The beach is patrolled in the summer months by lifeguards and it has a stinger net to protect bathers from the infamous box jellyfish. To ensure your safety, the lifeguards flag the safe swimming areas so make sure you swim between the flags. There have been some unfortunate drownings around the rocks a short distance away.

Yorkeys Knob has plenty to offer sun-worshippers. Apart from the beach, there are picnic and barbecue facilities, as well as public showers and toilets. The picturesque beachfront is lined with ballnuts, she-oak casuarinas, coconut palms, and beach almonds. The Half Moon Marina boasts a multi-million dollar clubhouse which features a huge undercover deck with alfresco dining facilities.

The view from the bay area is magnificent and stretches out to the Coral Sea. The renowned Driftaways Restaurant serves everything from octopus salad to potato wedges with a delicious sweet chili sauce. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, while on Sundays it serves a gourmet breakfast on the deck from 8 to 10am.

Tucked in a cove near the Half Moon Marina is the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club which welcomes visitors. You can enjoy a bistro meal in the open air while watching all the activities in the marina. There are berths for 200 boats that can accommodate vessels up to 30 meters in length.

Yorkeys Knob is close to Australia’s most famous attraction, the Great Barrier Reef. Here, you can dive, swim, wind-surf, or snorkel to see the most amazing array of marine life and other under-the-sea wonders. Snorkelling is highly recommended for those who don’t have diving experience. There are many sites where the water is shallow and you will be mesmerized by the beauty below.

The golf club is a great venue for birdwatchers. The area is full of masked lapwings, sea eagles, kingfishers, bush stone curlews, and rainbow lorikeets. Near the 12th and 13th holes, there is a huge colony of flying foxes that come out in the early evening to search for food. In the day time, they hang upside down from the mangrove trees and the noise they make is incredible.

Many of Cairns main tourist attractions are minutes away from Yorkeys. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a memorable experience. This spans an area of 7.5 km with unforgettable views of the pristine tropical rainforests. After gliding over the trees, the cableway descends into the heart of a forest where you can take pictures and enjoy refreshments before going back to the top. There are plenty of Yorkeys Knob accommodation facilities to suit any budget. These include marine holiday units, holiday apartments, villas, penthouses, resorts, and a number of very affordable 4-star hotels.

The agricultural industry thrives here with the cultivation of bananas and sugar. There are several boutique wineries that specialize in tropical fruit wines.

Though somewhat secluded, this region offers easy access to the Great Barrier Reef on one side and the unspoiled rainforest toward the west. Activities in this area include diving, snorkelling, fishing, beach combing and hiking.

Plenty of choices are available for Mission Beach accommodation. Options include beachfront homes, motels, resorts, hostels and budget inns with something to meet any requirement and fit any size budget.

Locals think of Wongaling Beach as the hub of the beach area. Beachfront accommodations are plentiful here and can be found on Banfield Parade, Reid Road and Koda Street. The Dunk Island Water Taxi operates from the beach on Banfield Parade with numerous departures daily.

Four kilometres offshore lies Dunk Island, which is a popular tourist destination with its miles of trails that travel through the Family Islands National Park. This granite rock island is a breeding ground for terns and noddies during warm weather months. It is also home to several reptiles including geckos, monitor lizards, pythons and tree snakes. Dugongs, coral, fish, sea turtles and crabs make their home in the surrounding water and reefs.

Dunk Island is a haven for local artists who show their work at The Colony. Established in 1974, The Colony is located on the island’s southern side. Amenities available on the island include the Hideaway Resort complex with two bars, two restaurants, a spa, a golf course and a cafe.

The most populated area stretches along the beach on a strip of land located between the ocean and farmland and rainforest. Wildlife found here includes the almost extinct cassowary, a large flightless bird that exists only in the tropical rainforest. Explore the wonders of the area rainforests from a number of different walking trails. Walks wind through the terrain past waterfalls and babbling mountain streams. Trails range from 1.5 km to 7 km in length offering paths that are suitable for hikers of all ages.

