 Cairns
Cairns Rainforest Dome
Right in the heart of Cairns, on the rooftop of the Reef Hotel Casino, is a spectacular rainforest that’s home to 60 species of birds and animals from frogs and turtles to kookaburras and koalas. The entire ecosystem is enclosed by a 20-metre-high glass dome, making this amazing attraction a totally unique all-weather wildlife exhibit. Pathways and boardwalks wind through the enclosure and you can even go eyeball to eyeball with a fearsome saltwater crocodile in the region’s first underwater viewing crocodile enclosure.
Cairns Tropical Zoo
Cairns Tropical Zoo is 20 minutes north of Cairns on the Captain Cook Highway at Palm Cove. The 6 hectares of tropically landscaped gardens feature many of Australia’s unique animals in natural settings. You can cuddle a koala and hand-feed colourful parrots and friendly kangaroos. There are several educational and entertaining shows on every day including a Snake Show, Crocodile Feeding, Free Flight Bird Show and the chance for kids to participate in a Cane Toad Race.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Situated on the magnificent coastal drive between the popular destinations of Palm Cove and Port Douglas, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is one of the best places to see crocodiles and Australian wildlife in Tropical North Queensland. Hartley’s was the first place in Australia to put on crocodile feeding shows for the public. This daring act performed by the brave staff at Hartley’s is sure to have the whole family gasping in awe at these enormous reptiles. Visitors can enjoy exploring the authentic wildlife habitats on timber boardwalks and walking trails through the wetlands, riverine rainforest and eucalypt woodland, and take a boat ride on Hartley’s Lagoon.
 Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a unique rainforest experience, takes you on an unforgettable journey over Australia's World Heritage Listed Tropical Rainforest and deep into the forest.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Tjapukai is dedicated to preserving Aboriginal history and culture and presenting it to visitors with the aid of technology. Five theatres, a museum, an art gallery and a traditional Aboriginal camp give visitors a complete and meaningful glimpse of Australia’s rich and ancient culture.
Port Douglas
70 kilometres north of Cairns, Port Douglas has become a mecca for holiday-makers wanting perfect beaches, pristine wilderness, amazing diving and watersports and all the luxuries and comforts of a modern, well-maintained resort destination. Port Douglas is the most popular base for exploring the northern area of the reef and rainforest coast of Daintree and Cape Tribulation as the area has a wide choice of accommodation as well as caravan and camping facilities. More than 100 tour operators depart from Port Douglas every day. Port Douglas itself is a pleasant town with wide, tree-lined streets and an old-fashioned charm despite recent development and its growing popularity with Australian and international tourists.
Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is a truly incredible World Heritage listed area. The Daintree is the oldest continuously surviving rainforest on earth and home to the largest range of plants and animals anywhere in the world. Guided tours, hiking trails and campsites offer visitors the chance to experience this wild, untouched tropical rainforest and bordering golden-sand beaches. Wildlife-spotting tours will help you identify some of the 430 species of birds and tropical animals like the goanna, scrub python, giant tree frog, flying fox, spotted cuscus and the rare striped possum. There are a number of safe swimming holes in the area but NEVER jump in without the advice of a guide as crocodiles are present in some parts of the Daintree. Mossman and Cape Tribulation are excellent bases for trips into the Daintree.
 Undara Lava Tubes
The Undara Volcanic National Park is one of Australia's greatest geological wonders. It boasts the best-preserved and largest lava tube system on earth, offering an unforgettable experience that will satisfy the appetites of both adventurer and eco-traveller.
Regular coach travel from Cairns to Undara Experience at the Undara Volcanic National Park is available or you can make the 275 kilometre journey by car in about four hours. Guided tours at Undara include include full day, half day and introductory Lava Tube tours, Wildlife at Sunset tours and free campfire entertainment nightly. There are also eight self-guided bushwalks available with varying levels of difficulty.
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest and most complex reef system, stretching more than 2000 kilometres along the Queensland coast. The northern part of the Great Barrier Reef harbours the most spectacular hard coral and fishlife, although due to run-off, global warming and poorly managed tourism, many inshore reefs are badly damaged. The best reefs are around the outer islands of the Reef and in the far north, close to the Cape York Peninsula. This remote stretch of reef is only accessible by live-aboard vessel – but for keen divers and snorkellers, experiencing this incredible undersea universe is an adventure not to be missed.
 Top TEN Things To Do
- Dive the Great Barrier Reef.
- Explore the beautiful Daintree Rainforest.
- Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Cairns.
- Tour the Undara Lava Tubes.
- Wander inside the Cairns Rainforest Dome.
- Visit Cairns Tropical Zoo.
- Take an island cruise out of Port Douglas.
- Learn about Aboriginal culture at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
- See crocodiles being fed at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.
- Shop at the Cairns Night Markets.
Events
Port Douglas Village Carnivale
The Carnivale was first held in 1993 and continues to grow into one of North Queensland’s most exciting annual festivals, offering a week of varied entertainment and fun. The Carnivale is held in May and includes a 6-day sailing regatta, golf challenge, lunch on the Marina, rugby tournament, sand-model competition on beautiful Four-Mile Beach, iron man challenge, street theatre and Kids' World. A street party is held on the Friday evening on the main street, complete with a Grand Float Parade.
Festival Cairns
Held in late September, Festival Cairns is three weeks of celebrations, food, wine, art, performance, and family fun. There are more than 25 artistic, cultural and sporting events, the Botanic Gardens Spring Festival and a Grand Parade.
| 
