The northern beaches of Cairns stretch for 25km along a beautiful coastline. This is an idyllic tropical holiday location - warm seas, watersports and miles of sandy beaches. And the backdrop to all this is mountainous rainforest.

Kuranda is midway between Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands. The historic railway train climbs through tunnels, across bridged ravines, past waterfalls and stops at Barron Falls. The Skyrail cableway overlooks superb coast and tableland panoramas. The Atherton Tablelands combine rainforests, national parks, mountains, rivers, lakes and waterfalls with some of Australia's richest agricultural lands.

Port Douglas is a true seaside resort. Port Douglas attracts visitors for its old fashioned charm, wide tree-lined streets and superb holiday attractions. 70 kilometres north of Cairns, picturesque Port Douglas only has low-rise development.

From Port Douglas the Great Barrier Reef is just 15 km off-shore. There are over 1,000 islands in the Great Barrier Reef and the best are accessible from mainland Tropical North Queensland. Some have diverse vegetation including rainforest and are encircled by coral reefs.

Green and Fitzroy Islands are the closest to Cairns. Green Island is a small coral cay featuring a low-rise resort, an underwater observatory and a marineland. The natural attractions of nearby Fitzroy Island are the rainforest and guided walks.

Popular Dunk Island is only 5 minutes from Mission Beach. Beyond Dunk Island are Bedarra, Hinchinbrook and Orpheus Islands. Missions Beach comprises of the communities of Tam O'Shanter Point through South Missions, Wongaling, Clump Point to Bingle bay. There are spectacular rainforest walks, pristine beaches and a multitude of watersports.

The Daintree and Cape Tribulation is made up of lush tropical rainforests, deserted white beaches and breathtaking World Heritage areas. The lush vegetation of the Daintree Rainforest is home to some beautiful species of birds, plants and animals. Crocodiles are common in this area, and a cruise on the Daintree River will give you the oppoertunity to see them. Between the Daintree and Bloomfield Rivers, the forest slopes of Cape Tribulation national Park plunge into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The Cape York Peninsula is one of the world's last accessible wilderness areas. Beginning at Cooktown, the Cape has prolific wildlife living in rugged mountains, eucalypt, mangrove and rainforests, woodlands, heathlands, grasslands, swamps and mighty rivers. Its 11 million hectares extend 1000 km north of Cairns to the tip of Cape York Peninsula.

Fact Summary

Cairns International Airport Transfers: To city centre by airport bus approximately $4, or taxi $10. Most Cairns and Palm Cove properties supply free transfers.

Climate: Summer 23-31 deg CC. Winter 17-26 deg CC.

Swimming is not recommended close to the shore on the mainland between October-May due to box jellyfish, although many beaches have "stinger nets". Snorkelling and diving at the outer reef or off the islands is safe year round.

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