World Travel Solution Blog

Events and accommodations in the Queensland

Queensland, Australia always has something exciting going on. Regardless of the type of year there is an event going on for tourists to enjoy. Some of the events are local favorites but others have gained worldwide notoriety.

The Global Surf Industries Noosa Festival of Surfing held in Noosa Heads, is one of the many surfing events that takes place. It is presented by Golden Breed and it held over a course of eight days and nights. There are several different types of surfing events. Some of the events include pro events, tandem surfing, stand-up paddling and amateur surfing. There are a wide range of ages of participants and the competitions are open to people from 7-74 years of age. Social events such as movie premieres and music festivals are also held. It will be held from March 15-March 22, 2009. Cunnamulla “Outback” Masters Games is an outdoorsman dream. There are nightly entertainments and an array of competitive sports such as wood chopping and kayaking. The most popular event is the Cooper Creek to Cunnamulla bike ride. This 300 mile trek takes its participants across the beautiful Australian bush.

Calling all eco-friendly and vibrant tourists to come and participate in the Greenfest Festival held in Brisbane City. This free green festival is held on World Environment day and features exhibitions, live music, speakers, feature films and beautiful art. Its main goal is to raise awareness and action to committing to a low carbon economy by supporting the diversity in industry and the arts. The Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show is held on Airlie Beach. Local residents and tourists have a chance to showcase their boats and other prized possessions. There are live fishing shows and boat building competitions. There is a long list of events for families to enjoy.

The Roll the Dice run is held in Warrick, Queensland. This large motor bike rally is held every year. Bikers ride through the local scenery while enjoying live entertainment, food and bike display of the Orange County Choppers. Spectators are welcome at all the events. The On the Beach Barrum Heads Easter Fishing Classic continues to be a tourist favorite. The fisherman’s come out from all over to participate in this local event. Prizes are given for the heaviest species caught and random draws and raffles are also held. Some of the prizes include money, boats, and kayaks.

When looking for an event o enjoy regardless of the month or area there is something to look forward to. Many of these events are held every year, so make plans to come back over and over again and enjoy the great land.

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Nature tours, wild life parks, and accommodations

Queensland has some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Organisms are found here that cannot be found anywhere else. People come from far and near just to experience the wildlife up close and personal. Each year sights such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Tropical Rainforest draw millions of tourists.

The Great Barrier Reef holds the current title of the largest coral reef in the world. It can be found along the coast of Queensland, Australia for about 2,000km. The Great Barrier Reef is in great condition and it is a protected site in order to make sure that its beauty is preserved. Some of the most diverse and interesting marine animals can be found in the Barrier Reef. At the popular site Cape Tribulation the reefs seem to walk up to the shore and shake hands with the tropical rainforests of Wet Tropics. This beauty scenery attracts millions of tourists every year to the coral islands. These exotic islands are favorite snorkeling and diving spots. Beautiful resorts and hotels are located throughout the island to house eager tourists. Aristocat Snorkel and Scuba in Port Douglas provides day tours through the Great Barrier Reef and the marine life present. Visitors can see whales and dolphins while enjoying the scenery.

The rugged Outback land drives nature lovers to Queensland. Ranging rivers make way for great fishing spots. Farms and cattle stations cover the land. The Australis Premium Tours in Nerang provides spirited tours of the Outback. They take visitors to local popular restaurants and pubs. Alma Park Zoo in Brisbane City houses many exotic animals. Visitors get a chance to touch the animals and experience the wildlife up close. Zoo keepers hold presentations to teach visitors about the diverse animals present. Bartle Frere Trail West in Cairns is home to the highest mountains in Queensland’s and people come from all over to climb these trails and check out the spectacular views.

Beerwah Forest Reserve is located near Mooloolah River and it serves to protect the costal rainforest present. The wildlife here is immeasurable. There are several endangered and protected species in the area and local jurisdiction works hard to protect the lands and wildlife. The walking trails in the area provide guests with a great way to explore the land. Bowling Green Bay National Park in Townsville is a costal park. Rugged mountains and camp grounds make it a great spot for campers.

