Cairns Tourism News
The official Grand Opening of the Sugarworld Water Park will be held on Sunday February 26 2012!
Sugarworld's Water Theme Park: Enter Cairns' EXTREME Fun Zone
Get your wild water experience at Cairns' revamped water theme park. Designed for MAXIMUM fun, this Cairns pool and waterslide park features NEW adrenaline-pumping rides, as well as an aquatic playground ideal for younger children.
WARNING! Serious Waterslides for Serious Thrill Seekers
Wet your adventure appetite on the following big-attraction slides...if you dare:
Mat Racer Slide (orange/blue slide): Fire down the 75 metre four-person mat-racing slide and gain plenty of air along the way. With start lights and an electrical scoreboard, let the water games begin. Ready, Set, Go!
Tandem Tube Raft Slide (yellow slide): This 120 metre triple-looped waterslide has enough twists and turns to satisfy the most adventurous thrill seeker. Shoot down on a one or two-seater raft and get ready for a BIG splash finale!
Supajet Open Body Slide (red slide): Supercharged for super speed, this 100 metre two-looped adventure ride really gets the adrenaline pumping. Test your lungs as you blast down the tubes. Splashdown!
Cairns Pools, Children's Playground & Family Attractions for ALL Ages
Sugarworld Waterpark has leisure activities and things to do for the whole family, including a new state-of-the-art aquatic playground for the littlies:
Kids Interactive Play System (KIPS): Featuring water cannons, fountains, ramps, a giant tipping bucket and six mini waterslides, it's a squirting and spurting adventure playground for children. (KIPS is due to open in February 2012.)
2 x Leisure Pools: Take a relaxing soak in one of the water theme park's shaded pools. This Cairns pool and waterslide complex features 1 x wading pool and 1 x 34 metre resort-style pool with a deep end and a shallow end.
At Sea Change, everything you need is catered for - well designed spacious apartments, new appliances, modern kitchen, nicely appointed furniture, whirlpool bath tub, DVD/CD player, cable TV, and all the utensils and gadgets you need to feel right at home. We were fortunate enough to stay in an apartment with a terrace deck which houses a lounge & entertaining area and BBQ. We highly recommend one of these units. There is also an award-winning pool that provided a luxurious and convenient way to cool-off and relax.
They seem to have thought of everything at Sea Change. Many nice touches including wooden shutters, light dimmers, remote controlled climate system and wi-fi access. There are also in-house amenities and services including a car hire, plentiful information on attractions and even a great selection of movies and books.
Now, for the best part - Service. Rebecca, whom runs the Sea Change made us feel welcome immediately and was a tremendous help with her stellar advice on restaurants, shopping and attractions. She truly made our trip memorable and stay as pleasant as possible. The apartments are 5-star but the service commanded a 6. Thank you Ms. Hunt!
If you are looking for the best place to stay near Cairns, Sea Change is it. In fact, we have already decided to spend our next holiday in Australia with them.
See you soon!
The above photo was taken from Coral Towers at 6.40am on 14th Nov 2010 - this is the estimated "spot" as to where the sun (approx 14 Degrees off the horizon) will be for the Total Solar Eclipse on the 14th Nov 2012.
This will be the actual view of sun on the day of the solar eclipse.
The total eclipse will be visible in Cairns, Queensland with the centreline hitting the coast between Cairns and Port Douglas.
Ask us for great rates for this special occasion!
The triathlon event starts with a 3.8km swim, followed by a 180km bike ride and finishes with a 42km run. It will be staged in Cairns, Yorkey’s Knob, Palm Cove and Port Douglas.
With its perfect location on the Cairns Esplanade Coral Towers is the perfect accommodation for Challenge Cairns 2012.
Ask us for great rates for this sporting event!
One of the most spectacular, once in a lifetime events is about to take place right over Cairns, Tropical North Queensland and you can experience this full solar eclipse in one of the most unique ways - a hot air balloon ride.
Hot Air Cairns have flown daily on the Atherton Tablelands for the past 15 years, and so are intimatly familar with the requirements and permissions needed to fly in the Mareeba valley holding all the required permissions, landholder access and a full operational base right on the spot.
