Cairns

Cairns is the heart of the Tropical North, and as such provides an ideal base for exploring and enjoying the rich, varied pleasures of this region. Founded in 1876 as the port for inland goldfields, Cairns has matured from a flighty frontier town to friendly international gateway and has become the most welcoming of all Queensland cities.

In 1995 it was named Australia's most liveable regional centre, which is reflected in its growing population of some 100,000 residents. Almost a century of architecture, from traditional Queensland hi-set to modern high rise, blend on the tree lined streets. Much of the holiday accommodation is close to shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, nightclubs and the two exciting new venues of 1996 - the glass-domed Reef Hotel Casino and the 2,400 seat Cairns Convention Centre.

The airport is only a short drive from the city and visiting cruise liners and yachts moor at a marina and wharves only a block from the main centre. The Esplanade is a major focal point of the city, and invites you to stroll, fly a kite, relax on the grass under a shady tree, or share a barbeque or picnic with friends. At any time of the year, you'll see the flocks of different birds which migrate annually from around the world to feed on the tidal mudflats, much to the delight of the world's birdwatchers who pack cameras and binoculars and follow them here.

Excellent swimming beaches begin to the north and south of the city, and most holiday accommodation has a pool. Each day, over 600 sea, air and land tours depart from Cairns to nearly every part of the Tropical North, with most including pick-up and return to holiday accommodation.

City shops and duty free stores are well stocked with souvenirs and luxury goods from top Australian and overseas designers. There are large shopping centres in the suburbs, and buyers and browsers will find much to choose from amidst the city's many arcades, plazas and malls. Cairns' Regional Art Gallery has permanent and special exhibitions and private galleries sell original works by resident artists.

Restaurants, bistros, cafes, coffee shops and food halls open from early morning to late evening. Menus range from genuine Australian bush tucker to the tastes of home for overseas visitors.

On the city's northern fringe, within walking distance of each other, are the Tanks Art Centre, the Royal Flying Doctor base, and the century-old Botanic Gardens which include spectacular walks through the Mt Whitfield rainforest and the relaxing Centenary Lakes.

Port Douglas

Just a 70klm (44 miles) spectacular scenic drive from Cairns by sealed road skirting the Coral Sea, Port Douglas is totally unique. From the stunning sweep of its 4 Mile Beach to the wilderness of Dicksons Inlet, the world famous seaside village of Port Douglas has become an international holiday mecca, with one of its most famous tourist couples none other than the previous US president Bill Clinton and his wife Hilary.

Sharing the same tropical latitude as Tahiti, "Port" (as it is affectionately called by the locals) has a distinctive "laid back" low rise tropical old world charm, with an extensive range of accommodation options from caravan parks to sleek, deluxe 5 star resort accommodation, and an international array of world class restaurants and shopping.

Despite its fame and popularity however, it still retains a close community atmosphere. Port Douglas is now regarded as the most popular base from which to explore the northern areas of the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest coast of Daintree and Cape Tribulation.

The nearest township to the Great Barrier Reef and steeped in history, it was this proximity that in the 1980's saw the north’s first Outer Barrier Reef cruises hasten the rebirth of this once sleepy fishing village, which in the last century rivalled Cairns as the region’s main centre and gateway to the North’s booming goldfields.

Port Douglas also offers extensive touring and cruise options with its magnificent marina and close proximity to world heritage rainforests. In the Port Douglas township you can also chose from activities and attractions such as bicycle riding, swimming and relaxing on magnificent 4 mile beach, the exotic and colourful Sunday markets, the Shipwreck museum, the award winning Rainforest Habitat with its unique native flora and fauna, and hitching a ride on the old sugar cane train.

The Port Douglas hinterland extends to the sugar cane town of Mossman with its picturesque golf course, rainforest walking tracks and swimming in the cool mountain streams of the Mossman Gorge.

North of Mossman, between the long sandy beaches and mist capped mountains, are more well concealed resorts, lodges and hostels. Also to be found are sugar, fruit, tea and coffee plantations, a rainforest theatre, walking tracks and mangrove board walks.

Mackay

Mackay takes its name from its founder John Mackay, who in 1862 saw the potential of the fertile river and hinterland. Today it is the sugar capital of Australia and one of Queensland’s fastest growing and most prosperous regional centres. Known as the “Heart of Queensland” because of its location halfway between Brisbane and Cairns, Mackay is a popular destination for those travelling the North Queensland coast, and a convenient stepping stone to the islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

Mackay's city centre features palm tree - lined streets, tropical landscaping and more than 250 shops and services. The coast is dotted with unspoilt beaches, and Eungella National Park to the west and Cape Hillsborough National Park to the north provide opportunities for bushwalking and to observe some of Australia’s fascinating native animals.

Townsville

The Townsville region extends from Bowen in the south and to Mission Beach in the north. The region has a colourful history shaped by Aboriginal tribes, miners, pastoralists and war. Remnants of these times are evident in the colonial architecture, historic pubs, museums and displays of gold mining machinery and cottages. Townsville is the main administrative, commercial and manufacturing city of northern Queensland.

1360km from Brisbane and 4 hours south of Cairns, Townsville is a relaxed coastal city renowned for its magnificent tropical climate. At the base of Castle Hill, a 300 metre red granite outcrop, Townsville is a charming blend of old and new.

Along Cleveland bay is the treelined Strand with a memorial to those who fought in the Battle of the Coral Sea. From here departs the ferry to Magnetic Island, only 30 minutes away, across Cleveland Bay. This tropical island is a national park and is a very popular location for watersports and bushwalking.
From Townsville you can travel west to the old gold towns of Charters Towers and Ravenswood, or north to the Tully River for fishing and white water rafting.
Crystal Creek-Mt Spec National Park is a 7222 hectare mixture of lowland hardwood forest and tropical rainforest offering splendid vies over Halifax Bay and the coastline. Many kinds of orchid, along with ferns and palm trees can be found near cool lagoons and beautiful pools.