Archives for Far North Queensland category
Posted on Jul 15, 2008 under Far North Queensland |
A pleasant 370 km journey north of Brisbane, is the city of Bundaberg. “Bundy” as it is affectionately known is a modern progressive city, on the Burnett River which empties into the sea just 17 kms away.
Bundaberg was founded in 1867, is a popular holiday and tourist spot - not only because of the climate which is described as “the most equable climate in Australia with mild winters and summers cooled by sea breezes”.
The Burnett River is popular for a variety of water sports including fishing, boating, yachting, rowing and water skiing.
The river is used for commercial fisherman, dive and charter boats - with trips to The Great Barrier Reef for diving and fishing most popular.
The city itself is a mix of the beauty of landscaped gardens and streets, old buildings side by side with modern buildings, and a dynamic economy.
Some of the city highlights are the Whaling Wall - an amazing mural featuring marine life, parklands and the Zoo.
Further out of the central city area is Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, which features the Hinkler House Memorial Museum, a Historical Museum and the Fairymead House Sugar Museum.
Some of the other places of interest in Bundaberg are the Schmeider’s Cooperage and Art Centre, and the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, and a Winery where the wines are made from locally grown tropical fruit.
Bunderberg is in the centre of a huge sugar growing area - and the fields of sugar cane stretch for kilometers around the city. In years past the cane fields were fired to destroy the dry cane leaves, and the vermin that hid midst the canefields, but there is less burning these days as the cane can be cut “green”. It is a spectacular sight to see the cane fields on fire in the early evening in the middle of the year.
There’s a lot to do as in any modern city, and a vast array of accommodation, restaurants and other facilities for locals and visitors.
At the Port of Bundaberg is the huge sugar silo’s, from where the sugar is shipped around the world.
The beaches on the coastline have their own special attractions, and Mon Repos the Turtle Rookery is a must, especially during the months of November to March.
Posted on Jul 15, 2008 under Far North Queensland |
Just 15 kms from Bundaberg, in central Queensland is the most extra ordinary Sea Turtle Rookery. The turtles have used this area (as well as other areas of north Queensland and The Great Barrier Reef) as a nesting ground for centuries, and it is recognised around the world for the research on turtles that use this area.
There is a Visitors Centre where rangers provide information and guidance to visitors interested in exploring the area and learning about these sea creatures.
There are a number of varieties of sea turtles and Loggerhead, Flatback, Green and Leatherback varieties use this area to nest.
The turtles appear from the sea on dusk - huge beasts pulling themselves slowly up the beach to find a spot in the sand dunes to patiently dig their nest (a deep hole in the sand), over which they balance and lay the eggs. The task must be a huge burden on these animals, it seems to be a slow and perhaps painful and tiring expedition. One by one the eggs drop into the hole, and when she is finished, she flips the sand over the hole until it is totally covered. Then she makes the long trip back to the sea, and never sees her offspring.
Weeks later, the tiny turtles hatch out of their eggs, dig their way out of the sand, and flip their way along the sand to the sea. Sadly many do not survive - as sea creatures including sharks can be waiting off shore, to feast on these new babies.
The turtles come ashore all along the coast here, but those that choose to nest in the rookery, are “supervised” and details collected for research. At night, guided tours are conducted by the Rangers, so that these wonderful sea creatures are treated with dignity and respect.
This surely is one of the great wonders of the world, and if you visit the area between November 1st and March 31st, make sure that you add this trip to your itinerary.
Posted on Jun 16, 2008 under Far North Queensland |
Kewarra Beach Resort is located a short distance north of the bustling city of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. It is ten to fifteen minutes drive from the Resort to the airport, and perhaps twenty minutes drive to the heart of Cairns. Far enough away from the city to enjoy the tranquil seclusion and “get away from it all” atmosphere that envelopes this wonderful resort, but close enough to be convenient. All day tours will collect you from the resort and return you back at the end of the day.
Kewarra’s Private Beach
Kewarra is unusual in the area due to the fact it has its own private beachfront - beautiful sandy beach facing out onto the azure Coral Sea. Even in mid winter, the water temperature remains over 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), with the ocean making a wonderful alternative to the resort’s swimming pools for a refreshing dip.
Water is very much a feature of Kewarra, with a lovely lagoon also serving as centre-piece for many of the private units.
In addition to Kewarra’s private beach frontage, there is also a tasteful recreational natural swimming pool area. No tasteless chlorinated “lap pool” here, just a lovely relaxing area, complete with waterfall and lots of area to lie in the sun on the pool edge. The resort is beautifully spread out over a 70 acre paradise of private beach frontage, brilliant gardens, and natural forest in a tasteful environment that reflects the region’s unique cultural heritage and ecology. The resort offers idyllic views of wonderful plants that gently surround you in this lovely natural paradise. With all the different plants, there are over 160 different species of birds to fill the area with color, and a multitude of different butterflies, including the magnificent Ulysses butterfly, to be found in a rich diversity of habitats.