For nature lovers Queensland is a great place to go. Many of the flowers, fish and other wildlife present there cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

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Accommodation For Every Budget

Brisbane is the cosmopolitan capital city of the Australian state of Queensland, located on the Brisbane River. It is the third most populated city in the entire country, following Sydney and Melbourne. Brisbane is a sprawling city, covering an impressive 2,280 square miles, with a population of close to two million residents. The rolling hills of the city are home to more than 1,700 parks and outdoor amphitheaters. Brisbane has a great appreciation for the arts and is home to many world renowned art galleries with impressive collections and is the home base for several performing arts companies. Brisbane boasts some of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, including The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which was first sanctuary of its kind in the world. Brisbane is also the location of the largest shopping mall in the entire state of Queensland - Queen Street Mall. This impressive shopping venue attracts 26 million visitors each year. Aside from the countless retail stores and boutiques, Queen Street Mall is also comprised of a casino, restaurants, and nightclubs that are open 24 hours a day. Brisbane hosts a variety of annual festivals and events that highlight the cultural aspects of the city, such as The Brisbane Internatial Film Festival, Ekka, and Riverfestival. In addition to the annual events, Brisbane has hosted several major sporting events such as the 2001 Goodwill Games and the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Travelers arriving to Brisbane, Australia will enjoy a wide variety of available accommodations that can be tailored to suit their specific needs. There are hotels and other lodging venues available that can accommodate every thing from a five star preference to extended stays in an apartment-like setting to communal lodging such as hostels. Brisbane also offers resort properties as well as farm stays, cottage lodging, and several Bed & Breakfasts. For travelers who prefer to ‘rough it’ during their stay, Brisbane also offers campsite accommodations. For the budget-minded traveler, Brisbane is also home to several properties that offer discounted lodging to meet any budget.

Luxury Accommodations

For the discerning traveler, luxury is widely available in Brisbane at one of the many area luxury hotels. There are a total of seven five star properties in the city as well as more than thirty three and four star properties. Guests of these properties will enjoy amenities such as spas, fitness centers, meeting facilities, lounges, and family rooms while surrounded by contemporary elegance. Most of the luxury properties are located within a few steps from some of Brisbane’s most popular tourist draws.

Extended Stays and Corporate Lodging

For visitors who plan to be in Brisbane for an extended period of time, there are many properties that offer apartments or apartment-like amenities instead of typical hotel accommodations. Living areas, dining areas, and full kitchens are some of the amenities offered by extended stay properties. Currently, there are over ten properties that offer extended stay accommodations in Brisbane. These properties are designed for travelers who will spend a week or more in the city.

Resort Properties

There are many resort properties scattered around the city that allow guests to relax in comfort and style. Spectacular views of tropical gardens, mountain scenery, and waterfront properties secluded in quiet, countryside comfort add to the exuberance of the experience. Lounge by the pool or indulge in the spa treatments, fine dining, and boutique shopping that are all part of resort life. Optionally, some resorts also offer health retreats for the fitness-conscious traveler.

Hostels

Backpacking through the city has become popular with some visitors to Brisbane. For that reason, there are presently over twenty hostels located in the city that offer dorm-style lodging in a communal setting. Visitors can mingle with guests from all over the world and share experiences about their trip through the city.

Farm Stays

For travelers wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, a farm stay experience is the perfect getaway. Visitors can become one with nature while learning about the inner workings of sustainable life on a farm. Feed the livestock. Till the land. Gather the harvest. Take a stroll along the rolling countryside. Or just sit back on the porch and relax. The quietness of the country setting provides a kind of relaxation that can’t be found in the city.

Bed & Breakfasts

Bed & Breakfasts are a unique way for visitors to Brisbane to interact with the locals on a personal level. Being that most caretakers also live in the Bed & Breakfast themselves, visitors are treated as guests in their home, welcomed by endless, local hospitality. The intimate setting provides visitors with memorable home-away-from-home experience.

