Showing posts with label Cairns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cairns. Show all posts

9 August 2012

5 Ways to See The Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World which people come all over the globe to visit. Luckily it is in your backyard and a perfect holiday destination for the whole family. There are so many ways to enjoy this iconic wonder either on water, in flight or on land.

Skydive in Cairns
If you want to see the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie then a Tandem Skydive is a perfect combination.

This 11,000ft distance will be the jump of your life and unforgettable. You see a full birds eye view of this natural gem and all its glory during the 40 second free fall. The spectacular view spans around 14km capturing the surrounding World Heritage Rainforest.

Accompanied by a professional instructor you will be in the safest hands to ensure everything is secure and sound. Prior to take off you will undertake training on all the basic rules and intrusions to ensure you understand the process and no experience is necessary. 


Skydive in Cairns over the spectacular Great Barrier Reef
Skydive in Cairns over the spectacular Great Barrier Reef

Catamaran Cruise
For a more adventurous but tranquil experience of the Great Barrier Reef take a cruise with Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises.

This day trip takes you to the idyllic and crystal clear waters of Green Island which is the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest growing on it!

You can discover the coral and fish life, unwind on the pure sandy white beaches and explore the walking tracks leading through the National Park.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy on water such as scuba diving, helmet diving, boat snorkel tours, or hire canoes and beach lounge chairs. If you prefer, there is always the option of staying on the air-conditioned catamaran and breath the fresh air and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. 

Catamaran Cruise with Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
Catamaran Cruise with Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
High above in a Helicopter
For the best seat in the house to see the Great Barrier Reef  a helicopter ride is definitely is in order.

Departing daily, this is the best relaxing way to see Cairns and truly appreciate all the scenery. It covers the famous sites of Green Island, the jewel of the reef, the vastness of Arlington Reef and the delightful Vlasoff and Upolu Sand Cays. Whilst up in the air spot the local marine life and pick the perfect place to land for an unforgettable lunch.

This is the perfect opportunity for the photo enthusiast to capture magical snapshots.

Helicopter Ride above the Great Barrier Reef
Helicopter Ride above the Great Barrier Reef
Scuba Diving
For the ultimate Cairns experience a scuba dive with Calypso Reef Charters is the answer.

This tour takes you on a private charter around the sites of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. You can explore and get an up close view of the marine life and the magnificent coral reefs.

You have the opportunity to learn how to scuba dive with a professional PADI Dive Instructor who will explain all the safety and skills required for this memorable dive. There are multiple levels to accommodate for children and beginners, and depths to discover. For the more advanced there are shipwrecks where it is a highly likely to spot turtles, gropers, sea snakes, giant turtles, lionfish and barracuda.

The enthusiastic helpful staff with educate you with fun and history facts about the Reef and its evolution over the years. On board is a tropical lunch buffet for you to enjoy.

Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef
Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef
Kayak like a King
If you have ever dreamt of swimming and getting close with the marine life then what better than on a kayak.

Travel at your own pace around the Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island and take your time to appreciate the panoramic natural wonders. You can discover the marine wildlife and private beaches.

Once complete you can explore on land the rainforest walks, continue snorkelling the fringing coral reefs, have a jump on the ocean trampoline or just relax. A catamaran transports you to and from location for you to circumnavigate the preeminent pristine waters.

A tropical picnic lunch is catered for so you can enjoy more time exploring. 

Kayaking, Tropical North Queensland
Kayaking, Tropical North Queensland



22 July 2012

Quiet Summer Retreats Around Australia

Hatchers Richmond Manor
Located 20 minutes from Hobart, Hatchers Richmond Manor is a modern day old fashioned hideaway. This family run business which is settled on 100 acre working farm and orchard is just remarkable and truly an insight into the process of fresh produce to the finished good. You can sample the domestic wines and witness the harvesting process in January. Take a horse-drawn carriage around the property on the famous Clydesdale horses. With a variety of comfy home style rooms on the panoramic acreage it is perfect for the family to relax and enjoy what nature has to offer.

