The Natural Wonders of Cairns

No trip to Cairns would be complete without visiting some of its natural wonders. If you enjoy hiking, listening to nature or just seeing new things, taking a trip into the Daintree Rainforest or visiting the Great Barrier Reef should be included in your vacation plans. The city of Cairns and the outlying regions of Queensland are home to some of the most beautiful landscapes to be found on the continent. Remember to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking sunsets, mountains, animals and other natural wonders that make up this exciting and rich region.

Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world. Spanning over 1200 kilometers, there is plenty to see and do while learning more about the plants, flowers, trees and animals that live here. In 1988, the Daintree Rainforest was added to the World Heritage Listing. This means that the area is protected as a historic landmark and cannot be disturbed by development projects.

Living in this rainforest are 12 plant families (there are 19 total in the world), the Estuarine Crocodile, and a variety of birds and other animals. Visiting the rainforest can take anything from several hours to several weeks, depending on just how much you want to see. Accommodation and tours are available through various tour companies and groups. When visiting the Daintree Rainforest, it's important to stay on the designated trails and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef can be reached in about two hours from Cairns. The world-renowned Great Barrier Reef is a good place to visit if you want to go snorkeling, diving or scuba diving. To see coral fish and other sea creatures of all shapes and colours there are many tour companies and diving companies that offer tours to this magnificent and breath-taking place. From glass bottom boat tours to helicopter tours, you will enjoy every moment you spend at the Great Barrier Reef.

Other natural wonders to visit during your trip to Cairns include:

• Crystal Cascades – located in the rainforest. See beautiful waterfalls and other elements only found in nature
• Goldsborough Valley – enjoy a weekend of camping, swimming and other outdoor activities
• Babinda Boulders – sit and watch calm waters from large rocks and boulders. This area is not only beautiful to visit; it also is home to many myths and legends
• Walsh's Pyramid – If you enjoy hiking, then a trip to the top of Walsh's Pyramid is for you. Most experienced hikers can climb this mountain in three hours

Cairns and the outlying regions have so much to offer those who want to spend their vacation outdoors. Disappointingly, Cairns is an area that is being increasingly affected by the phenomenon that is Global Warming. We encourage all to plan a trip to experience an exciting and rewarding stay before it is too late. Depending on the amount of time you have, try to spend a day or more in each location to truly experience it. Most people have to return several times in order to visit all the places on their itinerary. Tours of Cairns are available to these areas and others for most of the year.

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