Campsites and Cabin Lodging

There are several camping venues and cabin-style accommodation nestled in the wilderness just short drive from downtown Brisbane. These properties offer everything visitors would expect from a campsite in addition to full showers and communal dining areas. Activities range from singing around the campfire at night to swimming in lagoons - and every thing in between. There are a variety of options and amenities available including basic bring-your-own gear tent sites to fully equipped family cabins.

Budget Accommodations

Brisbane offers many discount lodging accommodations with prices to suit any budget. Travelers will find many of the world famous chain properties as well as private entities exclusive to Brisbane. Even at the discounted prices, travelers opting discounted lodging will still find many of the same amenities located in the higher-end accommodations such as Internet service, pool, complementary breakfast, and laundry facilities.

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Shopping and Entertainment

Broadbeach is a Gold Coast suburb in Queensland, Australia. Broadbeach is known for being a little more laid back and a lot more stylish than some of the other Gold Coast suburbs. Broadbeach is still known for it’s magnificent uninterrupted stretch of golden sand, however there are also many very impressive apartment buildings and high rise towers being developed quickly. There are many activities for Broadbeach travelers to entertain themselves with, including; shopping, theme parks, a casino, local festivals, fabulous restaurants and the glorious sun drenched beaches.

Broadbeach is regarded as the more fashionable of the suburbs in the area. It boasts one of the largest shopping malls in the Southern Hemisphere, Pacific Fair. This shopping center is currently undergoing a multi million dollar expansion project and upon its completion will be the largest shopping district in all of Queensland. Pacific Fair is home to many specialty shops, discount stores and restaurants to suit any taste, and getting around to visit them all is easy with Car Rental Australia. There is also a 12-screen movie theater when you need to take a break from all the shopping. Pacific Fair is also the location of the major transportation hub for the area with connections to most other suburbs and visitor’s attractions.

The Famous Jupiters Casino is also located in Broadbeach. This high end Casino offers gaming of all kinds in it’s two story showcase of slots and assorted table games. There is a direct monorail to and from the beaches and Pacific Fair which leads directly to the Casino for the gambler in any travel group.

The local restaurants and cafes in Broadbeach are unparalleled anywhere else. Broadbeach offers many multi-award-winning establishments to feed the foodies in all of us. There is something to satisfy even the most selective palette. A taste of the fresh local seafood is another must have while visiting Broadbeach.

Broadbeach is a great destination for families and travelers of all types. Families can take in the excitement of the many nearby themeparks, which the Gold Coast is also famous for. There are adventure parks, animal parks, movie parks, fantasy parks, nature parks, animal parks, waterparks or any interest your family may have. Couples and honeymooners also find Broadbeach to be a very romantic destination to relax and enjoy some alone time.

How to Get There

Broadbeach is located in Queensland on the East Coast of Australia. The location is quite convenient for travel and sightseeing of all types. Below is a list of a few nearby points of interest and their distances from Broadbeach;

	How far?	How long?
Gold Coast Airport	25 km	25 mins
Brisbane Airport	78 km	60 mins
Surfers Paradise	3 km	5 mins
Brisbane City	70 km	45 mins
Dreamworld Theme Park	35 km	35 mins
Movie World Theme Park	30 km	30 mins
Sea World	10 km	10 mins
Wet n Wild Water Park	30 km	30 mins
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary	20 km	20 mins
Gold Coast Hinterland	20 km	25 mins

There are many ways to travel into and out of Broadbeach and the Gold Coast including by air, by train, by bus, and by sea. There are airports and cruise ship terminals within an hour’s drive as well as train and bus terminals directly within the district. Traveling the area without personal transportation is convenient because of the numerous public and private types of transportation. Many destinations are within walking distance of most accommodations.

Staying There

There is an abundance of lodging accommodations available in Broadbeach. There are all types of hotels, bed and breakfasts, resorts, apartments and even backpacker’s campsites available. There is something to fit any budget or special need a traveler may have.

