A Great TNQ Destination

Townsville's faultless blue skies ,long beachfront esplanade means that Queenslands third largest city retains the relaxed tropical atmosphere of its smaller counterparts. It is endowed with a grand coastal position,park lands,purpose built attractions, a lively cafe and restaurant scene and lofty Castle Hill, from whose peak you can survey the lot.

The Great Barrier Reef is just a few hours away out by a fast catamaran and its closeness has allowed Townsville to be increasingly recognized as a center for research into marine life. Reef HQ is home to the headquarters to The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. This underwater observatory is both informative and visually breathtaking. Its living reef is the largest captive reef in the world. Townsville is home to a major armed forces base and James Cook University, giving it a significant population of young adults and a better-than-average nightlife. Many o Townsville's pubs and bars serve food. Most of the action is along Flinders Street and winds down around 1am. There is also Jupiter's Casino, famous for its flashing neon faux fireworks, cinemas and nightclubs that are licensed until 5am. Restaurants are numerous and wherever you go seafood is always amazing. For dining with a view, head to C Bar which has a broad outdoor deck. Naked Fish is obviously famed for its seafood menu but also includes Cajun and Moroccan dishes.

In 1864, sea captain Robert Towns commissioned James Black to establish a settlement on Cleveland Bay to service the new inland cattle industry. The many historic buildings found around Cleveland Bay are a reminder of this heritage. It is still a major port for the beef and mining industries. A shameful claim to fame is that the same Robert Towns began the practice of black birding kidnapping Kanakas (South Sea Islanders) from their homeland and bringing them to Australia for cheap labor as European were considered inherently unsuited to work in the tropics .The Kanakas were primarily used in the Sugar Industry and were paid a pittance, housed in substandard accommodation and were given the most physically demanding jobs. The kidnapping was outlawed in 1868 and government ships were placed on all Kanakas ships to check that their emigration was voluntary but only in 1901 was the use of island labor completely stopped.

Magnetic Island is about 8km offshore, named by Captain Cook who erroneously believed that magnetic fields generated by the huge granite boulders he could see were causing problems with his compass. It has 2,500 inhabitants and is the only reef island with a significant permanent population. It has 12,000 acres of largely mountainous terrain includes lush and varied vegetation and almost half the island is designated as a national park. You can have a great day trip here or even stay overnight in private accommodation on offer and there are many walks around the island. Sandy bay is a great place for a swim or snorkel and you can see spectacular views from old WWII forts.

Bowling Green Bay National Park, a coastal park, offers much for the self-sufficient guest. Walk along Alligator Creek to see cascades and waterfalls. Stay overnight on the campsite and go spotlighting to see brush tail possums and sugar gliders. Granite Mountains blends a variety of landscapes including saltpans and mangrove country.

There are numerous queensland hotels for you to choose when planning a visit to TNQ. You can log onto www.tropicalnorthqueensland.com.au to find the cairns accommodation that is most suited for your vacation requirements.

April 15 2010 | hotels | No Comments »

Top Tips On Affordable Car Rentals

If you are researching to obtain a car hire but are quite a scrap concerned about the idea of shedding a bit much money. You are hoping there lived a guide to help you through and through with the process, one that would ensure that you don't spend excessively more. Luckily, you have finally chanced upon what you were hoping for. The following is the cardinal points to car rental that everyone who's leasing a vehicle would like to know.

1. There's Always A Discount Rate- Several individuals will assure you there are zero discount rates to be offered in the automobile hire industry. This is plainly not the truth. Although a lot of companies are keeping their rates stabilized during this economical downswing, you would discover that you will be able to ascertain internet discounts as well as promotional codes upon the internet. You will be able to likewise inquire about the specials companies are extending or discount rates that they have forthcoming to assist with more savings.

2. Keep An Eye On The Milage- Several companies do not attain a lot of profit on their basic fees, therefore they lean towards makeing it up in charging for mileage or overages in miles that could amount to quite a morsel of additional charges. As an alternative choose to rent automobiles that may cost a bit more however come with limitless mileage, this will end up preserving you several of your hard earned dollars.

3. Be Knowledgeable Of Your Insurance Coverage- You need not need to purchase supplemental insurance through the rental company if you're covered through your charge card, automobile insurance or both. Learning about your insurance policy options beforehand is a great method to save yourself a lot of money on the insurance policy, as well as if something materializes with the vehicle.

