16 July 2016, Travel DigesT
As the heart of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest, Cairns pulses with energy. Surrounded by nature, Cairns is the place to soak up the tropical lifestyle. saraH WeeKs discovers how easy this compact city is to get
around with the reef and rainforest right on its doorstep.
Colourful and tropical
HOW TO geT arOUND
Tropical North Queensland is a big
region and renting a car is the best
way to get around and see it. Redspot
Car Rentals is one of the easiest with
a car rental counter at Cairns Airport and hire
cars parked just outside the terminal. After
flying in, you can easily collect your car as
soon as you arrive. Their large variety of
rental cars includes compact Hyundai i20’s
through to large sedans such as Holden
Evoke or Holden Malibu. They even cater for
SUV size vehicles such as Holden Captivas
and mini vans like Kia Carnivals.
We rent a Holden Captiva 5 that seats five
adults and has air conditioning so you can
escape the tropical heat outside. It has all
the modern amenities you’d expect with
Bluetooth to connect your phone and play
music. Make sure you order a TomTom GPS
to help you find your way around the city and
along the coast. They also offer car seats for
little ones if you need it. Their Top Dog
package is an all-inclusive rate with $0
damage liability, unlimited toll road use, as
well as all taxes and fees so you can just
enjoy the drive.
WHaT TO see aND DODiscover Australia’s rich history of the
world’s oldest living culture, the Aboriginal
people, dating back over 40,000 years at
Tjapukai. Whether you visit this cultural park
by day or night, you’ll enjoy a unique
experience with performance, dance, food
and arts. It’s the perfect way to gain a
deeper understanding of Australia’s diverse
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
Located in Cairns, you can learn how to
shake a leg by joining in traditional
performances, make fire without a
matchstick and maybe even how to play
the didgeridoo.
We visit during the day and are impressed
with the many interactive experiences
starting with the ancient dreamtime story
of the Tjapukai people’s belief in the creation
of the world. Across the lake you can join
Aboriginal dancers in a corroboree
celebration and fire making ceremony. Learn
from the people about the gathering and
cooking of bush foods and the medicinal
values of native plants, enjoy the fun of
throwing a spear or learn the art of throwing
a returning boomerang.
Described as the world’s most beautiful
rainforest experience, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway next door to Tjapukai takes you
over Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical
Rainforest canopy and deep into the forest.
Spanning 7.5km over pristine rainforest, it’s
a must when visiting Cairns, where you can
learn about this fascinating and diverse area.
Glide just metres above the rainforest canopy
in one of their comfortable six-person
gondola cabins where you can see, hear,
smell and feel the tropical rainforest.
The experience takes about 1.5 hours
one-way or 2 to 2.5 hours return and can
start or finish at Smithfield or Kuranda,
depending which way you want to go.
One of the highlights of this trip is getting
off at Barron Falls Station where you’ll
enjoy spectacular views of the Barron
Gorge, a deep chasm lined with dense
rainforest vegetation. Skyrail can also be
combined with the Kuranda Scenic Railway
Cairns
Cairns is known for its stunning scenery and local art.
17Travel DigesT, July 2016
to create the perfect half or full day tour.
Ride aboard Kuranda Scenic Railway as
you unwind your way through a tropical
paradise framed by rugged mountains with
waterfalls tumbling forever into deep ravines.
This unique rail journey will let you discover
the living colour and natural beauty of this
world-listed heritage rainforest that’s a
million years old. Home to an incredible array
of plants and animals, there’s 1,200 species
of flowering plants, 800 different rainforest
trees, spectacular orchids, strangler figs,
exotic palms and hundreds of unique
creatures inhabit this lush green world. This
famous railway winds its way from Cairns to
Kuranda, the village in the rainforest and
includes an english commentary on the
history of the railways construction and what
you see along the way.