Mareeba is about 40 km inland from the Coast and so has the highest chance of an unobstructed view of the Eclipse itself, and whilst the eclipse will take sometime to arrive and depart, the peak 2 minutes of viewing at 06.38am in the monring falls in the middle of our ideal flying time.
Hot Air can offer a spectacular hot air balloon flight to see the Cairns Solar Eclipse, with 7 to 10 balloons flying that morning there will a truly spectacular sight with the glow of the hot air balloons lighting up like lanterns over the temporarily darkened Australian landsacape.
Hear the birds fall quiet, as your balloon drifts along, providing a stable platform for your eclipse viewing.
The next total solar eclipse is not until March 2020, showing the uniqueness of this accessable opportunity.
Birdworld Kuranda is continuing to increase its bird population with the recent acquisition of seven Scaly Breasted Lorikeets. These birds are native to our region and have bright green coloration with yellow flecks throughout the chest and an orange/reddish beak.
The new arrivals came from Taronga Zoo at the end of December last year (just in time for the new year!). They will be housed in quarantine to ensure optimal health before releasing into the aviary in about two weeks time.
There are currently three housed within the aviary and with these new additions it will bring the numbers up to 10, a good number for pairings and future potential breeding.
Hibiscus House at Holloways Beach is still available for the Easter Holidays. A spacious well planned two storey house with sea views, perfect for that "bucket and spade" holiday. Short walk to the lifeguard patrolled swimming enclosure. Only 15 minutes to the Cairns City Centre. Contact us now to book this lovely home. Sleeps up to 10.
If you are planning a drive from Yorkeys Knob to Port Douglas (or further north) allow some time to take a left turn into Hartleys Crododile Advertures. It is the opportunity of a lifetime to get close and personal with alot of crocodiles - and some are quite imposing indeed.
Try feeding time - see them in their more active state. Take the river cruise and see Crocs leaping out of the water.
It is not only crocodiles either. Other wildlife include cassawaries, koalas, snakes, and other tropical birds.
Enjoy!
Cairns Regional Gallery opened on July 15th 1995 in a beautifully refurbished heritage building in central Cairns. The gallery has 4 separate exhibition spaces and actively promotes local artists work. It also has many workshops for Adults throughout the year and classes for children during the school holidays. Current exhibitions include Nalda Searles: Drifting in my own land, and Tim Storrier Photography 1971 - 2005, both running until 8th April 2012. The Gallery Shop has a wide range of ceramics, glassware and easy to pack presents like prints, jewellery, books and cards. Stop off at Perottas Cafe for a great cup of coffee or a tasty lunch.
Margaret House, located at Redlynch Village has a great special offer for a large family group or friends who want to stay together. Can sleep up to 14 people! 30% discounted daily or weekly rate (minimum 4 day stay). Explore the beautiful Redlynch Valley and have a swim in the natural pools of Crystal Cascades, take a day trip to Port Douglas and enjoy one of the most scenic coast roads in Queensland, or drive up to the Atherton Tablelands for the food and wine trail. Lots to do in the area including Tjapukai and Skyrail, Cable ski, archery, horse riding and AJ Hacketts Bungy jump at Smithfield.
Inspired by a Roman Goddess renowned for feasting and hospitality, Castaways Bibesia Beachfront Restaurant is in one of the most spectacular locations in Australia – flowing onto the sands of tropical north Queensland’s Mission Beach.
Bibesia Beachfront Restaurant, named for the Roman Goddess Bibesia, who with Edesia presided over Roman banquets, forms the centrepiece of Castaways Resort & Spa, Mission Beach – unforgettably located on the absolute beachfront of the palm-fringed Coral Sea.
Bibesia offers a new beach club concept to the tropical north, complete with sensational seasonal cuisine, cool cocktails and funky styling.
The seasonally influenced menus and daily specials begin with the freshest and finest produce sourced locally. Talented chefs create menus to deliver fine food to match the inspiring Coral Sea and island views.
If you wish to take your family on holidays, but have yet not decided the holiday destination, you may consider PalmCove Australia. It’s a wonderful holiday destination and would surely make your holidays an experience of a lifetime.