A short trip to the north will bring you to the Innisfail Golf Club, a spectacular place to spend a day on the links. Also to the north lies the Johnstone River Crocodile Park where hundreds of crocodiles are on display. An educational tour of the park offers insight as to how these great beasts survive and breed in the wild. A feeding corral offers visitors a chance to interact with the wallabies and kangaroos kept there.

This is the perfect place to experience the best of what the Great Barrier Reef environment has to offer along with the splendour of the tropical rainforest all at the same time. Plan a Queensland holiday and discover the most picturesque beaches found anywhere on the eastern Australian coast.

The mild climate is tropical with comfortably cool summer nights. Winter days are sunny and mild with the coolest temperatures recorded from July to August. The high elevation tends to keep the humidity levels low.

Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham are two crater lakes that can be found here. Both are listed with the World Heritage. Circuit walks around the lake edges take hikers through the rainforest remnants where wildlife including the musky rat kangaroo and more than one hundred different bird species reside.

The historic teahouse at Lake Barrine serves light meals and provides Devonshire tea service. Guided boat tours offer the opportunity to see eels, water birds and turtles in their natural habitat. A short walk from the lake will bring hikers to the Twin Kauri Pines, which are calculated to be 1,100 years old.

Visitors can head to Lake Eacham for an afternoon barbeque in the picnic area and a refreshing swim in the clear blue water. Not far away the Gadgarra Red Cedar stands as one of the survivors of the 19th century logging era.

Those seeking Atherton Tablelands accommodation will find a number of options. Several rainforest retreats can be found in this area including the Kuranda Resort & Spa, Eden House and Mount Quincan. There are also a number of bed and breakfast inns, eco lodges and places to camp. From villas to cottages to luxury room suites, there is something for everyone.

The small towns in the area have their own unique characteristics. Malanda is a dairy town whose name is synonymous with milk and cheese in northern Queensland. Malanda Falls lies on one end of town and offers two self guided walking trails that meander through the forest and beside the North Johnstone River. The recreation area here features a cafe, information centre and picnic and swimming areas.

Atherton is an historic country town that hugs the side of an extinct volcano and now serves as the major service centre for the region. The town operates at a relaxed pace though the Central Business District is active during the day. Visitors will find plenty of restaurants, pubs and clubs to try and several parks are scattered about town.

Area adventures can be found around every corner. For the ultimate experience, you can float over the picturesque tablelands in a hot air balloon just after dawn. Take in the spectacular views of the rainforest and outback. After the ride, you can enjoy a delicious champagne breakfast.

The Atherton Tablelands offers everything the nature lover could possibly want in an outdoor adventure. There are wonderful places to enjoy bush walks, bird watching, water skiing and fishing. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a tropical outdoor adventure, this northern Queensland region delivers.

There is everything you need in this beach side town. With cosy beachfront eateries where you can get a topical lunch, to 5 star luxury dining. Here you can expedience eating under the stars in the beautiful warm ambiance with stunning sea side view. Enjoying the freshest of seafood, and local produce from surrounding areas, dining here will certainly be an unforgettable experience. There is also the opportunity, at different times of year, to experience festivals and special food and wine events which are held here to add a unique feel to the village atmosphere.

There are many gorgeous places to stay when visiting. Palm Cove accommodation is top of the line, offering 5 star island resorts, with a range of international hotels to self-contained units suitable for families. What makes this destination the perfect stop for the beach lover is that all lodgings are either situated right on the beach front or only a very easy short walk to the sandy beaches. Each place is expertly fitted out with facilities such as gyms, restaurants and even a great golf course.

This part of Australia definitely offers the top in splendour and comfort. Noted internationally for perfect service, with dependable room service and an endless list of activities including water sports and other recreational fun. It is absolutely the place to go for pleasurable days of relaxation and sun filled fun. The staff who work here are warm, friendly and very inviting. They are never without a story to tell or advise on where to go and what to do.

