the hidden secrets handbook

Transcription

the hidden secrets handbook
THE HIDDEN
SECRETS
HANDBOOK
Tropical North Queensland
Where rainforest meets the reef
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
WELCOME
TO YOUR GUIDE TO TROPICAL NORTH
QUEENSLAND EXPERIENCES.
Tropical North Queensland is where the rainforest meets the
Reef. In fact, it is the only place in the world with two World
Heritage areas side by side, the Great Barrier Reef and the
Wet Tropics rainforest.
TROPICAL
NORTH
QUEENSLAND
DARWIN
GRE
AT
CAIRNS
Dive the depths of the Great Barrier Reef, soar above the
world’s oldest rainforest, discover the accessible Outback,
experience Indigenous culture and encounter wildlife.
QUEENSLAND
BA
More than 600 tours depart daily, matching superior natural
encounters with spectacular tropical landscapes.
R
R
IE
R
RE
EF
Test your nerve rafting a rainforest river, explore the
flavours of the tropics, lose yourself in an island daydream
and follow the footsteps of explorers in the wilderness.
AUSTRALIA
BRISBANE
CANBERRA
PERTH
ADELAIDE
SYDNEY
MELBOURNE
HOBART
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TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF
CONTENTS
Destinations
Things to do
see pages 4-11
see pages 12-19
Handy Reference
Information
see pages 20-22
CAIRNS & GREAT 4
BARRIER REEF
PORT DOUGLAS & DAINTREE
6
PALM COVE8
MISSION BEACH & 9
THE CASSOWARY
COAST
CAPE YORK & GULF SAVANNAH
ATHERTON TABLELANDS
10
11
12ENCOUNTER
NATURE
14FLIRT WITH
ADVENTURE
16SAMPLE TROPICAL
LIFESTYLE
Boutique self-contained apartments, family-friendly
resorts, opulent private homes, mid-range motels,
quaint B&Bs, luxurious five star resorts and fun
backpacker hostels provide the base for your
tropical adventure.
18DISCOVER ISLANDS
& BEACHES
The Hidden Secrets Handbook takes you to the
heart of what makes Tropical North Queensland
so special.
It invites you to engage all of your senses with
exhilarating experiences and peaceful escapes
defined by a tropical Australian lifestyle.
For more information and a great range of
accommodation options visit
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
19DRIVE NORTH
QUEENSLAND
HOW TO GET THERE & MAP
20
EVENTS 22
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
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Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
1. TAKE AN ICONIC
TOUR OF THE
RAINFOREST
www.ksr.com.au
www.skyrail.com.au
Marvel at the engineering genius
of the Kuranda Scenic Rail
line as you wind through the
spectacular Barron Gorge in a
120-year-old rail carriage. Shop
in Kuranda for local handicrafts
at the markets or follow an arts
trail before descending above
the rainforest canopy on Skyrail
Rainforest Cableway.
2. ZIPLINE OVER A CROCODILE
cairnszoom.com.au
Join the birds in the Cairns Wildlife
Dome as you challenge yourself
on a rope course featuring a
skateboard and swinging beer
kegs. Speed along on one of the zip
lines and keep your toes up when
pass over the top of Goliath, a 4m
saltwater crocodile.
Cairns, where your adventure begins
3. TRY A NEW ADVENTURE ON THE REEF
4. CHECK OUT THE ACTION AT THE MARINA
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
Wander Sailfish Quay admiring super yachts and
checking out the game fishing fleet in the Cairns Marlin
Marina before enjoying a cocktail on the waterfront.
Watch the Great Barrier Reef boats return around 5pm as
the sun slowly sinks over the mountains ending another
beautiful day in the tropics.
Glide along with a stand-up paddle board, keep your
hair dry on a helmet dive or soar above the Great
Barrier Reef on a parasailing adventure. The enormity
of the Reef is matched by its diversity of experiences
with sail boats, fast catamarans, and helicopters ready
to take you there.
5. SHOP FOR LOCAL PRODUCE
Immerse yourself in the vibrant
culture of Cairns at the markets in
the heart of the city. There’s fresh
local produce, artisan breads, organic
meat, spices, tropical flowers, locally
produced cheeses and charcuterie
plus an eclectic mix of handicrafts.
Stop for a coffee or a samosa and
enjoy the entertainment.
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TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF
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Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
6. PARTY AFTER DARK
Listen for the accents as you hit the
night scene in Cairns – it’s where
people from all over the world meet!
They’re in funky bars, waterfront
restaurants, diving in to foam or pool
parties, relaxing under the stars in a
beer garden, club hopping, enjoying
live music and salsa dancing the
night away.
7. GET ON YOUR BIKE
AND SIGHTSEE
www.cairnsesplanade.com
Burn kilometres and kilojoules
while biking and sightseeing
from the network of cycle paths
through Cairns city and its inner
suburbs. End the self-propelled
tour with a rewarding swim in the
Esplanade Lagoon.
8. EXPERIENCE
INDIGENOUS
CULTURE
www.tjapukai.com.au
Make your own souvenir from
palm fronds with the help of an
Indigenous guide and discover
the differences between
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander culture at Tjapukai
Aboriginal Cultural Park.
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9. SEE THE REEF FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE
www.downunderdive.com.au
Down Under Cruise & Dive’s “Get High Package” includes the best of the
Great Barrier Reef all in one day. Enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving and a scenic
helicopter flight on two outer reef sites and indulge in a BBQ lunch and our
on-board entertainment. A once in a lifetime experience!
10. BE ENTERTAINED AT A UNIQUE VENUE
www.tanksartscentre.com
Tucked within the rainforest near the Flecker Botanic Gardens are three World
War 2 fuel storage tanks which have been transformed into the Tanks Arts
Centre. Check out the calendar of diverse events at this amazing venue which
features top international and national acts, music, art and regular markets.
11. ISLAND HOP ACROSS THE REEF
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
You can island hop for days on end exploring the sand cays and larger
islands only a short boat ride from Cairns. Relax at a resort on Green or
Fitzroy Island, camp at the Frankland Islands, spend the day on a sandy cay
or splurge and hire Double Island for just you and your friends.
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www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
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Port Douglas & Daintree
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Port Douglas, located 1 hour north of Cairns
12. PEDAL FOR MILES
15. SET SAIL WITH THE LOCALS
Hire a bicycle and ride the length of Four Mile Beach
to watch the kite surfing action. From there visit the
historic cemetery, then pedal along the bike path
into town to treat the kids to an ice cream before
heading to the marina to watch the reef boats return.
www.portdouglasyachtclub.com.au
The best things in life can be free, especially if you enjoy
sailing! Every Wednesday afternoon the Port Douglas
Yacht Club invites visitors aboard to sail at no cost with
members. Kick back at the club afterwards and enjoy its
superb waterfront location.
13. RELAX IN A TREE HOUSE
16. FLY THROUGH THE CANOPY
www.silkyoakslodge.com.au
www.junglesurfing.com.au
Discover how peaceful the rainforest can be in your
own tree house. Eco resorts in the heart of the Daintree
rainforest feature private timber tree houses and a
hammock on the verandah perfect for two.
Is it a bird? Is it a bat? No, it’s a new rainforest species
– the jungle surfer. See the rainforest without your feet
touching the ground, zooming through the canopy on
a flying fox zipline and stopping at five platforms for a
bird’s-eye view of the Coral Sea.
14. HAVE A ROMANTIC PICNIC
www.thalabeach.com.au/port-douglas-resort/picnichampers-australia
17. JOIN A TRADITIONAL CEREMONY
www.mossmangorge.com.au
Enjoy a romantic picnic on a private beach beneath the
palm trees! Book a deluxe picnic hamper at Thala Beach
Nature Reserve and we’ll deliver a choice of gourmet
hampers, fresh linen and a picnic blanket to beachfront
Herbies Beach Shack.
Join the Kuku Yalanji people on their Ngadiku Dreamtime
Walk to hear the legends of Mossman Gorge and be
welcomed with a traditional smoking ceremony. Visit a
sacred ceremony site and learn how to make soap and
ochre paint.
18. SHHHHHH ADULTS ONLY
www.shantara.com.au
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Shantara is an adults only retreat, located 400 meters
from Macrossan Street. The property is set back from
the main road, and when you walk into Shantara it is
a tropical oasis surrounded with tropical plants and
two pools on either side of the reception area. The
apartments are contemporarily decorated.
TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF
Port Douglas & Daintree
19. VISIT A LIVING MUSEUM
www.wettropics.gov.au
Enter the earth’s oldest surviving rainforest
where primitive species which existed 150 million
years ago still flourish. Take a self-guided tour along
a boardwalk, join a guide to discover the secrets of
the ancient Daintree rainforest or go spotlighting at
night when the rainforest comes to life with animals.
