Palm Cove Tourism News
If you are planning to be in Cairns on the 21st Feb and have always wanted to join up with a Zumba class, now's your chance! A Zumba world record attempt is being held at Fogarty Park, the Esplanade.
From the Columbian word meaning to "move fast and have fun" Zumba is popular with all age groups. Be at Fogarty Park before 5.30pm. The instructors will show you what to do and the class will last for 30 minutes of action packed fun. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a bottle of water. You can jump into the Lagoon afterwards to cool down!
We are now on Facebook. Checkout latest news. photos & tours & heaps of things to do in the Tropics, on our Facebook page link below.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oasis-at-Palm-Cove/111467385598056
Get together with your family or friends this Easter and spend some time in our beautiful area of Far North Queensland. We have homes available for the Easter Holidays to suit a group size of up to 15 people! Contact Cairns Holiday Homes for details by phone or through the website booking form.
We have a section on the Cairns Holiday Homes website which is called 'Things to Do' - a top ten list of our favourite places to visit. Our blog will also provide ideas and photos of things to do that are generally not found in Tourist Information Centres. You can find us on Facebook if you are a fan of social networking www.facebook.com/cairnsholidayhomes. Join us by 'liking' our page and if you have had great service or a good day trip during your visit to Cairns, tell others about it by posting on the wall.
It does not have to be expensive to have fun in Cairns.... Do what the locals do, jump in the car, hire a bike or pack a picnic in a backpack and set out to walk one of the many National Park walking tracks in the area. Cairns City Council provide small handbook guides for cycling and walking, usually found in the library or at the council chambers.
2012 is the 'Year of the Dragon', and the Chinese New Year Street Festival is on this Saturday 21st January. Come down to the Esplanade from 3 to 8pm for market stalls, dancing and the parade which starts at 4pm. Cairns Holiday Homes photographer, Nick, will be there to record the colour and excitement of this special day!
Yesterday, I took off on a road trip to Port Douglas with a friend and her daughter for the day. What a day! The weather in North Queensland has been just picture perfect and the views along the coast were stunning. Visitors to Cairns should not miss out on this drive. Take your time, stop at Ellis Beach, the Rex Lookout, in fact anywhere there is a safe parking spot and get out to enjoy the views.
Port Douglas is a wonderful spot for those who like to shop, have a long chatty lunch with a glass of wine or just spend a lazy day on the beach. More photos on our website blog soon.
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On November 14, 2012 (Cairns time) a solar eclipse will be visible in Northern Australia and the Pacific Islands. Very few people have the opportunity to view a total solar eclipse as the shadow only covers a very small area of the Earth and you must be in a limited zone to see the moon cover the entire face of the sun.
Seeing a total eclipse is perhaps one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomenons that you will ever see. Being in the right spot is essential on November 14, 2012.
Port Douglas will be the best viewing for the 2012 Solar Eclipse.
Sun Palm Transport are taking all bookings for airport transfers, luxury sedans, stretch limousines and private transfers.
Make sure you make your booking soon to secure your transport.
We're taking a well-deserved break and won't be running any tours from 7th January until 7th February 2012. After that, it will be be business as usual!
Wishing you all a prosperous new year!
Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful tourism industry, over $10,000 worth of food and gifts have been donated to The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, Uniting Care (formerly Lifeline) and the Douglas Shire community - all recipients of the Quicksilver Group’s 8th Annual Christmas Charity Appeal.
“The overwhelming support and generosity of the local tourism industry and friends of tourism continues to amaze and impress us,” said Michael Healy Quicksilver Group Director Sales and Marketing. “It has been a tough few years for all industry in our region and the charities are in need more than ever. We hope we all can make a difference and everything donated will certainly help make this Christmas much happier for a lot of families and people in need.”
Quicksilver decided to once again to use the money they would normally contribute to buying gifts for agents and suppliers by instead purchasing goods for the local charities.
We would like to thank all the accommodation houses, tour desks, hotels, local suppliers and members of the community who have contributed to this year’s Appeal.