When visiting Palm Cove there will never be a lack of things to do. There are a diverse variety of tours available from sea-diving, sky-diving, hiking trails, scenic flights, sailing, fishing, bungy jumping or go on a safari to check out the local and surrounding areas. A popular activities it to ride the Skyrail Rainforest cableway. This cable care, unique to the area, takes the passenger high above the tree top to experience the world from a birds eye view, where you see and experience up close the natural habitat of Australia’s distinctive flora and fauna

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There is a wealth of wildlife in this area. You can see lizards, tree frogs, native birds and some spectacular butterflies, including the distinct bright blue ‘Ulysses’ butterfly found only in far north Queensland. Palm Cove is also the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. An extensive coral reed that you can visit after a short boat ride. Here experience the awe inspiring vision of tropical underwater life.

The beaches of the eastern coast often inspire people to have their weddings here. Palm Cove is no exception, with a variety of places to accommodate each and every bridal wish. Choose from a luxurious and secluded tropical rainforest location, or take a short boat ride to the nearest sandy island. As the weather in this part of the world is warm right through out the year, there can be no better place to tie the knot.

When heading north from Queensland, Australia, Palm Cove is certainly a place that must be visited. It is guaranteed to be a place that you will never forget, calling you back again, year after year. There is something to suit everyone, from the simple backpackers to an extravagant family holiday.

Cairns Catcha Crab Tours

Most people know that Cairns is famous for the fantastic scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, but that’s not the only thing this part of Queensland offers. One of the best ways to explore the area is with Catcha -Crab, based locally out of the Marlin Jetty. This is truly one of the most unique experiences you can find, starting from the moment the free bus picks you up at your accomodation. During the winter, there is a solid chance you’ll see a crocodile sunning itself on the mud flats on low tide!

Chances are you’ve fished before, and great catches are certianly available on one of these outings, (there are up to 32 varieties if fish in the Inlet), but the real prizes are fresh Mud Crabs plucked right out of the mangroves. These crustaceans are approximately one kilo each. Head out AM or PM and the experienced crew will cook up the days catches alongside fresh salad and fruit platters right there on the boat.

Catcha-Crab runs tours all year-round, with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day. The purpose built, spacious boat used can accomodate up to 30 passengers, and both English and Japanese are spoken.Everything is included in one low price, including pick-up in City area, tea, coffee, lunch or dinner and all tackle and bait.If your fish is of legal size the crew will scale and gut it for you to take with you if you wish.

What really sets Catcha-Crab apart from the competition is the service offered by Skipper Tony Hodgetts and his crew.They’ve been at this for almost 20 years, and know the local waterways down to the hilt. For those concerned with seasickness, take heart: in all the years these tours have been going out, there hasn’t been a single sick passenger.

For a totally unique experience unlike anything you’ve seen before, try Catcha-Crab. This Cairns attraction is one you surley won’t forget soon.

For all your accommodation requirements in the area, Book it Now has a great range of Cairns Accommodation.

Cairns Catcha Crab Tours

Contact Details:
Cairns Catcha Crab
Tony Hodgetts
Ph: (07) 4051 7992
Fax: (07) 4051 7050
e-mail info@catcha-crab.com

Port Douglas

One of the most unique landscapes in the world is hiding away in Australia. Nestled between a national rainforest and the Coral Sea, Port Douglas in Queensland brings together two ecosystems to create a destination that has something for both the beach lover and the forest dweller.

Let’s begin with the beach. The area of Port Douglas boasts over 200 kilometers of coastline with every kind of beach imaginable. Whether you desire to lounge amongst the bathing beauties or snuggle with your honey in a deserted cove, you are likely to find the perfect beach. But of course, you can’t head to the eastern Australian coast without exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Novice snorkelers and divers will be awed by the underwater landscape, and experienced divers will find new challenges deep within the reef.