20. UNDERSTAND THE RAINFOREST
www.daintree-rec.com.au
Get all the facts on the Daintree rainforest at the Daintree
Discovery Centre, a world-class interpretive centre
allowing easy access to the rainforest wilderness via
boardwalks, a 23m-highcanopy tower, aerial walkway
and comprehensive display centre.
21. WALK A FORMER ABORIGINAL TRAIL
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www.nprsr.qld.gov.au
Once an Aboriginal trail and later a crucial link between
Port Douglas and the hinterland for settlers and miners, the
Bump Track is now a popular trail for walking, mountain
biking and horse riding. The steep track passes through a
range of forests from rainforest to dry eucalypt scrub.
24. GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH
AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE.
22. CATCH AN
OUTDOOR MOVIE
Considered one of Port Douglas’ hidden gems, Wildlife
Habitat is a small wildlife immersion park located at the
entrance to Port Douglas. With YOUR Wildlife Habitat, one
of our passionate keepers, takes you on a intimate journey
allowing you close interaction with some of Australia’s
cutest and scariest animals.
23. SPOT A CELEBRITY
www.qtportdouglas.com.au
Sit under the stars and
watch a new release film or
a golden oldie on the grass
at QT Port Douglas. Open
during the Tropical North’s
warm winter months,
the Moonlight Cinema
is a magical evening of
entertainment.
Who’s that behind the dark
glasses? Some of the big
names of the celebrity
and political worlds have
rubbed shoulders with
the Port Douglas locals.
Favourite haunts include
the live music sessions
at the Courthouse Hotel,
dining at Salsa Bar and
Grill, the Sunday Markets
and Four Mile Beach.
www.wildlifehabitat.com.au
25. SAIL TO A CORAL CAY
www.sailawayportdouglas.com
Sailaway’s new afternoon tour runs from 1pm to
6.30pm and is an adults only luxury sailing experience.
It offers quiet snorkelling off the beach, as well as a
glass bottom boat tour before sunset sailing back to
Port Douglas enjoying coastal views of the Daintree,
with a complimentary drink in hand.
26. STAY WITHIN THE REMOTE RAINFOREST
www.junglelodge.com.au
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Just 400m from the beach, Jungle Lodge offers Safari Huts
and campsites in the tropical Cape Tribulation rainforest
and is the perfect base for exploring the region. Sleep in the
jungle and enjoy the rainforest sounds at night or rise early
to experience the sunrise over beautiful Myall Beach.
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
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Palm Cove
27. GREAT VIEWS GO WITH
GREAT FOOD
28. CAMP AT THE BEACH
www.tourismpalmcove.com
Pitch your tent at the most scenic
camp ground in Tropical North
Queensland, right on the edge of
Ellis Beach overlooking Double
Island and the Coral Sea. With no
roads to cross, you can open your
tent each morning to enjoy the
ultimate view from your swag.
With such a stunning waterfront
location, it is no wonder the Palm
Cove esplanade is lined with great
restaurants. Seafood, Italian, Asian,
modern Australia … the choices
are varied. Or go for the ultimate
romantic location, a table for two
under the coconut palms right on
the beach.
www.ellisbeach.com
30. ENJOY A PERSONAL CHEF’S
TABLE EXPERIENCE
29. KAYAK WITH THE SUNRISE
www.peppers.com.au
Dawn breaks as you push off from
the beach on a sunrise kayaking tour
to Double Island. Being so close to
the water gives you a good chance
of seeing fish, a stingray or maybe
a turtle for an exhilarating start to
the day.
Peppers Beach Club & Spa’s Lime
and Pepper restaurant offers a
unique & personalised dinner
date for two with Executive Chef
- Thomas Ege. These dinners are
special and are open to all our
guests and visiting patrons.
Dinners must be pre- booked with
7 days notice.
31. INDULGE IN AN
INDIGENOUS SPA TREATMENT
32. HAND FEED THE ANIMALS
www.reefhouse.com.au
33. LAND A FISH AT
THE JETTY
Feed an adorable ring-tailed
lemur, get up close with a wombat
or cuddle a koala for a handson zoo experience. The more
adventurous can pole feed a
crocodile, handle a snake or feed
a cassowary.
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Palm Cove, located 20 minutes north of Cairns
Enter your personal dreamtime
with an Aboriginal-inspired spa
treatment at one of the many day
spas at Palm Cove. Indigenous hot
stone massage and relaxing rain
therapy are among the treatments
to restore mind, body and soul.
www.cairnstropicalzoo.com.au
34. ROMANCE ABOUNDS AT THE BEACH
www.tourismpalmcove.com
Recipes for romance are plentiful at Palm Cove where the gentle curve
of its sandy beach and backdrop of rainforest-clad mountains set the
scene for proposals, weddings and honeymoons. A choice of wedding
chapels, luxurious beachside resorts, award-winning restaurants and
day spas provide the ingredients for the ultimate romantic holiday.
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TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF
A hand line is all you need to
catch fish off the Palm Cove
jetty. Trevally and queen fish
are common catches while
the occasional barra has been
landed. A popular local fishing
spot, the jetty is the perfect place
to watch the sun rise over the
Coral Sea.
35. STAY AND PLAY AT A TOP
GOLF COURSE
www.paradisepalms.com.au
Tee off on one of Australia’s Top
100 golf courses where there are
facilities for the while family to
enjoy. Paradise Palms Resort &
Country Club has a restaurant and
bar overlooking a large adventure
playground and mini-golf course
so the parents can relax while the
kids play.
Mission Beach & the Cassowary Coast
36. ENJOY THE VIEW DAY AND NIGHT
www.castaways.com.au; www.elandraresorts.com
Soak up the scenery of Mission Beach and its offshore islands from
your waterfront resort. Step straight onto the beach from Castaways
Resort & Spa or enjoy a commanding view from The Elandra Resort,
an exclusive indulgent resort. Perched high in the rainforest, its
magnificent pool seems to disappear into the Coral Sea.
37. EXPLORE THE RAINFOREST
ON A MOUNTAIN BIKE
38. PADDLE TO A TROPICAL
ISLAND
www.ridecairns.com
Kayak from Mission Beach to
Dunk Island looking for dolphins,
turtles and rays. Snorkel in the clear
waters around the island before a
picnic lunch and hike through the
rainforest. Explore the neighbouring
islands on the return trip.
Ride over freshwater creek bridges
and through World Heritage
rainforest in Djiru National Park at
Mission Beach. This easy trail is one
of many on the Cassowary Coast
which include more adventurous
trails through the Misty Mountains.
39. CLIMB TO THE TOP OF THE
RAINFOREST
www.mamutropicalskywalk.com.au
Ascend a 350m elevated walkway
for an exhilarating view of the World
Heritage landscape high in the
rainforest canopy. The Mamu Tropical
Skywalk consists of more than 1200m
of walking tracks including a cantilever
deck and an observation tower.
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40. SPY A CASSOWARY
Look out for the endangered
cassowary, Australia’s largest
flightless bird which is commonly
seen around the rainforest in
Mission Beach. The males are the
SNAGS of the bird world, incubating
the eggs and caring for the young
long after the female has gone in
search of a new partner.
41. JUMP FOR AN ADRENALIN RUSH
www.jumpthebeach.com.au
At 14,000 feet take the leap and spiral down for an adrenalin pumping
60-second, 200km/h free fall. The parachute springs to life and you slow
to enjoy the view of rainforest-fringed beaches and a cluster of islands as
you skydive on to the long stretch of sand at Mission Beach.
42. STEP BACK IN TIME
www.cardwelltourism.com
Show the kids what life was like before the mobile phone by sending
a morse code message at the historic Cardwell Post Office and Bush
Telegraph Station. Built in 1870, the telegraph office is one of the oldest
buildings in North Queensland.
43. UNCOVER A
ROMANTIC TALE
www.paronellapark.com.au
Discover the romance of
Paronella Park where you can
picnic by picturesque Mena
Creek Falls, see the remains of
a mossy castle, wander through
serene heritage gardens and
explore an eerie tunnel. Behind
it all is a beautiful story about
Jose Paronella’s labour of love
for his wife.
44. WALK TO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
www.missionbeachtourism.com
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Discover coral, sea cucumbers and starfish without getting
your hair wet at Kurrimine Beach where you can walk to
the Great Barrier Reef during the new moon from May to
September. The rusty tractors in many driveways are what
the locals use to drag their boat out to Coral Sea.
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
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Cape York & Gulf Savannah
45. STAR GAZE IN THE OUTBACK
The stars are much brighter at Chillagoe where the clear,
dark sky is perfect for star gazing. Enjoy a guided tour of
the heavens at the fully equipped dome and a close-up
look at planets, nebulas and star clusters through large
telescopes.