Snorkelling or diving the wondrous Great
Barrier Reef is a must for any Cairns visitor
and one of the most incredible experiences a
person can enjoy – definitely one to tick off
the bucket list. Calypso Reef Cruises in Port
Douglas offer one of the best unique reef
experiences. Take the plunge below these
tropical waters to enjoy the peace and
serenity of exploring the diverse marine life
and corals here. Their experienced and
knowledgeable crew will help you explore the
coral gardens in search of weird and
wonderful marine creatures at Opal Reef and
Agincourt Reef – you’ll be kept busy for
hours. Departing from Port Douglas’ Reef
Marina, you’ll be taken on a trip of a lifetime
visiting three sites in one day in one of their
comfortable new vessels.
Doesn’t matter what your skill level of
swimming is, you’ll see the reef’s colour and
marine life within a couple of metres. It’s an
amazing feeling as you float effortlessly over
rich, colourful coral gardens teeming with
life. You’ll see everything from small
clownfish to giant clams, cods, colourful
parrotfish and so much more. The tour
includes all snorkelling equipment like lycra
suits, wetsuits, prescription masks and
flotation devices as well as morning tea,
lunch and afternoon tea.
If swimming and water isn’t your thing,
you can enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from
your window seat with a scenic flight with
GSL Aviation. Operating from Cairns Airport,
they can cater for air charters anywhere in
the region and offer regular flights with a
courtesy bus to and from Cairns. It’s a great
way to see the North Queensland coastline
from one of their high wing aircraft. Their
40-minute scenic Reef Hopper flight gives
you a taste of the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll
see Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef,
Upolu Reef, Double Island, Palm Cove and
the Great Barrier Reef with views of the North
Queensland coastline.
A once-in-a-lifetime trip you’ll never forget.
Just north of Port Douglas is Cape
Tribulation located in the heart of the
Daintree National Park World Heritage Area
which contains the oldest continually
surviving tropical rainforests in the world.
Estimated to be over 100 million years old,
the Wet Tropics area is home to around 50
per cent of Australia’s plant and animal
species with many species found nowhere
else in the world. The Adventure Company runs day and overnight tours from Cairns to
the Daintree Rainforest and is perfect for the
budget conscious traveller with all the ‘must
see’ attractions.
The drive between Cairns and Cape
Tribulation weaves its way past beautiful
white sandy beaches and some of Australia’s
most picturesque scenery. Get picked up in
one of their air-conditioned vehicles from
your accommodation as you make your way
up the scenic World Heritage Listed Captain
Cook Highway. At Mossman Gorge National
CAIRNS
Each Apartment has a Full Kitchen and Laundry, Air-Conditioning, Ceiling Fans, Large Flatscreen Tv in Living Area, Foxtel, Tv in Every Bedroom, Spa Bath in Main Ensuite, Large Private Balcony, Lift, Security Gated, Free Undercover Parking, Large Lap Swimming Pool, Children’s Pool, BBQ Area, Short Walk to all Restaurants and Supermarket, Free Tour Desk, Airport Transfers or Car Hire can be Arranged.
Trinity Beach is Located in a quiet area just 20 minutes North of Cairns City and Central to all Tour Attractions.
88 Moore Street, Trinity Beach, Queenland, AustraliaEMAil: [email protected]
PhonE: +61 7 4057 8822
Bellevue At Trinity Beach is a Five Star Complex and boasts Exclusive Unrestricted Views from every one, Two and Three Bedroom Fully Self Contained ocean View Apartment and Tropical Views from the one and Two Bedroom Garden Apartments.
Ideal for families or a group, Eden sleeps up to 8 people with a King a Queen and 4 Single Beds that can join to make 2 King Beds if needed. The house features a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, extra large Main bedroom with walk in robe and ensuite with double shower and direct access to the pool, fully equipped laundry,
fully air conditioned, ceiling fans, separate shower and large spa in the second bathroom with separate toilet and powder room, comfortable Living area with a 42” Plasma Television, Cable TV, DVD Player and Stereo / CD Player, TV in every
Bedroom, wheelchair accessible, double lockup garage and a fully fenced yard.
