~ Regional
Information ~
You are visiting one of
the most treasured places on this earth, where two rare and timeless
environments converge - the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the
ancient rainforests of Australia's Wet Tropics - both recognised
through their World Heritage Listing.
Nestled between these
two natural wonders is the city of Cairns, a once sleepy tropical
village awakened when its magic was discovered by both nature and
pleasure seekers from all over the world.
Cairns today upholds its
responsibility to the tourist and business traveller with world
class restaurants and shopping, a superb convention centre, a casino,
strong commercial activity, cultural displays and performances and
of course through providing the gateway to explore the reef and
rainforest.
~ Shopping ~
Shopping hours in
Cairns and its suburbs are normally from 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday
to Saturday. Suburban centres are open to 9.00pm on Thursday
and the city extends its hours to 8.00pm on Friday. Many shops
are open outside these hours and some open on Sunday.
Markets abound in the
area and are found daily and into the evening at the Pier Marketplace
and on the Esplanade. Friday and Saturday, from early morning to
mid afternoon, the market action is at Rusty's between Grafton and
Sheridan Streets, near Spence Street. We are also a short stroll
from the new Cairns Night Markets, the Reef Hotel Casino and Cairns
Central.
~ Kuranda & The Tablelands ~
The famous Kuranda
Scenic Rail or Skyrail, the world's longest rainforest cableway,
are just two ways to travel to Kuranda - the village in the
rainforest. There are many attractions in the area including
markets, butterfly and bird sanctuaries and a host of other
activities.
The beautiful, and distinctly
cooler Atherton Tablelands offers a variety of attractions
for the traveller, including cascading waterfalls and gigantic
fig trees. You can cruise on a crater lake, enjoy a champagne
balloon flight, or just drink in the mountain scenery whilst
discovering country villages.
~ The Great Barrier Reef ~
This world renowned
"Eighth Wonder" reverberates with colour. Coral
cays, sun drenched beaches, exotic corals and other sea life,
and a plethora of secluded bays and enchanted islands are
just some of the reef's temptations.There are many ways of
exploring or experiencing this natural wonderland. The Il
Palazzo tour desk will happily advise you of the diving, snorkelling,
sailing, coral viewing, island day tours or catamaran trips
available.
~ The Daintree & Cape Tribulation
~
The lush ancient rainforests
of the Wet Tropics in the Daintree open a world to some of
the most primitive species of plants and animals to be found
on this planet.The Wet Tropics sprawl their majestic presence
over almost 890,000 hectares, stretching from Townsville to
Cooktown. It is one of the few areas worldwide to satisfy
all criteria for World Heritage Listing of a natural site
and it attracts a broad range of admirers. A number of tour
operators offer guided excursions to this region, or self-drive
is a leisurely option. We will be pleased to advise and assist
with your preferences at our tour desk.
~ Feeling More Active? ~
There's no shortage of
adventures for the visitor seeking something to get "the adrenalin"
flowing. White water rafting, parasailing, bungy jumping, hang gliding,
flying in a tiger moth and hot air ballooning are just some of the
more active pursuits available. If you're looking for adventure
plus - just ask at the tour desk. See
packages
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