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Tourism News FeedThursday, May 08, 2008
"Cannot recommend this trip highly enough! The North Johnstone River is untouched and breath-takingly stunning and rafting and camping is the best way to experience this paradise. The rafting guides were awesome, the food was great and the rapids are exhilerating and the helicopter ride to the put-in is amazing. I would have to rate this as one of the best trips I have ever done!" Katie Slee, Australia
Katie travelled on the North Johnstone Rafting trip on the 2nd May '08. The 4 Day Expedition is rated one of the Top 10 wilderness adventures in the world, and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
With limited frequency of departures, restricted group sizes and stringent National Park permits, the North Johnstone River and surrounding ancient rainforests are preserved for all time, enabling rafters a rare glimpse of a very precious and untouched part of North Queensland’s World Heritage Rainforests.
Next Departures:
May: 16-19
June: 6-9
July: 4-7
For further details and video on this exciting trip please click here
Thursday, May 08, 2008
The travstar team escaped the office last Thursday for a night of adventures at Flames of the Forest...
We were kept guessing as to the whereabouts of our dining location as we took a dirt track off the highway to a special clearing in the rainforest lit up by candles and tiki flares. A huge candelabra and lit up trees added to the mystical atmosphere. We enjoyed a welcome glass of champagne plus really tasty oysters before being surprisingly greeted by a local Indigenous fella who chatted to us very lively in his native language before showing us to our beautiful dining location.
Set beside a flowing creek the location was magic. Candles were lit up along the stream and it was awesome to have this as our backdrop to such a wonderful dinner. The dishes served were out of this world! Pumpkin & wattleseed bush damper, crocodile & mango on coral lettuce, rocket & toasted macadamia nut salad, locally caught tiger prawns with jackfruit remoulade, it was weird but wonderful at the same time!
During dinner two local Aboriginal brothers Bilgamu (crocodile) and Gurrba (fish) a.k.a Gary and Robert introduced us to some Aboriginal culture with a Dreamtime story about the duck, water rat and platypus. I don't want to give the story away so you'll have to visit Flames of the
The atmosphere was just beautiful as the lights and power turned off for a few moments so we could enjoy the sounds of the rainforest at night and the peaceful running of the stream nearby....
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a must do for touring option for all visitors to Cairns. Whether you have just a half day or a full day to visit the rainforest, Skyrail can take you deep into the heart of the rainforest in just over an hour.
Where is Skyrail located?
Skyrail’s Caravonica Terminal is located 15 minutes north of Cairns city and 50 minutes south of Port Douglas.
How long is Skyrail?
The Skyrail cableway is 7.5 kilometres long and has two rainforest mid-stations.
How many people does a gondola carry?
Each gondola seats up to 6 people (including infants).
How long does a Skyrail experience take?
To maximise your Skyrail experience, allow up to 1½ hours to complete a one-way journey, this includes spending time at the two rainforest mid-stations. Skyrail has two rainforest mid-stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls, which allow you to disembark from the gondola and explore the forest on boardwalks and easy access walkways. Complimentary Ranger guided boardwalk tours operate regularly at Red Peak Station and Barron Falls Station houses a fascinating Rainforest Interpretation Centre and spectacular look-outs.
Is there much walking involved?
You can walk as much or as little as you choose at Skyrail’s rainforest mid-stations. Red Peak has a 175 metre rainforest boardwalk and there is approximately 400 metres of gentle walkways at Barron Falls Station.
What if it’s raining, can I still experience Skyrail and the rainforest?
The rainforest is at its best in the rain! Skyrail is spectacular on a fine day and amazing in the wet. Travelling through the mist in your fully enclosed gondola cabin, you will see the rainforest come to life in the rain, and there are complimentary umbrellas available at the mid-stations.
Do I need to have a certain level of fitness to enjoy Skyrail?
No. Skyrail is suitable for, and caters to, people of all ages and abilities.
Can the Skyrail gondolas accommodate wheelchairs?
Yes, Skyrail gondola cabins can accommodate most standard type wheelchairs. However, due to size restrictions and loading requirements, some types of wheelchairs can not be carried on the cableway.
For further information on Kuranda day trips including the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway please click here
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Snorkellers were kept busy sighting smaller marine life such as Damsels , Fusiliers, Butterfly fish, silver Bait fish along with some larger species like Sweet Lip, Coral Trout, Blue Spotted Lagoon rays, Turtles and a couple of White Tip Reef Sharks.
