The City of Cairns was officially founded in 1876, a few years after the gold rush began 370km northwest of Cairns on the banks of the Palmer River - east of what is now Cooktown. Although areas to the north had already been developed, Cairns was chosen as a settlement primarily as a shipping port due to a suitably sheltered bay (now known as Trinity Bay), and the availability of the flat coastal plains nearby for settlement. Cairns also became the starting point for the railway line servicing the Atherton (Tropical) Tablelands' timber and mining industries. This railway line was then extended to transport raw materials from the region to southern ports where demand for these products was high. Once the mining era began to wane, other industries began to flourish, namely sugarcane crops in the rich soils of the coastal flat lands,as well as a thriving cattle and dairy industry throughout the cooler Tablelands district.

Following its part in servicing the American Pacific Fleet during World War II, Cairns became the capital of sports fishing in the world following the landing of a record Black Marlin in 1966. Big Game Fishermen from all over the world began to flock to Cairns in subsequent years, including famous Hollywood actors and the rich and famous. It wouldn't be too long before Cairns' close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef became well known, and in 1984 an International Airport was built opening up a thriving tourism industry that continues to this day. These days, Cairns is home to approximately 150,000 people, and is one the fastest growth areas in Queensland. The bustling Cairns city centre is quite compact, and easy to get around. The foreshore development in recent years has transformed the waterfront into a beautiful palm-lined bird habitat, including a modern swimming lagoon, world class restaurants, trendy cafes, a well appointed skate park and beach volleyball courts. Cairns also boasts a first-rate Casino, and fabulous shopping opportunities!

A series of palm-lined sandy beaches to the north of Cairns offer visitors a tantalising taste of tropical paradise. Easily accessible by public transport, the Cairns Northern Beaches are ideal for those who enjoy the sandy-latte style of holiday! Be careful during our Marine Stinger season however (November - April). Deadly jellyfish reside in Northern coastal waters during this time, and most public access beaches install safe stinger-net enclosures allowing visitors to cool off safely.

Further north, the beaches become more isolated. The road between Cairns and Port Douglas offers stunning views, and access to many small deserted beaches along the way. This coastal drive is widely believed to be second only to the Great Ocean Road in Victoria for scenic appeal. Here, the Great Dividing Range that begins thousands of kilometres south, sweeps right into the Coral Sea, unadulterated Tropical Rainforest bordering a mix of sandy and rocky beaches. There are even small sections of fringing coral reefs not far from the shore in some areas. Low tide is when these beaches truly display their wonder, shallow tidal pools and rippled sand banks can radiate for over 500 metres out from the shore in some parts.

For tens of thousands of years home to the Djabugay rainforest people, the area around Kuranda flourished in the late 1800's with the advent of the Cairns to Mareeba railway line. Years later, it would become well known for its hippy markets during the 60's and 70's, selling locally grown produce and locally made arts and crafts, as well as the clean alternative lifestyle offered at higher altitude. Word soon spread of the lush rainforest in the area and its close proximity to the magnificent Barron Falls. With the engineering of a quality range road, wider access to the area ensued, and now the tiny village of Kuranda is a world-renowned visitors haven. Located at the top of the mountains close to Cairns, Kuranda is far more modern these days, but still retains some of its quaint village charm from years gone by. Two markets operate in the village centre, one market 7 days per week, and the other 4 days per week - the popular days to visit are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays - when both markets operate. There are also a few other attractions well worth the visit, including Birdworld, the Butterfly Sanctuary and the Koala Gardens. Kuranda is also home to many cafes and restaurants that cater to all budgets, so going hungry won't ever be a problem! The most popular (and best method according to this humble author) way of getting here is by experiencing the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and historic Kuranda Scenic Rail combinations. Check out our tour pages for more information.

Port Douglas has made a name for being the playground of the rich and famous during a visit to Australia. Originally founded in 1877 as a busy port servicing the northern goldfields, the village of Port Douglas slowly declined from a population of over 12,000 to just 100 following the dwindling gold ore deposits and the establishment of the Cairns to Tablelands railway. In the early 1980's, a wealthy Australian resort developer built the Sheraton Mirage Resort in Port Douglas, and the once forgotten little town became one of Australia's best kept secrets. Port Douglas has a lively resort atmosphere, with many trendy cafes and world class restaurants on offer, as well as a couple of first rate golf courses! On one side of the Port Douglas peninsula, beautiful Four Mile Beach beckons, and on the other is situated a small first-class marina heading off an extensive Mangrove habitat. For those who enjoy magnificent panoramas, head up to the lookout for stunning views over Four Mile Beach. There are hundreds of accommodation properties catering to all budgets here, particularly a couple of very good little backpacker hostels we highly recommend. Ask us for more information.

