Look to the Cape for a perfect escape- Why Cairns is the perfect alternative destination.

As an alternative to the bright lights of metropolitan centres such as Sydney and Melbourne, Cairns is a tourist destination that offers a refreshing change of pace from the big city experience. As a more intimate, community driven district, with world heritage sites like the Daintree National Park and the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep this corner of Australia’s east coast is a must see.

Although Cairns is considerably smaller than its NSW counterparts you will have the chance to experience a side of Australia that will make your holiday equally unforgettable. The city boasts an excellent variety of accommodation so you can take your pick of five-star hotels. With an abundance of shops, bars, cafés and restaurants the choice really is up to you, whether you immerse yourself in Australian culture letting the locals educate you in real Australian beer (Victoria Bitter) over a game of Aussie Rules football or want to splash the cash and dine out at any of the top quality restaurants that the city boasts. There is one thing that you can be sure of though, that the catch of the day will be fresh, looking out from the city’s beautifully designed marina the splendour of the Coral Sea really hits home.

The body of water that lies immediately off Cairns’ coast isn’t of course called the Coral Sea for no reason; it is home to one of the natural wonders of the world, our planet’s largest reef system, the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. For anyone who has experience in diving or harbours an interest the Reef offers one of the greatest diving experiences on Earth thousands and thousands of underwater species call the Reef home so whether you’re after an elusive green sea turtle or humpback dolphin or simply want to admire the awe-inspiringly beautiful coral itself the Great Barrier Reef really is a must see for anyone planning a visit to Cairns. Even for those who decide not to take the dip, your Barrier Reef experience can still be a memorable one with boat trips today becoming an event in themselves where you could enjoy dolphin and whale spotting and have a fantastic dining experience out on the waves, all the while retracing the steps of the famous Captain Cook to whom many of the regions landmarks owe their names.

Now that you’ve got your sea legs why not head back to dry land to discover another of this region’s natural wonders, the northern Rainforests of Queensland. As naturally diverse as the reef, The Daintree National park, reputed as the world’s oldest rainforest, provides a wonderful opportunity to turn adventurer and explore this beautiful and dense ecosystem.  Nestled amongst the towering trees and thick foliage, numerous world class resorts have been established to offer holidaymakers a luxurious experience whilst taking a walk on the side. Take a guided tour through the rainforest and make sure your camera’s batteries are charged because the scenery is spectacular and don’t forget to keep an eye out for any wildlife, thousands of frog species, lizards and insects inhabit the area along with Possums, Bandicoots, Wallaby and the colossal Cassowary bird.

As a unique location with an incredible natural and cultural diversity and a strong community spirit but with all of the extravagance of big city living, Cairns is the perfect destination for a luxury holiday or honeymoon .

Have an experience you’d like to share about Cairns or Northern Queensland, let us know about it.