 |
Tropical North Queensland - Beyond Port Douglas |
| Tropical North Queensland, page 1. |
For those looking for a taste of a wilderness experience but don't want to sacrifice creature comforts there are a couple of excellent choices. 3 Star: Ferntree Rainforest Lodge - 'where rainforest meets the reef'. Nestled in lush surrounds and a short walk to beautiful Cape Tribulation beach. Accommodation is in timber bungalows or villas designed to blend in with the environment without compromising comfort. This is an ideal place to relax around the pool and take walks through the rainforest or along the beach. 4 Star: Coconut Beach Rainforest Lodge at Cape Tribulation - 'where the green turns to blue'. The only rainforest resort with its own beach and the only place in the world where two world heritage wonders meet - the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree, Cape Tribulation Rainforest. When opened in 1990 the resort received the PATA World Gold Award for Environmental Enhancement Development. 5 Star: Silky Oaks Lodge is another such retreat situated at Mossman overlooking a stunning gorge with crystal clear water fringed by pristine rainforest. The chalets are luxuriously appointed and have also been designed to have minimum impact on the environment. The open air restaurant has magnificent views over the gorge and is a focal meeting place after a day exploring. The lodge offers its own limousine transfer service from Cairns or another alternative is to take a Quicksilver Outer Barrier Cruise and you can be transferred to the lodge at the end of the day. |
Island Holidays
|
Queensland has a very diverse range of islands all offering unique experiences at varying costs. It is important to realise where the islands are situated as this will influence your domestic airfare. Some islands have their own airstrip, others are accessed from the mainland via boat/launch or even helicopter. Heron Island: This is one of the most popular islands as it is the only island which is situated right on the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel or dive straight off the beach and it is renowned for its wildlife on the island and in the surrounding waters. An annual phenomenon which attracts visitors between October and March are the turtles who come to lay their eggs on the beach. If you are a nature lover then Heron has plenty to offer. Accommodation on Heron ranges from basic to deluxe giving it a wide appeal. All meals are included in the tariff. Access to Heron is via Gladstone just south of Rockhampton and north of Fraser Island. Dunk Island: Dunk is a true tropical rainforest island offering a unique combination of creature comforts and natural beauty. Situated only 45min by flight from Cairns and a short cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. Brampton Island: An idyllic, tropical haven at the Southern entrance to the Whitsundays. Almost entirely National Park, Brampton boasts breathtaking natural beauty. Hamilton Island: This is the largest resort island in the Whitsunday group and has a wide selection of accommodation ranging from deluxe hotel style to self catering apartments. There is a diverse range of activities and dining options - an ideal island for families, singles or couples. Trips to the Outer Barrier Reef are available daily. Orpheus Island: Access to this exclusive resort is via seaplane from Cairns or Townsville. The resort only caters for a limited number of guests (42) and the emphasis is on relaxation. Children under 15 years are not catered for, there are no daytrippers, TV's or discos! Accommodation is luxurious and the tariff is inclusive of all meals. Lizard Island: Lizard is the northern most island off the Queensland coast. The island is a national park and boasts 24 individual beaches. With only 30 suites you can be assured of finding a secluded beach for a romantic picnic. Voted as the top resort in the Asia Pacific region in the 2001 Reader's Choice Awards in Conde Nast. Access is via air from Cairns. Hayman Island: International style luxury resort situated in the Whitsunday group of Islands off the coast from Shute Harbour/Airlie Beach. Just getting to Hayman is a 5 star experience, sipping champagne on the luxury cruiser that whisks you to white sandy beaches and outstanding accommodation. Access is via Hamilton Island (Qantas flies daily) then transfer to Hayman aboard their luxury cruiser. Bedarra Island: Arguably the most exclusive island resort, Bedarra is favoured by people seeking a very private escape into an exotic world of luxury and seclusion. With only 16 villas nestled into the native flora, the exquisite food, fine wines and superior service make it a much sought after destination for the fortunate few. When you're a guest at Bedarra you're quite welcome to help yourself to anything your heart may desire. The tariff is all inclusive of meals and beverages - the French Champagne is free flowing! Access to Bedarra is via water taxi from Dunk Island (off the coast of Cairns). Children under 15yrs are not catered for. |
Extended Cruising
|
Far North Queensland and the Whitsundays have some beautiful waterways and a very relaxed and pampered way to see them is aboard a cruise ship. There are all sorts of durations and vessels to choose from, 5 star luxury to helping crew a tall ship. Some of our most popular cruises are: Captain Cook Reef Endeavour - state of the art vessel accommodating 168 guests in 75 outside cabins. Departs and returns to Cairns, you have a choice of 3, 4 or 7 nights of luxury. Even though this is a large ship you still have the opportunity to swim and snorkel on the reef. The cruise also calls in at the exclusive island resort of Lizard Island. This is 5 star cruising. Coral Princess - if you would like a more intimate cruise then Coral Princess is the pick. This luxury catamaran only accommodates 54 guests. The cruise is 3 nights/4 days and runs from Cairns to Townsville on a Saturday and Townsville to Cairns on a Tuesday. All water activities are available including snorkelling and diving. The cruise calls in at Dunk Island where guests can use this famous resorts facilities. This is a perfect choice for a romantic getaway. |
Sailing Adventures/Yacht Charters
|
Coral Trekker - Does the idea of sailing around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands sound appealing? Do you like a little adventure? Then join the crew aboard a classic 23 metre Norwegian square rigger. This is a great way to experience this tropical paradise and try your hand at sailing. I have given the link to the 7 day safari but there is also a 4 day option available. Windjammer - 72' schooner "Windjammer" is considered to be one of the most beautiful yachts ever to be built in Australia. Whilst built in the best traditions of her past offering sailing as it was in yesteryear that is where the resemblance to her predecessors end. Below decks she is luxuriously appointed, the interior adorned with New Guinea rosewood and fittings from a bygone era. This link is the the 7 day itinerary but there is a 4 day option. Apollo 111 - "Apollo lll" is a 55' (17m) famous ex blue water racing yacht. She was designed by Ben Lexcen of America's Cup fame and used as a crew training vessel and "trail boat" for one of Allan Bonds' American Cup challengers. Here is the chance to be involved in sailing one of the Whitsundays' most popular vessels. Guests can join in and become part of the crew, set a spinnaker or take the helm of this performance yacht. On deck she is still fitted out in racing mode whilst below she has been carefully refurbished for charter. This link is the 7 day option, 4 days also available. |
