Cairns - Tropical Capital of Queensland

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It’s a unique, quiet and relaxing village by the sea where centuries old “paperbark” Melaleuca trees line the casual esplanade, is a tropical paradise which provides for all of your needs and ensures your holiday will be one to remember in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication.

Australia's premier regional city and safest tropical city in the world, Cairns, is the international gateway into Tropical North Queensland and custodian of two of the world’s greatest natural treasures - the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforests. Few places exist on earth where two such treasures rest side by side, making a holiday in Cairns a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Cairns is a mecca for scuba divers, snorkellers, reef cruises, all types of fishing, rainforest walks, outback "bush" adventures, native bird and wildlife watching with tours of all shapes and sizes available, and adventure activities and accommodation to suit all types of budgets. And as the major centre in North Queensland, the city is an ideal starting point from which to explore Queensland’s Tropic North.

Cairns International Airport recorded more than three million international and domestic passenger movements during 2002/03. This winter, why not be one to share the Cairns experience - a tropical paradise of palm-fringed beaches, balmy days, easy living, spectacular rainforests, exotic fauna and flora and dramatic waterfalls, carefully mixed with the advantages of tourist attractions, shopping malls, sophisticated hotels, restaurants and nightclubs.

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The $54 million Cairns Aquarium and Reef Research Centre is open, inviting eco-lovers on a 2.5-hour interactive journey from the rainforest to the reef, through 10 North Queensland ecosystems and 71 habitats.

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach, described as Cairn's favourite beach, is just 15 minutes drive north of the city, but close enough to enjoy the many attractions it has to offer.

Locals and tourists mingle in a relaxed tropical setting which gives Trinity beach the experience rarely found elsewhere. Trinity Beach, safely nestled between two headlands, is a paradise for bird watchers, animal lovers, fishermen, or those who simply want to lie back and relax. Soak up the sun. Stroll palm-fringed shores. Build sandcastles with the kids. And if you want a change then tours depart Trinity Beach daily.

Kewarra Beach A variety of apartment-style accommodation is available for those who want the convenience and freedom offered by resort-style self-contained units, but at the same time, a variety of budgets are catered for. In much the same easy-going way, Trinity offers dining experiences to suit all tastes, from plain tucker to bush tucker to exotic cuisine. Along the esplanade, there are a number of local cafes and stores which sell fresh provisions, beachwear and souvenirs.

Try windsurfing, sailing, wave skis, boogie boards and beach volleyball. Swim safely all year round. For those who can't give up their exercise routine, try the gym. Enjoy a game of tennis, squash or even bowls, and there's a world-class golf course too.

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Tully Tours

Sonya Jeffrey, from Tully's Ingan Tours, knows just the place. Her family runs a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned tourism experience in Davidson Valley – home to the Janbanbarra Jirrbal Rainforest people. Situated halfway between Townsville and Cairns, it's also Australia's lushest corner, recording the highest rainfall in the country and third highest in the world.

Yorkeys Knob

Yorkeys Knob, named after a local fisherman who long ago lived on the rocky hill near Half Moon Beach has long been one of North Queensland’s best-kept secrets. Yorkeys has everything to offer the most particular visitor - safe beaches, restaurants, shopping, accommodation, a world-class marina, and a range of holiday activities. But best of all, there’s always a little bit of paradise waiting for you along the golden palm-fringed beach overlooking the sparkling waters of the Coral Sea. Swim, sail, wind-surf, snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef, visit the World Heritage Rain Forests or if you want to return to city living, drop into Cairns City knowing that you can return to restful Yorkeys Knob whenever you want to.

Palm Cove - Premier beach destination

Here the foothills of rainforest mountains meet palm-fringed beaches of the Coral Sea nestles Cairns' premier beach destination of Palm Cove. If you take a dawn walk, you'll be in the presence of lorikeets, kookaburras, sulphur-crested cockatoos, wallabies, rare tree green frogs and it's hard to believe this peaceful place is just 20 minutes north of Cairns International Airport.

Palm Cove is a wonderful lifestyle destination, both affordable and catering for all accommodation needs from international standard resorts to self-contained holiday apartments; all carefully positioned among majestic melaleuca trees interspersed with coconut palms and tropical gardens.

Wherever you choose to stay, you will have access to a world heritage rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Have a go at white-water rafting, canoeing, horse-riding or trekking. Palm Cove has a distinctive character and intimate ambience; its old-world charm, tropical colours, idyllic setting and serenity have visitors returning again and again.

It's your holiday - do it all, or do nothing and do it at Palm Cove.

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Half-day trip to Outer Reef.

Visitors short on time wanting to find Nemo or Dory will love the launch of Port Douglas' new half-day trip to the outer reef with Tropical Journeys. Offering two departures daily on the comfortable 50-seater Calypso Blue, visitors can opt for a morning trip departing at 7:30 or sleep in and take the afternoon adventure that departs at 1:00 pm. Both journeys

give snorkelers up to two hours to explore the reef and best of all – gear is included: prescription masks, flotation devices, wetsuits and lycra suits.

www.tropicaljourneys.com/half-day-cruise-outerreef.html or phone (07) 4099 6999

Boutique Reef Retreat

Small apartments and cottages, bars and shops are shaded by palm trees and tropical ferns. A golden beach curves gently to the south, and offshore islands glitter on the sea. At the northern end of the beach, Great Barrier Reef cruise vessels depart daily.

Palm Cove has everything a visitor needs to make their stay a happy one.

For further information contact:

Tourism Tropical North Queensland - Ph: (07) 4031 7676 - Website: http://www.tropicalnorthholidays.info