With a history stretching back more than 135 million years, in fact back to when all the continents were one land mass known as Gondwanaland, the Daintree Rainforest is home to some species of flora and fauna older than human life itself! Following extensive colonisation and logging dating back to the late 1800's, a landmark Government legislation in 1988 saw the Wet Tropics, and in particular the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, awarded World Heritage Listing. This ensures the future survival of the oldest rainforest on earth. In more modern times, access to this World Heritage area is more carefully managed, with only Government and privately owned land bordering the National Park accessible to the public.

Home to the the coastal Kuku Yalangi people for many thousands of years, and declared a National Park in 1981 to prevent further logging and development, Cape Tribulation National Park adjoins the Daintree National Park. National outcry surrounding the bulldozing of a coastal road north of Cape Tribulation (now known as the Bloomfield Track), lead directly years later, to the World Heritage listing that both the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation National Parks enjoy today.

The Kuku Yalangi people named this place Kurangee, which means place of many Cassowaries. A primitive, and highly endangered species of large flightless bird, the Cassowary, along with the Saltwater Estuarine Crocodile, managed to out-survive the dinosaurs by many millions of years until current day! Now it is known as Cape Tribulation, so named by Captain James Cook, an early English sea captain and explorer, for this is where he and his crew were sorely tested. Their ship, HMS Endeavour, ran aground on the reefs adjacent to Cape Tribulation and was severely damaged. Limping further north, he and his crew sought refuge in a sheltered river inlet to make repairs. This river is now named the Endeavour River, and the landing site is now the site of modern-day Cooktown.

A visit to this area is an essential part of any holiday to the Tropical North. There are many quality tour companies available that offer visitors a choice of one day tours, or even the opportunity to spend a few days and nights in this truly unique environment. Cape Tribulation has fringing coral reef just off shore, dating back millions of years to when the sea levels were higher. Today this fringing reef is lifeless, but still part of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Here at Cape Tribulation, you literally bear witness to the meeting point between two of the world's most famous World Heritage sites - the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef! This, incidentally, is the only place in the world that this occurs - hence a visit to this area being truly unique, and a must see for all visitors to the Cairns Region!

Cooktown and the surrounding region is steeped in Aboriginal lore and history. For 50,000 years, several clans called this bountiful region home and several well preserved Aboriginal rock-art sites survive to this day. In 1770 Captain James Cook beached the Endeavour in a sheltered inlet after running aground on the reef adjacent to Cape Tribulation to the south. The river is now known as the Endeavour River, and the beaching site is now known as modern day Cooktown. After peacefully interacting with the local Aborigines for several weeks, the Endeavour was finally repaired and continued its long journey home to England. On board during the circumnavigation of the Australian continent, was eminent botanist Joseph Banks who is credited for naming and cataloguing much of Australia's unique flora and fauna. It was here that the first European sighting of the Kangaroo was made, with urban legend suggesting that the name Kangaroo came about when the early explorers asked the local Aboriginal people what the animal was called. Not understand what the explorers were asking, their reply is said to have sounded similar to Kangaroo - I don't know what you mean!

Colonised in the late 1880's as a port servicing the Palmer River gold fields inland, Cooktown was then the 2nd largest city in Queensland, boasting four banks and over twenty hotels. Following the dwindling deposits of gold ore, Cooktown declined in population to less than 1,000 people until the advent of World War II. The establishment of a large military base and airfield saw Cooktown once again a thriving town, before declining again with the end of the war. Nowadays, Cooktown is a sleepy little fishing village that is a good base for Exploring Cape York. History buffs love visiting the well-equipped museums, and the annual re-enactment of Cook's landing. The surrounding areas contain some fantastic examples of Aboriginal rock-art, and local Aboriginal elders offer well-organised tours into these areas. Nearby, the mystical Black Mountain crouches - an enormous pile of granite boulders, coloured black by the moss growing on them. Black Mountain has an eerie feel to it, both the local and ancient Aboriginal stories speak of people disappearing here, and of hollow booms that can be heard deep inside the mountain of rubble. Access to Cooktown can be made easily by car, but if you are interested in visiting Cooktown, we recommend combining a visit with a Cape Tribulation tour. Adventure North is a great company offering personal 1, 2 and 3 day safaris that can include a stopover in Cooktown, along with a guided tour with the local Aboriginal elders. Ask us for more information.

