TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS
The Quicksilver Group has completed a $1.1 million refit of the 24 metre dive and snorkel catamaran Poseidon to offer new citizen science tours where guests can participate in an Eye on the Reef survey and visit three different reef sites at the Agincourt ribbon reefs off Port Douglas. An additional dive tender can take up to 10 experienced divers on drift diving tours or snorkellers on a guided marine interpretation snorkel tour.
Barefoot Tours has launched a new tour, the Atheron Tablelands Day Tour – an ultimate day trip to the Atherton Tablelands' rainforests and waterfalls. This is the perfect experience for travellers who enjoy diverse landscapes, refreshing waterfall dips and adventure without the rush.
Mission Beach operator Reef Adventures has expanded into Cairns with a new half day reef tour to Upolu Cay departing daily from the Cairns Marina. Taking just 50 minutes to get to the Great Barrier Reef, this product promises a fast paced, high energy snorkelling experience with two hours at Upolu Cay.
Explore Tropical North Queensland's natural treasures with Cairns Waterfalls on their new Cairns Explorer Tour. This tour takes guests on an unforgettable journey taking in scenic attractions including the Behana Gorge Waterfall, Walshs Pyramid, the Cairns Botanic Gardens and the Red Arrow Walk.
A purpose-built $1.5 million vessel launches in Cairns in November giving visitors with limited time the opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef on a half-day snorkelling tour. Pure Snorkelling is a joint venture between two Cairns family-owned reef operators who together have more than 60 years' combined experience showcasing the Great Barrier Reef. The four-hour afternoon trip will primarily go to spectacular Briggs Reef off Cairns where the company has an exclusive permit and has a choice of 14 other sites to make the most of the weather conditions.
Catch and cook a mud crab or feel the excitement of hauling in a barramundi at Grab A Barra, a new exhilarating fishing experience for both seasoned anglers and beginners just 15 minutes from Carins CBD. Whether you are an angler looking for the excitement of catching the north's most prized fighting fish or if you want to try freshly caught seafood, there is a package for everyone.
Join Marine Biologists and Cultural Guides in a hands-on coral restoration experience with the Reef Unlimited Reef Recovery program held on selected dates with Reef Magic including October 17. You'll help to attach coral fragments to Reef Stars, an innovative system designed to restore and protect our reefs. Immerse yourself in the process, learn about marine ecosystems, and play a part in preserving our underwater world.
Travellers wanting a late start can still chase waterfalls with Cairns Adventure Group's new Cairns Splash and Slide Half Day Waterfalls Tour leaving at 10am and returning at 3.30pm. The coach tour takes you swimming at the Babinda Boulders and the natural rockslide at Josephine Falls.
The first stage of the Wangetti Trail has opened to hikers and mountain bikers with the two-way, shared track taking about 1.5 hours to hike and 45 minutes to ride one way from the Palm Cove Jetty to Ellis Beach. The 7.8km Grade 3 track is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. The full 94km trail to Port Douglas is scheduled to be completed in 2026 to become one of the world's great ecotourism trails showcasing Tropical North Queensland's rainforest.
The CREB Track, one of Australia's most challenging and picturesque four-wheel-drive tracks, which starts just north of the Daintree Village, has reopened after months of road repairs following flooding in December 2023. This track offers stunning views, swimming holes and cultural sites along the way.
ACCOMMODATION
Sunshine Tower Hotel in Cairns has completed the first stage of a multi-million-dollar upgrade. This transformation has turned the 61-room Sheridan Street property into a contemporary haven for corporate and leisure guests. Central to the hotel's enhanced guest amenities are its dining and resort facilities, which feature a luxe new restaurant in a coastal palette of timber, elegantly upholstered feature walls, and furniture that fits within a chic 'Paradiso' theme. Continuing through the lobby to outside, the pool and spa sparkle on the Mediterranean-inspired sun terrace.
Visit The Reef House Adults Retreat and indulge in their new high tea offering, available from 2.30pm each weekend on their restaurant deck overlooking the Coral Sea in Palm Cove. Chef Ondrej Urbanovsky has crafted a selection of savoury and sweet treats which are made in-house including lemon myrtle scones with seasonal berry jam and Daintree vanilla Chantilly, and Coronation chicken choux pastry with snow pea sprouts. The high tea experience is $150 for two people which includes a decadent three-tiered tower of gourmet delights, accompanied by bottomless tea from local company Blackbooks Tea.
A scenic helicopter flight teamed with a Great Barrier Reef trip and a family island day adventure are among the new packages at the Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns. Nestled on the marina with stunning views of the Coral Sea, the luxurious resort is the ideal base for exploring tropical North Queensland's World Heritage wonders. Each package includes daily buffet breakfast with either two- or three-nights' accommodation to allow enough time to explore the region.
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is expanding their restaurant deck to double its capacity and link up with the bush tucker garden. Overlooking a creek and 5m above the rainforest floor, the rainforest restaurant is open to the public for lunch, offering a menu that focuses on homegrown, locally sourced and sustainable produce from North Queensland like Daintree barramundi and local prawns. Cooking classes will be held in the new interactive kitchen and a small amphitheatre has been built for tours and talks.
The world's most coveted supercars will arrive at The Reef House Adults Retreat in 2025 to give guests an exclusive driving experience on the iconic Great Barrier Reef Drive in Tropical North Queensland. This partnership with Prancing Horse Luxury Driving Experience will be held from May 15 to June 7 with special two and three-night packages at TripAdvisor's No1 Luxury Hotel in Australia and the South Pacific.
ACCESSIBILITY
Locals and tourists with mobility impairments can now cycle down the Cairns Esplanade on a new battery-powered bike with their friends and families. Cairns Regional Council has partnered with Spinal Life Australia to unveil a new power-assisted wheelchair bike, or Brike, based at the Cairns Health Living Centre at the northern end of The Esplanade. This new form of active transport forms part of Council's commitment to foster a vibrant and healthy community where everyone feels they belong.
EVENTS
The Port Shorts Film Festival on October 18-19 shines the spotlight on the imagination of Australia's most creative minds and stimulates the next generation of filmmakers. The films are showcased in an outdoor screening at Rex Smeal Park, an idyllic seaside venue.
Cairns Fashion Week on November 19-24 is an annual celebration of fashion combining innovation, artistry, and culture in a tropical setting showcasing designers from around the world. From runway shows to after-parties, the week brings together the fashion-forward, avant-garde, and trendsetters of the fashion industry.
The Tablelands Folk Festival is being held in Yungaburra on October 25-27 celebrating world-wide folk traditions through music, storytelling, circus, dance, crafts and features musicians, dancers, circus and fire artists, comedians and festival performers. The combination of young and old, modern and traditional enhances the intimate, feel-good atmosphere.
For more information go to cairnsgreatbarrierreef.com
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