If you prefer the forests, the Daintree Rainforest lies just a few kilometers from the coast. The Daintree Rainforest is the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest and contains a multitude of living things. Rare insects, birds, flowers, reptiles, and other animals scurry around over 3000 plant species including trees, palms, and vines. Though the forest offers opportunities to kayak, horseback ride, or even go on a crocodile spotting tour, it is best viewed on foot with open eyes and ears to soak up the sites and sounds. Just be careful to leave the rainforest like you found it, as Port Douglas takes pride in maintaining the natural integrity of the forest and minimizing human impact.

After scuba diving around the Great Barrier Reef or exploring the rainforest, you are likely to work up an appetite. Head to the center of Port Douglas for dinner and experience the blend of international flavors that make Australia’s cuisine unique. The gentle flavors of the sea mesh well with Mediterranean and Asian influences, creating meals so mouth watering that you do as the locals do and make a reservation, to ensure a taste.

If your day of walking has left your feet a little sore, the area has many luxurious spas located near the beach and in the rainforest. Pamper yourself with a little indulgence, get those feet rubbed, and sip on a glass of local wine.

Armed with nothing more than a good pair of walking shoes and a swimsuit, you will be able to enjoy all that area has to offer. Couples will enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the sea while the kids will wonder at the living rainforest. Just be sure to remember your camera, as it is surely to be the trip of a lifetime.

To stay in the perfect accommodation in Port Douglas, visit Book it Now for a great range of accommodation to suit any taste and budget.

The Timber Museum in Daintree

Daintree Rainforest, in Far North Queensland, is the largest rainforest in Australia and one of the most important rainforests in the world. It’s also a magical destination for visitors who love the great outdoors as there’s nowhere else quite like it in the whole country!

Daintree Rainforest is situated just 3 hours north of Cairns, or a few hours north of Port Douglas, which means that Daintree Rainforest and Village are certainly accessible, and if you’ve gone as far as Cairns the onward trip here is highly recommended. Buses run from Cairns and Port Douglas, and once here, an excellent way of getting around and seeing the scenery is by bicycle or if you have a car, you may prefer to use this to explore a greater area.

There is a great deal to see and do in Daintree Rainforest. Here are some suggestions for things you won’t want to miss:

Flora and Fauna
Daintree Rainforest is home to thousands of different species of plants, birds and animal life, many of which are rare or threatened with extinction. It’s amazing to think that in such a small area, compared to Australia as a whole, Daintree Rainforest contains the majority of the country’s butterfly and bat species, as well as a great many species of birds, marsupials, frogs and reptiles. Keep a look out to see how many species you can spot out of the 430 different bird species!

Ultimate Outdoor Experience
The best way to experience Daintree Rainforest is to wander through it. This is simply an amazing place for hiking and there are many trails, from short ones to long ones, for you to explore. Some trails are on raised boardwalks and this has the advantage of being easy to walk on whilst minimising the damage to the rainforest ecosystem.

You really need more than a day to fully appreciate Daintree Rainforest so we advise that you stay in the area. For the ultimate outdoor experience, camping is a great idea and a lot of fun for both adults and children but if this isn’t your thing there’s a variety of other accommodation in Daintree available here too!

Daintree Rainforest Tours
We discovered that a great way to see the Daintree was as part of an organized tour because you get to find out so much more than you would under your own steam! A variety of local companies offer tours, ranging from boat tours on the river to wilderness hiking tours which are all very informative.

Daintree Beaches
Once you’ve finished touring, enjoy Daintree’s beaches, which are said to be amongst the most spectacular in the world! Golden sand and beautiful surroundings are the main appeal, and although you can swim this isn’t advisable during the summer because of the large number of jellyfish.

Ancient Tropical Rainforest
It’s hard to believe that Daintree Rainforest is the oldest of its kind in the world, and is said to be more than 135 million years old! This makes it a very important place ecologically and biologically and whilst visitors are very welcome here there is a debate going on as to how much development should take place – so come to Daintree Rainforest now whilst you still have the opportunity to do so!

‘Experience Daintree Rainfroest’ by Claire Bolgil