Palm Cove is the northernmost beach in Cairns City. It is 40 minutes south of Port Douglas and is close to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rain forest.
The palm fringed beaches and a beachside esplanade lined with gorgeous Melaleuca trees against the backdrop of rain-forest covered mountains make Palm Cove a beautiful beach location. Every years, a large number of Australians and tourists from other parts of the world visit Palm Cove Australia for holidays with friends and family.
At Palm Cove Australia, you can enjoy the absolute calm and serenity for relaxing and rejuvenating yourself. And, to enhance your holiday experience, there are Palm Cove luxury apartments. Amphora apartments Palm Cove, for instance, are located in stunning location and provide a host of facilities and amenities to make your holiday experience worth cherishing for years to come.
To know in detail about Amphora resort, Amphora apartments Palm cove, or Pam cove Australia in detail, you may visit www.annandalepalmcove.com.au
Fantastic weather at the beaches right now, the perfect reason to book into Vue...
Today 33'c
Tonight 24'c
Humidity 44%
Easter 2012 is in the first week of April, with Good Friday on 6th April 2012 and Easter Monday on 9th April 2012.
The long weekends enables families with the time to have fun together, do family activities and GO CAMPING!
The camping spots at Danbulla National Park book out quickly on the Easter long weekend - so get in early to book your spot to avoid dissapointment!
Bookings can be made very simply using our online booking form!
If you missed the last one (710 AD) and don't want to wait for the next one (April 25, 2237) be sure to be in Cairns for the solar eclipse on November 14, 2012. It will happen at 6.40 am and will be a dark experience as the moon covers the sun. Be there for this historic event!
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!
Cairns Airport welcomes the return of Tiger Airways.
The airline announced today it will resume flights into Cairns with a daily Melbourne – Cairns return service, commencing 25 April 2012.
International Coaches & Tours can provide private transfers to your Cairns and Port Douglas Accommdation: http://www.internationalcoachesandtours.com.au/transfer.html
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Brown, said Tiger’s resumption of the busy Melbourne – Cairns route has been long awaited.
“That Tiger will again operate services into Cairns on what has been voted Australia’s fastest growing route just ahead of our peak season is very welcome news indeed.”
“Tiger commenced flights into Cairns in September 2010 and proved a popular airline even while operating on late night arrival and early morning departure times,” Mr Brown said.
“We also welcome the fact that Tiger is going to provide a daytime service, arriving into Cairns at 12:15pm and departing at 12:45pm, offering greater convenience for its passengers.”
“It is also excellent news for the regional economy with a daily domestic service calculated on average to provide an additional $75million per annum in gross regional product and generate 843 new jobs in the region.”
Today’s announcement comes after ongoing negotiations between Cairns Airport and Tiger Airways that commenced soon after services where withdrawn due to action by CASA in 2011.
“We have worked closely with Tiger Airways to find the right time to relaunch their Melbourne – Cairns service,” Mr Brown said. “With those flights set to recommence we will continue our negotiations and are confident we can work with Tiger to achieve further growth on Melbourne – Cairns as well as encourage them to introduce new routes.”
It's never been easier to get here.
The major airlines have increased flights for Cairns.
Jetstar has announced an additional 4 flights a week from Melbourne making a
total of 25 each week.
Virgin has put on six extra flights from Brisbane. This means a flight from
Brisbane every day except Saturday.
Tiger Airways is also flying daily flights from Melbourne.
These flights are in addition to the existing schedules.
Now there's no reason why you shouldn't make the trip to the far north.
The holiday of a lifetime awaits!
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.
WATERS EDGE would like to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year, and may this year of the Dragon bring good fortune and prosperity to you all.
VUE would like to wish you all a Happy Chinese New Year. May the year of the Dragon bring you prosperity and good fortune.
Vision would like to wish everyone a very Happy Lunar New Year. It is the year of the Dragon, and may the coming year ahead bring you success, prosperity and happiness for you and your families.
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.
Now that the kids are back at school, its time to think of an Easter break. If you are thinking of something on the beach you can't do better than Trinity Beach. Our fully self contained apartments are starting to fill, so contact Meridien at Trinty on www.meridienattrinity.com or ph 07 40571700 to secure you break.