Business Travel

If traveling for business, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Center is also located in Broadbeach. The GCCEC is a unique destination which offers a high tech audiovisual department, and in house gourmet catering for both leisure and business tourism. The facility can accommodate meetings and groups of all sizes as well as multiple events at once. This is a great place to plan a business expo while still allowing the attendees to enjoy the beaches and a little R&R.

Local Entertainment

Because of the climate, Broadbeach offers many local festivals throughout the year. No matter when you choose to plan your stay in Broadbeach, it is likely you will happen upon a fabulous festifal featuring local dining, music or art. Many free family friendly events are hosted in the parks as well. If not taking part in one of the many outdoor festivals, there are many bars, restaurants and nightclubs that offer local live entertainment on weekends and some weeknights.

If the sun and the sand are not enough to occupy your time there are many other sources of fun and entertainment in the beautiful suburb of Broadbeach.

Pacific Fair

Broadbeach is home to one of Queensland’s largest shopping centers, known as Pacific Fair. Pacific fair was once the largest shopping center in Queensland (until 2006). Currently Pacific Fair is undergoing a large expansion project which will renew it’s rankings as the largest in Queensland.

Pacific Fair’s major anchor tenants include Kmart, Toys R Us, Target, a 4 story Myer, as well as a 12 screen Birch Carroll and Coyle Cinema. This shopping center is offers something for everyone with over 300 specialty shops and restaurants. These tenants will soon be joined by a new David Jones store along with 130 additional specialty stores upon completion of a $400 million expansion and rennovation project.

Pacific Fair is conveniently located in Broadbeach, just five minutes drive from Surfers Paradise along the Gold Coast Highway or a short walk from Jupiter's Casino, the Gold Coast Convention Centre or Kurrawa Beach. Pacific Fair is also the major public transportation hub on the Gold Coast, serving the Surfside Buslines, along with a privatized monorail to and from the local Jupiters Casino. This is a highly regarded shopping destination on Queensland’s Gold Coast and should not be missed by any traveler.

While Pacific Fair is not currently the largest shopping center in Queensland, it is still the most highly visited center, boasting 17 million shoppers a year, making it the sixth most visited in the country.

Pacific Fair also offers many tourism services to make your stay on the Coast a pleasurable one. Be certain to visit the Customer Service Booth for valuable coupons and sightseeing information while visiting Broadbeach or any of the nearby suburbs.

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Theme Parks, affordable fun accommodations

After a night of grown up only bar hopping, it would only be fair to take the kids out for a day devoted to things that they would like. The Gold Coast offers plenty of theme parks in the local area which the kids will appreciate. Theme parks in the Gold Coast are available which are similar to those found back home, but there are also some indigenous to Australia.

The Sea World in the Gold Coast is the oldest theme park in that region. Sea World is famous for offering a glimpse of the ocean’s beautiful marine life. The attraction which stands out most to visitors is the synchronized acrobatics of dolphins performing stunts at the command of their trainers. The park allows visitors daring enough the opportunity to swim with sharks in a controlled environment and witness polar bears in their own viewing area known as Polar Bear Shores.

The Dreamworld theme park is geared towards those who enjoy thrill rides, speed, and heights. The theme park boasts one of the newest rides to be installed known as “The Claw”, which sends riders nine stories high while spinning and swinging ninety degrees. The “Giant Drop” is another ride which takes little explanation. Riders are strapped in, raised thirty eight stories in the air only to free fall back to the starting point. In addition to the thrill rides, Dreamworld patrons can also take part in an IMAX movie presentation or the wild life safari experience. White Water World is another theme park adjacent to Dreamworld which is a water park featuring water rides and slides. A two day pass lets visitors bounce back and forth between the two parks as they please.

Warner Brother’s Movie World is a Hollywood and movie themed park which lets visitors interact with movie and cartoon characters, ride movie and character themed rides, and watch live action presentations like the Hollywood Stunt Driver or the Shrek 4D Adventure. The Hollywood Stunt Driver attraction incorporates stunt driving and real life movie action as guests are guided through a movie set type of atmosphere. The Shrek 4D Adventure is a 3D movie presentation which “moves” the audience. Seats are specially equipped to give viewers the feeling of falling and moving with specific parts of the film.

