Travel Stories
Mission possible
AN up-close experience with a dugong and a blissful retreat that has also hosted a superstar convince DIANA PLATER that Mission Beach is something special.
Hollywood star in love
DESPERATE Housewives actress Teri Hatcher has made a flying visit to Port Douglas, north of Cairns, and loved it so much she is already planning her return.
Bird is the word
HOME to the incredible, endangered cassowary and about 450 species of birds, the Cairns region is a birdwatcher's dream.
Farm fresh a hit
CAIRNS' Farmgate Market at The Pier shopping centre is a huge hit with weekend shoppers.
Migaloo whale heads north
A CONFIRMED sighting of albino humpback whale Migaloo south of Byron Bay yesterday has raised hopes he will return to Far Northern waters for the first time since 2007.
Resort guests know best
THIS luxury resort values its guests so much that it asked them to design its $8 million facelift.
Up top down under
CAIRNS tourism operators have launched a winning way to enjoy the best of the region's adventure attractions.
Fresh flavours
THE chefs of Tropical North Queensland are renowned for producing varied menus from the freshest seafood, produce fruits and vegetables.
Age-old forest
The mighty Daintree River is the gateway to the lush, world-heritage listed rainforests of the Daintree National Park.
Backpackers' dream
WITH incredible scenery, adventure activities galore and a huge choice of affordable accommodation, Cairns is a backpackers' paradise.
Hearts flutter with butterflies
THE beautiful tropical butterflies and rainforest at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary near Cairns provided a wonderful setting for a marriage proposal.
Coffee clock rewind
A NEW book takes a look back through time at the work of pioneer coffee farmers in Far North Queensland.
Volcanic relic
THE Undara Lava Tubes were formed some 190,000 years ago when a major volcano in the McBride volcanic province erupted, its molten lava flowing down a dry river bed.
Lizard guests lap up luxury
GUESTS at the luxury Voyages Lizard Island resort are more than happy with the service they get when they stay on the remote island.
'Best job' candidates on job
A BEST Job in the World candidate, given an all expenses paid trip to the Far North, has sent out a warning to Cairns women -- I'm single and here to mingle.
Heavenly Hinchinbrook
HINCHINBROOK Island is Australia's largest island National Park that abounds in palm-fringed beaches, mangrove waterways and rugged granite cliffs.
Job offer: fun in the sun
A SINGAPORE-based American and a Queenslander with a taste for travel have arrived in the Far North on a mission for fun.
First tourist resort
THE locals will tell you Cooktown was Australia's first tourist resort. And they're right, if Lieutenant James Cook and his crew count as the first tourists.
Snap to it
THE Cairns region is well known for its man-eating crocodiles, but this little reptilian relative is fitting right in at the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm.
Window to Dreamtime
THE Cairns region is home to a number of indigenous groups who graciously offer visitors an insight into their culture.
Circus in town
ALL the traditional excitement and extravagence of the circus is in town. The Great Moscow Circus has put up its big top in Cairns.
Say 'I do' in paradise
WHETHER it's in a church, on a picturesque beach or at one of the region's many stunning resorts, Cairns is one of Australia's most popular wedding destinations.
Flicks at Flecker
IF you want to catch a great movie in beautiful outdoor surroundings, head to Cairns' Flecker Botanic Gardens
A sporting chance
THE Cairns region offers huge variety of fun activities and this Sunday, families have a chance to come and try at the Subway Cairns Festival of Sport.
Reef wonder
THE Great Barrier Reef is in the running to be named one of the New Seven Wonders of the world - but time is running out to vote for the Far North Queensland treasure.
Culture on show
THE Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival kicks off on Friday, showcasing 500 local, national and international performers.
Perfect winter escape
WINTER in Tropical North Queensland is pure paradise. The mild winter days in a tropical climate allowing holiday-makers to soak up the warmth of the sun without the discomfort of stifling humidity.
Whale of a time
A GROUP of snorkellers took delight in the antics of a playful minke whale off Flynn Reef last week.
Duyfken sails back to Cairns
REPLICA Dutch sailing vessel Duyfken has arrived in Cairns and is preparing to get back to business after a month touring from Brisbane to Cooktown.
Sports stars, singers lured
WHAT do Paul Roos, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Kylie Minogue have in common?
Relay for Life raises record
WHACKY witches, leaping leprechauns and wayward cassowaries have helped to set a new Relay for Life fundraising record in Cairns.
Top ten rainforest views
TAKE a drive from Cairns and you'll most likely end up in or near the region's magnificent rainforest.
Port Douglas family getaway
Family getaways can be a touchy subject. However, if they are planned well they can work wonders for weary parents, and our family did just that with great success at the new Coconut Grove, Port Douglas.
Passion for Cairns palms
A holiday in Cairns wouldn't be complete without getting up close and personal with the area's tropical flora.
Sunset stroll
Despite being a cosmopolitan city, Cairns has many untouched beaches that are perfect to enjoy a romantic walk watching the sun go down.
Kuranda Railway listed as icon
THE Kuranda Scenic Railway has been recognised as an engineering feat worthy of icon status as part of Queensland's 150th birthday celebrations.
Palm Cove beachfront bliss
Palm Cove's Angsana Resort and Spa offers the quintessential Tropical North Queensland holiday experience.
Reef tops the state
IT'S official: The Great Barrier Reef is Queensland's No.1 natural attraction.
Flying high
FOR a bird's eye view of the stunning Coral Sea, take a flying leap from Rex Lookout, north of Cairns.
30 years on the Reef
THESE two Great Barrier Reef lovers are celebrating 30 years of helping others enjoy the World Heritage listed natural attraction.







































