Cairns is the heart of the Tropical North & provides an ideal base for exploring the region. Founded in 1876 as the port for inland goldfields, Cairns has matured from a frontier town to friendly gateway & one of the most welcoming of all Queensland cities.

Almost a century of architecture, from traditional Queensland hi-set to modern high rise, blend on the tree lined streets. Much of the holiday accommodation is close to shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries & nightclubs.

The restaurants of the city reflect the cosmopolitan nature of its residents with local delicacies such as succulent prawns, delicate barramundi, mud crabs, reef species like coral trout & red emperor & the subtle indigenous flavours of kangaroo, emu & crocodile. Be adventurous !!

Excellent swimming beaches begin to the north & south of the city & most holiday accommodation has a pool. Each day, over 600 sea, air & land tours depart from Cairns to nearly every part of the Tropical North.

There are so many unique attractions & activities to see around Cairns...cruise to the reef or islands, take a 4WD safari to the outback, float over the Atherton Tablelands at sunrise in a hot air balloon or dive in the depths of the outer Barrier Reef, trek into the rainforest or see it from the rainforest cableway above its green canopy 

The Great Barrier Reef, the 8th living wonder of the world, stretches along the coast of Queensland for more than 2,000 kilometres from Lady Elliott Island in the south to the tip of Cape York, the northernmost point of the Australian continent. This reef is by far the largest single collection of coral reefs in the world.

Its 2900 reefs & almost 1000 islands are home to 1500 species of fish, 200 types of birds, 22 different kinds of whales, 500 different seaweeds, & 400 species of coral. It comprises a rich diversity of coast, coral reefs, cays & continental islands. The scenery both above & below water is breathtaking.

Imagine this. A massive living organism the size of Great Britain, submerged in the depths of our bluest waters, seething with life form. Starfish, sea cucumbers, urchins & clams. This magnificent natural wonder is truly a place to escape come swim with the fish & admire this back yard of corals.

Reef walking is a popular activity for exploring the intertidal area or reef flat. It allows the opportunity to discover a variety of marine plants & animals.

There are over 1,000 islands in the Great Barrier Reef, but the best are easily accessible from the main centres of Cairns & Port Douglas. Dive boats, catamarans, seaplanes, helicopters, yachts, motor cruisers & game fishing boats all offer services to the best parts of the reef, where you can enjoy the spectacular diving, snorkelling, swimming, & view the corals & stunning reef fish.