The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most impressive natural tourist attractions, and Cairns is an ideally situated base from which to explore it. Numerous excursions run out to the Reef from Cairns Harbour, offering the chance to snorkel and scuba dive amongst the spectacular fish and coral. For more information contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (tel: (07) 4750 0700; website: www.gbrmpa.gov.au).

Named by Captain Cook, after his ship was wrecked on a reef nearby, Cape Tribulation has a fascinating place in Australian history. The beautiful coastline here is one of the few places in the world where the rainforest meets the sea, and the coastal mangroves in particular provide a unique environment for diverse wildlife. Two of the most unusual methods of experiencing this wildlife (‘jungle surfing' along cables in the canopy, and night walking) are provided by Jungle Adventures (tel: (07) 4098 0090; website: www.junglesurfingcanopytours.com).

On the way between Cairns and Cape Tribulation, the Daintree River is one of the best places in Australia to see enormous saltwater crocodiles in the wild. For more information contact Daintree Cape Tribulation Tourism (tel: (07) 4098 0070; website: www.dctta.asn.au).

Another great excursion destination to the west of Cairns is the Atherton Tableland, a beautiful mountainous area, where visitors can bathe in the many idyllic tropical waterfalls. For further information contact Tropical Tablelands Tourism (tel: (07) 4091 7444; website: www.athertontableland.com) or the Atherton Tableland Information Centre (tel: (07) 4091 4222; website: www.athertonsc.qld.gov.au).