The vast expanse of Cape York stretches approximately 1,000 kilometres north of Cairns. This peninsula has a land mass in excess of England, Scotland and Wales combined, and is the northern-most point of the Australian continent. Access north of Cooktown is four wheel drive only, and there is some very challenging terrain to cross along the way. It should only be attempted by experienced four wheel drivers, or alternatively travel with one of several experienced companies such as Billy Tea Safaris, who are seasoned experts at Cape York touring. Travelling up here with a guide is highly recommended, as you will get the benefit of learning a lot about the history of the area, and see some stunning sights off the beaten track that are not readily known, such as picturesque waterfalls and crocodile-free swimming holes. There are several National Parks along the way, and some isolated self-governed Aboriginal communities which in some cases, are not fond of outsiders. There is a full alcohol ban on much of the Cape, and you should check carefully where these bans are in place before you go - heavy penalties befall any who flaunt these laws. Pretty much any area to the north of Cooktown is inaccessible during our wet season (November to March), due to extensive flooding . Each year the dirt tracks are all but washed away, only to be forged again by the first four wheel drives through following the end of wet season.

Heading north of Cooktown along the Cape York Development Road, you will soon pass through Laura, a very small Aboriginal community which hosts the annual Laura Festival - a gathering and celebration of Aboriginal peoples from all over North Queensland. Also situated here is Split Rock, one of the most famous Aboriginal rock-art sites in Australia. North of Laura, Lakefield National Park is a beautiful part of the Cape, with lush grasslands and wetlands combining to form a magnificent wildlife habitat, including unfortunately, a large population of feral pigs. Feral animals are responsible for irreversible damage to local wildlife and habitat, and feral pigs are no exception in Lakefield National Park. Here the pigs have dug up huge tracts of the wetlands in search of the tuber roots of the water lily - a beautiful white flower generally covering miles of wetlands when in bloom.

Further along the cape you will come across isolated cattle stations and road houses, until venturing into Weipa - a mining town on the west coast of the Cape York Peninsula. Each year, at the first rains, the world famous running of the bulls event takes place here. Unlike their more well known sister-event in Spain, this run takes place both without bulls, and without clothing of any description! Only in Queensland huh?! There is a large population of salt water crocodiles in this part of Australia, so don't wander off alone and carefully heed the warning signs! Most of the direct route north of Weipa follows the old Telegraph track, a bumpy and beaten up track with many challenging creek crossings and washouts to negotiate. There is a better road, but it takes a longer and more circuitous route.

Near the very tip of the Cape, you will pass through the town of Bamaga where nearby World War II plane wreckage is evident. Along the coast, the small and sleepy seaside village of Seisia is generally the base to set up camp, from which to venture forth to the tip of the Cape. On the cape's very tip, a sign is set in concrete stating that YOU ARE STANDING AT THE NORTHERNMOST POINT OF THE AUSTRALIAN CONTINENT. From Seisia you can take the high speed ferry over to neighbouring Thursday or Horn Islands, and bounce your way around other islands in the Torres Strait should you so desire. Some of the Cape York touring operators offer fly/drive options - allowing you to travel overland one-way, and fly back...or vice versa. The flights offer spectacular aerial views over the tip of Cape York and various coral reefs spanning the Queensland coastline. For more information regarding organised Cape York safaris, enquire now!

To our south lie several industrious sugarcane communities, and yet more beautiful beaches to explore. There are many challenging rainforest hiking trails through National Parks for you to explore as well as pretty waterfalls and refreshing waterholes for a quick swim. There are, of course, many forms of transport you can choose to travel south, depending on your budget, and how much time you have. Self-driving is easy, the roads are good and well sign-posted - however, this is also very tiring and not much like a holiday! Transport companies such as Greyhound and Premier offer travel passes that can take you all the way to Brisbane, Sydney or even Melbourne. Alternatively, buy a Kilometre Pass and travel wherever you want around Australia. Another good option is a company called Oz Experience. Like Greyhound and Premier, they provide transport to Brisbane, Byron Bay, Sydney, Melbourne or even Adelaide - but in a much more funloving and happy atmosphere. They also make stops along the journey, allowing you time at lookouts, waterfalls and even to visit coastal islands!

