Cairns
and the Great Barrier Reef by Jenny Brewer
Australia Home
Famous for its tropical rainforests,
Great Barrier Reef and sunny skies, Cairns is the hub of North Queensland,
and is the ideal destination for the car hire traveller searching for rugged
wilderness and beauty.
There are only two main seasons,
the wet and the dry. You dont really get cold in Cairns, but the wet season
(November to May) is known for its heavy downpours and occasional tropical
cyclone.
The dry season (June to October)
brings sunny skies and high temperatures. Most days are sunny with a light
breeze, bringing perfect days for your holiday.
One of the newest attractions
in the city is the Esplanade Swimming Lagoon which is great for the whole
family. Similar to Brisbanes South Bank, it also features a salt water
lagoon and it is the perfect place to relax when you have finished your
shopping and sightseeing.
Outside of the city centre,
there is so much to see and do. Just north of Cairns, Lake Placid Tourist
Park is situated on 14 acres of rainforest, next to Lake Placid and close
to the World Heritage listed Barron River Gorge National Park. A fantastic
base for your holiday, this beautiful hideaway of the north offers many
rainforest walking tracks with birds and wildlife everywhere.
Not far away are the Crystal
Cascades which is a perfect spot for the nature lover. You will find a
number of small waterfalls, and a fantastic walk to the top where you can
also jump into the pool. Great for a day trip, or a relaxing few days getaway.
Kuranda is located on the
edge of the Atherton Tablelands, and is known for its skyrail which descends
for 7 kms over the rainforest treetops for an experience you will never
forget.
Another scenic drive takes
you to Copperlode Dam which is the citys water supply. Stretching for 25km
on Lake Morris Road, it is an enjoyable drive which includes sweeping views
of the valley below, spectacular rainforest and of course the dam which
also has a cafe available.
The Northern Beaches are
a must for anyone visiting Cairns. From 10 to 25 minutes away you will
find white sandy beaches such as tree-lined Palm Cove, Trinity, Ellis and
Yorkeys Knob. Jellyfish stingers are present from October through to May
so make sure you swim in the netted areas to avoid any injuries. The beaches
of northern Queensland are world class and there are camping and picnic
spots throughout the beach road.
A Cairns experience is not
complete without a day trip to the islands. One of the most popular is
tiny Green Island located 45 minutes from the mainland. It is an easy walk
around its 15 hectares of rainforest, and is surrounded by coral reef and
fantastic for snorkelling. Half day tours are also available on the Reef
Rocket catamaran which gives you a good two hours to explore the island.
Fitzroy Island is just as
beautiful with brilliant white beaches, world class diving and budget resort
accommodation available if you want to stay overnight. Located 45 minutes
from the mainland, it is over 300 hectares of National Park. Lizard Island
is 240km from the mainland and 1000 hectares of beautiful rainforest.It
offers luxurious resort accommodation (with a price tag) and is an absolute
island haven. The world renowned island is famous for its monitor lizards
and brilliant white beaches.
The Great Barrier Reef is
one Australias most protected and valuable treasures. Alive with coral
reefs, thousands of fish species and a myriad of sea creatures, make sure
you find away to experience this marine wonderland.
Whether you visit Cairns
to sightsee and relax, or leave the open track and explore all there is
to offer, you will always leave with lifelong memories of the beauty of
North Queensland.
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