Divers today went exploring through the channel and were rewarded with schools of 40-50 Unicorn fish along with the Spotted and Big Eye Trevally coming in for a look. A couple of Barracuda were also spotted cruising along in search of food.
A MAGICAL DAY WAS HAD BY ALL!!
Don’t forget to ask about the wonderful HELI SPECIAL!!
Water Temperature: 26 C
Underwater Visibility: 15-18 metres
3 DAY OUTLOOK
As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Sunday: SE winds 20-25 knots
Monday: SE winds 20-25 knots
Tuesday: SE winds 20-25 knots
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Adventure North NEW 4WD VEHICLE HAS ARRIVED!
Our new 16 seat 4WD vehicle allows Adventure North to offer The Daintree Dreaming tour on a regular basis.
This is an exclusive product offering an authentic Aboriginal cultural experience with the
A great tour for international guests, or maybe for the repeat visitor to our region.
For further information please click here
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Upon arrival, the marine life had seemingly organised a “welcome party”. Literally hundreds Fusiliers, Damsels, Juvenile Red Emperor, Moses Perch, Parrotfish, Butterfly fish, Silver bait fish filled the waters for snorkellers, divers and tourers on the Semi Submersible to see.
Introductory and certified divers were also graced with regular visits from “Wally”, the Hump Headed Maori Wrasse, a couple of Blue Spotted Lagoon Rays, several timid White Tip Reef Sharks tat were seen swimming along the sandy ocean floor.
A number of Green Turtles have been sighted throughout the day at Marine World, one of which today gave guest’s experiencing the Underwater Observatory quite a show. It was as if this little guy was bringing all his underwater friends to view the humans visiting Marine World!!
Water Temperature: 26 C
Underwater Visibility: 20 metres
3 DAY OUTLOOK
As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Tuesday: SE winds 15-20 knots
Wednesday: SE winds 20-25 knots
Thursday: SE winds 20-25 knots
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Another great day here in paradise, calm sea and wind conditions greeted guest aboard Reef Magic Cruises today en-route to the outer barrier reef site of Marine World. Underwater visibility is at a stable 15mtrs + allowing snorkellers to view large schools of Sweet Lip and Red Bass, some of the smaller Drummer fish, Damsels, Butterfly fish and some Surgeon fish all interacting amongst the hard and soft corals of Marne World.
Certified divers observed three White Tip Reef Sharks cruising along the outer wall on site, Bump Headed Parrot fish were seen and heard crunching on the corals for food. Trigger fish and some Napoleon Wrasse were also seen.
The weather is remaining stable for the next couple of days, so why not join Reef Magic Cruises for a day on the outer GREAT barrier reef.
Water Temperature: 26 C
Underwater Visibility: 15-18meters
3 DAY OUTLOOK
As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Sunday: SE winds 10-15 knots
Monday: SE winds 10-15 knots
Tuesday: SE winds 15-20 knots
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Say goodbye to the well loved Horizon at Mission Beach. Previously known as ‘The Horizon’, the new owners of the recently renamed ‘Elandra’, Katrina Knowles and Adam Karras, are committed to a long term vision of rolling out glamorous, sophisticated and eclectic boutique hotels around the world.
The Elandra (translates as an aboriginal name for ‘home by the sea’) Mission Beach in Tropical North Queensland will be the very first.
The new Elandra will open 1 June 2008 (from 1 May – 31 May will still be The Horizon) and to celebrate will stage one of the most sought after party invitations of the year.
The Elandra Mission Beach is preparing for its night of nights on Saturday 28 June 2008. The exclusive poolside event celebrates the launch of its newly renovated four and a half star resort, new brand and performance by none other than Grace Jones. Elandra Director, Katrina Knowles has been working tirelessly with her partner, Mr Adam Karras to realize this dream of a boutique hotel resort chain. Katrina’s property development background from her family business, The Knowles Group, together with her career as a Broadway dancer and international traveler has educated her perfectly for her new role!
The first of many, The Elandra is situated on an incredible site, literally where the pristine prehistoric rainforest meets the sea, The Elandra boasts a jaw dropping location, overlooking Dunk and Bedarra Island and is conveniently located at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in Mission Beach.
