Cairns - Cairns Beaches - Palm Cove - Port Douglas - Tourism & Things to Do
home | holiday accommodation listings | tourism & things to do | travel resources | about us | email |
|
There is so much to see and do in Tropical North Queensland that even the locals find it difficult to keep up. Many of the best things are for free of course, like going to the beach and enjoying our great weather. These are some suggestions for what to do on your
holidays: |
 |
- Top 5 Favourite Tourist Activities in the Far Far North
This is just our opinion of course, but if we only had 1 week in the Tropics, these are the things we would seriously consider doing first:
No 1 - Visit the Great Barrier Reef. The Cairns region is widely regarded as providing the best opportunities for reef viewing, mainly because the outer reef is close to the coast and because the water depth is much less. Just do it!
No 2 - Visit Daintree and Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the ocean. Why not hire a car for a day and be your own tour guide? We suggest a nice scenic drive to the township of Daintree to spot crocodiles on the river (by boat). Then cross the river by cable ferry, have lunch somewhere along the way, and spend as much time as you want lazing around the many beaches of Cape Tribulation.
No 3 - Take a day off to do some serious fishing. There are many types of exciting and varied fishing excursions available from the Cairns area, ranging from Estuary Fishing to Heavy Tackle Game Fishing for Giant Black Marlin. If you like the outdoors and fishing in the ocean, this might be the opportunity of a lifetime.
No 4 - See at least one of the local attractions. Hartley's Crocodile Adventures ia a firm favourite with many, and equally enjoyable is the Cairns Zoo, the Kuranda Skyrail experience, and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
No 5 - Relax, because no holiday is complete without it. Do what tourists are good at, relax on the beach, enjoy the weather, pick up a bargain from the local market (Cairns, Kuranda, Port Douglas), and don't forget to indulge in some of the fresh local sea food.
- Links to Great Barrier Reef Tour Operators.
If you really want to experience the Great Barrier Reef at its best .....spend a night on it. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world & Reef Encounter offers an outstanding opportunity to spend 1 or many nights on the Great Barrier Reef.
 |
There simply is no better way to see the Great Barrier Reef than onboard Reef Encounter in a twin or double stateroom with a private bathroom. Reef Encounter is a 35 metre luxury catamaran designed for the utmost stability & comfort at sea. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout & features spacious decks as well as roomy dining & recreation areas to dine and relax in. |
Other tour operators:
Quicksilver Cruises to
the Outer Reef or the Low Isles
Travel with Australia's most awarded reef cruise company. With a choice
of day trips, it's the ultimate way to see nature's finest in absolute
comfort and style.
Big
Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
From its home base in Cairns, Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises operates
half day cruises and full day reef cruises to famous Green Island, an
idyllic coral cay on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns
Reef Tours
Cairns Reef & Tour Centre in Far North Queensland for all information
and bookings to plan your dive trip to the World Heritage Listed, Great
Barrier Reef - the world's largest living coral reef.
- Go Fishing off Port Douglas
Port Douglas is the fishing mecca for all fishing enthusiasts. All sorts of fishing can be done in the local area, including deep sea fishing on the reef for Coral Trout, Red Emperor and other delicious table fish.
 |
During the months of October
to March , you can charter a boat and try for the prized black marlin
on a heavy tackle fishing charter. Sportfishing is available for half day fishing trips. |
Live aboard fishing charters that incorporate a variety of fishing styles are also available from Port Douglas. These are a great economical option for groups. Contact Port Douglas Reef Charters on 0439 910 133 for more information.
Whatever type of fishing you want to do ... this is the place to be - an anglers heaven!
- Organised Day Trips, Sightseeing and Things to Do around Cairns and Port Douglas
In no particular order, here is a list of some of the tours to choose from. Keep in mind that most of these destinations are also available by car, so you also have the option of setting your own time table.
Tjapukai by Night( by Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park)
Explosions, fire, special effects, music and dance. 3 hours, departs Cairns 6.40pm.
Daintree Explorer (by Trek North Safaris)
Enjoy a day tour designed to show the best of the Daintree, Mossman Gorge and the Port Douglas area. 10 hours, departs Cairns and Cairns Beaches from 7.30am.
Calm Water Fishing (by Fishing in the Tropics)
Scenic drive to Daintree, Barron, Russel or Mulgrave rivers. Target tropical species such as barramundi, trevally, fingermark, queen fish etc. 10 hours, departs daily from Cairns.
Ballooning with Hot Air
Experienced guides take you to the beautiful hinterland of North Queensland for your serene ballooning experience. 4-5 hours, daily from 4am.
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Drive yourself or organise pick up from the hotel. One of the best places to see crocodiles.
Dinner Cruise (by Ocean Spirit Dinner Cruise)
A perfect way to end a perfect day. 2.5 hours, departs daily from marlin Wharf at 7pm.
Down Under Tours
"Cape Tribulation, Daintree and Mossman Gorge" is one of the many day trips organised by Down Under Tours. This trip lasts 11 hours and departs daily 7am from Cairns. Other tours include "4WD Rainforest and Kuranda Experience" and the "Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail".
Cairns Habitat Cruise
Enjoy a tranquil calm-water cruise whilst discovering the secrets of the mangroves. 3 hours, departs daily from Cairns at 9.30 am and 1.30pm.
Thunderbolt Outer Reef Tour (by Raging Thunder)
As the name suggests getting to the reef is half the fun. 9 hours, departs daily from Cairns at 8.45am.
Flames of the Forest
Dine under a canopy in a secluded area of the rainforest. 5 hours, Thu/Fri/Sat departs from approx 6.10pm.
Tablelands, Waterfalls and Spanish Castles (Down Under Tours)
See the magnificent Cairns Highlands, waterfalls, rainforests and Paronella Park. 11 hours, departs Cairns and Cairns Beaches from 7.15 am.