Cairns is a bustling tourist centre in Queensland's far north and the launching point for countless excursions to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. It is blessed with a tropical climate, exciting nightlife, and palm-fringed beaches.

Surrounded by tree-covered hills and rainforests flush with wildlife, waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, Cairns overlooks turquoise waters extending out to distant tropical islands and coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life.

Daily cruise boats, sailboats, sea-planes and helicopters take tours to pristine islands and coral atolls. In the heart of the rainforest, the nearby village of Kuranda is alive with galleries, cafes, shops and markets selling crafts, produce, and Aboriginal artefacts.

The tropical resort city of Cairns is the gateway city to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's natural wonders. It is the largest coral reef system in the world and home to approximately 400 different types of coral and over 1500 species of fish. Take a luxury catamaran cruise to the reef for a day's snorkelling or scuba-diving. Observe dazzling coral and tropical fish from an underwater walkway, or fly over romantic islands and secluded coral atolls by seaplane.

Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginals by night and experience the evocative Aboriginal spirit at the haunting fire ceremony, or take a Billy Tea Safari into the Australian bush. Explore the quaint town of Kuranda, with its markets, coffee shops, scenic railway and world's longest rainforest cableway.

Highlights
• Great Barrier Reef
• Daintree World Heritage Rainforest
• Kuranda Historic Scenic Railway
• Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
• Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Gateway Discovery Centre
51 The Esplanade, Cairns, Australia
Tel: +61 (07) 4051 3588.
Website: www.tropicalaustralia.com.au

The Cairns Central shopping centre has an extensive range of shops from department stores to small speciality boutiques. On the seafront, the Pier Marketplace has a tourist-friendly selection of speciality shops, restaurants and art galleries.

Cairns has an excellent range of markets, including the famous Night Markets on the Esplanade, selling local arts and crafts and a wide selection of food. The Saturday Esplanade Markets, located near the lagoon, offer quality jewellery and trinkets.

Best buys include opals and other precious or semi-precious stones, modern art, sculptures, bark paintings, boomerangs and tribal objects, plus diving and snorkelling equipment.

Fresh seafood is sold right off the fishing boats. Barramundi (freshwater fish), tiger prawns, yabbies (small freshwater lobsters) and macadamia nuts are local favourites. Tropical dishes use a lot of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood cooked with unusual herbs and spices.

In Queensland's tropical Far North, peak season is from June to October, when temperatures average 24-28˚C (75-82˚F), rainfall is minimal and the seas are perfect for swimming. Avoid the hot and humid wet season November to April, when stingers and deadly jellyfish invade the waters.

Australia

GMT + 10.

Australian Dollar (A$) = 100 cents.

English.

Northern coast of Queensland, northeast Australia.

135, 856.

Parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1901.

Mostly Roman Catholic and Protestant with smaller minorities of all other major religions.

A largely informal atmosphere prevails. Casual wear is worn everywhere except in the most exclusive restaurants, social gatherings and important business meetings. Ties are almost unheard of. Most restaurants forbid smoking.

Tipping: 10% is customary for good service, but is not compulsory, as wages in the service industry are considered adequate without tipping.