroll through the Cairns Night |
| the guidance of the same Instructors, to show you | | | | Markets and be amazed by all the the local and |
| the best of each and every Dive Site. A new Craze, | | | | overseas products up for sale. Indulge yourself with |
| is to explore the underwater world by the Seawalker | | | | the varity of food served. Shops- Cairns have so |
| Helmet Dive. You literally walk the seabottom with | | | | many different Shopping Centers to choose from, |
| your head stuck in a glass-bubble. Your hair won't | | | | but the best known one in the hart of the city, |
| even get wet! This is the ideal way for a person who | | | | would be Cairns Central. If you want to take |
| want to get the feeling of being in an Aquarium, or if | | | | souvenirs back home with you, there is more shops |
| you can't swim. Then there is also the option of the | | | | than you can handle in the city. This is one of the |
| Glass bottom Boat Tours. Sit safe in a boat and be | | | | reasons why Cairns is so famous as a |
| amazed while watching the Marine Life gliding by | | | | Holiday-destination! Take your time and browse the |
| through the Glass Bottom, while listening to a Reef | | | | different shops, or just sit back and relax while |
| Presentation as the boat travel along. Another similar | | | | enjoying a Coffee, or have, from a Breakfast, to a |
| option, would be to travel in a Semi-submersible | | | | Full Meal, at one of the many Food Outlets. Nightlife- |
| Submarine, with its glass windows. It will create the | | | | Cairns is well-known for its famous Nightlife, with |
| feeling of being in a Submarine, traveling amongst the | | | | many Pubs and Nightclubs. Always heaps of people |
| Rich Marine Environment. Or, just take a seat in an | | | | to meet and the atmosphere is Electrifying! Be ready |
| Underwater Viewing Chamber/ Observatory and | | | | to party the night away! |
| relax watching the diverse Marine Life. Underwater | | | | Sightseeing? Kuranda- This is a great little town to |
| Scooters - One of the charters even have the option | | | | explore! It is described as a Village in the Forest. It |
| to explore more of the reef, by means of | | | | have its own markets and as I've mentioned before, |
| underwater mobilisation! | | | | a Bird-and Butterfly Sanctuary. Close you will find the |
| Scenic Flights? Seaplanes - Cairns Seaplanes will be | | | | Wetlands, which you can explore by means of the |
| one of your options to get the "Full Picture" of the | | | | old Army Duck, an Amphibious Vehicle to drive on |
| Great Barrier Reef and the Tropical Rainforests. The | | | | land and just as well in the water. It is a beautiful, |
| same can be said of the Helicopter Flights. Both will | | | | easy-going town and a nice place to wind down. The |
| take you for a breathtaking view of the Reef with | | | | Safari Wildlife Park, can also be found just a short |
| its stunning blue water, the lush, green islands, the | | | | distance from the town. If you take the road to |
| secluded sand-cays and the marine life to be spotted, | | | | Kuranda, make sure to stop over at the Scenic |
| even from the air. They will offer you any deal from | | | | Look-out point, from where you can gaze down on |
| being just a One-way or Return Charter between | | | | Cairns with its Sugarcane fields, with the Coral Sea |
| certain destinations, to a large assortment of choices | | | | and the Great Barrier Reef in the distant background. |
| of Scenic Flights over the Reef and the Rainforest. | | | | The winding road will take you through Virgin |
| They will even take you to a secluded destination of | | | | Rainforest, which will impress you for sure. Skyrail- |
| choice, to spend quality time with the one you love. | | | | Another Scenic alternative, is to take this option, to |
| Special events, like Weddings or Social Events, are | | | | glide over the Forest Canopy, just meters above the |
| just part of the package they will work out, just for | | | | trees. Glide past the Barron Falls and stop over at |
| you! | | | | the Mid-way station for a presentation about the |
| Island and Reef Opportunities? Charters - You will | | | | forest history and get to see one of the oldest trees |
| find Day - and even Overnight Charters to serve you | | | | in the forest. Many people prefer to do one way |
| the best of what you can expect on your holiday. | | | | with the Skyrail and the return with the Kuranda |
| Options between Charters to various pristine Reef | | | | Scenic Train, of which I will talk next. Kuranda Scenic |
| Destinations, is almost limitless. If you thought a dive | | | | Railway- This is another option to visit, or return |
| in Daytime is good, you haven't try a Nightdive yet! | | | | from Kuranda. As I've said, this option is a favorite to |
| To sleep over at sea, is just as good. It is a | | | | use in conjunction with the Skyrail. The breathtaking |
| wonderful experience, bringing some new peace in | | | | scenes remain the same, but from a different angle. |
| your heart and soul. Diving and Snorkling would be | | | | Look down on the Barron-falls as you pass, or try to |
| the main activities on most of the charters, but do | | | | spot some wildlife on your trip. Barron-falls- From |
| not feel left out if that is not what you are into, | | | | Kuranda, you can visit the Barron-falls, which can be |
| because just the experience of being out at see and | | | | extra spectacular in the rainy season. Take a Scenic |
| the alternative activities alone, will guarantee to colour | | | | Walking Trail down to the look-out point and be |
| up your day! | | | | amazed by the awesome Forest Fauna and Flora. |
| If you would love to spend your day on an Island, | | | | Barron-gorge- This is the rapids below the |
| there is a few to pick from. Although there are many | | | | Barron-falls, you can visit from Cairns. Cross the |
| islands around, Green Island, Fitzroy-Island and The | | | | bridge towards the Hydro Power Station and look |