Clydesdale Horses at Hatcher Richmond Manor, Tasmania
Clydesdale Horses at Hatcher Richmond Manor, Tasmania
Cradle Mountain Chateau
Cradle Mountain Chateau is an absolutely breathtaking destination situated in the serene alpine woodland setting of Cradle Mountain. Near is the world-heritage Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park which has some spectacular bush walks and look outs to explore that lead to the gorgeous Dove Lake. You can explore the surroundings and local cuisines by participating in regional beer tasting and complimentary foods, Tasmania’s Tiger exhibition and Night time Animal exploration. Onsite there are multiple dining areas including The Grey Gum, Quoll’s Restaurant and Brushtails Bar which provide warm hearty meals all from local produce to match the rugged atmosphere. You will definitely find a warm burning fireplace to rug up next to and enjoy the spectacular views. 

Picturesque Cradle Mountain Chateau, Tasmania
Picturesque Cradle Mountain Chateau, Tasmania
Chardonnay Lodge
For the fine food and wine lover you need to enter paradise at Chardonnay Lodge in the heart of the Coonawarra Vineyards midway between Adelaide and Melbourne is the pinnacle to places to go. With a modern and modest feel and ample landscape ground to wonder it is perfect for families and anyone who needs a quite and relaxed getaway. Some attractions and facilities include a pool, the world heritage listed Naracoorte Caves, Blue Lake, Penola and the Mary MacKillop Centre.


Across the road is The Poplars Cellar Door Precinct which is an enjoyable location featuring a cheese bar and local produce store. It has an award winning onsite art gallery which displays the works of Australia born artist Jenny Johnson and others. This is an easy going, relaxing destination perfect to unwind and appreciate the local produce and wine. 

Chardony Lodge, South Australia
Chardony Lodge, South Australia
Bloomfield Lodge
If you want to experience Cairns in a picturesque, quiet sanctuary then Bloomfield Lodge is the place to escape. Located 140m north of Cairns, in the world heritage listed Daintree Forest also boarder line with The Great Barrier Reef this is a match made in heaven. You can indulge in the breathtaking scenery of either water or wilderness and experience all the beauty Cairns has to offer. With ample relaxation facilities and actractions to discover including the secluded Kangaji Beach, it has something for everyone.

The 17 individual retreats all built from local timber with colonial-style elegance and first class amenities really embraces and displays the natural heavenly surroundings. 

View from balcony at Bloomfield Lodge, Cairns
View from balcony at Bloomfield Lodge, Queensland
Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris
If you want to experience nature it is natural form and to learn and enjoy Australia’s history then Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris is a great destination. Situated in an exclusive area of the Northern Territory on the sacred Arnhemland it is truly an escape from the busy city and  allow yourself to unwind. This national treasure chest has countless experiences and activities including guided tours through ancestral caves with stunning original rock paintings and carving. It also accommodates for the more adventurous by providing bushwalks, 4WD adventures, wildlife spotting through the adjacent Kakadu National Park as well as fishing and swimming.

There is a variety of accommodation from luxury to earthly options of campfire cabins. No matter where you are you will see and appreciate the beautiful wilderness and atmosphere of this sacred land. 

Cabins at Davidson's Arnhemland Safari Lodge, Northern Territory
Cabins at Davidson's Arnhemland Safari Lodge, Northern Territory
Eco Beach Broome
Eco Beach Broome is a lovely quite escape hidden at the top of Wester Australia near Broome. This award winning resort is the perfect blend of beach and bush referred to as an ‘accessible wilderness’.

The modern and stylish accommodation located right on the beach front and a backyard of bushland really captures all of Northern Territory’s beauty. You can explore the remarkable wilderness by participating in turtle and whale spotting and talking, multiple bushwalks, kayaking and end the day with yoga or a Kimberly Taste where you try some local delicacies. Another unique and fun activity is the Mud ‘n’ Fun which is a natural local treatment comprising of sand exfoliation and covering yourself in mud crab mud.

Beach and Bush blend at Eco Beach, Western Australia
Beach and Bush blend at Eco Beach, Western Australia
After a long day of adventure and exploring you can reenergise at Jack’s Bar & Restaurant. It is an onsite water coastline restaurant providing outstanding cuisine looking at a picturesque view. 
Outstanding Cuisine at Jack's Bar & Restaurant
Outstanding Cuisine at Jack's Bar & Restaurant


For assistance booking your Australian holiday call Sunlover Holidays on 13 88 33.

18 July 2012

Strange Australian Towns

St Helena Island
St Helena Island is Queensland’s most historic island. This National Park is located four kilometres from the mouth of the Brisbane River in Moreton Bay. St Helena Island was once a quarantine station which then became home to colonial Queensland’s foremost maximum security prison for men, where severe punishment - the lash, the dreaded dark underground cells, the gag, and energy-sapping shot drill once took place. The toughest years on St Helena were undoubtedly the early ones, and the ruins on the island testify to the hard work that the prisoners had to do. While on St Helena Island, why not take a ghost tour by night?

