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Send
Enquiry!! |
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 On
Australia’s north-east coast we invite you to discover the
magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef as it meets the World
Heritage listed rainforests of the Daintree and Cape
Tribulation. For more diversity if time permits, visit the
tropical Atherton Tablelands and the outback plains and gorges
of the western Gulf Savannah.
Although Gladstone is the access point for some of the
southern islands, Cairns is usually the start and end point of
a Tropical north safari.
To the north are long white sand beaches, fringed by warm seas
against a backdrop of mountainous rainforest. The northern
road brings you to Port Douglas, a fashionable & exclusive
resort known for its old-fashioned charm, wide tree-lined
streets, luxury hotels, excellent restaurants and a popular
golf course.
Further north, Mossman is Australia's most northerly sugar
cane town and tropical fruit growing area. A 3km walking track
through beautiful rainforest takes you to lovely, though icy,
natural swimming pools on the Mossman River.
The small town of Daintree is located on the Daintree River;
once a timber town it is now known for river cruises and for
the freshly caught barramundi served in its restaurants. The
Daintree and Cape Tribulation are made up of lush tropical
rainforests, deserted beaches and breathtaking scenery. The
lush vegetation is home to some beautiful species of birds,
plants and animals. Crocodiles are common, as you will see on
a Daintree River cruise. 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.
Incredibly, from Cairns to the northern tip of The Cape York
Peninsula there is another 11 million hectares or 1000 kms of
pure wilderness. Cooktown marks the beginning of the
Peninsula, an area of prolific wildlife, rugged mountains,
eucalypt, mangrove and rainforests, woodlands, heath lands,
grasslands, swamps and mighty rivers.
To the south of Cairns, bordered by the coastal lowlands, is
the Wooroonooran (Bellenden Ker) National Park. One of the
last great habitats of the cassowary bird, the region is ideal
for bush walkers and nature lovers, highlights along the
trails are cascading waterfalls and fern-fringed swimming
pools.
West of Cairns, Kuranda is midway to the Atherton Tablelands.
Take an historic rail trip aboard beautifully preserved,
old-fashioned carriages that wind up through magnificent
gorges, along precipitous slopes, past crashing waterfalls to
one of Australia's most photographed stations at Kuranda. The
local Markets are held every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and
Sunday are a great place to collect souvenirs, arts, crafts
and produce.
The Atherton Tablelands combine rainforests, national parks,
mountains, rivers and waterfalls with some of Australia's
richest agricultural lands. Look for tortoises in the
crystal-clear waters of volcanic lakes, visit rainforests
after dark to glimpse small bats, bandicoots, big-eyed frogs
and a variety of possums.
Further west the outback begins with wide, open spaces, the
scent of eucalyptus and brilliant night skies. Just 150kms
from Cairns and right off the beaten track, you will find
yourself in another world, these rugged tree-studded hills
were once home to 10,000 people scrambling for riches in the
Hodgkinson goldfield.
To the east is the Great Barrier Reef; beneath the cobalt sea
this magnet draws you irresistibly to a place of quiet
lagoons, palm-fringed beaches, faraway islands.
Send Enquiry!!
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The Great Barrier Reef |
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A site of remarkable variety and beauty, the Great Barrier Reef is
a World Heritage site extending 2,000 kms along Australia’s east
coast. The Reef's diversity reflects the maturity of the
ecosystem, which has evolved over hundreds of thousands of years.
It is the world's most extensive coral reef system and is one of
the richest areas in terms of faunal diversity containing 400
types of coral, 1,500 species of fish, and 4,000 types of mollusc.
The reef is also the habitat of whales, dolphins, dugongs, large
turtles, a variety of harmless sharks and it is an important
habitat for seabirds, shore and land birds.
Contrary to popular belief, the reef is not a continuous barrier,
but a broken maze of 2800 coral reefs and hundreds of continental
islands, reef islands and cays, small bare sand cays, and
permanent vegetated cays. The reefs range in size from less than
one hectare to more than 100 000 hectares, and in shape from flat
platform reefs to elongated ribbon reefs.
In addition to being the world's largest coral reef ecosystem and
a World Heritage listed area it is the world's largest marine
protected area.
Aboriginal groups have lived along the Great Barrier Reef region
for more than 40,000 years. It is part of their culture and
spirituality, and has provided food for their subsistence tribal
lifestyle. Today, Aboriginal people live a more modern lifestyle
however they still maintain their cultural practices, including
traditional hunting.
The coloured coral expanses and gardens of giant clams and other
molluscs lie just below the surface of the warm, crystal clear
tropical waters so snorkelling is a great way to see the Reef. To
reach the deeper recesses scuba diving is available from the
island resorts. You may also choose to sail, take a scenic flight,
beach-comb, water ski, windsurf, parasail, horse ride and the
tropical weather is as perfect for relaxing as it is for all this
activity!
The Daintree Rainforest
At over 135 million years, the Daintree Rainforest is the
world’s oldest and it is home to the largest range of plants
and animals on earth. The Daintree contains 30% of the frog,
marsupial and reptile species in Australia, and 65% of
Australia's bat and butterfly species as well as 20% of our
bird species. Whilst it is Australia’s largest rainforest,
at 1200 sq kms it takes up only 0.2% of the continent’s
landmass.
The diversity, intricacy and age of plant species in the
Daintree are greater than any other ecosystem in Australia,
and many places around the world. The Daintree rainforest is
home to one of the highest populations of primitive
flowering plants in the world. Of 19 primitive plant
families on earth, 12 are found in the Daintree. Of
Australia's 36 mangrove species, 28 are found in the
Daintree region. Every plant in the rainforest is placed in
relation to other plants to serve a special role. Many
plants cannot survive without the characteristics of another
plant along side it.
As with the vegetation, when it comes to fauna, the Daintree
contains some of the most rare and endangered species in the
world. New species are constantly being found, including the
recent discovery of the masked white-tailed rat. There are
species unique to the region, like the shy and retiring
Bennett's tree kangaroo, the Thornton Peak Medlomys, and the
Daintree River Ringtail Possum. Beautiful butterflies
include the metallic blue Ulysses, there are the strangely
named Cuscus the Bandicoot and the Sugar Glider as well as
the best known and least liked Estuarine Crocodile.
Approximately 430 species of birds live among the trees,
including 13 species that are found nowhere else in the
world. The largest is the flightless cassowary bird; the
female is larger and may grow to over 1.75 meters high. The
cassowary is vital to the region in its role of seed
disperser for over 100 species of rainforest plants.
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Send Enquiry!!
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Barrier Reef & Rainforest Highlights |
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Daintree River cruises for
rainforest, birds & crocodiles |
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Explore the small towns &
find treasures in their markets |
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Atherton’s tropical forests,
exotic bird life & unique mammals |
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Historic Kuranda Railway &
great views from the Skyway |
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Historic goldfields of the
outback Gulf Savannah country |
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Remote luxury lodges,
nestling in wilderness country |
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The stylish luxury of the
Barrier Reef Islands |
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Delicious seafood meals &
tropical fruits
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