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Cairns city
the rainforest’s canopy layers. Gondolas depart regularly, but make sure you book ahead to experience this popular and intimate rainforest adventure. Prices for a one-way trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway start at $50 for adults, $25 for children and $125 for families. Book at www.skyrail.com.au.
Dining out in Cairns
Cairns restaurants serve up some of the freshest seafood in the world as well as
a wide selection of international cuisine. Most of the city’s eateries are concentrated along and around the Cairns Esplanade, between Florence and Spence streets. Here, you’ll find a range of quality restaurants, casual cafes and classic food halls. For an atmospheric evening, try the Waterbar and Grill Steakhouse, which is located right on the water and offers stunning views of the Cairns Marlin Marina.
Around town
As well as endless stretches of tropical beach, Cairns offers attractions aplenty
in and around town. Don’t miss the region’s most comprehensive collection of reptiles, birds and mammals at the Cairns Tropical Zoo. Located on six hectares
of landscaped tropical gardens, the zoo is home to saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, parrots, brolgas, emus, dingoes,
koalas and many more animals from Australia and around the world. Enjoy activities such as animal feeding and flight- bird shows or visit the Cairns Night Zoo
for a unique evening experience. General- admission tickets are $34 for adults, $17 for children and $85 for families. Tours, events and animal encounters cost an additional fee.
Take to the saddle and experience the countryside around Cairns on horseback. Meander through rainforest pockets, mangrove wetlands, sugarcane fields and native bush on a professionally guided trail ride. Blazing Saddles offers half-
day trail rides for the whole family (the minimum age is four years old). The company caters to riders of all levels, from beginners to more advanced riders. Prices start at $125 per person.
The ‘food bowl of the tropics’, the Atherton Tablelands (also known as the Cairns Highlands) is a picturesque region set in the mountains west of Cairns. Brimming with wildlife, the area boasts 300-plus bird species. See how many you can spot! Don’t miss the area’s glittering lakes and surging waterfalls, including Barron Falls and the much-photographed Millaa Millaa Falls. Gourmands will also enjoy the region’s tempting produce. Tea, coffee, chocolate and wine are local specialties.
THE WORLD’S BEST SEAFOOD: Queenslanders love seafood and for good reason, they have the best in the world and Cairns has plenty of restaurants and cafes where visitors can sample some.
STAY
RCI AFFILIATED RESORTS IN CAIRNS INCLUDE:
Mantra Trilogy 8413
Set above the newly developed waterfront esplanade, Trilogy Resort’s premier location
and landmark architecture amount to a superior expression of the far north Queensland lifestyle. 7 nights from AU$849/nZ$939 1brm
AU$1049/nZ$1159 2brm
Cairns Beach Resort 7112
Situated at holloways Beach just 10 min drive to the Cairns CBD. Enjoy all the facilities including tropical gardens and saltwater pool that surround the resort.
7 nights from AU$799/nZ$889 1brm
Marlin Cove A029
on pristine Trinity Beach situated 15 minutes from Cairns. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and discover the region’s natural attractions; the Great Barrier Reef and the World heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. 7 nights from AU$899/nZ$999 1brm
AU$1099/nZ$1219 2brm
For additional resort listings, visit RCI.com or call 1300 368 800 AU or 0800 368 800 NZ
30 AUGUST 2015