Moreton Bay, Brisbane
Moreton Bay, Brisbane                                                                                                   
White Cliffs
Situated in the north-west area of New South Wales, White Cliffs, like Coober Pedy, is an underground town, due to the searing temperatures reaching around 47 degrees in summer. During an opal mining boom, White Cliffs had a population of 4,500, which has now depleted to a mere 150. Upon your visit to this underground town you can fossick on the old mine dumps by day, or visit the town’s main focal point, the Dugout Underground Motel.

Nimbin
Nimbin is a village in New South Wales, near Lismore. This small town is known as the ‘Rainbow Region’, and has been described by many as ‘the alternative capital of Australia’ and a ‘social experiment’. Nimbin has a high tolerance for alternative lifestyle. Here you will find an abundance of hippies, living alternate lifestyles, particularly in communes. Nimbin celebrates their unique culture annually with the Mardi Grass Festival.  


Northern NSW scenery
Northern NSW scenery
Tully
The town of Tully, situated midway between Townsville and Cairns in Queensland, is known as the wettest town in Australia, but also holds the title of Australia’s most popular UFO hotspot. This small town is ranked number 1 in Australia and Asia as a UFO hotspot, with a number of ‘close encounters’. Many Tully residents have confessed to seeing extraterrestrial activity for sometime, dating back to the early 1960’s. The world’s original crop circle, the so-called ‘Tully Saucer Nest’ was discovered here in 1966.

Zeehan
Zeehan is a small town on the west coast of Tasmania, near Queenstown. Once known as the thriving ‘Silver City’ at the turn of the century, the once silver rich mining town had a population of 10,000 (with 27 pubs) but has since declined to 800 due to a depletion of silver. Left remaining is an array of historic buildings still used regularly by townsfolk.

Zeehan, Tasmania
Zeehan, Tasmania

Tantanoola
Tantanoola is a small town situated near Mount Gambier in South Australia. Many areas of Australia have their stories about panthers and tigers roaming in the bush but this one is a bit different in that there is some basis in fact. In the 1890’s a man named Tom Donovan shot the mysterious predator, which turned out to be a Eurasian wolf - equally out of place in the Australian environment. The creature now resides in a glass case in the Tantanoola Hotel.

Principality of Hutt River
The Principality of Hutt River is located north of Perth, near Geraldton. In 1970, after ongoing disputes with the Australian Government over wheat quotas, Leonard George Casley, one of the residents of this town succeeded from Australia and created a separate country, declaring himself ‘King Leonard’. Thousands flock to this historically strange place each year, but there are only 30 permanent residents. This ‘micronation’ is not officially recognised by Australia or any other country. 



3 July 2012

Australia’s Top Casinos

Jupiters Casino Gold Coast - exciting expansions
Jupiters Hotel and Casino has been located on the Gold Coast's Broadbeach for 25 years. There is so much fun to be had with non-stop action of a 24 hour casino area, 7 exceptional restaurants, and 8 bars. Jupiters Theatre has just been given a $20 million dollar refurbishment and expansion, allowing them to host the world's hottest live shows. As well as great entertainment Jupitors Hotel and Casino has the luxuries of an international resort with 594 guest rooms, pool, sauna, gymnasium and spa.

Jupiters Hotel and Casino
Jupiters Hotel and Casino




Burswood Entertainment Complex
Burswood Entertainment Complex located in Perth is home to the only casino in Western Australia. As well as their lively casino, the complex is home to many restaurant, cafes, bars and live shows. The complex boasts several hotels, from the luxurious Intercontinental and ever reliable Holiday Inn, allowing you to be close to the action. 

Intercontinental Perth Burswood
Intercontinental Perth Burswood

 The Star Entertainment Complex
The Star is Sydney’s new one-of-a-kind leisure and entertainment venue is located in Darling Harbour. The Star is home to restaurants, accommodation, nightclubs and a Sydney's only casino. Choose from a wide range of hotel rooms, suites and serviced apartments to suites with magnificent views over the harbour.