Theme parks offer day passes at fair prices with several parks offering season and / or bundle passes made available to those who foresee more than one visit to the parks.

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Dining Accommodations, Restaurants and Eateries

Days full of sightseeing and exploring can build up quite an appetite. The Gold Coast is rich in specialty, fine dining, and family restaurants to please even the most stubborn of taste buds.

The 1 two 3 Mediterranean Restaurant (so named because of the portion size options available) offers traditional Mediterranean foods with an Australian twist. Enjoy the live entertainment while you eat and be sure to sample the wide selection of local beers.

The Biscotti Italian Cuisine & Martini Bar serves up Italian flavors brought together by local fresh and seasonal produce.

Pizza is a hit no matter where it is served, but it goes good with other foods, too. The Bravo restaurant offers pizza, pasta, and BBQ ribs. This restaurant is open seven days a week and offers a delivery option after 4:30 p.m.

The award winning Donto Sapporo Japanese Restaurant is perfect for any sushi lover. Along with an extensive a la carte menu and a live lobster tank for the freshest meal available, the Donto Sapporo offers an authentic Japanese eating experience with its Japanese motif.

Enjoy the view of Gold Coast as you eat in the rotating Four Winds Seafood & Asian Buffet dining hall, which sits on the 26th floor of the Crowne Plaza.

One popular option for Mexican food is the chain of sister restaurants named Montezuma’s Mexican restaurant and The Aztec Mexican restaurant. Both offer similar menus with locations throughout the Gold Coast. Both restaurants are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

Aside from the lunch and dinner options, the Pancakes in Paradise restaurant offers stacks of pan cakes and sweet crepes for breakfast and ribs, steaks, chicken, and fish for dinner.

No matter where you decide to indulge and satisfy your hunger, the restaurants of the Gold Coast are each unique and offer their own special flair and dining experiences. Whether you want a place to share a romantic evening with a spectacular view or a place to take the whole family and listen to the local musical entertainment, your options are never limited and your experience will never be disappointing.

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Brisbane Beaches and water recreation spots

Water recreation is a popular pastime for travelers in Brisbane. The city’s many beaches provide visitors with several options for enjoying their time in the Brisbane sun. Surfing, sailing, riverboat rides, snorkeling, and swimming are some of the activities that are readily available to tourists in Brisbane. Being active isn’t a requirement for visiting the beaches of Brisbane. Some tourists are content just to relax on the beach and soak up the sun along the country’s Sunshine Coast.

Man-made beaches are quite common in the Brisbane. South Bank Beach is a man-made beach that offers a crystal clear lagoon filled with chlorinated water that is constantly re-circulating. The lagoon’s water replenishes itself every six hours after passing through an extensive sand filtration system. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the daylight hours and facilities such as barbeque pits and restrooms are located strategically along the beach.

Nudgee Beach is a lively spot that attracts active beach goers. Some of the popular activities at this beach are volleyball, jogging, and cycling. Nestled across Moreton Bay, Nudgee Beach offers fantastic views of the city. This beach also has a large population of native birds and other assorted waterfowl.

Surfer’s Paradise Beach is a popular tourist beach featuring a backdrop of skyscrapers along Brisbane’s coast. Aside from water sports such as surfing and sailing, Surfer’s Paradise offers land sports such as bungee jumping and volleyball as well. There are several bars and nightclubs dotting the beach, which provide an active nightlife scene. In addition to the nightlife venues, there are many eating establishments along the beach as well as thirteen shopping centers and arcades.

A short distance from Brisbane is Moreton Island. Moreton Island is home to the world’s largest sand beach. Two catamarans arrive daily to ferry visitors to the island where they can enjoy deluxe accommodations in one of the many properties available on the island. Popular activities on Moreton Island are interacting with dolphins, parasailing, exploring the rugged country side, strolling along the beach, and riding ATVs. Also located on the island are the Moreton Island National Park and the Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort - which is famous for its whale watching shows.

