Cairns is the capital of the Great Barrier Reef coast. It is a cosy beautiful town, full of lush tropical plants, with its charming atmosphere of cafes and shops. It is very warm all year round, which is attractive to the tourists from all countries of the world, together with two other natural wonders - coral reefs and monsoon tropical rainforests. But it is good to know that the swimming season is only from May to September, during other months there are dangerous stingers near the shores, and it is possible to swim only on the islands or on the reefs, but far from the ocean shores. Northern Beaches are very popular with the tourists, they are located within 15-30 minutes drive from Cairns and many nice resorts are situated there. Port Douglas is a small charming town within 1hour drive from Cairns. It is preferred by those, who love remote quiet places for their holidays. Great Barrier Reef is the longest coral formation in the world with the length exceeding 2000km. The great variety of corals, fish species and other underwater world creatures is absolutely amazing and made it known as "The Eighth Wonder of the World". Coral Sea Islands are famous for their unspoilt beauty of the beaches and pristine clear waters. Many of the islands are located next to the reefs, which makes them heaven for diving and snorkelling; some of them are covered with rainforests. The swimming season is all year round, which makes island resorts an excellent choice for holidays.

Australia - Destinations Sydney and New South Wales Queensland and Gold Coast Tropical North and Cairns Red Centre Top End and Darwin Melbourne and Victoria Adelaide and South Australia Western Australia and Perth Broom and Kimberley Tasmania Skiing

Main Attractions

• Kuranda - a tourist village in the mountains with lots of attractions (Bird World, Butterfly Sanctuary, Wildlife Park) and local markets, shops and restaurants. Cable road and railway stations are also located in Kuranda.
  
  
• Cable Road (Skyrail) - the longest cable road in the world built over the rainforest natural sanctuary.
  
  
• Old Railway Cairns-Kuranda (Scenic Rail) - reconstructed 19ht century train, which drives through the mountain forests and makes a stop at the waterfall.
  
  
• Rainforest Station - tourist complex in the rainforest, which incorporates Aboriginal Walk with boomerang throwing, dancing and spear throwing, Wildlife Park, where you can have your photo taken with koala in your hands, Army Duck ride through rainforest and the lake and traditional Aussie barbecue lunch
  
  
• Daintree National Park - this area is listed as World Natural Heritage Zone, and is one of the most well known National Park of Australia with an untouched tropical rainforest environment and animals (including crocodiles) and birds in the wild.
  
  
• Tjapukai - cultural Aboriginal centre.
  
  
• Wooroonooran - National Park with beautiful waterfalls and plenty of birds and animals in the wild.
  
  
• Tully River - world known rafting, 4th category.

• Reef Cruises (7-9 hours)
  This is a must to do if you are to see the Reef. It takes about 1,5 h to get to one of the Reefs, where you will be able to enjoy this amazing natural wonder from the comfortable platform. All the necessary equipment for snorkelling is at your disposal, you can book diving, helicopter flight or one of the newest attractions (different on different cruises) like Scooba Doo or Seawalker. You can also watch the underwater world from the windows of a special boat with glass bottom. Tropical lunch is a good supplement to this great day out.
  
  
• Tour to Kuranda (up to 8 hours)
  This wonderful tour includes all attractions you would want to see: Skyrail and Scenic Rail, visit to Kuranda, all attractions of the Rainforest Station and barbecue lunch. Day full of fun and excitement!
  
  
• Wooroonooran Safari (up to 8 hours)
  This is a tour to the rainforest in a small group or privately, with swimming in the waterfall, searching animals in the wild and great lunch. This tour is for those, who prefer to stay away from the tourist crowds.
  
  
• Tour to Daintree and Cape Tribulation (up to 10 hours)
  Tour to the National Park Daintree: visit the Environmental Centre and take the boardwalk built on different levels of the ancient rainforest, have a cruise on the river and meet the crocodiles, turtles and water dragons, see the ocean beach, where the Reef meets Rainforest.
  
  If you are a nature lover, you might want to take a 2-day tour and spend a nights in a luxurious bungalow in the jungle, listening to the sounds of the wilderness.
  
  
• Rafting - there are a few options for this activity, the most famous being a full day Tally river rafting (4th category of difficulty).
  
  
• Diving - plenty of options starting from 1 day cruise to the reef till specialised extended tours on big boats.
  
  
• Fishing - barramundi fishing in the rivers and exciting ocean big game fishing - anything is possible in one of the fishing capitals of the world!
  
  
• Air Ballooning - Atherton Tablelands are known as one of the quietest places for this adventure, and there is no need to mention stunning mountain and ocean panoramic views you can enjoy from the bird flight's height!
  
  
• Helicopter Flight is another great option to see the astonishing beauty of this area

• Night Zoo Safari
  National songs and dances, friendly atmosphere around the fire, great food and drinks (all included), and later - a real adventure in search of the animals, who awake in the nighttime, with lanterns in the darkness.
  
  
• Dinner Cruise - cruise on the harbour with seafood and music.
  
  
• Tjapukai Night - dinner and Aboriginal Show.