46. DISCOVER ANCIENT ART
www.quinkancc.com.au
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Step back tens of thousands of years at the
Quinkan rock art galleries in the sandstone
bluffs of Laura in Cape York Peninsula. These
ancient Aboriginal paintings have been ranked
by UNESCO as among the top 10 rock art sites in
the world.
Cape York & Gulf Savannah, located 4 hours and beyond from Cairns
49. DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF
CAPTAIN COOK
47. SLOW DOWN FOR ISLAND
TIME
48. ADMIRE AN OCEAN
SUNSET
www.cooktownandcapeyork.com
www.torresstraitheritage.com
www.karumba.qld.au
Step back to a quieter time in the
Torres Strait where schedules
are forgotten and lazy days can
be spent fishing or exploring the
islands with the hospitable Torres
Strait Islanders. See World War 2
memorabilia, the unique art and
artifacts of the Torres Strait and
discover its pearling history.
Karumba skies are a photographer’s
dream with the deep orange
glow of the sun setting over the
ocean in the Gulf of Carpentaria
a spectacular sight. Between
September and November the
morning sky puts on a show when
the Morning Glory, a tubular cloud
formation, rolls out from the Gulf.
50. FLOAT THROUGH A GORGE
51. WALK THROUGH A LAVA
TUBE
www.cobboldgorge.com.au
Discover a hidden Outback oasis
at Cobbold Gorge where dramatic
30m-high sandstone cliffs overhang
its cool waters. Join a boat tour through
the spectacular gorge which narrows
to 2m in places and keep a lookout for
the abundant wildlife and birds.
www.undara.com.au
Discover pockets of rainforest rich
with wildlife in the world’s longest
lava tubes at Undara, half a day’s
drive west of Cairns. Formed some
190,000 years ago, the tubes
spilled out enough magma to fill
Sydney Harbour four times.
See the anchor from Captain James
Cook’s vessel, the Endeavour,
which has been recovered from
the reef where he ran aground
near Cooktown. Housed in the
James Cook Museum at historic
Cooktown, it is part of an enormous
collection tracing Cook and the
Endeavour’s journeys.
52. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE
RAINFOREST
www.bloomfieldlodge.com.au
Enchanting & beautifully remote,
enjoy stunning sea & rainforest
views from stylishly appointed timber
retreats tucked away unseen in the
canopy of the Daintree Rainforest.
Bloomfield Lodge is luxury boutique
hideaway renowned for its gourmet
cuisine and a unique chance to really
relax and get away from it all.
53. FOSSICK FOR GEM STONES
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TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF
Fancy a dirty weekend fossicking
for gem stones? You can go it alone
with a mud map or join a Topaz Tour
at Mt Surprise to look for precious
stones. Watch the precision of
gems being cut and shaped to
show off their beauty.
Atherton Tablelands
54. SPY RARE WILDLIFE
www.tablelands.org
Hide out at the Hasties Swamp
two-storey bird hide at dusk or
dawn to see water birds. More
than 220 different bird species
have been recorded at the large
seasonal wetland. Perterson Creek
at Yungaburra is the place to see
the elusive platypus and the rare
Lumholtz tree kangaroo.
55. FLOAT ABOVE THE
SCENERY
www.hotair.com.au
www.ragingthunder.com.au
Gently rise skyward in a hot air
balloon as the sun’s first rays reveal
the tapestry of farmlands across the
Atherton Tablelands. Glide across the
ever changing landscape and then
head back to the coast in time for
breakfast on the beach at Palm Cove.
56. COOL ACTIVITIES TO TRY
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The Atherton Tablelands, located 1 hour inland from Cairns
www.tablelands.org
Dive into an extinct volcanic crater
lake surrounded by lush tropical
rainforest. With walking trails, a
pontoon and electric barbecues
on the lake front, Lake Eacham
guarantees a full day of activities.
On the drive back to the coast, stop
at Emerald Creek Ice-Creamery and
choose from 21 luscious flavours.
58. HANG OUT IN A TREE HOUSE
57. DISCOVER THE TOP PUB
www.kuranda.org
www.ravenshoevisitorcentre.com.au
Satisfy sugar cravings at Kuranda
where sweets are a specialty. Watch
candy being made at the Kuranda
Candy Kitchen, try tropical fruit ice
cream at the Kuranda Home-made
Tropical Fruit Ice Cream van and
sample different flavours of honey
at the Honey House, then burn it off
walking through the rainforest to
the Barron Falls.
Sleep at the top of Queensland.
Situated at 914.4m, the Hotel Tully
Falls in Ravenshoe declares itself
the highest in Ravenshoe, which at
920m above sea level is officially
Queensland’s highest town. Or
warm yourself by the fire at the
Royal Hotel in historic Herberton
which sits at 913m.
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www.canopytreehouses.com.au
Designed for comfort in the wilderness, our luxury Treehouses are perched in
the rainforest canopy on the banks of the Ithaca River and offer a spectacular
retreat as well as a phenomenal density of rare and unique wildlife. We are
privileged to be the custodians of this precious, special place.
59. TEMPT YOUR SWEET TOOTH
60. STEP BACK INTO
AUSSIE HISTORY
www.historicvillageherberton.com.au
See what it was like when
chalk and ink pots were an
important part of the school
room and be amazed at the
bare essentials in the grocer’s
store at Historical Village
Herberton. There are more than
50 restored period buildings in
this outdoor museum.
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www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
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Encounter nature
61. TAKE A DIP AT CAPE TRIB
www.masonstours.com.au
Have a refreshing dip with lunch at
Cape Tribulation. Mason’s Café is
popular with visitors and locals alike
who take advantage of the safe
swimming in a water hole just 60m
from the store.
62. BATTLE A MIGHTY BARRA
www.fishingcooktown.com
Flick a lure into the Annan River
near Cooktown on Cape York
Peninsula until it gets hit by the first
barramundi of the season. Battle to
pull in a feisty fish as long as your
arm and worthy of great fishing
yarns for years to come.
63. SWIM WITH
WHALES
www.poseidon-cruises.com.au
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64. SWIM THROUGH RAINBOWS OF FISH
www.reefmagiccruises.com
Meet the Great Barrier Reef’s friendliest fish, Wally the Maori wrasse. He
welcomes visitors at every reef pontoon into his world of coral gardens and
remarkable marine creatures. Get up close to more than 1500 species of
colourful fish while diving or snorkelling the largest, most spectacular reef
system on earth.
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TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF
A friendly flipper, a curious
eye – it’s a dwarf minke
whale approaching you in
the water. One of nature’s
most awesome experiences,
swimming with whales at a
ribbon reef near Port Douglas
occurs each year between May
and August during their annual
migration through the Great
Barrier Reef.
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Encounter nature
65. CRUISE THE BARRON RIVER
www.kuranda.org
Spot turtles and freshwater crocodiles
on a rainforest cruise along the
Barron River at Kuranda. Afterwards
walk to the spectacular Barron Falls
while looking for Ulysses butterflies
and rainbow lorikeets.
66. CHILL OUT IN
THE RAINFOREST
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
Take a tip from the locals
for a cool break and head to
Crystal Cascades with a picnic
for a refreshing dip. Fed by a
series of pretty waterfalls, the
secluded freshwater swimming
hole is hidden in the rainforest
among huge granite boulders.
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69. KAYAK THROUGH THE RAINFOREST
Spotting a turtle may be a little passé for the kids, but they’ll love following
one downstream as they paddle a kayak to a sandy rainforest beach for a
picnic or gather speed over easy rapids. Pretty Babinda Creek is a locals’
favourite at the foot of Queensland’s highest mountain.
70. KICK UP THE SAND ON HORSEBACK
67. DISCOVER A CROCODILE
www.crocodileadventures.com
Cruise a lagoon to spy crocodiles in
their natural habitat, then have your
camera ready as a big saltwater
crocodile leaps from the water to
grab its lunch. Pat a baby crocodile
at a working crocodile farm where
you learn about the life cycle of the
prehistoric beasts.
www.capetribhorserides.com.au
Watch the sun sink over the mountains of the Wet Tropics rainforest from a
new perspective – horse riding along the beach at Cape Tribulation, a peaceful
stretch of sand nudged by two World Heritage areas. Canter along the water’s
edge of the Great Barrier Reef and explore a trail in the Daintree rainforest.
71. WANDER THROUGH A FAN PALM FOREST
www.nprsr.qld.gov.au
Stroll beneath a canopy of fan palms on the Fan Palm walk in Djiru National
Park at Mission Beach. A short children’s walk branches off at the start so
they can follow cassowary “footprints” to a “nest and eggs”.
