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: res@bellevuetrinitybeach.com.au

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 info@edentrinitybeach.com.au

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: reservations_esplanadecairns@rydges.com

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.

✈