The Diantree Rainforest The Daintree Rainforest north of Cairns in Tropical Far North Queensland Australia is one of the most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Nature in the world. It is home to the largest range of plants and animals on earth, and all are found within the largest chunk of rainforest in Australia - an area spanning approximately 1200 square kilometers. This World Heritage Listed area contains the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare, or threatened with extinction, anywhere in the world. The Daintree Rainforest is a unique area, precariously balanced between the advances of development and the warnings of environmentalists. The Daintree Rainforest contains 30% of frog, marsupial and reptile species in Australia, and 65% of Australia's bat and butterfly species. 20% of bird species in the country can be found in this area. And it all lives in an area that takes up 0.2% of the landmass of Australia.
Mission Beach The hideaway township of Mission Beach is surrounded by a lush backdrop of World Heritage listed wet tropical rainforest; sun kissed white sandy beaches and the silvery shimmering blues of the Cora Sea. A picturesque 1.5 hours drive south from Cairns and 2.5 hours north from Townsville through rich cane fields, banana plantations and historic towns, Mission Beach is a unique and unspoiled haven. Two shopping centers - one at Mission Beach and one at Wongaling Beach service the area with supermarkets, butchers, newsagents, TAB, bakery, greengrocer, Post Office, gift shops, delicatessen, clothing stores, hairdressers, art gallery, dive shop, hardware store and service stations. There is a liquor outlet at Wongaling Beach. The area boasts many restaurants offering a wide range of cuisine from French, Chinese, Italian and other international. As well, there are a host of takeaways, coffee shops and ample retail outlets for those who want to do their own cooking. Mission Beach is secluded, yet it is also the perfect base to explore the other wonders of the region; the Great Barrier Reef, Hinchinbrook Island, Dunk Island, Paronella Park at Mena Creek, Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, World Heritage Wet Tropic Rainforest and the Gulf Savannah. Other Attractions The Flecker Botanic Gardens and Mt. Whitfield Conservation Park have trails surrounded by cycads and palms with dramatic views of the city and Trinity Inlet. Enjoy Australia’s cultural richness at Tjapukai Cultural Park and Cairns Regional Gallery and relax at the Cairns Foreshore Promenade. The fantastic beaches, warm sun and active environment make Cairns a great city to explore. Besides the “must sees” and adventurous “must do's” of The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the city of Cairns has beautiful gardens and cultural centers that likewise cannot be missed. Source: Australia. Lonely Planet, 2004. |