The Accommodation at Kewarra
Kewarra offers a selection of accommodation styles to suit your taste. All units are, of course, beautifully furnished and appointed, and have the latest in quiet air conditioning and all modern conveniences for your total comfort.
Two main styles of units are available - what are known as “mouds” (a South Pacific islander term for bures or units).
The Koi mouds are semi-detached in small blocks, and face out onto a lovely setting featuring a crocquet lawn.
Most popular are the premium Waraka mouds. These are individually placed in lovely private settings, each with its own balcony where you can sit and relax in our unique ambience.
A variation on the Waraka moud is the Bhutu moud, designed for families with more than two people wishing to share one unit.
Lastly, for a priviledged few, there is the special Timara Suite. This is a restored Queenslander style cottage, with lovely balconies on three sides, set on a small island within our lagoon.
Posted on Jun 15, 2008 under Far North Queensland |
A unique way to experience the Tropical Rainforest region in Cairns is to travel to Kuranda and enjoy the Tjapukai Aboriginal Theme Park with Skyrail.
Open since mid 1995, the new Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes you between their two stations, one located at Smithfield, just a short distance north of Cairns on the coast, and the other in the quaint little market town of Kuranda, just opposite the famous Railway Station.
You can choose from either riding the Skyrail roundtrip to and from Kuranda, or just taking it one way and either using a coach transfer or the Scenic Commentary Train for the other half of your journey.
The Skyrail Experience
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is unique in the world. Not only is it the longest aerial cableway anywhere in the world, but it presents as an entirely new, convenient and environmentally friendly way of experiencing the amazing Wet Tropics Rainforest to be found north of Cairns.
There are three lengths of cableway stretching some 7.5 km (4.5 miles) going up the sides of the rainforest up to Kuranda in the Atherton Tablelands. Six passenger gondolas glide silently, just above the rainforest. You can not only see the rainforest, you can hear it (and even smell it) too!
From start to finish, it takes 30 minutes to travel the entire length of the cableway. However, most people choose to stop at either or both of the two transfer stations. At these intermediate points, there are boardwalk paths taking you into the rainforest, allowing you to get up close and personal with this incredible natural resource.
The Barron Falls stop also offers both views out over the Barron Gorge to the famous Barron Falls (although there is seldom much water going over the top, most being diverted through the hydroelectric power station except in rainy weather) and also the Rainforest Interpretive Centre, developed in conjunction with Australia’s national science organisation, the CSIRO.
You should probably plan on allowing at least 90 minutes for a complete journey one way on Skyrail, including time at the two intermediate stops.
About the Rainforest
The World Heritage Rainforest north of Cairns is the second largest stand of rainforest in the world (after the Amazon basin). It is also the oldest rainforest in the world, having uniquely survived the last ice age. This gives it an incredible diversity of different types of vegetation, making it a veritable living museum as a result of its isolation from the rest of the world for millions of years. There are over 1100 higher plant species that can be found, of which only 5% are considered common.
Animals too are unique and special in this area - over twenty five different vertebrate animals on the rare, threatened or endangered list make this area truly very precious. There are birds galore and many other types of animals too, even snakes that you may see curled up in the tops of trees as you glide silently and safely past.
Best of all, Skyrail presents as a clean, quiet, and low impact way to allow visitors such as yourself to experience and enjoy the beauty of the rainforest.
Pricing
Although you can make your own way to the Skyrail station and buy a ticket for the Skyrail ride only, most people choose to purchase a tour - eg, from Downunder Tours that will include convenient transfers to and from your hotel, and possibly other things as well like admission to the new Tjapukai Theme Park situated next to the Skyrail station at Smithfield.
A view of the splendid Kuranda Scenic Commentary Train, which takes people on a ninety minute journey to or from Cairns and/or Kuranda. It is very popular for people to combine a Skyrail journey one way with the Train ride the other direction. Skyrail’s Kuranda Terminal is right next to the Train Station.
A scene from the theatrical presentation that forms part of the new Tjapukai Aboriginal Theme Park, conveniently located immediately adjacent to Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal.
For people wishing to purchase only the Skyrail tickets, a one way ticket is A$40 for adults and A$20 for children (prices valid through March 31 2009). Your travel agency can assist you with choosing a combination tour with transfers from your accommodation that is best suited for you.
Posted on Jun 12, 2008 under Far North Queensland |
Surrounding landscaped gardens and tropical swimming pools, Palm Royale Resort Cairns is a 150 room boutique resort-style hotel which is Mediterranean at heart - a harmonious blend of Australian and international influences.
Combining the contemporary design elements of wrought iron, terracotta tiles and exquisite fabrics, Palm Royale Resort Cairns offers a totally unique atmosphere, not featured elsewhere in Far North Queensland. Using the region’s bounty of fresh produce and delicious seafood, the restaurants and bars serve international cuisine and refreshing drinks to satisfy all tastes and even the heartiest of appetites.
It is a hotel with a difference, a home away from home. While respecting your privacy, the staff are always friendly and our service always outstanding. The overall aim is to provide excellence, and in so doing, ensure you have holiday you will remember for a life time.