The house is fully designed for the Tropics with an open plan living throughout with bi-fold doors that lead out to a
large entertainment area with gas BBQ and full
table setting, a resort style In-ground swimming
pool with inbuilt spa and outdoor Gazebo.
Phone:+61-740578822 [email protected]
Eden is a beautiful master built very spacious Fully Self Contained Holiday House in a
secure gated area which overlooks a Lagoon.
www.bellevuetrinitybeach.com.au
www.edentrinitybeach.com.au
18 July 2016, Travel DigesT
Book nowRates start from just $199 for a family room (two adults and two children under 12 years of age).
Rydges Esplanade Resort on the
waterfront in Cairns has family travel
sewn up tight this winter with its very
own innovative accommodation
designed especially for families. According to
the hotel’s Director of Sales, Natalie Dean,
the team has worked hard and done its
homework when it comes to getting away
with kids. The 242 room resort hotel that
overlooks the city’s Esplanade, is especially
suited to family groups with up to three
children under 12.
Rydges Esplanade’s unique family room
accommodation comprises a Rydges DreamBed
with ocean or mountain view for parents while
children can ‘chill’ to their heart’s content in
their own ‘space’; a purpose-designed bunk
room that features headphone points in each
bedhead with a personal monitor screen for
movie watching and gaming.
If families need further reasons to book,
Rydges Esplanade Resort has a long list.
Along with its spacious family rooms that
cleverly looks after the needs of adults and
children alike, the resort is set within a lush,
tropical environment – leafy gardens with
shady palms and is just a short walk across
the road to the Esplanade walking and cycling
paths that lead into the CBD heart.
Facilities include three resort swimming
pools, one children’s pool, two tennis courts
and a gymnasium. The main resort pool
enjoys a waterfront position at the hotel and
is surrounded by a clever ‘wetplay’ area and
sun terrace otherwise known as the Fire and
Ice Terrace. Adjoining the CHB Restaurant,
this area is perfect for kids to splash and play
while adults lounge the day away with a good
book and a cocktail.
To book, telephone: +61 7 4044 9000 or go online www.rydges.com/esplanadecairns
Family Fun on your doorstep this winter at Rydges Esplanade Cairns
our specially designed family rooms feature:
Separate Children’s area complete with Bunk Beds, TV’s and Xbox
Parents retreat with breathtaking views of the rainforest clad mountains or Coral Sea
Let the kids thaw out in our brand
new wet play area while you enjoy our al fresco terrace
T: +61 7 4044 9000 E: [email protected]
Contact us today
www.rydges.com/esplanade
Rydges Esplanade
Resort • Cairns
Escape
your family at
the cold this winter with
20 July 2016, Travel DigesT
Park you’ll enjoy a guided
rainforest walk to see the crystal
clear waters of the Mossman
River cascade over spectacular
boulder formations amongst the
lush rainforest. Lunch isn’t
included but you can buy your
own at one of the many stops
along the coast. After relaxing at
Cape Tribulation Beach, you can
enjoy a wildlife cruise along the
majestic Daintree River where
you’ll find crocodiles in their
native habitat – a fascinating
experience.
But if you want to see more
crocodiles, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is an award-winning
ecotourism accredited attraction
located between Cairns and Port
Douglas well worth a visit. Here
you can see an array of wildlife
including beautiful tropical birds,
reptiles, insects and other native
fauna. Enjoy their entertaining
and educational wildlife
presentations including snakes,
cassowaries, koalas, crocodiles,
wombats and much more.
