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.
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April 15 2010 | hotels | No Comments »
Tropical North Queensland offers many wonderful spas, and provides a great escape from the stress you are feeling in everyday life. There is much to do and a lot of natural beauty to explore. When you are done for the day you can then relax in one of the wonderful spas, seculded for the hustle and bustle in what many call natures paradise.
There are various price options, when looking for a spa in this region, from those that are priced the same as an average hotel stay, all the way to spas that cost as much as renting an island. However, the price of your stay does not change the experience that you will have, as each one offers relaxation at its highest in a breath taking setting.
One of the most incredible and one of the most expensive island getaways is that of Bedarra Island, a secluded island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, this island can be all yours and is an exclusive rental that includes incredible waterfront property that boasts 100% seclusion. You will receive not only the best accommodations in the region and complete seclusion, but will find the finest gourmet foods and beverages at this most tropical location.
The Daintree offers two options for levels of accommodations, the Daintree Heritage Lodge and Spa offers wonderful cabins that are comfortable and a offer an incredible place to kick back and relax. These accommodations are the lower priced option, where the Daintree also offers an Eco-Lodge which offers higher scale accommodations for those with a larger budget. Either way you will be completely enthralled with the Daintree as you bask in all the relaxation this incredible location has to offer.
The least expensive of the resort is the Kuranda Resort, located in the Kuranda Rainforest. This destination has a beautiful natural setting and is the perfect place to relax and get all you energy back into your life. Kuranda Resorts, offers complimentary breakfast for each day stay and they cater to couples, families and large groups.
So the next time you are visiting the Tropical North Queensland region, be sure to pamper yourself at one of their fabulous spas.
When are looking to holiday at a queensland hotels visit www.tropicalnorthqueensland to begin your vacation planning. This information centre has everything are looking to know from affordable port douglas hotels to upcoming events.
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February 01 2010 | vacation | No Comments »
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.
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January 10 2010 | vacation | No Comments »