68. JOIN THE BUTTERFLIES
www.australianbutterflies.com
Here’s the insider’s tip: Wear white
if you want to be a landing pad for
the amazing array of butterflies
inside Kuranda’s sanctuary. Join
a kaleidoscope of colour as
thousands of the fluttering insects
include you in their busy day.
69
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
70
13
Flirt with adventure
72. HOOK A MARLIN AT LIZARD ISLAND
www.lizardislandgfc.asn.au
74. DIVE TO NEW DEPTHS
www.mikeball.com
Join the hunt for the holy grail of the fishing world – a
grander – a black marlin weighing more than a tonne.
They are most often tagged in the waters around Lizard
Island and the Black Marlin Classic in October will see
anglers from around the world competing to hook the
big one.
73. STIR UP THE DIRT ON AN ATV
www.blazingsaddles.com.au
Experience plummeting Coral Sea wall dives,
dive alongside giant potato cod, see shark
action, get up close to minke whales or time
a live-aboard dive trip with the annual coral
spawn in November. The outer ribbon reefs
of the Great Barrier Reef offer unparalleled
adventures for certified divers.
Hit the throttle and kick up the dirt for an exciting ride on
an ATV. No experience is needed for these four-wheel
adventures zooming after your guide.
73
14
TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF
74
79
Flirt with adventure
75. RAFT THE RAPIDS
www.ragingthunder.com.au
Thrills and spills are the order
of the day white water rafting
through the wilderness of
Tropical North Queensland’s
rainforest. Speed past the
awesome scenery on the
Barron River in Cairns or
experience the adrenalin
rush of Grade 4 rapids on the
mighty Tully River.
76. PADDLE FOR A DUAL
WORLD HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
Kayak around the beautiful Cape
Tribulation headland to see where
the two World Heritage areas of
the Daintree rainforest and the
Great Barrier Reef meet. Dugongs,
dolphins and even a cassowary
may be seen as you paddle
alongside the beach.
78
81
78. TEST YOUR PEDAL POWER
www.ridecairns.com
77. HIKE THROUGH
WILDERNESS
www.nprsr.qld.gov.au
Queensland’s highest peak, Bartle
Frere, is a tough climb for the super
fit through rugged wilderness to
reach its 1622 summit. Or tackle
the 32km Thorsborne Trail on
Hinchinbrook Island, considered
to be one of the world’s great
wilderness walks.
Discover what got the world’s elite mountain bikers excited about the
rainforest trails at Smithfield Regional Park. Many of the trails used in the
2014 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup are open to the public. It also has trails
suitable for beginners and families.
79. DEFY GRAVITY WITH A
BUNGY JUMP
80. JOURNEY OFF-ROAD TO
BLOOMFIELD
www.ajhackett.com
www.destinationdaintree.com
Completely surrounded by World
Heritage Rainforest, the Cairns
Bungy Site celebrating it’s 25th
Birthday, offers the World’s ONLY
purpose-built Bungy Tower, a 16
style Jump Menu, including the
famous BMX launch and the
World’s Fastest Jungle Swing all in
a beautiful, natural venue offering
World Class Experiences.
Bump into adventure on an off-road
journey on the famous Bloomfield
Track winding through the World
Heritage-listed Daintree rainforest,
crossing picturesque creeks and
fast-flowing rivers to the majestic
Bloomfield Falls. Join an Aboriginal
guide for a local perspective on the
Bloomfield area.
81. HIT THE WATER WITH A BOARD
75
With its long, wide beach and shallow water, Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas
is the place to try the latest stand-up paddle boarding craze. Or take the
adrenalin up a couple of notches with kite surfing, the fastest way to burn up
a sunny day.
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
15
Sample tropical lifestyle
82
82. DINE IN A MAGICAL RAINFOREST
83. EAT AND SIGHTSEE ALL DAY
www.flamesoftheforest.com.au
www.tasteparadise.com.au
The sounds of a fairy flautist drift down from the rainforest,
flaming torches light the way and suddenly you are at a
beautiful outdoor dining room draped in black velvet and silk
with crystal bud-light chandeliers. Experience the romance of
elegant tropical dining in the rainforest, just 10 minutes from
Port Douglas.
Take a sensory tour of the Atherton Tablelands
with a self-drive Taste of the Tropics Food
Trail. Discover local cheeses, chocolate, fruit,
vegetables, markets, restaurants, seafood,
coffee, ice cream, wines, honey and candy on
two different drives through the scenic food
bowl of Tropical North Queensland.
84. CATCH AND COOK BARRA
ABOARD A BOAT
85. CATCH THE IRONMAN ACTION
Take the family out to catch their own dinner and then
cook it on board a pontoon boat. The boats can be hired
with the addition of a barbecue so you can spend the
day exploring Dickson’s Inlet at Port Douglas and eating
barra as soon as they’re caught!
www.northqueenslandlifesaving.com
Hit the beach on a Sunday between May and
October to watch the nippers in training to be
surf life savers. Join the families afterwards at
their club house for a cold drink and a chat.
86. PAINT YOUR OWN DIDGERIDOO
www.janbalgallery.com.au
89
16
Immerse yourself in Aboriginal art and culture
with hands-on painting and story-telling by an
Aboriginal artist at Janbal Gallery in Mossman.
The fully Aboriginal owned and operated
gallery conducts workshops where you can
paint your own boomerang, didgeridoo or
canvas.
TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF
Sample tropical lifestyle
87. ENJOY A CUPPA AT THE
SOURCE
www.skybury.com.au
Everything you need to make the perfect cuppa
is found on the Tablelands – tea, coffee, milk and
sugar. Try one at the source and tour a coffee
or tea plantation to find out how your favourite
beverage is produced.
88. COOL OFF WITH A TROPICAL TREAT
Tempt your tastebuds with red dragonfruit ice cream
or frozen sugar cane juice after a day’s touring. Exotic
tropical fruit ice creams are a specialty at Scomazzons
Fruit & Vegetables north of Mossman where you can
top up on fresh locally-grown fruit and vegetables
straight from the family farm.
89. UNCOVER LOCAL CRAFTS AT THE MARKETS
Shop for a new tropical look with locally designed
clothing and hand-made jewellery at the Sunday
Markets in Port Douglas. Find the perfect present for
a friend or taste fresh local produce transformed into
juices, jams and chutneys at the iconic Cotter’s markets
on the waterfront.
90. HUNT MUD CRAB THE TRADITIONAL WAY
91. TRY WINE MADE WITH EXOTIC FRUIT
www.bamaway.com.au
www.murderingpointwinery.com.au
There’s more to hunting than a spear and a good aim.
Kubirri Warra brothers Linc and Brandon Walker reveal
how to track animals at Cooya Beach, north of Port
Douglas, and the techniques of throwing a spear to
get tucker from the different ecosystems of the beach,
mangroves and coastal reef.
There are no grapes at this award-winning winery,
instead tropical fruits are used to produce an array of
uniquely Australian wines at Silkwood’s Murdering
Point Winery. Lemon aspen and Davidson’s plum are
popular flavours at the boutique winery where you can
experience winemaking and a working cane farm.
92. BARBECUE AT THE BEACH
Grab the barbie tongs and some
fresh seafood and head to Four Mile
Beach at Port Douglas for al fresco
dining the Aussie way. The free
public barbecues overlook the beach,
definitely the best view around.
93. SHOP AND RELAX AT
INTIMATE PALM COVE
94. MAKE YOUR TASTE BUDS
TINGLE
www.tourismpalmcove.com
www.sweetfarmtours.com
Discover ultimate tropical serenity
at Palm Cove where everything
in the intimate village is within a
short walking distance. Wander
the esplanade for retail therapy in
the morning, stop for lunch at an
award-winning restaurant then relax
at a day spa in the afternoon before
sundowners overlooking the beach.
Australia’s First Cocoa and
Sugarcane Experience Centre,
located 20 minutes from Port
Douglas, nestled in the Whyanbeel
Valley on the edge of the
World Heritage-listed Daintree
Rainforest. Come and explore
our gift shop, our range includes
Australian Origin chocolate and
local products. Complimentary
Australian Origin Chocolate Tasting
on all tours.
95. JOIN FREE WATERFRONT
FITNESS CLASSES
www.cairnsesplanade.com/activities
87
94
Get fit with a view when you join
one of the free classes on the
Cairns Esplanade. Shake it up with a
zumba class, discover inner serenity
with tai chi or take your body to new
limits with yoga on the waterfront
near the Esplanade lagoon.
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
17
Discover Islands & Beaches
96. EXPERIENCE A DESERTED ISLAND
www.franklandislands.com.au
Enjoy a river cruise, reef and island experience on a
tour to the Frankland Islands where you can snorkel
straight from the beach through colourful coral gardens.
