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The Best Sightseeing Locations in Cairns

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Australian Opal Direct
The Best Sightseeing Locations in Cairns

The tropical environment and the abundance of opal, shops and other attractions offer a wide range of activities for families with children.


Black Opal One of the reasons why Cairns (pronounced 'cans') is a popular tourist destination is because it is very proud to have two amazing World Heritage sites. The Great Barrier Reef and Australian Tropical Rainforest are located in Cairns, making it one of the most beautiful places in all of Australia.


Not only that, Opal Stone also has a wonderful and interesting history and cultural charm that never ceases to attract visitors, both local and international.


To get you started on what Cairns has to offer, here are a few of the many things to see and do there.


Great Barrier Reef


Who wouldn't want to miss out on a visit to this tropical paradise? The Great Barrier Reef is easily accessible from Cairns via boat trips and shore excursions.


While visitors enjoy the beautiful view of the outer reef, tourists can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, submarine rides and other exciting activities. If you think the Great Barrier Reef can only be explored on water, there are also airplanes and helicopters available to give tourists a bird's-eye view of the majestic scenery.


The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 100 islands and supports 7,000 animal and plant species. The reef is actually home to some of the most endangered species, such as humpback whales and long-headed green turtles. So if you're looking for the best way to spend a day in Cairns, visit the Great Barrier Reef first.


Kuranda


Kuranda is a very popular commercial town located in the mountains with its 750 inhabitants. It is also called the "village in the rainforest". Kuranda has many attractions and has become a very popular day trip destination.


The main attractions of the city include the magnificent aviary, butterfly sanctuary, koala park, river boat cruises, the famous Kuranda railway station and its popular market community. The main town center has restaurants, nature parks and shops selling local and authentic Aboriginal artefacts such as handmade arts and crafts, boomerangs, didgeridoos, opals and souvenir t-shirts. Such a wonderful little town with so much to offer.


Kuranda Sightseeing Railway


If you want to get an unusual railway experience, then try the Kuranda sightseeing railway. The railway is operated by Queensland Rail from Cairns Station to Kuranda via the Grand Baron Gorge. The one hour and forty-five minute drive through the mountain range to the rainforest village of Kuranda is a unique experience you wouldn't want to miss.


The journey includes crossing gorges, passing waterfalls, tropical rainforest and river crossings. The highlight of the railway journey is the ascent over 300 meters of the Trhoguh forest, passing through 15 dark tunnels, 98 bends and 40 narrow bridges. Built way back in the 1880s, the 100-year-old Kuranda Scenic Railway still provides thrills to its riders.


Paronella Park


Jose Paronella had a dream to build a magical place where there is a secret garden and castle. In 1929 Jose Paronella built this charming place known as Paronella Park. Near Mena Creek stands a castle surrounded by bamboo gardens, forest walks, a secret garden and a tunnel of love.


An evening tour of Paronella Park gives visitors a more magical feel of this place. Guided walks and cultural performances are organized for visitors. Due to its magical and historical value, Paronella Park has been recognized as one of Australia's natural treasures and was listed by the National Trust in 1997.


Atherton Tablelands


If you want an authentic outback experience, a trip to the Atherton Tablelands is one of the best ways to do it.


The Atherton Tablelands is a horticultural and agricultural district in the town of Atherton. Many tour operators offer guided tours and informative tours to visitors who wish to visit the area. The place is a combination of the wonderful attractions of the humid tropics and the charm of the dry interior.


Some of the wonderful things a guided tour can provide are informative sightseeing experiences, wine tasting, food tasting including gourmet cheeses and produce, ice cream, tea, magoes, lychees, game, macadamia nuts and much more. As you tour the town, you'll find crater lakes, wineries, Curtain Fig Tree and Lake Tinaroo, where you can spot platypuses, fish and view majestic waterfalls.


Daintree River and Rainforest


The Daintree River and Rainforest is a World Heritage Site covering an area of ​​1,200 square kilometers. Not only is it one of the oldest surviving tropical rainforests, it is also home to the largest number of endangered species of animals and plants.


This is also one of the best places in the country if you want to see real crocs. In addition, more than 20 percent of the country's bird species have found this rainforest their home. It is one of the most protected places because over millions of years it has been home to various species of marsupials, butterflies and birds that have survived countless disasters and climate changes.


Skyrail Rainforest and Tjapukai


Aboriginal Cultural Park


Yet another most sought-after attraction from Kuranda is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. It is a 7.5km gondola ride that takes you on a thrilling and exhilarating ride through the canopy of Australia's World Heritage-listed rainforest. It's a great and unique way to experience the adventure first hand.


Next to the Skyrail terminal is the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Here you will find the best of Australian Aboriginal culture and history. It is also the best way to experience the culture of the natives, meet and greet some of them, join their dance, participate in their storytelling and watch some of the performances.


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