December is a wonderful month to come to Cairns for a burst of colour from Tropical foliage and Trees.
The flowering this year is exceptional, and the trees lining many Cairns suburban streets are illuminated by pinks, reds, purples and yellows. Due to a very short dry season and some good pre wet season rains, everything is looking lush and green. Take some time to visit the Botanical Gardens at Edge Hill, visit the new interpretative centre and walk around Centenary Lakes. Bring your binoculars.
More photos can be found on our blog page http://www.cairnsholidayhomes.com.au/blog/154-cairns-flowering-trees.html
Oasis at Palm Cove, is now taking bookings for the upcoming Solar Eclipse for November 2012.
Cairns to Port Douglas is the best place to see the Solar Eclipse, with Palm Cove on the Northern Beaches of Cairns being right in the middle nearly.
We offer Spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained apatments. Our Resort is on 2 1/2 acres of tropical rainforest, with privacy & seclusion. A large balcony to sit out in & enjoy peace & serenty. We also have a 28metre lagoon style pool/spa with Gazebo, BBQs all only a short stroll to the beautiful Palm Cove Beach & Village.
What better way to see the Solar Eclipse on one of Cairns Northern Beaches best spots, in a tiny village full of boutique restaurants, cafes & shops while having the privacy of Oasis at Palm Cove to come back to relax at the end of the day or night...its PARADISE!!!
Cairns, Great Barrier Reef: Mother Nature was on cue for the Great Barrier Reef’s annual coral spawning with passengers aboard Silverswift’s Night Dives excursions being witness to this unique spectacle.
From Great Adventures’ Norman Reef platform, groups of local and visiting divers and snorkellers were able to participate in guided tours for a once in a lifetime experience. Many excited passengers said seeing coral spawning was something to tick off their bucket list.
With the conditions just right, being about 4 to 6 nights after the full moon in November, with warm ocean waters and little tidal movement, Great Adventures General Manager Operations, Brian Cave, described the spectacle as an upside-down snowstorm as the corals release millions of eggs into the water.
While the most spawning was witnessed at the outer reefs on Thursday night (17 November), inner reef Green Island also experienced significant coral spawning the preceding night as many excited staff snorkelled and dived to experience the natural phenomenon.
Quicksilver marine biologist, Russell Hore, explains that while corals have two reproductive methods, asexual where the individual polyps split and divide to increase overall size of the colony, to maintain a consistently robust gene pool corals need to have a sexual phase to exchange genes. This process is known as coral spawning.
Cairns, Great Barrier Reef: Mother Nature was on cue for the Great Barrier Reef’s annual coral spawning with passengers aboard Silverswift’s Night Dives excursions being witness to this unique spectacle.
From Great Adventures’ Norman Reef platform, groups of local and visiting divers and snorkellers were able to participate in guided tours for a once in a lifetime experience. Many excited passengers said seeing coral spawning was something to tick off their bucket list.
With the conditions just right, being about 4 to 6 nights after the full moon in November, with warm ocean waters and little tidal movement, Great Adventures General Manager Operations, Brian Cave, described the spectacle as an upside-down snowstorm as the corals release millions of eggs into the water.
While the most spawning was witnessed at the outer reefs on Thursday night (17 November), inner reef Green Island also experienced significant coral spawning the preceding night as many excited staff snorkelled and dived to experience the natural phenomenon.
Quicksilver marine biologist, Russell Hore, explains that while corals have two reproductive methods, asexual where the individual polyps split and divide to increase overall size of the colony, to maintain a consistently robust gene pool corals need to have a sexual phase to exchange genes. This process is known as coral spawning.
This past week, has seen a lot of cassowaries around especially with new chicks. These cassowaries have been seen regularly. Also there are crocodiles been active on the river as it is coming into there breeding season.
I’m excited to let you know that conditions at the beautiful Behana Creek are absolutely perfect at the moment after the rain.
Ideal for young and old alike and the best place in Cairns to escape from the heat!
We are currently running one tour per day from approx. 10.30am til 3.30pm and, as usual, Cairns and Northern Beaches transfers are free.
