To give you an example, most
Great Barrier Reef trip operators will collect
you from your accommodation - but they are
expensive and usually charge an extra $15 per person for the
pickup. If there are 3 of you together, that is equivalent
to more than one whole day's car hire from
us!
Hop into your hire car and 2 hours driving from Cairns
will get you to; the Tablelands, Port
Douglas, Cape Tribulation, Kuranda
or Mission Beach. |
Cairns itself is a modern sophisticated city boasting
a newly rejuvenated Esplanade comprising of Saltwater Lagoon,
Barbecue areas and the favourite popular Muddy's playground
fantastic fun for the whole family right along the foreshore
and best of all these are all free for you to enjoy!
|
There are activities to cater for all ages and interests in
and around the Cairns region. From Scuba diving
on the Barrier Reef, play golf,
Stroll the markets, to the thrills of bungy
jumping and skydiving.
There are so many great activities in and around the Cairns
Region that we have decided to include a brief
guide to some of our favourite destinations.
You can also check out Cairns
official Tourist information Guide for great information
on Cairns tours and places to visit. |
Click on  image
to see a larger section of the map |
|
Cairns to the Tablelands
|
Drive up the range from Smithfield to Kuranda
village in the Rainforest in about
20 minutes, it's a cool retreat from the coast and perfect for
the walking enthusiast - don't worry there are many well signposted
walks- but be sure to carry plenty of drinking water.
We can supply you with more information when you pick up your
Cairns rental car for great places to visit
like the Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld,
Koala Gardens, Rainforest Nature Park
and there are all those shops and market stalls
to visit. |
|
|
Following the Highway inland, you will arrive at Mareeba
and because you have hired your own transport
it gives you the freedom to stop off at a whole host of attractions
on the Cairns Highlands. Collect Free Vouchers
from our Office when you pick up your rental car to take advantage
of Free Coffee Tasting, Free Banana Liquor Tasting and Free
Mango Wine Tasting.
Drive on to Malanda and don't miss the historic
Malanda pub to snuggle up by the cozy fireplace! Lake
Tinaroo is a popular camping spot or explore the
Historic Tinaroo Dam Wall, Highlands World- Heritage
listed Waterfalls, Ancient volcanic
lakes, National Parks and rainforest.
|
south to mission beach, innisfail
& the waterfalls |
Mission Beach and The
Great Green Way is a Mecca for nature Lovers. Boasting
14km of pristine sandy coastline, Mission Beach
is a mere 2 hours drive South of Cairns. This is also the jump
off point for the stunning islands; mysterious Dunk
Island, exclusive Bedarra and
reef fringed Frankland.
Drive yourself inland around the famous 'Waterfalls'
Route, it's a short drive South of Innisfail but you
will find yourself at the romantic Award Winning Paronella
Park with a castle built in 1929 among pristine rainforest
waterfalls and walks. |
free things to do in cairns |
- Swim in the massive new Saltwater Lagoon along Cairns
Esplanade.
- Have a BBQ at one of the Free Barbecue Areas along the
foreshore.
- Family fun at Muddy's playground & Water Park along
the Esplanade.
- Visit Historical Cairns Yacht Club along the foreshore
- A.J. Hackett Bungy jumping deck - watching is free -
climb to the top of the tower & watch the brave hearted
bungy jump below you.
- A J Hackett also has free entry to Full Moon Parties.
- Walk through spectacular Mossman Gorge, swim in the pristine
mountain water.
- Sunbathe - but not for too long, and make sure you 'Slip,
Slop, Slap"
- Collect FREE VOUCHERS from us to Mareeba Coffee Tasting,
Banana Liquor Tasting, Mango Wine Tasting and many more!
- Go for a boardwalk in the rainforest at Cape Tribulation
and the Daintree
- Drive to Lake Morris and look down at Copperload Dam
- Swim in the Lake at Lake Placid and then use the Free
barbecue
- Visit The Barron River Power Station & wonder at
the bravery & hardships of the men who built it.
- Walk to the top of Crystal Cascades & swim in the
waterfalls (a locals favourite secret!)
|
| There is so much to do
that you will find it hard to choose! |
|
"markets - self drive to unique shopping destinations"
|
Quality markets abound in Tropical North Queensland.
Operators do not organize tours to these because of the variation
in weekly schedules. The markets are too numerous to list, so
the best ones (in our humble opinions) as follows:- |
Cairns
Rusty's markets: |
All Day Friday, Saturday and Sunday am for the
EXCELLENT quality Fruit and Veggies straight from the growers.
Great atmosphere - organic produce available.
Cairns
Night Markets: Every night from 4.30pm - 11pm. Entrances
in both Abbott St and the Esplanade. Good for cheapo souvenirs. |
Port Douglas: |
| Every Sunday morning 7am - 2pm. Anzac Park Beachfront.
Excellent varied market in scenic location. Local Produce, Good
jewelry, Home Made Art, Clothes & Artifacts |
Kuranda Markets: |
| Wednesday - Saturday: 9am - 3pm. Although not
as good as they used to be. Everything shuts down as soon as
the Kuranda Train leaves around 3pm. Shops in Kuranda are better.
|
Yungaburra: |
| Every 4th Saturday: Main Street. Excellent Country
market. Famous for quality. |
Mission Beach: |
| 1st Saturday and 3rd Sunday of the month. Local
Fruit, Veggies & Plants. |
| |
The above map is an exert from the Hema Townsville, Cairns Cooktown
Map for more information visit www.hemamaps.com
|
Hema Maps can be purchased
from our office. You are welcome to take or request a Map
Book with your car hire. A $20 deposit is required
& will be refunded at the end of the hire provided the Map
Book is still in good order. Otherwise you can just keep the
book & forfeit the $20 |
Book
online Now!