Follow a turtle and swim alongside tropical fish before
exploring the island on foot.
97. CAMP ON AN ISLAND
Push off from the mainland in a kayak for an overnight
camping adventure on beautiful Snapper Island
off Cape Tribulation. With two days ashore you can
explore the island’s rainforest and snorkel over its
surrounding reef.
98. FLY TO BREAKFAST ON THE
REEF
www.gbrhelicopters.com.au
101
Imagine champagne and tropical fruit for two
with only sand and sea around you. Make it real
by indulging in the ultimate start to the day with
a scenic helicopter or seaplane flight over the
Great Barrier Reef for breakfast on a deserted
sand cay or island.
99. SET SAIL FOR A SAND CAY
100. LEARN TO DIVE IN PARADISE
www.quicksilver-cruises.com
www.prodivecairns.com
Settle back on a luxurious catamaran and let the wind
power you across the Great Barrier Reef to an idyllic
sand cay where you can snorkel over colourful coral
gardens, dive to see rainbows of fish or bask in the sun
on the sand.
Classrooms don’t get more interesting than the Great
Barrier Reef. Professional dive companies operate
throughout Tropical North Queensland offering certified
diving courses that start in a pool and end with lessons
on the reef.
101. TAKE A QUICK ISLAND TRIP
www.greenisland.com.au
Green Island is so close to Cairns you can see it
in half a day with two full hours on the beautiful
Great Barrier Reef sand cay. Snorkel through
shallow waters to see fish and coral, do a glass
bottom boat tour or explore the island.
98
18
100
TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF
Drive North Queensland
102
102. THE GREAT TROPICAL DRIVE
103. THE SAVANNAH WAY
www.drivenorthqueensland.com.au
www.savannahway.com.au
Trek Queensland’s highest peak, raft mighty rainforest
rivers, dive the Great Barrier Reef, share bush tucker with
traditional owners or explore historic Cooktown – all
on the Great Tropical Drive itineraries. Taking you north,
west or south of Cairns, there are multiple journeys
exploring Tropical North Queensland’s incredible
landscapes.
From Cairns through the Atherton Tablelands and into
the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Savannah Way has diverse
tropical landscapes including rainforest, savannah
plains, volcanic remnants and old mining towns.
Bird watching, gem fossicking, fishing and exploring
the world’s longest lava tubes are highlights before
reaching Karumba by the sea.
104. EPIC CAPE YORK
105. GREAT BARRIER REEF DRIVE
www.drivenorthqueensland.com.au
www.drivenorthqueensland.com.au
Rich with Aboriginal culture and Australian pioneering
history, Cape York is an untamed wilderness area
waiting to be explored. The journey through Cape
York Peninsula from historic Cooktown to the top of
Australia is an epic adventure taking in memorable
pubs, ancient rock art, top fishing spots and spectacular
natural scenery.
The Great Barrier Reef Drive from Cairns to Cape
Tribulation is along spectacular coastline hugging two
World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet
Tropics rainforest. Taking in Port Douglas, the drive goes
through the Daintree, the world’s oldest living tropical
rainforest. Cross the Daintree River on the cable ferry for
a leisurely drive past pretty beaches to Cape Tribulation.
103
104
105
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
19
How to get there
WHETHER YOU’RE ARRIVING FROM INTERSTATE OR FLYING IN FROM OVERSEAS,
GETTING TO TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND IS EASY, WITH THE MAJOR HUB OF
CAIRNS SERVICED BY A DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL.
AIR TRAVEL IS THE MOST POPULAR WAY TO GET TO TROPICAL NORTH
QUEENSLAND, BUT CAR, COACH, AND RAIL SERVICES ALL PROVIDE COMFORTABLE
TRANSPORTATION. THEY WILL ALSO GIVE YOU A TASTE OF THE RICH, CHANGING
LANDSCAPE AS YOU ARRIVE.
Air
Car
Rail
All the major carriers including
Virgin Australia, Tigerair and the
Qantas Group brands of Qantas and
Jetstar service Cairns. Direct flights
operate to the major Australian
cities of Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane,
the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth
and Darwin, with onward connecting
flights to other destinations.
If you’re towing a caravan, driving a
motorhome or just love to drive the
open highway plan your trip on one
of several themed routes including
the Pacific Coast Touring Route
(from Sydney to Cairns) and the
Newell/Matilda Highway (from
Melbourne to Cairns via outback
and Gulf Savannah) or the Great
Tropical Drive (Townsville to Cairns).
Queensland Rail’s The Spirit of
Queensland travel from Brisbane
to Cairns with five return services
a week. The 1681km journey takes
25 hours.
Qantas and Qantaslink also
serve a number of the major
destinations directly Uluru. The
primary international airlines
servicing Cairns are Qantas Airways
(both Qantas and Jetstar brands),
Cathay Pacific, Air Niugini, Air New
Zealand, Pacific Blue, Silkair, China
Eastern and United Airlines, with
direct flights to Cairns originating
from Japan, Singapore, Hong
Kong, Guam, Port Moresby and
Bali. Seasonal services operate to
Auckland and mainland China.
www.savannahway.com.au
www.drivenorthqueensland.com.au
Coach
Greyhound is one of the main
carriers, though there’s a host
of smaller charter coach and
tour operators based in most
destinations.
www.greyhound.com.au
www.virginaustralia.com
www.qantas.com
www.jetstar.com
www.tigerair.com/au/en/
www.queenslandrail.com.au
Drive times & distances in
Tropical North Queensland
Cairns to Palm Cove
20 mins, 25km
Cairns to Kuranda
30 mins, 38km
Cairns to Port Douglas
1 hour, 60km
Cairns to Daintree
1.5 hours, 80km
Cairns to Cooktown
4 hours, 340km
Cairns to Mission Beach
1.5 hours, 110km
Disclaimer - Tourism Queensland has compiled and produced this booklet in the interest of promoting tourism in Queensland. The material contained
within has been researched, assembled and included with all due care. Details are accurate at the time of printing. Published August 2011.
20
TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF
Bamaga
Mapoon
Bramwell Junction
Bramwell Station
Portland Roads
Lockhart River
Weipa
Aurukun
Coen
Musgrave Roadhouse
Pompuraaw
Kowanyama
Hopevale
Cooktown
Helenvale
Laura
Lakeland
Wujal Wujal
Daintree
Port Douglas
Mount Molloy
Kuranda
Cairns
Mareeba
mu
Karumba
Chillagoe
Normanton
Burketown
Croydon
Hell’s Gate
Lawn Hill
NP
Georgetown
Atherton
Innisfail
Mt Surprise
Undara
Mission Beach
Cardwell
Ingham
Gregory Downs
Townsville
Camooweal
Charters Towers
Cloncurry
Mt Isa
Julia Creek
Richmond
Hughenden
Events
For more events go to www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/events/
JANURARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH
CHINESE NEW YEAR
www.cadcai.org
Grafton Street lights up with the annual Cairns Chinese
New Year Festival street parade which includes a lion
dance, market stalls and food.
APRIL
UNDARA OUTBACK ROCK & BLUES
www.undara.com.au
The three-day Outback Rock & Blues Festival is a big
weekend of great music in the magical setting of Undara
Experience. Roll out your swag, set up the camper or
stay in a turn-of-the-century railway carriage.
MAY
PORT DOUGLAS CARNIVALE
www.carnivale.com.au
Pace yourself for 10 days of food, wine and fun at Port
Douglas Carnivale. A seafood extravaganza, chef’s
cook-off and longest lunch will tempt your tastebuds,
join the kids for a beach fun day, watch sporting events
and cheer the street parade.
THE GREAT WHEELBARROW RACE
www.greatwheelbarrowrace.com
Follow in the footsteps of the pioneers who made
their way to the goldfields west of Cairns in the early
18th century with only a wheelbarrow to carry their
possessions. This gruelling 140km push between
Mareeba and Chillagoe has participants raising money
for their favourite charity.
HERBERTON PIONEERS WEEKEND
COOKTOWN DISCOVERY FESTIVAL
www.cooktowndiscoveryfestival.com
A celebration of arts, culture, family and the coming
together of Australia’s indigenous people and the
European explorers led by Captain James Cook.
LAURA ABORIGINAL DANCE FESTIVAL
www.lauradancefestival.com
The Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival is an exciting
biennial gathering in Cape York Peninsula, highlighting
the many diverse Communities, language, song, dance
and stories. It will be held in 2015.
AUSTRALIA CLASSIC PRECISION RALLY
www.australiaclassic.com.au
Based on such classic rallies as the legendary Mille
Miglia in Italy and the Silvretta Classic in Austria, this
event is an animated car tour spanning an entire
weekend on the most beautiful roads of Tropical North
Queensland.