After a long day it is not hard to picture yourself dining alfresco on your private balcony overlooking the gardens, the balmy night air relaxing you in readiness for the next day.
Location
Nestled in the foothills of the rainforest covered hillsides surrounding Cairns, Palm Royale is located just 6km (3.5m) from Cairns city and 8km (5m) from Cairns Airport.
As one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, it offers so much, from its idyllic climate and relaxing lifestyle to the extraordinary beauty of its many natural attractions.
Accommodation
To ensure you have a comfortable stay, the rooms feature air-conditioning, ceiling fans, king size beds, private balconies and facilities which include a bedside clock, video, radio, in-room safe, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities.
The resort offers a choice of both 134 Deluxe Rooms and 16 Executive Suites. Deluxe Rooms have a choice of bedding configuration - King, Family, Twin, Triple, or Disabled rooms. All feature air-conditioning and private balconies.
Executive Suites are designed with an emphasis on luxury and space. Their main features include a bath shower, King size bed, and sofa.
Guest Services
If there is anything the Palm Royale can do to make your stay more idyllic, you have only to ask any of their friendly staff at any time. They’re all here to help.
Palm Royale Resort Cairns offers you the special opportunity to master the arts of snorkelling and Scuba Diving in the convenience of their own dedicated Dive Training Pool. Operated by Australia’s leading dive training company, Quicksilver Diving Services, you can be taught the sport of Scuba by professional Dive Instructors who offer the highest international standards of diving education.
Get to choose a selection of beautiful pools, and with the wonderful weather that Cairns provides, you’re sure to enjoy a few hours alongside, or in, one of these pools most days!
Courtesy coach transfers take you to the airport to meet your flight into Cairns and to take you back at the end of your stay. A return city shuttle service also operates during the day and is complimentary. All major tour operators pick up and drop off at the hotel.
Palm Royale Resort Cairns also offers two interconnecting meeting rooms which combine to provide theatre style seating for 150 people. when planning an event you are not limited at Palm Royale Cairns. The hotel offers a selection of venues from poolside in the tropical landscaped gardens to the balconies of Parthenon and Colossus.
The combined boutique and tour office, called “Looks Royale”, gives you the opportunity to purchase a quality range of souvenirs and essentials, and gives assistance in booking any day touring you might wish to enjoy.
Restaurants and Bars
Inside or out, overlooking the Barrumundi pond, Cafe Royale Resort is the perfect place to unwind and chat with friends with an ice cold beer or one of our very own tropical cocktails.
Colossus offers an international standard of a la carte cuisine in truly elegant surroundings. Situated on the second floor, the restaurant’s Mediterranean design provides the perfect compliment to the chef’s creative selection of dishes which incorporate fresh tropical fruits, locally grown vegetables and delicious seafood. Colossus provides indoor and outdoor dining for up to 120 people.
Posted on Jun 11, 2008 under Far North Queensland |
The Low Isles in the Great Barrier Reef is a three and three quarter acre coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of reef. A coral cay is formed when coral breaks the surface of the ocean, then over time dirt and debris accumulate forming a small sandy island. Coral cays are the best types of reef island locations because the reef typically surrounds the island and offers excellent snorkelling onshore.
Note that many islands described as “on the reef” are in fact “continental islands” formed by an uprising in the ocean bottom. While these islands may be in the general area of the Great Barrier Reef, it may actually be many miles from the island to the nearest coral areas.
In the case of Low Isles, good coral viewing can be enjoyed close on-shore making snorkelling a very enjoyable experience. On the island itself there is a lighthouse and some bush.
The Low Isles are located not far from beautiful Port Douglas. Getting to the Low Isles from Port Douglas is a very pleasant one hour sail on a luxury sailing catamaran.
Things to do around the Low Isles
Snorkelling
Just about everyone chooses to spend some time snorkelling in the crystal clear waters around Low Isles. The coral is only a short distance under the surface and you get beautiful clear views of the kaleidoscopically colored and extraordinarily varied coral, complete with fish swimming gently through the coral from time to time.
If you’ve never snorkelled before, then we there are skilled instructors who will carefully coach you in how to put on the fins, mask and snorkel (all of which are supplied at no extra charge) and then make sure you’re entirely comfortable and confident with snorkelling. There is just about no-one who is too old (or too young) to enjoy time in the warm water snorkelling around as they wish.
For those with greater experience and confidence, there are guided snorkelling tours where one of the Marine Biologists leads a small group around various coral concentrations, explaining the origin and different types of coral that you’ll see.
Glass Bottom Boat Viewing
This is a “must do” part of your day - indeed many people take two or more trips on the coral viewing boats. Take a tour around several of the different types of coral concentrations at Low Isles, with the captain providing an informative commentary, explaining all about the sights that you’ll be seeing.
As well as coral of all shapes, sizes, and colors, there are also many different types of fish swimming around, and some fascinating giant clams on the bottom.
Guided Beach Walks
Every afternoon, one of the Marine Biologist staff leads interested people on a guided tour around the Low Isles. They will show you all manner of interesting examples of the varied marine life that live at the water’s edge and explain some more about how coral cays are formed.