Outdoor Enthusiasts Will Love Tropical Cairns
Surrounded by pristine rain forest, sandy beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a spectacular travel destination that draws outdoor-loving vacationers from around the globe.
Cairns’ best-known attraction is the Great Barrier Reef, less than an hour’s boat ride from the city. This 1,600-mile-long stretch of coral is home to whales, dolphins, porpoises, turtles, sharks, stingrays, clams, snails, seahorses and frogs, as well as hundreds upon hundreds of species of fish, birds and plants. Visitors to the Great Barrier Reef can experience it via snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottomed boat, helicopter and even underwater observatory. Because the reef draws so many visitors to the city, many Cairns hotels will help their guests make arrangements for guides, transportation and equipment.
Daintree Rainforest, Flecker Botanical Gardens, Josephine Falls and Red Arrow walk are just a few of the ways visitors can view the plants, animals and landscapes that make North Queensland unique. Cairns Tropical Zoo presents many opportunities for sightseers to get up close and personal with native wildlife. Daily programs include snake, crocodile and bird shows, as well as talks with koala keepers.
For those who love the water, Cairns has something for everyone. Sea kayaking, sailing, kite surfing, parasailing and even white water rafting are all popular pursuits. Anglers can cast their lines for barramundi, black marlin, coral trout, barracuda and more. Swimmers have abundant options. They can immerse themselves in the ocean water off several sandy beaches, bathe in the lagoon off Cairns Esplanade, dive into the man-made lake at Tinaroo Dam or take a dip in one of the many pools at Cairns hotels.
The truly adventurous will find lots to choose from. By day or by night, the bungy jumping platform affords a magnificent view of the area--but what goes up must come down. The panorama may be breathtaking, but it’s nothing compared to the thrilling free fall of a bungy jump. Skydiving is an exhilerating way to enjoy the fantastic scenery while experiencing the adrenaline rush of plummeting toward the ground from 10,000 feet up. Mountain bikers can get that burst of excitement without leaping from great heights. With cross country loops for various skill and fitness levels, demanding downhill tracks and a Mountain X course specifically designed to provide a wild, challenging ride, Cairns is a top destinations for mountain bikers.
Cairns accommodation includes beach resorts, holiday apartments, bed and breakfasts, corporate hotels, luxury spa retreats, family friendly motels and backpackers hostels. Prices for Cairns accommodation range from budget to extravagant, with a wide assortment of choices in between.