MAREEBA RODEO & FESTIVAL
www.mareebarodeo.com.au
Bull riding and steer wrestling are among the rodeo
events which are combined with an agricultural show
where you can watch wood chopping, see beef cattle
and cheer on the parade.
JULY
CAIRNS UKULELE FESTIVAL
www.cairnsukulelefestival.net
Cairns has become the place to be for ukulele lovers
and music lovers alike the first weekend of July. The
annual multi-day, multi-arts festival brings people from
all over the globe and from all walks of life and ages
together to enjoy and make music in the tropics.
www.herbertonhistoricvillage.com.au
CAIRNS INDIGENOUS ART FAIR
Step back in time as Historic Village Herberton comes to
life for the weekend with demonstrations of how people
lived in the 1800s, all set among one of Australia’s
largest collections of early buildings, memorabilia and
priceless antiques.
www.ciaf.com.au
JUNE
The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is a unique threeday event that merges an art market with a celebration
of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
cultures. CIAF is one of the most recognised Art Fairs/
Festivals in Australia.
CAIRNS AIRPORT ADVENTURE FESTIVAL
AUGUST
www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/asiapac/multisports/
cairns.aspx
TASTE PORT DOUGLAS
The festival features an event for everyone, including;
IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns, Coral Coast Triathlon, RRR Mountain
Bike Challenge, Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge,
Quicksilver Reef Swim – Green Island, The Cairns Post Run
for Cairns and McDonalds IRONKIDS Cairns.
22
The aim of Taste Port Douglas is to champion the
producers, the restaurateurs, chefs and industry
trailblazers to a national and ultimately international
stage, against the glorious backdrop of tropical paradise.
TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF
Events
SEPTEMBER
CAIRNS AMATEURS
www.cairnsamateurs.org.au
The Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival is four days of fun,
fashion, glamour, food and entertainment built around
two days of horse racing in Cairns in early September
each year.
ONA MISSION MULTISPORT ADVENTURE RACE
www.adventuresportnq.info
A sensational course featuring a paddle to Dunk Island,
rainforest run to the island’s peak, a mountain bike
ride along Mission Beach and through World Heritage
rainforest, ending with a beach run.
CARDIAC CHALLENGE
www.cardiacchallenge.com.au
A 333km ride experiencing the dramatically varying
terrain of Tropical North Queensland through lush
rainforest to the Atherton Tablelands, across golden
savannah lands and on to the shores of the Coral Sea at
Cooktown.
OCTOBER
REEF FEAST
www.reeffeast.com.au
Held in Palm Cove, Reef Feast celebrates the wonderful
lifestyle of Tropical North Queensland, the Great Barrier
Reef and its abundant seafood as well as the diversity of
the region’s tropical and native produce.
CROC TROPHY
www.crocodile-trophy.com
One of the world’s hardest and longest mountain
biking adventures covers 770km across the Atherton
Tablelands to historic mining towns in the outback. The
race showcases the mountain bike trails of Ride Cairns.
TASTES OF THE TABLELANDS
www.tastesofthetablelands.com
The Atherton Tablelands presents the ultimate garden
party with farmers from across the region selling their
produce and chefs competing to serve up the best dish.
Enjoy a local wine with lunch while the children make
the most of their special activities.
KURANDA FESTIVAL
www.kuranda.org
Kuranda’s two-day festival celebrates the official
survey of the village in the rainforest with quirky events
including the Bash of the Barron River Raft Race and the
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Free activities include live music,
horse and carriage rides and river cruises.
GRAVITATE
www.cairnsmtb.com/gravitate
A unique take on the multi-day mountain biking
festival format, Gravitate has events to suit riders of
all disciplines as it takes in the variety of trails across
Tropical North Queensland in four days.
TABLELANDS FOLK FESTIVAL
www.tablelandsfolkfestival.org
Celebrating music, friendship and cultural
understanding, the Tablelands Folk Festival is the
longest running folk festival in Queensland. Held in
Yungaburra, which is surrounded by rainforest and crater
lakes, it features family entertainment over four days.
OAK PARK RACES
www.oakparkraces.com.au
The races have been held at Oak Park for more than 100
years and include entertainment for the whole family.
MISSION EVOLVE MUSIC FESTIVAL
www.missionevolve.com.au
Set in the lush tropical forests of Dundee Park at
Mission Beach, this family-friendly event encompasses
live music, DJs, workshops, sculpture, percussion, roving
performance and circus spaces as well as market stalls
and delicious food.
NOVEMBER
GREAT BARRIER REEF MARATHON FESTIVAL
www.greatbarrierreefmarathon.com.au
Tackle the Bump Track on the 74km JCU Ultra Marathon
or the 42.195km Steve Moneghetti Marathon or set
yourself a smoother pace on one of the shorter runs.
There is a race for all abilities in this annual festival.
OPERA IN THE OUTBACK
www.undara.com.au
As the sun slowly sinks below the distant horizon of
the beautiful eastern Gulf Savannah, the stage is set
for some of Australia’s most accomplished operatic
performers to deliver the unforgettable Opera in the
Outback at Undara Experience.
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
23
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Members List
ACCOMODATION
BACKPACKER HOSTEL
Cairns Central YHA
Cairns Sharehouse.com Gilligan’s Backpackers Hotel & Resort
Nomads Cairns
Northern Greenhouse
07 4051 0772
07 4041 1875
07 4041 6566
07 4040 7777
07 4047 7200
B&B / FARM STAY
Red Mill House
Allumbah Pocket Cottages
Mungalli Falls Outdoor Education Centre
07 4098 6233
07 4095 3023
07 4097 2358
CARAVAN & CAMPING GROUNDS
BIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park 07 4039 1036
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
07 4054 6644
Cairns Holiday Park
07 4051 1467
Cairns Sunland Leisure Park
07 4053 6888
Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalow & Leisure Park 07 4055 3538
Lake Placid Tourist Park
07 4039 2509
Palm Cove Holiday Park
07 4055 3824
Cape Tribulation Camping
07 4098 0077
Cape York Camping Punsand Bay 07 4069 1722
Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park
07 4069 6400
Atherton Hallorans Leisure Park
07 4091 4144
BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park
07 4091 1407
HOTEL, MOTEL, APARTMENT, RESORT 4 & 4.5 STAR
Cairns Harbour Lights
07 4057 0800
DoubleTree by Hilton
07 4050 6070
Mercure Cairns Harbourside
07 4080 3000
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
07 4080 1888
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
07 4044 9000
Rydges Plaza Cairns
07 4046 0300
Rydges Tradewinds Cairns
07 4053 0300
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
07 4053 8800
Hotel Grand Chancellor Palm Cove
07 4059 1234
Mantra Esplanade
07 5665 4450
Mantra Trilogy Resort
07 4080 8000
Pacific Hotel Cairns
07 4051 7888
Piermonde Apartments
07 4042 6500
201 Lake Street
07 4053 0100
Amaroo at Trinity
07 4055 6066
Australis Cairns Beach Resort
07 4037 0400
Best Western Cairns Central Apartments
07 4081 6000
Cairns Queens Court
07 4051 7722
Cairns Sheridan Hotel
07 4031 6500
Coral Sands Resort
07 4057 8800
Coral Towers Holiday Suites
07 4046 5465
Coral Tree Inn
07 4031 3744
Fitzroy Island Resort
07 4044 6700
Il Palazzo Boutique Apartments Hotel
07 4041 2155
Marlin Waters Beachfront Apartments
07 4055 3933
Melaleuca Resort
07 4055 3222
Oasis at Palm Cove
07 4059 0522
On the Beach Holiday Apartments
07 4057 7555
Palm Royale Cairns
07 4032 6400
Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove
07 4055 3300
24
Paradise Palms Resort Golf & Country Club
Sarayi Boutique Hotel
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
The Boutique Collection - Palm Cove
The Boutique Collection - Port Douglas
The Hotel Cairns
The Reef Retreat
Tropic Towers Apartments
Villa Paradiso
Vue Apartments - Trinity Beach
Alassio Palm Cove
QT Port Douglas
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa
Silky Oaks Lodge
The Beach Terraces
Cayman Villas Port Douglas
Freestyle Resort Port Douglas
Hibiscus Resort & Spa
Meridian Port Douglas
Oaks Lagoons
Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Verandahs Port Douglas