Rare pieces of sought after tribal art are being integrated into a cool minimal white interior with plenty of added ‘schooz’ by flamboyant Melbourne interior designer, Jean Pierre Heurteau. The overall effect is bound to be an intoxicating sensory overload particularly when it is incorporated with the local flora and fauna, blue Ulysses butterflies as large as dinner plates, curious bilbies, monitor lizards and colourful cassowaries.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
PRESS RELEASE – PADI MEMBER AWARDS 2008
(Asia Pacific Region)
The 2008 PADI Asia Pacific Region Member Awards were held in Singapore last Friday (18/4/08). Pro Dive Cairns were very pleased to have received the most prestigious award of the night being the Outstanding Business Award (Dive Centre/Resort).
This highly contested award recognises outstanding business performance, initiatives and achievements across all areas of business operation.
Pro Dive Cairns is renowned as one of Australia’s premier dive operators and has been in operation since 1983. They are a 5 star dive centre that specialise in 3 specific areas being diver training from beginner to professional levels, 3 day 2 night liveaboard trips for certified divers and retail sales of dive, snorkel and water sports equipment. There Cairns based operation consists of a purpose built diver training centre, 3 x 25 metre modern liveaboard dive vessels as well as a centrally located state of the art Retail Centre.
Achieving this award in their 25th year of operation is a significant milestone and recognition of their commitment to safety, quality and professionalism.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
What a great day on the outer barrier reef today. Snorkellers observed schools of smaller Fusiliers, Damsels, Butterfly fish, Drummer fish, Angel fish and of course the now famous Clown Anemone fish. These species live and eat amongst the hard and soft corals found throughout the waters of Marine World.
The Introductory divers of the day took a closer look at some smaller Crab-eyed Goby’s, a couple of Spotted Boxfish and a small Puffer fish. The larger Barracuda and some Spotty Mackerel were also seen swimming along the edge of the dive site known as “The Wall”. The Certified Divers had an awesome few dives today, they saw heaps of Reef Sharks, Green Turtles and 3 Eagle Rays!
The Semi Sub Coral Viewing Vessel tour was also quite popular today cruising and looking at such marine life as Blue Spotted lagoon rays, small timid Reef Sharks and a few Barracuda when venturing out into the deeper waters.
Water Temperature: 27 C
Underwater Visibility: 10-15 metres
3 DAY OUTLOOK
As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Sunday: SE winds 15-20 knots
Monday: SE winds 15-20 knots
Tuesday: SE winds 15-20 knots
Whats Hot!
Our best seller short break package ideal for those who simply want a quick escape
CAIRNS GETAWAY PACKAGE
From $495 per person
Includes:
3 Nights Accommodation
Barrier Reef Cruise
Kuranda Train/Skyrail
Valid until 31st March 2009
Luxury 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom beachfront apartments all with stunning ocean views
RED HOT SPECIAL
STAY 5 PAY 4!
OR
STAY 7 PAY 5!
Valid to 30th June '08
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Local Weather
19-29°C
20-28°C
19-28°C
19-28°C
Temp: 22.8 °C
Wind: 15 kt S
Humidity: 63%
Pressure: 1014.8 hpa
Forecast: 19 - 29 °C (Mostly cloudy)
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Image at 09/05/2008 07:09
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Local Tourism News
Focus on Feedback
"Cannot recommend this trip highly enough! The North Johnstone River is untouched and breath-takingl... [ full story ]
Team Feedback
The travstar team escaped the office last Thursday for a night of adventures at Flames of the Forest... [ full story ]
Spotlight on Skyrail
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a must do for touring option for all visitors to Cairns. Whether ... [ full story ]
Whats Hot!
Voted Australia's No#1 rafting trip with 44 adrenalin pumping rapids in beautiful World Heritage Rainforest
TULLY RIVER
RAFTING!!
From $155 P/Person
plus $30 National Park Levy
Valid until 31st March 2009
GREAT VALUE!
3 Day Reef & Rainforest
Includes 3 day tours:
Outer barrier reef cruise
Cape Trib 4WD Safari
Kuranda Train & Skyrail
Only $353 per person
SAVE $66!
* Plus Environmental Management Levy
Valid until 31st March 2009
Prime Waterfront
Location
STAY 7 PAY 6!
Luxury apartments with captivating Cairns marina views
Valid for stays before the 30th June 2008
Contact our North Queensland Office for advice on your holiday in Cairns.