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Touring the Australian Gold Coast

The City of Gold Coast is located in the southeast corner of the Australian State of Queensland. It is one of the top ten most populated cities in the country, with over half a million residents. The City of Gold Coast is one that is booming with industry and culture. The true origin of the name of the Gold Coast is still debated by experts and historians to this day, but one thing that is not questioned is the beauty of the region and the plethora of activities which both foreign tourists and native Australians can enjoy with the whole family.

The region that is today known as Gold Coast was of little interest to European explorers and settlers until the early 1800s. It was not until the early 1900s, almost a hundred years after it was initially settled, that residents and visitors began to notice the potential for the Gold Coast to turn into a profitable tourist destination. Tourism ignited as a prime industry in the area after the Surfer's Paradise Hotel was established in 1925 by Jim Cavill. The area began to further develop at a rapid pace in the mid 1970s when real estate developers established dominance in local politics, which led to numerous high rise buildings being erected and the construction of a major international airport.

Gold Coast's climate is officially described as sub tropical, with summer temperatures reaching the mid sixties to mid eighties Fahrenheit and winter temperatures dropping to the high forties to high sixties Fahrenheit. What this means to the traveler is that temperatures are generally comfortable all year round. This is a plus to those seeking a budget vacation because it allows tourists to travel during off peak travel times and still experience the same enjoyment as those who travel to the location during the summer. This is an additional plus to travelers who have had trouble finding a good enough excuse for digging out their favorite Hawaiian print shirt from that pile in the back of the closet.

The city itself is located along more than forty miles of beach which has become the main identity of the Gold Coast. Gold Coast locals take their beaches very seriously, and they are very proud of their beautiful coast line. To the Australian's, their beaches are more than where the sand meets the water. australian beaches hold a kind of historical and cultural pride. The beaches have created jobs and revenue for the island nation through the millions of dollars which tourism has brought to it. With beaches being central to life in Australia, and with the entire country being surrounded by beach on all sides, beach safety is also an important subject for government leaders on all levels. The City of Gold Coast employees Australia's largest lifesaving service which has the mission of keeping people safe while promoting surf and ocean safety. Several other beach safety, management, and preservation initiatives exist in the area to keep the beaches enjoyable for everyone. Examples of such initiatives include the Gold Coast Shoreline Management Plan and the Shark Control Plan. Efforts of these plans have proven to have an impact in preventing or reversing damage to the region and harm to patrons. Severe beach erosion brought on by a multitude of cyclones around the region since the 1960s has been dealt with through a variety of engineering projects in the works since the 1970s recommended after a special commission studied the problem. As for the Shark Control Program, it exists to prevent shark attacks, and it has been successful in areas of protected beaches, waterways and canals, since the late 1950s. Nets and bait are used to trap sharks and keep them away from swimmers, but when the sharks do come within eyesight of swimmers, lifeguards are trained and required to alert all swimmers and clear them from the water if they perceive a safety risk.

Tourists will find the Gold Coast a convenient location because of the Gold Coast Airport minutes from the downtown city. In fact, if you're travelling light and want to save the money of a cab ride, you could walk to one of the many surrounding hotels that are still close to the water fronts and night life. The close proximity of hotels to the airport is also convenient if travelling with children who just endeared one of the longest plane rides of their little lives.

The Gold Coast has it all. From bar hopping night life junkies, to honeymooning newlyweds, to veteran married couples looking to rekindle the flames, to parents looking to do something nice with the family, every type of visitor to the Gold Coast will find just what it is that they are looking for. The Gold Coast offers the freedom of a balance between city excursions, beach blanket surf trips, and outdoor hiking trails.

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Vacation destinations in and around Palm Cove

Palm Cove, Australia lies a short 25 minute drive from Cairns and a 30 minute drive from Port Douglas. Palm Cove vacationers may wish to hire a car to visit one of these amazing spots in North Queensland.