Villa San Michele
The Sovereign Resort Hotel Pty Ltd
Bloomfield Lodge
The Canopy Rainforest Treehouses and
Wildlife Sanctuary
07 4059 9900
07 4059 5600
07 4080 2700
1800 887 274
07 4099 4482
07 4051 6188
07 4059 1744
07 4031 3955
07 4059 8800
07 4058 4400
07 4059 1550
07 4099 8900
07 4098 6100
07 4098 1666
07 4099 5998
07 4087 2300
07 4099 0799
07 4099 5315
07 4084 2400
07 4030 4666
07 4099 9100
07 4099 6650
07 4099 4088
07 4043 0500
07 4035 9166
07 4096 5364
HOTEL, MOTEL, APARTMENT, RESORT 5 STAR
Hilton Cairns
07 4050 2000
Pullman Cairns International
07 4031 1300
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa 07 4059 9600
Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns
07 4031 1411
The Reef Hotel Casino
07 4030 8888
Allamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore 07 4055 3000
Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove
07 4059 9200
Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa
07 4058 4000
Waters Edge Apartments Cairns
07 4044 2300
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa 07 4084 3500
Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas
07 4087 1000
Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort
07 4099 5888
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
07 4098 5700
Coconut Grove
07 4099 0600
Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments
07 4099 0100
Shantara Resort Port Douglas
07 4084 1400
Lizard Island
02 9538 0751
HOTEL, MOTEL, APARTMENT, RESORT BELOW 4 STAR
Hides Hotel Cairns
07 4051 1266
Bay Village Tropical Retreat
07 4051 4622
Cairns Plaza Hotel
07 4051 4688
Cairns Queenslander Hotel & Apartments
07 4051 0122
Comfort Inn Discovery Cairns
07 4044 9777
Reef Palms Motel
07 4051 2599
Royal Palm Villas
07 4081 6900
Villa Marine Holiday Apartments & Motel
07 4055 7158
Rendezvous Reef Resort
07 4087 2790
Port Douglas Retreat
07 4099 5053
TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF
Cape York Peninsula Lodge
Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach
07 4069 3050
07 4068 7444
LODGES/GUEST HOUSES
Crystalbrook Lodge
Heritage Lodge & Spa
Kehoe’s Rainforest Retreats
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat
07 4094 8385
07 4098 9321
07 4095 2255
07 4096 8360
ACTIVITIES, TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
ADVENTURE
AJ Hackett Cairns
Bad Fishy
Blazing Saddles
Cable Ski Cairns
Cairns Adventure Cruises
Foaming Fury
Heritage 4WD Tours & Kamp Out Safaris
Hot Air Balloon Cairns
Raging Thunder - Hot Air Ballooning
Raging Thunder - White Water Rafting
Skydive Cairns
Small World Journeys
Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours
07 4057 7188
0499 490 030
07 4055 7400
07 4038 1304
0418 774 612
07 4031 3460
07 4054 7750
07 4039 9900
07 4030 7990
07 4030 7990
07 4031 5466
07 4053 2878
07 4098 0043
CULTURAL & INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCES
Cairns Civic Theatre
07 4050 7777
Tanks Arts Centre
07 4032 6600
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
07 4042 9999
Djunbunji Ltd
07 4056 8283
Cairns and District Chinese Association Inc 0423 267 241
UMI Arts Limited
07 4041 6152
KuKu Yalanji Dreamtime Tours
07 4098 2595
Mossman Gorge Centre
07 4099 7000
Rainforestation Nature Park
07 4085 5008
Ingan Tours
1300 728 067
DAY & HALF DAY TOURS
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Cairns Harbour Cruises
Down Under Tours Australia
Reef & Rainforest Connections
The Adventure Company
Active Tropics Explorer
Adventure North Australia Pty Ltd
Cairns City Explorer
Discovery Tours Australia Doki Doki Tours
Food Trail Tours
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Northern Experience Eco Tours
Port Douglas Connections
Queensland Rail (Freshwater Railway Station)
Jungle Tours & Trekking
BTS Tours
Daintree Discovery Centre
Walkabout Cultural Adventures
Cape York 4WD Tours
Herberton Historic Village
Tablelands Tours & Transfers
North Queensland Wildscapes Phototours
Sicklebill Safaris 07 4038 5555
07 4031 4007
07 4035 5566
1300 780 455
07 4052 8300
07 4031 3460
07 4028 3376
07 4032 0322
1300 32 10 19
07 4031 4141
07 4032 0322
07 4036 9333
07 4058 0268
07 4051 9167
07 4036 9330
07 4041 9440
07 4099 5665
07 4098 9171
0429 478 206
07 4051 1120
07 4096 2002
07 4225 0133
07 4093 0379
07 4093 7318
Mamu Tropical Skywalk
Paronella Park
Cobbold Gorge Tours
Undara Experience
07 4064 5294
07 4065 0000
07 4062 5470
07 4097 1900
FESTIVALS/EVENTS
IRONMAN
The Cairns Amateurs
Inkmasters Cairns Inc
07 5430 6700
07 4033 1135
07 4093 8835
FOOD & WINE TOURS
The Organic Experience
Australian Coffee Centre
The Coffee Works Australia
Nerada Tea Pty Ltd
Murdering Point Winery
0474 311 885
07 4093 2194
07 4092 4101
07 4096 8328
07 4065 2327
GALLERIES & MUSEUMS
Australian Armour & Artillery Museum
Pandanus Gallery
Cairns Regional Gallery
Janbal Gallery
Gab Titui Cultural Centre
The Crystal Caves
07 4038 1665
07 4059 2300
07 4046 4800
07 4098 3917
07 4069 0888
07 4091 2365
OTHER
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Cairns Esplanade
Conservation Volunteers Australia
07 4032 6650
07 4044 3715
07 4032 0844
REEF TOURS / CRUISES
Pro Dive Cairns
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
Sunlover Reef Cruises
Sunset Cruises
Down Under Cruise & Dive
Frankland Islands Cruise & Dive
Reef Magic Cruises
Aroona Luxury Boat Charters
Cairns Dive Centre
Cairns Fishing Charters
Coral Princess Cruises Pty Ltd
Deep Sea Divers Den
Fitzroy Island Ferries
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions
Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom
Passions Of Paradise
Seastar Cruises
Seawalker @ Green Island
Spirit Of Freedom
Tusa Dive
Coral Sea Dreaming
Great Adventures
Ocean Spirit Cruises
Quicksilver Cruises
Silver Series
Aquarius Sail & Snorkel
Calypso Reef Charters Pty Ltd
Crocodile - Express Daintree Connection
Ocean Safari
Sailaway Port Douglas
Wavelength Reef Cruises Pty Ltd
Daintree River Cruise Centre 07 4031 5255
07 4051 0444
07 4050 1333
07 4031 4007
07 4052 8300
07 4031 6300
07 4031 1588
0409 903 193
07 4051 0294
0427 400 027
07 4040 9999
07 4046 7333
07 4030 7990
07 4053 0500
07 4052 1111
07 4041 1600
07 4041 6218
0407 581 096
07 4047 9150
07 4047 9100
07 4041 1600
07 4044 9944
07 4044 9944
07 4087 2100
07 4087 2100
07 4099 6999
07 4099 6999
07 4098 6120
07 4098 0006
07 4099 4200
07 4099 5031
07 4098 6115
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
25
SAFARI & 4WD TOURS
Billy Tea Safaris
Savannahlander
Tagalong Tours of Australia
Daintree Tours by Deluxe Safaris
Wooroonooran Safaris
07 4032 0077
07 4053 6848
07 4057 4096
07 4099 6999
07 4031 6300
SCENIC FLIGHTS / CHARTERS
GBR Helicopters
Nautilus Aviation
GSL Aviation
Sea Eagle Adventures Pty Ltd
Daintree Air Services
07 4081 8888
07 4034 9000
1300 475 000
07 4034 1743
07 4034 9300
SPORTS
Cairns Jockey Club
AFL Cairns Ltd
Great Barrier Reef Marathon
07 4054 1203
07 4042 3000
07 4099 4100
WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Cairns Wildlife Dome
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Cairns Tropical Zoo
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Wildlife Habitat
Birdworld Kuranda
Kuranda Koala Gardens
07 4031 7250
07 4055 3576
07 4055 3669
07 4093 7575
07 4099 3235
07 4093 9188
07 4093 9953
ASSOCIATIONS & AGENCIES
BUSINESS / INDUSTRY GROUPS
Cairns Chamber of Commerce
Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef Inc.
Dive Queensland
07 4031 1838
0458 794 001
07 4051 4298
GOVT AGENCIES / COUNCILS
Australian Parliament
07 4031 6009
Cairns Regional Council
07 4044 3044
Dept of State Development, Infrastructure
and Planning
07 4037 3209
Queensland Government
07 4051 2868
Ergon Energy Corporation Ltd
07 4050 2992
Wet Tropics Management Authority
07 4241 0500
Cook Shire Council
07 4069 5444
Burke Shire Council
07 4745 5100
Mareeba Shire Council
1300 308 461
Tablelands Regional Council
1300 362 242
Cassowary Coast Regional Council
07 4030 2222
Croydon Shire Council
07 4748 7100
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) 07 3236 1445
Tourism & Events Queensland
07 3535 3535
Tourism Australia
02 9360 1111
TOURISM ORGANISATIONS
Australian Tourism Export Council Caravan Parks Association of QLD
Tourism Palm Cove
Trinity Beach Promotion Association
FNQ Tour Operators Association Inc
Local Tourism Network Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree
Daintree Marketing Co-operative
Tropical Coast Tourism
Great Green Way Tourism Inc.
