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  • With the Daintree Rainforest to the north,

  • the Great Barrier Reef to the east and the Atherton Tablelands to the west,

  • Cairns' location is spectacular.

  • The small port city is your gateway to Tropical North Queensland.

  • Cairns gives access to some truly unique ecosystems:

  • From a lush green jungle to a sparkling blue Coral Sea.

  • This is where the rainforest meets the reef.

  • As one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations,

  • Cairns is well set up for visitors,

  • with a picturesque harbour, air-conditioned shopping malls

  • and classic Australian pubs.

  • The parklands in the compact city center give you a taste

  • of what it is to come when you set out to explore the this tropical region.

  • Rent a bike or follow the promenade on foot,

  • from the marina to the mangrove forest.

  • To cool off, swim in the man-made lagoon

  • or let the kids splash around in the water playground on the Esplanade.

  • A little further north, you can enjoy the gentle waves

  • at sheltered Trinity Beach.

  • Climb aboard the comfortable Skyrail for an impressive rainforest experience.

  • Glide over the tree canopy and waterfalls of Barron Gorge

  • and catch a breeze at scenic lookout points.

  • The last stop is Kuranda, a quaint and artistic mountain village.

  • Browse the daily craft markets for souvenirs

  • before you take the Scenic Railway back to Cairns.

  • With its many free outdoor activities,

  • bargains at the night markets and affordable food courts,

  • Cairns is very attractive for those on a budget,

  • especially families and backpackers.

  • Many come here for two nights and stay for weeks!

  • For a more upscale oceanfront vacation,

  • drive north along the scenic coastal road to Palm Cove or Port Douglas.

  • Both towns are laid-back and offer miles of palm-fringed beaches,

  • fishing piers, unique shops and rustic Aussie bars.

  • Port Douglas is a dream destination for snorkelers and divers.

  • Book a cruise and explore the largest barrier reef in the world:

  • The only living structure that can be seen from space.

  • Find yourself surrounded by tropical fish

  • and see if you can spot the famous clownfish.

  • Enjoy lunch with views over the Coral Sea before you dive in again.

  • It's an amazing world down under!

  • Back in the rainforest,

  • drop in at a crocodile farm to see small fresh water crocs

  • and the far more dangerous "salties".

  • The enormous creatures circle your boat in search of lunch.

  • Watch out, they are hungry!

  • In this swamp it is Eat Or Be Eaten,

  • so how about some smoked crocodile for lunch?

  • Feeding time is a bit more relaxed in the Cairns Tropical Zoo.

  • Cuddle a koala or wombat,

  • visit the kangaroos and admire the colorful cassowary.

  • Experience the tribal Aboriginal lifestyle

  • in the cultural center of the Tjapukai people.

  • Named after the rainforest, this local Indigenous group

  • takes great pride in teaching you traditional hunter-gatherer skills.

  • Learn ancient survival techniques

  • and witness a spectacular dancing ceremony with didgeridoo music.

  • Aboriginal traditions are also very much alive in downtown Cairns

  • and you are welcome to join in.

  • End the day with a moonlit dinner on the oceanfront.

  • Tropical North Queensland's sensational natural and cultural attractions

  • have a boomerang effect on visitors:

  • They always come back.

  • With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest on its doorstep,

  • Cairns is your ticket to the tropics.

With the Daintree Rainforest to the north,

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