Introduction
Cairns – The unofficial ‘capital’ of Northern Queensland,
and the key international gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Nestled beside
the picturesque Trinity Bay, Cairns has risen from an isolated tropical
outpost to one of Australia’s most visited tourism destinations. A
haven for operators of adventure activities, Cairns not only has the Reef at
its doorstep, but also the Daintree Rain forest, Atherton Tablelands,
Mossman Gorge plus countless other natural and cultural treasures.
Visitors from all over the world converge on the region not just to dive
the Great Barrier Reef, but also to experience the thrills of big game
fishing, white-water rafting, bungee jumping and more. Natural attractions
aside, Cairns itself is a thriving tourist city, catering to the holiday
lifestyle with a range of great shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Cairns offers the complete holiday package - little wonder it’s a
must-see destination for so many international visitors.
Major Attraction of Cairns
Undersea World Aquarium
Located at the Pier Marketplace, the Undersea World Aquarium brings the
best of the Great Barrier Reef to the centre of Cairns. This enormous
attraction features more than 1000 marine creatures from sharks, stingrays
and Moray eels to seahorses, spectacular coral, jellyfish, the deadly
stonefish and the Crown of Thorns starfish. Guided tours are available, and
sharks are fed in front of visitors four times daily.
Wonderland Hinterland
One
of the most popular day-tour options from Cairns (aside from the reef) is
the Kuranda hinterland. Take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda
Scenic Railway and take your time to explore the bustling Kuranda township.
Favourites include a walk through the rainforest, photo stop at the Barron
River Gorge and make sure you leave plenty of time to stroll through the
markets with their myriad delights of local food, produce, art, crafts and
clothing.
Quilpie Opals – World's Finest Opal
Welcome to Quilpie Opals - Queensland's premier opal specialist and
showcase of the beautiful Australian Opal. Australia is renowned for the
world's finest opal, with ninety-five per cent of the total worldwide
production originating from rich mineral deposits around Lightning Ridge in
Northern New South Wales. One of the rarest of precious gems, the world
loves the exquisite colours of this unique Australian stone.
The
other attractions of Australia include Birdworld Kuranda , home
to the largest single collection of free flying birds in Australia . Cairns
Night Zoo, A great Aussie night out!. Cairns Regional Gallery, the
culmination of over sixty years of vision, planning, lobbying and
undraising. Hartley's Crocodile adventures. Smithfield World Heritage ,
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes you on an amazing experience over the
rainforest canopy .
Wild World: A wildlife park with koalas, crocodiles,
kangaroos, cassowaries, wombats, emus, snakes, birds and dingoes. Includes
an Aboriginal Culture Show which brings together nature and culture through
demonstration and dance.
Nightlife in Cairns : A Unique Experience
Mondo, on the Harbour at the Cairns Hilton. This place definitely has the
finest offerings for an evening drink – popular with the tourist crowds
and pumping with locals on a Friday night. Johnno’s Blues Bar, The
Esplanade, Cairns. Johnno’s Blues Bar is considered an institution
among the musically inclined. This venue attracts star acts, and plays a
diverse range of live jazz, classic funk, and disco house, so get down and
check it out. The Pier Tavern, The Pier Marketplace. Overlooking the
waterfront, this lively upmarket venue is an ideal spot to mingle and meet
locals.
Divers Dream : Scuba diving in Cairns
Diving on the Great Barrier Reef is the dream of just about every
water-lover who’s donned a snorkel and in Cairns it becomes a reality.
A range of professional tour operators offer various packages from half-day
dives to fully inclusive week-long trips out to the reef. Beginners are
welcome - there’s not a better place in the world to learn to dive than
the Great Barrier Reef. Most operators depart from the Esplanade.