Cairns

Cairns is a popular day trip from Palm Cove, easily reached by car in less than half an hour. The city is home to several theme parks, such as Rainforestation Nature Park, a former coffee and orange plantation that provides tourists with a glimpse into the indigenous culture of Australia. The Rainforestation Nature Park is divided into three parts: the Army Duck Rainforest Tour, which is comprised of a tour of native plants; the Koala and Wildlife Park, which gives guests the opportunity to view native wildlife; and the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, an interactive adventure that includes performances and boomerang throwing. Cairns’ Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park educates and entertains by treating visitors to

Near the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park exists another popular activity in Cairns: the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This cableway travels almost five miles from Cairns to Kuranda, lifting tourists over the Barron Gorge National Park.

Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a small town near both Palm Cove and Cairns. A Palm Cove vacationer wishing to see both Port Douglas and Cairns could easily fit the two into one day trip.

Port Douglas is most famous for its Port Douglas Carnivale, which runs for 10 days in May and annually attracts more than 10,000 people. Another festival, the Footprints Music Festival is an Australian-style Oktoberfest, held for two weekends in October. The Footprints Music Festival is both an art exhibition and a beer festival.

Port Douglas also offers its guests Four Mile Beach, a number of restaurants, pubs, and shopping opportunities, golfing facilities, and Anzac Park, which is at the mouth of Dickson Inlet, the harbor entrance of Port Douglas.

Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation

Daintree National Park is rainforest north of Cairn and within easy driving distance of Palm Cove. Visitors can spend time on the beach, go for a guided nature walk, or enjoy horse riding and a number of water sports within the National Park.

Within Daintree National Park is Cape Tribulation, named thus by Captain James Cook in 1770. Water sports are also welcome here, and guided tours are also available. Cape Tribulation is also home to The Bat House visitor center, where tourists can pet and feed a flying fox and also purchase souvenirs.

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Cairns is the gateway to Australia's natural wonders

Cairns is a city that has a lot to offer to those who are fortunate enough to visit. Located near the beautiful rainforest, the mountains, and the sea, the city is surrounded with natural beauty and a wide range of diverse habitats and ecosystems, just waiting to be explored.

The city is especially popular with tourists, and Cairns has adapted itself to be especially accommodating. Here, you’ll find a wealth of accommodations, suiting every budget, as well as an array of world-class restaurants and local eateries specializing in regional cuisine. Sightseeing tours, both in the city limits and outside, as well as numerous opportunities to see local wildlife and culture, abound for the traveler staying in Cairns.

Whether you choose to spend most of your time in the city itself or to venture out and explore some of the nearby or more far-flung areas that surround Cairns, you’re sure to find activities that suit your travel and vacation dreams. Cairns is near the Great Barrier Reef – and it’s also near the oldest rainforest in ten world. It’s that sort of diverse setting that makes Cairns one of the most popular spots to visit in Australia.

A brief history of Cairns

Long before colonization by Europeans, the Cairns area was inhabited by the Walubarra Yidinji clan, who called the area “Gimuy.” The area was first mapped by Europeans in 1770, when Captain James Cook visited the area, naming it Trinity Bay. But it would be a full century before future expedition would determine the establishment of a port.

In 1876, Cairns was founded, its initial purpose being to serve the needs of miners who were migrating to the area following the discovery of gold in the nearby tablelands, as well as the need to export the gold effectively. Originally no more than mangrove swampland dotted by ridges, the area was drained and filled and in 1886, a railway line was laid connecting Cairns to Herberton, and ushering in a major influx of immigrants. Soon, more land was opened to these new residents for use as grazing and farm land, with crops including sugar cane, bananas, and pineapples. It was primarily the area’s wealth of arable land that resulted in the port becoming successful. In 1903, Cairns was officially named a town, with a population of 3,500.

The Cairns area became a base of operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and after the war, the city began to work in earnest toward becoming a popular spot for tourists. In 1984, the Cairns International Airport opened, followed by the opening of the Cairns Convention Center, establishing the city as a popular spot for tourists as well as conventioneers.

The city was named for William Wellington Cairns, Queensland’s governor when Cairns was founded.