4. Don't Be Stubborn To One Date- possibly the greatest significance to acquiring the finest conceivable bargain on your automobile rental is to be negotiable. By altering the weeks, dates and times of your rental, you will be able to really save quite a sum of money. If size isn't a matter, attempt being compromising in that area also, since automobile hire agencies would like to rent every last car, a more, less traveled size could really be less pricey to rent.

If you are ready to holiday in Australia be sure to use the car hire Surfers Paradise has relied on for years. Log onto www.budget.com.au for the best deals available. You can also get a brisbane car rental vacationers have enjoyed while traveling from sight to sight.

March 13 2010 | vacation | No Comments »

What Is There To See In Cairns?

Cairns is a wonderful city in Far North Queensland in a great location, in between the Great Dividing Range of Australia and the great blue sea. There are many great natural locations close by which brings in lots of tourists such as the Daintree Rain forest, Atherton Tableland and the Great Barrier Reef. There are many places to stay in Cairn, plenty of beds available varying from luxury hotel penthouses and little one room cottages.

In 1876 the town of Cairns was founded during the time of the gold strikes. The port there, Trinity Inlet was the best way to move the gold out, and then there was a saw mill and an agricultural base added. As the railroad built tracks in more immigrant workers came which increased the agricultural interests there. The commerce continued to grow which brought Cairns higher status than surrounding town. Due to this the public utilities and transportation were improved, and in 1903 it became an official town due to the increased population.

Environmental awareness and protection of the natural environment are strong in Cairns. Many national parks and preserves such as Hann Tableland protected area, Barron Falls National Park and Daintree National Park are very nearby. These bring in lots of visitors and researchers who come to see the exotic natural areas, home to wildlife and plants. Due to Cairns proximity it is the place where most of these tourists choose to stay, and there are many options there. The national parks do have camp grounds and small hotels also.

Paronella Park is an architectural marvel and a major tourist attraction located near Cairns. Built in the 1930s by Jos Paronella, the Moorish-influenced concrete castle has suffered damage over the years, but retains much of its unique charm. Paronella also built the first hydroelectric generator in Queensland, currently being restored to working condition. The grounds of Paronella Park are maintained in approximately their original state, and the ballroom and cinema are available for tours.

If you're a sun seeker, Cairns and Port Douglas have the beaches and tropical climate you dream about. There are plenty of accommodations to choose from, luxury resorts to hotels right on the beach to extended stay apartments and homes for rent. Budget challenged visitors will have a good choice also. But make sure to book your stay early as the places in Cairns fill up quickly even in the off season due to the international appeal.

If you are preparing a trip to Australia you must go to TropicalNorthQueensland.com right now to locate all the information necessary for your trip. TropicalNorthQueensland.com will provide you with details about palm cove accommodation and cairns accommodation, and make the reservation for you.

January 10 2010 | vacation | No Comments »

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort – Getting Away From it All

The Rockwater Secret Cove Resort is one of the Sunshine Coasts best hidden secret. This fabulous resort offers deluxe accommodations, each complete with breathtaking ocean views. The Rockwater Resort is hidden amidst the peacefulness of the coastal rainforest.

Each ocean view room, ocean cabin, and tent house suites offer relaxation in the simplest of ways. You will find yourself not wanted to walk outside of the room, however, with so much to do outside you will not be able to stay in long. You can take in some golf, swim in the ocean or soak in the heated pool.

There are thirteen tent houses available, each overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In order to arrive at these accommodation you will need to take a walk along the broad walk through the carved trail in the forest. Each tent has a hand carved bell, which hangs by the stairs, that is used to announce visitors such as room service, or maybe some friends you have made during your stay.

Although all accommodations this wonderful resort offer seclusion, comfort and relaxation, the tent house suites are especially so. Each tent house suite is built on stilts into the jagged coastline. Inside there is a luxurious king size bed, a message tub for two, a private balcony and a complimentary fruit basket. When you are staying at the tent house suites you will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean whether sitting on the balcony or lying on your bed.

Peace and tranquility abound in this the best kept secret on the Sunshine Coast . A true romantic getaway, you will get all the privacy of being alone, plus the service of a five star hotel. Throw in relaxing massage, a full service spa, and an incredible five star Oceanside restaurant and you have one of the most incredible romantic getaway locations in the entire world.

September 29 2009 | holiday | No Comments »