Cairns
Cairns is the colorful capital of Tropical North Queensland and the major gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The city is a gateway to an amazing selection of touring options encompassing the Reef, the Outback and the Rainforest. Take the Skyrail gondola to the market town of Kuranda and return to Cairns via the Kuranda scenic railway through lush rainforest. A visit to the Tjupukai Aboriginal Park is a must to learn of the local Aboriginal tribes and culture. The exclusive resort of Palm Cove lies 20 minutes north of Cairns, with hotels set on an esplanade behind a pristine palm fringed beach. An hour north of Cairns brings you to Port Douglas, the closest town to the Great Barrier Reef with Rainforest clad mountains sweeping down to sparkling sandy beaches.
Port Douglas
Located just north of Cairns, Port
Douglas offers a sophisticated and low-key escape for travelers from
around the world.
Known as a glamorous hotspot for the famous, Port Douglas still manages
to retain an unpretentious and relaxed ambiance: you'll only find
buildings up to three stories high, not much taller than the nearby palm
trees, boutique clothing shops and exquisite alfresco dining
restaurants.
A visit to Four Mile Beach is essential where you can laze away the day
on the pristine sand. Enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes scattered
along Macrossan Street or spend the afternoon shopping at the Marina
Mirage. The Surf-Life Saving Club is located at the northern end of the
beach, and during summer, is a great spot to take a refreshing dip in
the protected waters in front of the club.
Port Douglas is also a popular base from which to explore the Great
Barrier Reef and the rainforests of the Wet Tropics, Daintree and Cape
Tribulation. There are numerous tours that embark from Port Douglas,
many combining the adventure experiences of the Reef and the Wet Tropics
Palm Cove
Palm Cove offers a serene holiday experience. Set amidst an idyllic stretch of beach and luxurious resorts just north of Cairns, Palm Cove is a haven for the indulgent.
Palm Cove offers a variety of activities for you. Spend your days lazing away on the beach or take a stroll along the esplanade through the many boutique shops and cafes.
And when evening comes, there's a plethora of fine-dining restaurants and bars for you to enjoy late into the night.
Spoil yourself with a relaxing massage or be more adventurous and participate in one of the tours that visits the Great Barrier Reef and nearby islands.
Accommodation options range from luxurious resorts to boutique villas. So come visit Palm Cove and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Only 20 minutes north of Cairns this beach community provides the perfect coastal town experience. A stroll along the beachfront esplanade past al fresco dining and luxury resorts and spa’s is the perfect end to a day.
Palm Cove is also developing a reputation as the spa capital of Australia. The town has multitude of award winning spas for you to try each with there own special signature treatment.
All the tours and activities that Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef are famous for are available from Palm Cove.
Further Afield - Recommendations
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s great natural wonders. A submerged natural wonderland of unparalleled beauty stretching for 1426 miles from the Gulf of Papua along Queensland’s eastern coast to just beyond the Tropic of Capricorn.
Today’s Great Barrier Reef is a protected marine park encompassing nearly 3000 reefs, 600 continental islands and 300 coral cays.
The barrier reef island resorts off the coast of Queensland offer everything
from budget to deluxe accommodation, all of them perfect for diving,
snorkeling or simply just relaxing. The Reef can also be explored by boat on-board one of the three or four night Great Barrier Reef Island cruises.
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Daintree National Park & Cape Tribulation
Further north is the world heritage listed Daintree National Park & Cape Tribulation. A number of lodges are situated deep in the forest capturing their pure essence. A 4WD safari is the perfect way to explore the rainforest and a cruise on the Daintree River is perfect for spotting crocodiles.
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