The Darling, pool area
The Darling, pool area

Treasury Casino and Hotel
The Treasury Casino and Hotel is located within the heart of the river city, Brisbane and is rich in history and hospitality. Housed in one of Australia’s grandest heritage buildings, it opened its doors in 1995 and continues to be a big part of Brisbane's entertainment. It is home to an array of exclusive restaurants and bars, a luxurious casino, majestic accommodation. Treasury Heritage Hotel is world class and offers 130 rooms situated in the grand buildings. 

Treasury Casino and Hotel

Crown Entertainment Complex
Crown Entertainment Complex is located on the southern bank of the Yarra River in Melbourne. It is home to cinemas, nightclubs, bars, shopping, and an indoor entertainment centre. Crown Casino is world renowned for never ending exciting, being own 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Crown Towers offers 481 luxuriously appointed oversized guest rooms full with the latest technology. Here you have the chance to experience Melbourne’s finest cosmopolitan dining from world class restaurants and Chef Neil Perry's high tea.

Crown Entertainemnt Complex
Crown Entertainemnt Complex
The Reef Hotel Casino
The Reef Hotel Casino is located in the beautiful Tropical North Queensland town of Cairns. The casino boats an array of restaurants, bars and prestigious accommodation. Pullman Hotel has 128 beautifully appointed rooms including in-room spas and private balconies. There are four restaurants that are located in the complex, making this the place to stay, play and dine in Cairns. 

The Reef Hotel Casino
The Reef Hotel Casino
Country Club Tasmania
Located 10 minutes from the heart of Launceston is the prestigious Country Club Tasmania. Surrounded by natural bush, parklands, lakes and a golf course the club offers accommodation, dining, live entertainment and a vibrant boutique Casino. Choose to stay in the hotel's manor suites, deluxe rooms or nearby self contained villas. There are five restaurants and four bars offering live entertainment and tasty treats. 

Country Club Tasmania
Country Club Tasmania

Wrest Point Tasmania
Wrest Point Tasmania boasts an absolute waterfront location, positioned on the River Derwent in Hobart. It's home to Australia’s first casino.. opening in 1973. The casino is one of Hobart's premier dining locations with 5 restaurants and 6 bars. Wrest Point also offers a range of accommodation in its renowned 41/2 star Tower, said to possess some of the best views in Tasmania. 

Wrest Point Tasmania
Wrest Point Tasmania

Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts
Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts is located at Tweed Heads, on the border of New South Wales and Queensland. New South Wales was the first state to legalise gaming machines, so Twin Towns was built on the border to allow Queenslanders could join in on all the gaming fun. Today Twin Towns is the largest Services Club in Australia and has something for everyone with entertainment, gambling areas, accommodation and dining. There are 5 bars and 9 restaurants to enjoy cuisine from around the world. Stay at Outrigger Twin Towns Resort and enjoy resort facilities and views of the pristine beaches of the Southern Gold Coast and Tweed River.

Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts
Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts

28 May 2012

Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef


Cairns is situated in Tropical North Queensland. This modern city is famous for being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, making it the perfect base to explore Australia's natural, wildlife and cultural attractions.

Great Adventures – Great Barrier Reef and Green Island Cruise
Great Adventures – Great Barrier Reef and Green Island Cruise

The World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef is as diverse as it is beautiful and should be on your 'must see' list. There are many day tours available from Cairns such as the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island Cruise with Great Adventures. 

Book an optional Helmet Dive
Book an optional Helmet Dive

On this day tour the morning starts with a pick up from your Cairns accommodation in the morning with transfers to the marina where you will board your vessel. Enjoy 2 hours on Green Island to take in coral off the beach, underwater observatory or visit the crocodile farm. Then re-board the vessel to travel out to the Great Barrier Reef pontoon to enjoy 3 hours of swimming, snorkelling and a seafood buffet lunch. The day ends with return coach transfer back to your hotel.  
   
Snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef
Snorkelling at Green Island, Great Barrier Reef
In Cairns there is so much to see and do so its worth while to stay at least 3 nights to  explore its beautiful sights and visit the many attractions. There is a range of accommodation from 3 star backpackers and motels, city hotels, apartments and luxury resorts in the near by beach side suburbs of Trinity Beach and Palm Cove. If you prefer to be in the heart of town, walking distance to the city's attractions then consider Shangri-La hotel, situated right on the marina or stay at Mantra Esplanade located in the restaurant precinct. 


9 May 2012

Top 5 places to shop in Cairns

1. DFO Cairns
Just outside the city centre and open 7 days a week DFO Cairns is a brilliant shopping centre where you can find discounted items of up to 75%.