| Frankland Islands would be the most visited Islands | | | | down at the fast flowing waters beneath you. The |
| from Cairns. From Port Douglas you can visit the Low | | | | raw beauty of the surrounding area, make up great |
| Islands. There is a few other, of which some is more | | | | pictures to take back home. Copperlodge Dam/Lake |
| Private, like Double Island off Palm Cove. Most of the | | | | Morris- You can visit this dam by taking another |
| larger Islands mentioned, will offer you a variety of | | | | Scenic Route from Cairns, by a narrow, winding road |
| activities, like Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving, Hiking, | | | | that go up the mountain range. Be astonished by the |
| Glass-bottom Boat and Semi-submersible Tours. | | | | beauty of this eery Lake in the clouds, which feed |
| There is also activities such as the Helmet Dive, | | | | Cairns with its pristine, clean, nice tasting water. |
| Sea-trampoline, Kayaking, Nautical Museum, | | | | Crystal Cascades- Visit this clear water Creek and |
| Para-gliding or even Camping and Fishing at some. | | | | cool off in its inviting cool water. The name describing |
| The best way would be to browse through my | | | | it as "The Crystal Cascades" is very accurate with all |
| Activity listings to see which each has to offer. | | | | the different natural pools and rock boulders down its |
| Other Adventure Activities? Bungy-jumping - AJ | | | | path. From there you can also take a Walking trail up |
| Hackett is the inventor of Bungy-jumping and Cairns | | | | to the Copperlodge dam if you wish. The natural |
| was obviously one of the first choices in Australia to | | | | Forest is again, just amazing! Mossmann-gorge- This |
| build a structure to introduce other adrenalin- junky | | | | famous Gorge, is very much like the Crystal |
| minded people too the "Rush". They have resently | | | | Cascades, but just close to port Douglas. The natural |
| just celebrated 20 years of safe jumping in Cairns! | | | | pools is just inviting and a pleasure to cool off in! The |
| Hot Air Ballooning - Go for a Breathtaking Champagne | | | | Gorge is situated in the Daintree National Park, which |
| Breakfast over the Tablelands, just west of Cairns. | | | | is one of the Natural Wonders of the World. |
| Watch the Sunrise over the Rainforests in the east, | | | | Josephine-falls- / The Boulders-/ Fishery-falls. These 3 |
| while looking down over the farmlands right under | | | | falls, is all situated in different areas between Cairns |
| you, as they drift by. White Water River Rafting - | | | | and Innisfail and although very similar in description to |
| Take your pick! From Half-day to Full-day packages, | | | | the Crystal Cascades and Mossmann-gorge, it each |
| from Moderate to Daring! Take the Barron River or | | | | have its own draw-power and beauty. Visit the |
| take on the mighty Tully River which will deliver you | | | | Pyramid-mountain, from where some of them |
| an Extreme Experience. Sky-diving - So many options | | | | originate and be stunned by the glare of the many |
| to choose from. Different heights, different locations, | | | | smaller falls, all around the mountain, in the rainy |
| with different views! From qualified Sky-diving, to | | | | season. |
| Tandem Sky-diving. Para-gliding - Have fun being | | | | Sports? Cairns would not be a town if without any |
| towed behind a powerful speedboat, while hanging | | | | sports. I am not going to go into it much, because |
| from a parachute. Microlights - Get Introductory | | | | that is a aspect which is very similar wherever you |
| Microlight Flight lessons from Port Douglas. Enjoy the | | | | go. Just as other towns, Cairns have its own share |
| spectacular views as you glide over the beaches and | | | | of sports-facilities, all over town. |
| river systems, while still doing valid flying hours at the | | | | Great places within a day's drive south of Cairns? |
| same time. Kayaking - There is a couple of places to | | | | Paronella Park - A great place with breathtaking |
| practice your rowing skills and to enjoy the freedom | | | | views and awesome Rainforest, just south of |
| of the ocean. Jet-ski - Heaps of fun is the word! | | | | Innisfail. Mission Beach- Have fun and enjoy the sun |
| ATV- Riding - That is the description for "All Terrain | | | | on this long stretch of pristine beach with heaps of |
| Vehicles", or 4-wheeler Dirt Bikes. Just up the | | | | activities. Whitsundays- Explore this group of 74 |
| Tablelands, you will have the option to test your | | | | Great Islands. Leave from Airlie-beach for a visit, or a |
| off-road driving skills on some off-road tracks. Horse | | | | stay-over at many of the inhabited islands. Hamilton |
| riding - If you love horses and the tropics, where | | | | Island with it's own Airport, or the exclusive Hayman |
| better to "wind down" on horseback. There is various | | | | Island for people who expect just the best. Then |
| places to choose from. Take a winding road down | | | | there is Lindeman Island for people who want to |
| the forest, or play in the waves on the beach. Four | | | | share an island with only the bare minimum |
| Wheel Drive, Offroad Driving - Test your skills on the | | | | holiday-makers or the fun Daydream Island. Also visit |
| various offroad tracks, from the local area, the | | | | many of the other islands, such as Long Island, |
| famous Bloomfield track from Cape Tribulation up to | | | | South-and North Mole Islands or Hook Island. Visit the |
| Cooktown, or even as far as up to Cape York. | | | | breathtaking Whitehaven Beach, with the purest and |
| Jungle Swinging - You have two options to choose | | | | highest quality pure, white Silica Sand in the world. |
| from. The one is at AJ Hackett's place where the | | | | Party your night away in loveable Airlie-beach, which |
| Bungy-jumping is done from and the second at Cape | | | | can lifestyle wise, be compared with Cairns in the |
| Tribulation. Be thrilled by this high speed swing and at | | | | small. |
| the same time, share and enjoy the moment with a | | | | |