Cairns to Mission Beach:

The town of Babinda processes much of the region's sugarcane into refined sugar, and also ethanol which is now being trialled as an alternative fuel for vehicles in the Tropical North. From Babinda, a short visit to the Boulders is a must. There is an ancient Aboriginal legend speaking of a vengeful female spirit that haunts the pools here, taking the lives of any men who dare swim here. In truth, quite a few men have perished in the dangerous Devil's Pools - which are now closed to the public, some have never been found! The rainforest here was devastated in 2006 when a huge cyclone swept through the region. Testament to the mighty healing power of Mother Nature, much of the damaged area has now regrown.

A little to the south of Babinda, and shortly after passing through the small cane town of Mirriwinni, you will come across the turnoff for Josephine Falls. Located at the base of Queensland's highest mountain - Mount Bartle Frere - Josephine Falls is a pretty series of waterfalls tumbling over small rock steps. The walk into the falls from the carpark takes you through some very beautiful rainforest. Downstream from the falls you will find an excellent swimming hole. Here the water slips over a gentle sloping rock face, worn smooth over millions of years. This offers hours of simple merriment to those wishing to use the rock face as rockslide!

Mission Beach is a sleepy little seaside community, and the gateway to a few islands off the coast here, namely Dunk Island, which offers a great variety of watersports. Mission Beach offers perhaps the most spectacular Skydiving in the world...after all, here you can see the Great Barrier Reef during your free fall! There are also many rainforest hiking trails through the extensive National Parks nearby for those who wish to expend a lot of energy...or miles and miles of palm fringed beach to get lost on! Mission Beach is also a good base for those adventure enthusiasts wishing to tackle the mighty Tully River, regarded as the best white-water rafting in Australia!

Mission Beach to Townsville:

A worthwhile stop along the route is Cardwell, in itself a small seaside town, but most notably the access point to world famous Hinchinbrook Island. Access to Hinchinbrook is strictly controlled, with only a handful of people allowed to visit this untouched paradise at any given time. For the adventurous, Hinchinbrook offers challenging hikes over several days, camping in the wilderness and truly roughing it! There are numerous out-of-the-way beaches, waterfalls and national parks along the way also, if you have the time.

Townsville is quite a big city, slightly larger than Cairns. The highlight of your visit here will easily be a visit to Magnetic Island. A quick 20 minute ferry ride operates very regularly through the day and evening. Magnetic Island is quite large, is there is a small community living here. There is a good little public bus service running all over the island, that also meets every ferry - which is a great (and cheap) way to go to your hostel! A large national park offers some nice walks, and for the history buffs, there is an old World War II gun emplacement at the highest point of the island you can walk to. The Forts walk also offers the opportunity to spy some of the resident koala population on the island. Wildlife is abundant on Magnetic Island, a popular passtime is to feed the rock wallabies that live in the boulder rubble near to where the ferry arrives. For the more adventurous, Watersports activities abound, and for the more laid back holiday makers, there are also some very nice beaches, both public and very secluded.

The Tropical Tablelands (aka Atherton Tablelands) is a region steeped in ancient volcanic history. To this day, there are plenty of reminders that this area was once an extensive volcano and lava field. From ancient cinder cones to volcanic crater lakes, this area is now famous for the picturesque waterfalls and rich soils for crops as well as cattle grazing. Pioneered in the late 1800's, this region was once blanketed with lush rainforest. Sadly, extensive logging and cattle grazing saw a vast expanse of this magestic forest disappear over the years. Now, a comprehensive project is underway to rebuild the wildlife corridors connecting the remaining pockets of rainforest. It is easy to lose yourself for a few days here - there are many quality accommodation properties scattered throughout the region catering to all budgets. Most of the key scenic locations can be accessed in an organised day tour departing Cairns also.

There are a vast array of worthwhile stops about the Tablelands. The waterfall Circuit is a short loop connecting three grandiose waterfalls in a short drive. The first, and easily the most famous is Millaa Millaa Falls. The most photographed waterfall in Australia, Millaa Millaa, deriving it's name from the local Aboriginal dialect literally translates to "much water".

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