Their boat cruise on Hartley’s
Lagoon is a must to see
crocodiles up close – jaws,
teeth and all. There’s also a
restaurant overlooking the
lagoon where you can order a
crocodile burger for lunch if
you’re feeling adventurous.
sTaY UP THe COasT
After exploring Cairns, drive
up the coast to enjoy time to
relax, unwind and discover Port
Douglas. Nestled in gorgeous
tropical gardens with a beautiful
heated pool, The Port Douglas Queenslander is a perfect
location for an amazing holiday
in paradise. This friendly
family-run resort is only a short
five-minute stroll from the shops,
restaurants and boutiques and
beautiful Four Mile Beach.
Their modern individually
furnished self-contained
self-catering units range from
studio through to one and two
bedroom apartments, each with
their own balcony or patio.
Whether you’re travelling by
yourself or with a group, it’s a
great choice for individuals,
couples, friends and families.
Their two-bedroom suites on the
first and second floors give you
plenty of extra space while on
holiday. They can sleep up to
four people with the main
bedroom containing a queen
size bed, the second bedroom
containing two single beds,
separate lounge/dining room,
full kitchen with a dishwasher,
laundry facilities and a
bathroom with shower.
In the heart of Tropical North
Queensland, Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore combines
the elegance of tropical interiors
with the comforts of modern
CAIRNS
Ride aboard Kuranda Scenic Railway through Cairns.
21Travel DigesT, July 2016
living. Offering 69 spacious one,
two and three bedroom suites,
each one has floor to ceiling glass
doors opening onto wide balconies
overlooking the Palm-fringed beach
of the Great Barrier Reef or the
tropical gardens and resort
swimming pools.
Take your stay to another level
and pamper your body, mind and
soul at their Alamanda Spa – a
beachfront sanctuary, unequalled
in its location. You’ll feel
rejuvenated under the caring hands
of their therapists with one of their
indulging spa treatments.
There are eight relaxing
treatment rooms and three that are
open-air with their own, private
plunge pool. Take this opportunity
to calm your mind and draw in the
serenity of your surroundings as
you’re transported to another
place. Enjoy a refreshing hibiscus
iced tea before your peaceful
treatment and ride the wave of
relaxation as you hear the waves
crashing on the beach.
Their multi-award winning
Nu Nu Restaurant, headed up
by Nick Holloway (ex-Head
Chef Pearl Melbourne), is a
169-seat restaurant – the only
one in Palm Cove with absolute
beach frontage.
Their menu is a reflection
of the vibrant, colourful and
dramatic landscape of tropical
North Queensland and uses only
the freshest local produce. If you
want to take your dining experience
to the next level, enjoy a three-
course dinner on the beach
surrounded by fairy lights draped
on palm trees and go on an
amazing sensory journey; the
perfect way to end your tropical
paradise holiday.
HOW TO geT THereGet to Cairns with Philippine Airlines who now fly
non-stop from Auckland. The four times weekly service is
done with a 156-seat Airbus 320. The Cairns stopover allows
easy access to the city itself and to the Great Barrier Reef
for Filipinos and Kiwis, while Aussies can book trips to either
Manila or Auckland without visiting the other city. Whether
it’s a stopover to Manila, Philippines or just a winter escape
to a tropical destination, you’ll enjoy discovering Cairns,
visiting the Atherton Tablelands, exploring the Daintree
Rainforest and so much more.
About a five-hour flight each way, you’ll want to treat
yourself to a bit of luxury with their business class seats that
can recline back at a 15° angle. Each seat is decked out with
a 39cm seat-back mounted touch-screen personal television
for you to watch the latest films, TV shows and listen to
music. Relax in style in business class in their plush and
spacious seats offering plenty of room to spread out during
your flight.
For dining, you’ll be served a sumptuous selection of
Western, Filipino and Japanese dishes prepared by Philippine
Airlines food experts and chefs. The vibrant mix of Asian,
Spanish and American dishes offer a mosaic of flavours
created to delight the palate. You’ll also get to choose from
a wide selection of inflight beverages. Their friendly staff
will ensure you’re well looked after during your flight.
CAIRNSRelax and enjoy the elegance of tropical interiors of the Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore.
✈