Call Pete on 0401 318 475 or email info@aussiedrifterz.net for bookings or enquiries.
"Like diving in the world's largest flute of champagne" is how this event is described by Cairns Dive Adventures ! The annual coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef is set to occur in November and conditions need to be just right....including water temperature and the moon cycle. Book a holiday home with us, and take one of the many dive trips on offer to see this incredible sight.
FIVE performers from Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park will lead the charge to bring 2018 Commonwealth Games to the Gold Coast.
The dancers will head to St Kitts, in the Caribbean, this Sunday to perform for delegates from 71 countries before they choose between the Gold Coast and Hambantota, Sri Lanka, to host the Games.
If the Games bid team are successful, Cairns will host preliminary basketball matches, providing an outstanding sporting spectacle and a boost to the Far North’s tourism industry.
To read the full story by the Cairns Post please click on the link - http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/10/28/188495_local-news.html
Experience the annual Coral Spawning Phenomenon on the Great Barrier Reef
The ocean temperature is warm, it’s about 4 to 6 nights after the full moon in November, there is little tidal movement and the sun has set… Mother Nature’s conditions are just right for the annual phenomenon known as Coral Spawning on the Great Barrier Reef.
Coral spawning was unknown to science until 1982, when several marine biologists working on the Great Barrier Reef observed it in the wild for the first time.
Now certified divers can experience this unique natural phenomenon with Silverswift Coral Spawning Night Dives. Coral spawning is predicted to occur (but not guaranteed) between 16 – 18 November. Silverswift will depart Cairns nightly at 5.30pm to the Outer Reef and return at 11.15pm.
Michael Healy, Quicksilver Group Director Sales and Marketing said; “After the success of our coral spawning night tours last year we will again offer trips for this unique experience onboard our luxury dive and snorkel catamaran Silverswift to Great Adventures’ Norman Reef platform, where certified divers will be able to experience 2 fully guided night dives. We will also offer a guided snorkel tour for experienced snorkellers while non-swimmers also have the rare opportunity to join in the excitement as a “topside” observer. “
Quicksilver marine biologist, Russell Hore, explains that while corals have two reproductive methods, asexual where the individual polyps split and divide to increase overall size of the colony, to maintain a consistently robust gene pool corals need to have a sexual phase to exchange genes. This process is known as coral spawning.
“The majority of corals are hermaphrodites, which means they are both male and female at the same time. On the night of spawning, the polyps begin to expand out of their limestone cups and bundles of orange eggs can be observed. By synchronizing to reproduce at the same time, and putting most of their effort into a short period of the year, corals can maximize their reproductive effort. Everyone is aware of the day after coral spawning. There is usually an orange slick on the water that has a certain aroma, and all the plankton feeders have bulging stomachs from feasting on the leftover unfertilized eggs. “
Costs Certified Diver $200; Snorkeller/Observer $125
Bookings and enquiries for Coral Spawning Night Dives: 4044 9944
These Holiday Homes available for a Tropical Christmas !
- The Red Arrow Lodge, Edge Hill : Sleeps up to 13 guests, views to Trinity Bay, beautiful pool and 3 acres of terraced gardens. Close to the City Centre. Available until the 28th Dec .
- The Church Cottage, Edmonton: Sleeps up to 5 guests, just south of the City, walk to the shops. Large fenced garden, pet friendly for cats and dogs (max 2 at any one time). Express bus route into town. Enchanting hideaway.
- Trinity Beach House: Available 13th to 31st Dec. pool, and only 5mins to beach.
- Stratford Studios, Stratford : 2 studios, can sleep up to 4 (air con). private and secluded grounds backing on to the rainforest, pool, large sitting room with billiards table and huge flat screen TV.
- Stratford Apartment: Sleeps 4, fully air conditioned, own kitchen and sitting room, patio looking on to the garden. shared pool with the Studios.
- Atherton St. Whitfield : Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms. Large outdoor deck. Booked until the 5th January 2012 $1800 per week new to our website, photos on our Facebook Page: Facebook.com/cairnsholidayhomes.