26
07 4031 6447
07 4039 1036
07 4059 2492
07 4057 7600
07 4051 1822
07 4040 2197
07 4099 4588
07 4098 6000
07 4068 8432
07 4066 8334
Mission Beach Tourism Inc.
Cape York Sustainable Futures Inc. 07 4068 7099
07 4053 2856
BUSINESS EVENT SERVICES
EVENT MANAGEMENT COMPANIES
A List Events
Managing Australian Destinations
Corporate Concepts 101
Hannafords Events
Port Douglas Catering & Events
04 2732 0379
07 4099 4308
0488 558 702
07 4099 3966
07 4099 4233
EVENT SUPPORT COMPANIES
Coral Coast Catering
NQ Exhibitions
Staging Connections
Underwood Party Hire
Simply Hampers...Simply the Best
Tropic Spirit Catering Pty Ltd
Tropical Catering & Events
TJS Cleaning Services Cairns Pty Ltd
Roux Blond
Moreton Hire
0437 000 740
07 4041 2703
07 4047 9200
07 4035 4513
0438 121 523
07 4031 5705
07 4044 1877
0438 767 602
07 4724 4018
1300 360 348
VENUES
Cairns Convention Centre
07 4042 4200
NIGHTCLUBS / BARS / ENTERTAINMENT
Vertigo Bar & Lounge Woolshed Chargrill and Saloon Bar
07 4030 8888
07 4031 6304
RESTAURANTS & CAFES
Flinders Bar & Grill at The Reef Hotel Casino 07 4030 8888
Tamarind Restaurant
07 4030 8888
Nu Nu Restaurant
07 4059 1880
Ochre Restaurant and Catering
07 4051 0100
Salt House
07 4041 7733
Beach Almond
07 4059 1908
Cafe China
07 4041 2828
Cairns RSL Club Ltd
07 4051 5804
Cazalys Cairns Ltd
07 4054 1464
Dundees Licensed Grill
07 4051 0399
Golden Boat Chinese Restaurant
07 4031 8833
McDonalds Family Restaurants Cairns
07 4031 0292
Waterbar and Grill 07 4031 1199
Coast Roast Coffee Esplanade
0422 416 025
The Raw Prawn 07 4031 5400
Flames of the Forest
07 4099 3144
PROFESSIONAL, SHOPPING & OTHER SERVICES
DESIGN / PRINT / PUBLICATION
Australian Tourist Publications
Drafthouse Creative Studio
Gateway Media Group
Hot Croc Advertising
Realised Technologies Pty Ltd
Bolton Print
Cairns Plan Printing Service P/L
Cairns Visitor Guide Lotsa - Print and Design
07 4041 3600
07 4041 0838
07 4051 1777
07 4051 0088
07 4051 4200
07 4035 3833
07 4051 2072
07 4051 1933
07 4099 3366
EDUCATION / TRAINING
Banora
Cairns Language Centre
07 4041 7990
07 4054 8690
TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF
Careers Training Centre CQ University Australia
Deadly Success
James Cook University of North QLD
Kaplan International College Cairns
Study Cairns
TAFE Queensland North
Cairns College of English Pty Ltd
07 4041 9454
07 4031 1572
0448 011 566
07 4232 1111
07 4031 3466
07 4080 2902
07 4042 2429
07 4041 2322
FINANCIAL / LEGAL
Host Plus Superannuation
MacDonnells Law
Crowe Horwath (Aust) Pty Ltd
Westpac Banking Corporation Ltd
Cummings Economics
Grant Thornton
Intrust Super
National Australia Bank
O’Connor Law Pty Ltd
Sunsuper
1300 467 875
07 4030 0600
07 4052 3222
07 4044 7500
07 4031 2888
07 4046 8888
13 24 67
07 4050 1222
07 4031 1211
07 4779 8377
IT / WEB / DIGITAL
Narnoo.com
Precedence
Respax
1300 406 071
1300 363 460
07 4041 1017
MARKETING REPRESENTATION
Parker Travel Collection
Morgan Freeman Promotions
Pinnacle Tourism Marketing
Ros Harries Marketing
Tourism Marketing Services
0417 445 823
07 4031 3611
07 4031 6447
07 4054 4445
07 4032 2685
MEDIA / COMMUNICATION
Living In Cairns
The Cairns Post Pty Ltd
Liz Inglis Media & Communications
Strategic PR
Adlink Media
Contineo Marketing
Jasons Travel Media Pty Ltd
Pacific Coast Publishing Group
07 4051 6880
07 4052 6666
07 4059 2547
07 4034 3404
07 4099 3341
+86 21 5132 1820
07 3868 4455
07 5594 7169
OTHER
Ports North
Ambition Uniforms
Cairns Quality of Life Australia
Export Grant Professionals
Talent Team (NT) Pty LTd
W.C Kelly Project Management
Exportise
07 4052 3888
07 4031 1228
07 4041 0161
07 4034 1277
0417 844 577
07 4053 2338
02 9439 4244
PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEOGRAPHY
Andrew Watson Photography
Calypso Reef Imagery Centre
Lovegreen Photography
Brad Newton Photography
Maxwell Media
HDeVolution
07 4053 7620
07 4041 5581
0418 633 320
0407 313 111
0450 195 301
07 4063 2608
REAL ESTATE / DEVELOPERS
CB Richard Ellis
Lucas Sexton
Redlynch Valley Property Company
Tora BPS
07 4051 8922
0407 643 547
1800 114 477
0410 561 645
RECRUITMENT / PERSONNEL
CBC Staff Selection
Signature Staff Pty Ltd
Q.I.T.E.
07 4051 9699
07 4050 3888
07 4030 8600
RETAIL /SUPPLIER
The Pier at the Marina
AAB Office Equipment
Cairns Central Shopping Centre
Cairns Ocean Products Pty Ltd
DFO Cairns
DFS Australia Pty Ltd
Louis Vuitton
Piccones Shopping Village
Smithfield Shopping Centre
Bidvest Cairns
Cairns Natural Spring Water
Kenny Sheet Metal Pty Ltd
OK Gift Shop
The Australian Bush Store
07 4052 7749
1800 622 182
07 4041 4111
07 4031 3277
07 4051 7444
07 4031 2446
1300 883 880
07 4045 9800
07 4038 1006
07 4035 3456
07 4033 2454
07 4051 6011
07 4031 6144
07 4093 8850
WEDDING SERVICE
Australian Wedding Capital
0473 351 111
TOURISM BOOKINGS / AGENCIES
INBOUND TOUR OPERATORS
D.O.A. Australian Tour Link
JTB Australia Pty Ltd
Nippon Travel Agency (Australia) Pty Ltd
H.I.S. Co Ltd
TOUR DESKS, TRAVEL AGENTS
Cairns Business & Leisure Travel
Cairns Holiday Specialists
Destination Cairns Marketing
Local Tourism Network Travel Beats Pty Ltd
Travstar.com Pty Ltd
Golden Holidays Travel Pty Ltd
07 4044 1414
07 4031 1990
07 4031 5844
07 4051 7181
07 4080 4000
07 4059 5959
07 4051 4066
07 4040 2177
0406 534 996
07 4040 2100
07 4028 3716
WHOLESALE AGENTS
Kintetsu International Express (Oceania) Pty Ltd 07 4031 1551
AIRLINE / AIR CHARTER / FERRIES
Qantas
Cairns Airport
Jetstar Airways
Hinterland Aviation
Independent Aviation
Peddells Ferry & Tour Bus Service
Sealink
02 9691 5198
07 4080 6703
03 8628 3436
07 4040 1333
07 4046 3333
07 4069 1551
07 4726 0800
COACH, LIMOUSINES & TAXIS
Cairns Taxis Limited
Global Travel Service
International Coaches & Tours Pty Ltd
Exemplar Coaches & Limousines Sun Palm Transportation Pty Ltd
07 4048 8311
07 4041 3122
07 4032 5877
07 4098 5473
07 4099 1191
VEHICLE RENTAL
Avis Australia
East Coast Car Rentals
Britz Australia
Budget Rent A Car
Mini Car Rentals
07 4033 9555
07 5555 8900
07 4032 2611
07 4048 8166
07 4051 6288
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
27
www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au