Cairns

Cairns is located in lush tropical far north Queensland on the east coast of Australia. The area is surrounded by world heritage listed natural wonders including the Great Barrier Reef which sits offshore and shapes the city's exotic character. The area is also home to many popular natural attractions including the Atherton Tablelands, Cape Tribulation, Mission Beach and Green Island. Cairns itself has become a vibrant town, bustling with a constant stream of tourists which has influenced the growing infrastructure in the inner city area and region.

Cairns is slowly becoming more than just the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, with outdoor lifestyles, stylish cafes, boutique shopping and bustling nightlife every night of the week. To the north of Cairns are popular swimming beaches and resorts including the internationally renowned Port Douglas. About an hour's drive away from Cairns you will find the famous Daintree National Park, and not far from here, Mossman offers visitors a glimpse of country life in the Cairns region and a laid-back place to relax with nature.

Attractions:strong> The Great Barrier Reef spans over 2,300 kms along the northeast coast of Queensland and is the largest natural feature on earth and can be seen from space. The beautiful reef is one of the world's most popular and breathtaking tourist attractions, where visitors can snorkel, dive and explore this natural wonder of the world. There are more than 1,500 different species of fish that live on the reef and is home to some of the most exotic and rare marine wildlife in the world.

Port Douglas is located about 70km north of Cairns and is home to a small permanent population of about 5,500 residents. During the peak tourist season, the population can double its size, bringing people from all over the world to holiday in this exotic and very stylish little beach town along breathtaking Four Mile Beach. After being established in 1877 as a port for the Hodgkinson River goldfields, the town has become a 'style capital', housing some exclusive fashion labels and playing host to big budget Hollywood films. There is a range of accommodation options offered in Port Douglas from five-star hotels and resorts to caravan parks and holiday rental houses.

Just under two hours south of beautiful Cairns, you'll find the famous Mission Beach. Offering you the best of both worlds, Mission Beach is secluded but still has a fabulous range of shopping, accommodation, restaurants and cafes.

The Daintree Rainforest National Park, located about 120km north of Cairns, is one of Australia's largest portions of rainforest, and also the oldest. The rainforest is estimated at 180 million years old ? the oldest in the world! It is said to contain thirty per cent of amphibian, marsupial and reptile species in Australia and is situated in a tiny 0.2 per cent of Australia's landmass. The area was world heritage listed in 1988 and has since then been the fuel to fight against the destruction of many other national parks in Australia and around the world. Tours of the rainforest are available, or if you have a 4WD you can brave the track yourself!

The Transport around City: The best way to get around the region is by hiring a car, which will give the most freedom to roam the area at your own leisure. If you are staying in Cairns city or Port Douglas, walking is an efficient way of getting around due to the close proximity of everything. Shuttles, buses and taxi services are also available.

The Recommended Restaurants: Ochre Restaurant (Cairns CBD), Marinades (Indian, Cairns CBD), Atriums (Cairns CBD), Matsuri (CBD).

The Recommended Bars: Reef Hotel Casino (Cairns CBD), The Pier Bar (Cairns CBD) Oak & Vine (Cairns CBD), Flamingos (Cairns CBD), Hemingway's Brewery (Cairns CBD).

The Recommended Hotels: Sebel Cairns Harbour Lights Hotel (Cairns, CBD), Hilton Cairns Hotel (Cairns CBD), Shangri La Hotel (Cairns CBD), Pacific Hotel (Cairns, CBD).

The Culture: There is so much to experience in Cairns and the culture of the region is so diverse. The local aboriginal culture is fascinating and offers visitors an insight on the beautiful area and its history. The food on offer in the region is delicious and exotic, with many different types of cuisines to try.