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Cooktown and the Tropical North as there are birds galore with orchids and flowers blooming everywhere. And of course its great fishing!
Keen anglers are taking advantage of increased sunny days and lower wind conditions. You will see many locals and visitors alike at the Cooktown wharf.
Cook Shire is such a diverse and widespread landscape with natural beauty in abundance.
The legendary Crocodile Trophy MTB stage race commenced for the 17th time this year in Australia. After ten days racing, participants will finish their race for the first time on Grassy Hill in Cooktown, on the 27th October 2011
Experience 1 or 2 days tours to Cooktown with Adventure North from Cairns and Port Douglas via the 4wd only Bloomfield Track through the heart of the World Heritage Daintree National Park.REturn journey is via the Great Dividing range, Mulligan Highway which is the outback of Far North Queensland.
Sun Palm Transport welcomes a new addition to our luxury fleet. A 53 Seater Coach featuring the latest in safety, technology & engineering. Fully air conditioned, lush leather seats, seatbelts, DVD and CD player.
Arriving at the airport or your accommodation has never been as easy and reliable as it is with Sun Palm Transport, your corporate and conference bus charter experts. Sun Palm Transport will provide your group or organisation with a coach charter service that is professional, uniformed and qualified drivers.
At Sun Palm transport, we also believe that having someone there to meet you upon your arrival is equally important. Sun Palm Transport Group is the only licensed transport operator authorized at Cairns international and Domestic Airport. With a strong emphasis on customer service Sun Palm Transport Group provides 24 hour, 7 days a week, meet and greet service at Cairns Airport (including delayed flights).
So whether its a general airport transfer, stretch limousines, luxury sedan or a luxury coach transfer for your VIP Guests, Incentive Programs, Weddings, Tour Groups, Events - We'll take you there.
The recent rainfall has given our creek the perfect top-up and conditions are great right now for those who like a faster-flowing ride! There are lots of little rapid sections and the colours and wildlife are vibrant as ever.
And it's still suitable for kids who are confident in the water, so everyone has an awesome time.
Call Pete on 0401 318 475 or email info@aussiedrifterz.net to book - see you soon!
This photo was taken yesterday on tour with Billy Tea Safaris on the Chillagoe Caves & Outback Tour.
The Chillagoe Limestone Caves were formed some 400 million years ago, these are spectacular. There are over 600 caves in the Chillagoe area. This area was once an inland sea. The weather yesterday at Chillagoe was beautiful and sunny, the rain is only on the coast. This is one of the many attractions you will get to see on this fabulous outback tour.
Even though Cairns and surrounding areas have received some heavy rain, it is nothing out of the ordinary for this time of year which is coming up to the start of the wet season. Yesterday on our Daintree Cape Tribulation tour we had a few showers then it cleared as we got up into the Cape Tribulation area, despite being the wettest place in Australia with an average rainfall of 5 - 6 meters. On the river cruise we saw 4 crocodiles out and about foraging for their breakfast, a few green tree snakes and a Great Billed Heron which is a usually very shy rare bird to see on the river, alot of the trees are in fruit, so this is providing ample food for the many different species of birds and wildlife.
On our board walk at Jindalba we saw a female cassowary and also spotted the Buff Breasted Paradise Kingfisher which is a rare migratory bird from Papua New Guinea. These amazing birds wait for the start of the wet to then start their migration to this area to nest and rare their young before heading back to New Guinea on their epic journey. So don't let a little bit of rain bother you come and see the amazing wildlife and all the waterfalls that are running. Billy Tea Safaris also have high clearance 4WD vehicles to allow us to get to these areas despite the weather. The forecast is the weather is clearing by Friday.
The owner of the Stratford Studios has added a 2 bedroom apartment to her holiday rentals at Cochrane St. Fully self contained, with a lovely patio looking out onto the garden and rainforest which surrounds the property. $140 per night for up to 4 guests. Photos available on request, as this listing is not up on our website yet. Contact us now for details by phone or e-mail.
