Vacations Blog

Here’s the next article as promised about my vacation in Cairns.

Great Adventures. This was our only opportunity to visit the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns and we were satisfied. The boat carries approximately 30 passengers and that was about the right number for us. Big enough to have a bar and toilet facilities, but small enough that you didn’t feel you were on a cattle barge either. The crew were friendly and courteous. Your enjoyment was their first concern and they also wanted to make sure you got your money’s worth out of your cruise. They stopped at Upolo Cay and their own coral cay for bird watching and reef snorkelling and scuba diving. While we were in the water, they kept a sharp outlook for sharks. Nobody on this cruise even got seasick so we did OK. They feed you a barbecue luncheon and they have a bar you can purchase water, soft drinks and beer at. On the way back to Cairns they put up the sail but still drive in. I can’t think of a better day trip to the reef. At the end of the day each crew member shook your hand getting off the boat. It’s touches like that that make me want to recommend them to other travellsers.
Coffee Works is just about an hour drive from Cairns, near Mareeba. You can do tours on the coffee plantation here, which they exceedingly recommend – although I can’t say anything about it, as I was enjoying the cool surroundings too much to go on the tour.
The Centre’s café is a very calm, beautiful place which a large outside area, where you can sit and savour the view of eucalypt forest. It’s a not cheap, but I think it’s worth it, as the atmosphere is so nice and relaxing. Everything is made of wood and there is also a gift shop where you can buy coffee and everything to do with it. They also care for some injured kangaroos , so you can go and have a look at them, and maybe feed them if you ask.
Just close to the Flecker Botanic Gardens you find the rain forest boardwalk that leads to the Centenary Lakes and Saltwater Creek. The walking trail goes directly through the forest, so you can really feel like being in the wild So just enjoy the lush, green forest and also seeing some animals, like wallabies.
Centenary Lakes and Saltwater Creek look very idyllic – but don’t go too close to the water, as this is the habitat of saltwater cocodiles!
 

Even though the economy has people showing notes of caution, there’s no reason to cut all the adventure out of your life.  One way to exercise caution whilst still having adventure is by choosing holiday rentals in domestic getaways for your vacation this year.  Australian holiday accommodation prices are falling as owners and hoteliers put sales on to ensure a strong flow of traffic.With Australia being such a vast country you are bound to find an array of adventures to suit your style however unusual they may be.  Here are five of the top adventure destinations in the country to help you get started with your planning.

The Kimberly Region:

You will struggle to find luxury accommodation out here, the area is geared up for true explorers.  Bush skills will come in handy as you explore the cliffs and gorges.  Hiring a guide might be advisable!It’s popular to take a scenic flight over the area; doing this first allows you to pick the perfect hiking or camping spot.  Typically, overnights here will mean camping or rustic-style bed and breakfasts.

Great Dividing Range:

The mountains here are perfect for skiing, climbing and white-water rafting.No matter which country your from it’s possible to appreciate the challenge involved in climbing Mount Arapiles.  Holiday accommodation here is usually a small hotel or ski lodge, with some camping available as well.You can’t ski during the summer months when the snow has all melted but the area still offers mountain biking, hiking, paragliding and more in the summer.

Murray River:

Winding along for 404 miles, the Murray River provides a wealth of adventure.You can either base yourself in a holiday rental for the trip and enjoy day trips rafting or you can go longer distances on an organised tour with multiple stops.  Start at the border of NSW and head for the sea—it’s a feat many attempt but not all accomplish.Earn yourself some bragging rights from this years holiday by trying it?

Northern Territory:

If you’re going off the beated track then trekking in the Northern Territory is serious business.The amazing views of the landscape and lack of any crowds make the challenge rewarding.Out of respect for the traditional aboliginal land owners and safety you must stick to marked trails.  The less restricted areas still require you to check in with rangers, but the adventure of it all is thrilling.  You can camp, trek, climb, go four-wheeling or any number of other tough adventures. Make a Darwin holiday accommodation booking to start your trip and then head out to explore the state and it’s national parks.

Great Barrier Reef:

After all the inland adventures, head for the Great Barrier Reef.  Quintessentially Australian, holiday accommodation here is more than a simple bush camp.  You can live high while snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, paragliding and wave boarding.  The Reef is magnificent—there are so many adventures to be had in the water than you can almost forget the beautiful beaches.  Almost.  Holiday rentals in the high season are very hard to come by, but getting a group together and renting a house on the beach can make for a truly memorable holiday stay.  Small cottages, fancy furnished condos, and simple bed and breakfast boutiques are available. The most popular areas are Port Douglas, Cairns and the Whitsundays. Make sure you book Port Douglas accommodation or for any other popular area well in advance.