Cairns in Tropical North Queensland is renowned as the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Cape York Peninsula. This provincial city is fringed by lush tropical rainforests extending to the vast volcanic farmlands and vistas of the Atheron Tablelands, one of Australia's richest agricultural areas.

Further west and beyond is the Gulf Savannah regions where you can stay at the unique Undara Lava Tubes, relax in mineral hot springs or fossick for precious stones in gemfields that stretch into the outback. To the north and south of the city are beautiful sandy beaches fringing the Coral Sea with many palm covered islands and sand cays which are home to an enormous array of coral and marine life.

Many cruise boats provide day excursions to these islands and the Great Barrier Reef for diving, snorkelling and sight seeing and you can choose from fast catamarans to leisurely sailing craft offering a wide choice of services and prices A "must" for your stay while in Cairns is to take the scenic railway to Kuranda - the village in the rainforest, returning on Skyrail, the world's longest cableway skimming over the rainforest canopy.

Just 30 minutes drive to the north along the scenic Captain Cook Highway you will arrive at the beach resort town of Port Douglas then travel further on to the majestic Daintree World Heritage Rainforest, the largest tract of virgin rainforest in Australia.