Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cairns & the Daintree Rainforest
Why Go?
Tropical, touristy Cairns is an unmissable stop on any East Coast traveller's itinerary. Ex-
perienced divers and first-time toe-dippers swarm to the steamy city for its easy access to
the Great Barrier Reef, while those more interested in submerging themselves in boozy
good times are well-served by a barrage of bars and clubs. For day-trippers, the Atherton
Tableland - home to cooler climes, volcanic-crater lakes, jungly waterfalls and gourmet
food producers - is just a short and scenic drive away.
The winding road from Cairns to ritzy Port Douglas offers spectacular coastal vistas, but
it's north of the Daintree River that the adventure really begins. The magnificent Daintree
National Park stretches up the coast, with rainforest tumbling right onto white-sand
beaches; don't be so awestruck by the stunning surrounds that you forget to keep an eye out
for crocs! Further up, the Bloomfield Track from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown is one of
Australia's great 4WD journeys.
When to Go
May
Port Douglas turns on the pizazz for Carnivale.
June
A costumed re-enactment of Cook's landing is the centrepiece of the Cooktown Dis-
covery Festival.
November
The reef's annual coral spawning is a delight for divers.
Best Places to Eat
ยป
Ochre (
Click here
)