2. DFS Galleria
Located in Cairns CBD lays the ultimate high-end luxury shopping centre with Luxury retailers, boutiques and duty free shopping for international guests.

Cairns, Queensland

3. Night Markets
Situated on the esplanade the night markets host a range of different things include fashion pieces, toys, souvenirs, portraits and international cuisine.

4. Kuranda Markets
Held daily in the mountain village of Kuranda, these markets offer a range of arts, local crafts, photography, fudge, honey and locally made food.

Kuranda Markets
5. Cairns Central Shopping Centre
Home to hundreds of speciality shops and cinema complex. Clothing stores are mixed in with souvenirs and gift shops. The food court is home to a wide range of cuisines including Chinese, Japanese, Crepes and McDonalds.



5 March 2012

Top 10 Tours in Tropical North Queensland

Tropical North Queensland has plenty of attractions to suit the adventurist, the environmentalist and animal lover! From relaxing tours to adventure tours Sunlover Holidays can find the perfect day tour for you.

10. Get your adrenaline pumping with an Adventure Tour
If you are keen for an adventurous holiday look no further than skydive over Cairns. From 11,000 feet in the air you can  enjoy the spectacular views of the World Heritage rainforests or ‘Jump the Beach’ and enjoy a Birdseye view of the Great Barrier Reef, tropical islands and Mission Beach.


For a smaller ‘jump’ take on AJ Hackett’s 50 metre bungy tower just 15 minutes from Cairns. If the weather is hot, then cool down by river rafting down the Barron or Tully River or, for a thrilling way to see the Daintree Forest ‘Jungle Surf’ through the canopies and over the treetops. Those who remember the rush of swinging in the school yard may enjoy the Minjim Jungle Swing, a cocoon that 1 to 3 people can share for a soaring ride across the rainforest and through the trees, reaching down just 2 metres from the rainforest floor before swinging up to views of the ocean.


If you prefer to be closer to the ground there are horse riding and quad biking tours through rainforest, bush and creeks. Ride around giant termite mounds and spot native wildlife during your 2 hour ride.

9. Learn about Australian Aboriginal Culture
Discover the legends of Australia’s Dreamtime with Tjapukai by Night. The people of the rainforest share their culture during an evening of spectacular entertainment including a traditional Tjapukai corroboree, didgeridoo blessing ceremony, Quinkan Spirit performance, spectacular lightning show and buffet dinner with professional entertainment before joining the dancers around the campfire. The tour includes an international buffet, face tribal marking face painting and you may self drive or book transfers from Cairns and Cairns Beaches.

8. Explore Cairns Highlands
For a relaxing and yummy experience take a unique coach tour to the Cairns Highlands for food, wine and sightseeing with Food Trail Tours. Experience the Wet Tropics Rainforest, dry savannah and red soil plains, discover the enormous Cathedral Fig Tree, enjoy tastiings at cheese and chocolate factories, sample wines at the vineyard then experience a coffee plantation tour. The day also includes exploration of a local macadamia plantation and a tropical seafood lunch!


Another highland tour take in the well known Spanish Castle (Paronella Park). Built by Jose Paronella on 5 hectares next to the spectacular Mena Creek Falls the castle has become beautiful ruins surrounded by a lush rainforest made up of over 7,500 tropical plants and trees. You will also have a chance to visit Lake Barrine for a wildlife cruise followed by Devonshire tea.

7. Watch the sunrise from a Hot Air Balloon
Enjoy the unique sensation of floating over the Atherton Tableland with its rainforest fringed mountains and tranquil country landscape from a hot air balloon. Tours depart before dawn so you can see the mist disperse over the patchwork ground below as the sun rises. The silence of dawn and the stillness of the tranquil landscape below is mesmerising. Transfers are available from Cairns, Cairns Beaches and Port Douglas.


6. Take a different route with Sky Rail and Scenic Rail
Sitting upon the hinterland is the town of Kuranda, well known for its alternative lifestyle, historic pubs and arts and crafts market. The town also offers the chance to enjoy local produce including lychee flavoured wine! You can journey here by car, but the much more scenic and relaxing route is by Scenic Rail. The train takes a leisurely pace through Cairns suburbs up into the mountains and stops at two impressive waterfalls.

