Sunday, January 10, 2010

A Cairns Holiday Is The Most Fabulous Treat

By Jerry Duncan

Located on the far north coast of Far North Queensland, the city of Cairns is nestled between the ocean and the Great Dividing Range of Australia. Easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Atherton Tableland, the Daintree Rain forest, and other natural attractions make Cairns a popular tourist destination. Over one hundred hotels are available for tourists; Cairns hotels vary from one-room cottages to luxury suites.

The discovery of gold is what created the town of Cairns in 1876. With Trinity Inlet being a great way to transport the gold more industry was created. An agricultural base and a saw mill joined which meant the town would continue to flourish after the gold was gone. The railroad came which brought more workers which increased the agricultural base. Cairns grew rapidly as a center of commerce and improved the public utilities and transportation, it became an official town in 1903 as the population continued to grow.

Cairns has a long history of environmental awareness and protection. In 1900, the nearby Barron Falls area was designated as a national park, preserving it as an unspoiled wildlife refuge for future generations. Today, Cairns is surrounded by national parks and nature preserves, including Daintree National Park, Undara Volcanic National Park, and the Hann Tableland protected area. These exotic natural environments provide homes for native wildlife and plants and are popular destinations for ecotourists and researchers alike. Most travelers find it most convenient to stay at one of the various Cairns accommodations due to the variety of options available, but smaller hotels and camping grounds are available near these national parks as well.

To see a architecturally interesting Moorish type concrete castle the tourists must visit Paronella Park. Jos Paronella built this unusual structure in the 1930's along with the first hydroelectric generator in Queensland. The castle has sustained some damage but is still a major tourist attraction with a ballroom and and cinema available for tours. The grounds are kept up in mostly their original condition, and the generator is begin restored so that it will work again.

No discussion of the Cairns and Port Douglas area can fail to include the gorgeous beaches and tropical climate. International tourism is a major economic force in Cairns, and a number of luxury beach hotels serve beachcombers and sun seekers. Reasonably priced Cairns hotels are also available for travelers on a budget. For longer term visits, extended-stay apartments and holiday houses are available in and around Cairns. Luxury retreats and resorts round out the offerings in Cairns accommodations, providing the ultimate in privacy and comfort at a premium price. Be sure to book early, since even during the off-season Cairns hotels fill up fast.

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