Travel Stories
In many resorts around the world, the pool is often the jewel in the crown. If built and landscaped correctly, the pool can be the centrepiece of the entire resort, the hub of activity where couples laze under umbrellas sipping cocktails and parents look on as their kids busy themselves in the water for hours on end.
Abundance of Reef thrills
It doesn't really get much better than this when it comes to a day of adventure on the Great Barrier Reef.
Perfect weekend escape
We were looking forward to getting away from the trials and tribulations of everyday life and headed off on our journey looking for smiles and relaxation at Cape Tribulation.
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White water thrills
Our region is not known as the Wet Tropics for nothing: we receive a huge amount of rain, ensuring our rivers are the wildest in Australia. And no town in the nation is wetter than Tully, home to the "Golden Gumboot", with an average annual rainfall exceeding 4000mm.
Sheraton bliss is no mirage
The grand lobby of the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort with its huge pillars and wide open-plan design with plenty of comfy places to relax, made a spectacular first impression on us.
Snorkel to your heart's content
We were a little flat when we started our adventure with Ocean Spirit, but there's nothing quite like an early morning cruise to sea on a five-star catamaran to give you a boost.
The powers of magic
We often say in Cairns that we are blessed to have so many interesting, exciting, unique places to go and see.
Lake Tinaroo: an idyllic getaway for families
Sometimes the real beauty of Cairns is found in places on its periphery. Lake Tinaroo, less than two hours' drive from the CBD via either the Kuranda Range to the north or the Gillies Highway to the south, is one such spot.
Adventure in the world's oldest rainforest
Do you want to see the world's oldest rainforest from the vantage point of the birds and butterflies that call it home? Do you want an adrenalin-fuelled experience that leaves your heart pumping and head spinning? Like the sound of jungle surfing? No surfboard or board-shorts are required, though you will get wet.
Cedar Park Rainforest Resort a gothic masterpiece
Off the beaten track and amid the pristine rainforest on the Tableland is the delightfully unique eco and wildlife retreat of Cedar Park Rainforest Resort. We'd been to Cedar Park Resort a few months ago to celebrate the wedding of close friends and decided to revisit it for a couple's getaway.
A grand old dame at the heart of Yungaburra
The historic Lake Eacham Hotel, known as the Yungaburra Pub, takes its name from the neighbouring lake and National Park.
From inlet to island: an aqua adventure
In the steamy mangrove wilderness of Trinity Inlet, it wasn't too difficult to imagine, in some primeval time, boiling rivers of lava and a volcano, now known as Walsh's Pyramid, spewing blankets of smoke and ash over Cairns. This would have been the scene to greet us 200,000 years ago, Crocodile Explorer skipper Patt revealed on our morning tour to Cairns Crocodile Farm.
A quick escape to tropical paradise on Fitzroy Island
Why stop at one night at Foxy's Bar when there's so much to do on Fitzroy Island, writes Julianna Kerr.
Heart of the rainforest
While the coastal drive to Port Douglas is one of the most scenic routes in Australia, the drive to Cape Tribulation - where World Heritage rainforest really does meet the sea - is one of the most scenic roads in the world.
Perfect day on the Great Barrier Reef
What with work and the pressures of modern-day life, it's all too easy to forget to take some time out for a trip to this stunning region's world famous backyard, the pristine Great Barrier Reef.
Cooee Cooinda
The second we entered Rivers Edge Rainforest Retreat's Cooinda exclusive hideaway, we knew we walked into the creme-de-la-creme of holiday retreats.
So many things to love about Elandra
IF you don't go to Elandra Mission Beach for the stunning view, the beautifully comfortable and private rooms or the impeccable service, go for the food.
Queensland downstream adventure
THERE'S just something so relaxing about floating effortlessly down a river, especially one edged on both sides by lush greenery.
Skydiving gigantic leap of faith
It's only halfway to Cairns Airport that it hits me what I'm about to do.
Diving with the local nightlife on the Great Barrier Reef
Last week I enjoyed an extremely unusual night out. It was darker and more disorienting than any disco I have ever visited.
Relaxing with the Daintree birds
Everyone is a potential bird lover for the hosts of Red Mill House Bed and Breakfast, Trish and Andrew Forsyth.
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Bird's eye rainforest view
Suspended hundreds of metres above the ground, an endless green canopy sprawled in all directions.
Romantic Atherton Tableland escape
The minute we arrived outside our private pole home at Mt Quincan Crater Retreat and saw the rosebuds scattered by our front door we knew we were in store for a special weekend.
Herberton Historic Village provides perfect mix
Gazing out at the trees and birds on the back deck of Julatten House is probably the most perfect synthesis of old and new a visitor to Cairns could ever hope to experience.
Trapeze classes with Circus Arts Cairns
My toes are peeking over the board, my legs leaning back and my shoulders going forward facing a yawning abyss of net 50m below me.
Street parade sensation for Port Carnivale
This year's Carnivale street parade is set to soar with organisers releasing details about an extensive line-up of magic shows, barn dances and street performers.
Palates of Port Douglas
Port Douglas' love affair with alfresco gourmet dining will be extended fully during this year's Port Douglas Carnivale with organisers announcing a a new cuisine event for this year's program - Palates of Port.
Gourmet theatre showcases fairytale
AN impossible dream has become a reality with the launch of a five-star theatre restaurant experience for Cairns.
Relax at Ferntree Rainforest Lodge
WE wanted to find a quiet place to relax in the beauty of Tropical North Queensland that was close enough to home to be convenient but far enough away that we felt like we were going on an adventure.
Hey Hey, it's holiday
CELEBRATING the return of an Aussie favourite, the "Hey hey it's time you got away" campaign is urging Australians to take life a bit less seriously ... with a trip to Cairns!
A bit of Vegas in Cairns
NEXT time you're after a magical night out, treat yourself to a little taste of Vegas right here in Cairns with Xtreme Illusions.
Meet the locals with Crocodile Explorer
IT'S a calm and sunny day when we depart the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns for the Crocodile Explorer tour.
Dazzling underwater world of colour
DID you know that living coral exposed to air oozes a gel-like substance to protect it from sunburn?
Total luxury on the Tableland
THE minute we arrived outside our private pole home at Mt Quincan Crater Retreat and saw the rosebuds scattered by our front door we knew we were in store for a special weekend.
White water river of adventure
THE alarm, rattling to life at 5am, woke me to thundering rains pummelling the road. Had a waterfall parked itself outside my window in the middle of the night, I wondered?
Cairns gourmet cruise a delight
WE love the fantastic food in Tropical North Queensland and savour the meals created by some of the best chefs in Australia.
Following his grandfather's footsteps
FOR years, Ernie Raymont, an Elder of the Ngadjon people, has been sharing his traditional knowledge with visitors, children and anthropologists on his walks in the rainforests of Malanda, southwest of Cairns.
Explore the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
HERE'S five great ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef region from Cairns.