Barron Falls
On your way home feel the rush of sliding smoothly across the rainforest in a glass encased cable car. Director James Cameron even took this journey for inspiration in creating the rainforests in Avatar. There are two stops along the journey so you can take short 2 minute boardwalks through the rainforest. See vines snaking up trees to reach the light and basket ferns that grow on the trees just under leafy branches that provide compost and nest. Did you know for a forest to be called a ‘rainforest’ it must receive at least 1.3 metres of rain a year?

Skyrail
5. Head Outback  
Journey back in history and discover spectacular savannah landscapes, limestone caves and the Mareeba Wetlands home to an array of birdlife and wildlife. Once you pass the Great Dividing Range watch the landscape change into agricultural fields and flat plains. Stop in Chillagoe to view the Chillagoe Smelters and the former mining site. Take a guided tour of the limestome caves and a stop at Mt Uncle Distillery for a cool drink before transfering back to Cairns.


4. Trek into a rainforest
Explore Cape Tribulation rainforest with a full day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. See where the ‘rainforest meets the reef’ and experience an aerial walkway amongst the trees. 4WD through the Bloomfield Track and relax upon Cable Tribulation Beach. The tour also includes barbeque lunch with a chance to hand feed kangaroos. 
Cape Tribulation
If you want to go even further north take a flight / 4WD tour of Cooktown. Experience the Daintree River cable ferry crossing and have lunch at the famous Lions Den Hotel. It’s a chance to enjoy the traverse rivers and mountain ranges of far North Queensland.

3. Visit an island
Fitzroy Island's Full Day Sea Kayaking tour offer the chance to discover the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Upon Fitzroy Island you have the chance to visit a private beach only accessible from water. This half day tour includes lunch, use of ocean trampoline and return ferry transfers from Cairns.

Green Island offers a great alternative for those not wanting to travel to the Outer Reef to see the coral. Just a short ferry ride from Cairns brings you to a tropical paradise surrounded by coral and fish life. The full day tour includes buffet lunch and the island includes a range of water activities and walks to keep you entertained, including a crocodile farm!

Green Island, off Cairns
If you prefer to feel the ocean breeze on a relaxing day out then take a Low Isles sailing cruise to a coral cay island. These islands offer white sandy beaches surrounded by fringing coral and an array of marine life including turtles and stingrays. Take a walk about the island, enjoy a guided snorkel tour, listen to a marine biologist reef and island interpretation and tuck into a buffet lunch. The day tours depart from Cairns to Port Douglas and include return transfers from your hotel.

2. Walk amongst the Wildlife
Australia is teeming with unique (and unusal) wildlife and there is no better place to catch a glance of these amazing creatures than one of Tropical North Queensland’s zoos and wildlife parks. Cairns Tropical Zoo offers a chance to cuddle a koala, hand feed kangaroos and get up close to a cassowary. The daily shows also include a chance to see snakes, crocodiles and free flying birds. Cairns Night Zoo lets you see what the animals get up to when the lights go out. See possums, owls, and join kangaroos around the campfire for billy tea and damper.

Hartley's Crocodile Farm
Hartley’s Crocodile Farm allows you to spot crocodiles in their natural environment, from the safety of your raised boardwalk or inside a boat cruising about the man-made waterway. Hear the incredible sound created when a crocodile snaps its jaw shut, as powerful and awesome as a dinosaur. For an extra cost you have the chance to feed one of these big guys yourself or have your photo taken with a young croc. The park also includes snakes, turtles, birds, wallabies, sleepy koalas and cassowaries. 

1. Snorkel upon the Great Barrier Reef
Discover the Great Barrier Reef on one of many reef cruises out to pontoons upon the outer reef. One of the most marvellous natural attractions in the world, the reef runs down more than half of the Queensland coast. There is almost 3000 individual reefs and an abundance of marine wildlife from tropical fish, stingrays, turtles, seahorse and dolphins. 
Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef
Travel out by air conditioned catamaran and enjoy a snorkel or sunback on the sundeck while your lunch is being prepared. Even if you don't want to get wet you can enjoy the views from glass bottom boat and semi-submersible coral and fishing viewing with commentary. Listen to a marine biologist give a reef presentaiton and fish feeding demonstration then enjoy afternoon tea before your return journey home.

Clown Fish

 To book your Tropical North Queensland Holiday visit www.sunloverholidays.com.au or call our specialist Australian travel consultants on 13 88 33 (from Australia) or 0800 445 316 (from New Zealand).