CAIRNS

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Tropical North Queensland is a rare place on Earth. Here almost one million hectares of protected wet tropics rainforest live, grow and breathe, forming a "Living Museum" of flora and fauna. Cairns itself, whilst the tourism capital of North Queensland still retains the warm friendly atmosphere of the Tropical North. The people of Cairns have a definite laid back approach to life and always have a warm inviting smile and why not, they live in paradise.

Although Cairns is a city with all the conveniences, including excellent shopping centres and facilities, it still retains the feeling of a tropical town. The Central Business District is decorated with tropical vegetation and the parks and gardens are imaginatively created with a huge variety of plants and trees. The International airport is only 15 minutes from the CBD, yet aircraft noise has been reduced to a minimum by clever flight path planning. Within the city things to see and do are the night markets, Cairns Museum, Regional Art Gallery, the Botanic Gardens and on the weekends there is Rusty's Markets where you have the opportunity to browse and buy anything from, fresh fruit, fish, clothes, jewellery and organic vegetables (try the freshly squeezed, chilled pineapple juice - definitely virging on orgasmic!).

The nightlife for backpackers in Cairns is brilliant. The options for food, beverages and entertainment are almost endless and every night can be a party night if you wish. Some of the hostels have their own bar and restaurants that cater directly for their market and the food is excellent and reasonably priced. Drinking and eating in these can be a good way to start the evening, meeting people and sussing out where the best action is for the night. Every night offers a different selection of places to go so it's difficult to get bored of the scene.

Cairns also has cinemas and a casino if you fancy a change or some time to recover from the previous evenings hangover. Over the years, Cairns has become something of a backpackers Mecca and thousands of backpackers migrate to the region each year and leave with a lasting impression. There are over 30 backpacker hostels in Cairns, and they all strive to offer their own ambience and atmosphere.

Cairns is the tropical hub for exploring North Queensland and every day over 600 land, sea and air tours depart Cairns, taking visitors to experience the natural attractions. There is an enormous amount of choice when it comes to how and with whom you spend your dollars. The whole city is geared towards tourism and is basically a backpackers dream with stiff competition knocking prices down and putting the emphasis on quality and service. The hostel tour desks can give you unbiased advice, and are constantly abreast of the best deals available for backpackers.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the world and is the only non man-made structure visible from the moon. At it's more northerly end the Reef runs closer to the coast and is most accessible from Cairns.

The Great Barrier Reef is the most magnificent scuba diving location in the world and the diversity of the reef ecosystem and its pristine condition has given rise to over 6,600 species of flora and fauna. You can't cuddle a koala here but you can cuddle a reef shark and stroke the huge potato cod. The options for exploring the reef are endless, whether you choose to take a fast cat, an elegant sailing vessel, day trip, half day trip, reef and island cruise, spend two or three nights on a spacious live aboard vessels or take the top of the range weekly cruise to the Coral Sea.

Cairns is a scuba divers heaven for both certified divers and beginners. The huge variety of dive schools and boats offer a range of activities to suit everyones budgets and tastes. If you came to Australia for adventure, then Cairns is the "adventure capital" and there is possibly more adrenalin rush here then any where else in Australia. Tandem parachuting from 8,000 Ft to 14,000Ft is guaranteed to get the heart pumping. White water rafting on the Tully River is always a white knuckle experience. Over 44 rapids of grade 4, or the big one, the North Johnstone River a grade 5 are available as well as 2 day or 4 day expeditions.

Flying in by helicopter and rafting out will offer an even greater rush. R'N'R Rafting (PH: 1800 079 039) offer a range of daily trips on the Tully River by experienced staff.

Of course water sports other than diving are popular in the region. Parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing and bumper tube riding are all great fun and should be tried sooner rather than later.

Another wonder of nature Cairns is famous for are its World Heritage Tropical Rainforests. The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest in the world and in 1988 it was listed as a world heritage area for future generations. This pristine region is a wilderness dream of lush tropical rainforests, deserted white beaches, sleepy rivers and breathtaking natural beauty. If you choose to visit the area using one of the eco-tourism operators they provide itineraries offering fascinating insights into the creatures that inhabit this remote and beautiful rainforest, as well as Rainforest Interpretation to give you the visitor an experience that will remain with you for the rest of your life.

Trekking in this part of Australia is simply outstanding, from tropical rainforest adventures to swimming in Volcanic craters to the hinterland, talking with and learning about the people of the Barbarrum Tribe, just one of the original inhabitants of the region. There is so much more to do in and around Cairns and on arrival you will be bombarded with opportunities and possibilities making limited budget decisions extremely difficult to make. Most people that go to this region often feel that they should have stayed longer so bear this in mind and allow plenty of time. There is accommodation for backpackers and your hostel tour desk will be able to explain the options available to you, with packages available for transfers and accommodation, as well as self drive.