About
the Queensland Region
| Area: |
1,730,650
sq kms (668,207 sq miles) |
| State
Population: |
3,670,500 |
| Capital:
|
Brisbane |
| Population:
|
1,291,300 |
 Two-and-a-half
times the size of Texas and seven times the size of the
United Kingdom, Queensland, more than half of which lies
above the Tropic of Capricorn, is known as the 'Sunshine
State'. It is home to the Great Barrier Reef, many resort
islands, miles of golden sandy beaches, lush rainforest
and huge wilderness areas.
Tropical
North Queensland
This unique region of the state is where we operate our tours
and there are many attractions and activities to explore.
You can cruise, snorkel or dive on the amazing Great Barrier
Reef, relax on one of the beautiful tropical islands, take
a 4WD safari to the outback, trek into some of the oldest
rainforest in the world or do all of the above!
Southern
Queensland:
Our touring products travel through the rest of the state
stopping at the Atherton Tablelands, A Cattle station, Magnetic
island, the Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island, Rainbow Beach
and Brisbane. This provides for a diversity of experiences
and inclusions as part of the tour because Queensland has
something for everyone.
Culture
Queensland
has a rich Aboriginal culture and you will get a taste of it
on all our trips. Guides will introduce you to bush medicine,
history, and stories.
Wildlife
You might
be lucky enough to see fresh and salt-water crocodiles, kangaroos,
wallabies, the endangered emu-like Cassowary, possums, the cute
Green Tree Frog and a huge variety of bird life including pelicans
and several species of cockatoos and parrots. You can guarantee
to see all these, plus koalas and more, at Rainforest Habitat
Wildlife Sanctuary, a unique reserve visited on many of our
tours.
Climate
Aptly
named the Wet Tropics, Far North Queensland experiences
two distinct seasons (similar to the Top End of the Northern
Territory). Average temperatures during the dry season (lasting
approximately from May-November) vary from 14-26°C (57-79°F),
though outback and highland areas can fall considerably
below this during winter nights. July to August is a very
busy time and booking accommodation and tours in advance
is highly recommended. The green season begins with the
first monsoonal rains, usually around the end of November,
and between 75 and 90% of the annual rainfall is recorded
during this time. Average green season temperatures range
from 24-33°C (75-91°F).
Time
Zones
Please note: At different times during the year there are
time zones differences in Australia, for instance between
New South Wales and Queensland.
Example:
On certain tours that depart New South Wales at 8.00am and
then stops to pickup more passengers just over the border
in Queensland at 8.30am which would normally take 90 minutes
to cover the same distance it's because of the time zone.
|
Average
Minimum |
Average
Maximum |
Description |
| October-December |
22°C |
36°C |
Days
are usually fine and hot, with a late afternoon build-up
of storm clouds, resulting in evening showers. This
inspires many native trees to flower, bringing out the
birds and pollinating insects. The outback creeks and
waterfalls start to flow. This is also the main time
of reproduction on the Great Barrier Reef, when we can
witness the yearly coral spawning. |
| January-March |
22°C |
36°C |
Warm,
Humid weather night and day. This is the time when the
tropics experience the heaviest rainfalls throughout
the year. The rivers are flowing, the rainforest is
glowing with colour, and the outback turns green! |
| April-May |
18°C |
30°C |
This
is the mildest time of the year, with the rains easing.
The days are warm and usually sunny, often cooled by
a sea breeze. The nights are comfortably cool. |
| June-July |
12°C |
26°C |
The
coolest months in the tropics, and also the time when
we experience the least rainfall. Perfect for sitting
around an outback campfire under a star-filled sky!
Our daylight hours are not significantly reduced in
winter, so outdoors activities reign all year round. |
| August-September |
15°C |
30°C |
Temperatures
start to warm up, but the sunny days are cooled with
a refreshing sea breeze. Humpback Whales can be seen
on their annual epic migration to the tropical waters
of the Great Barrier Reef, where they bear their young,
before heading back to the Antarctic for summer. |
Required
clothes: Dress is generally casual throughout Queensland
and, especially with the high temperatures, shorts and t-shirts
etc are ideal for most of the year. A hat (particularly a
one with a wide brim) would come in very handy to protect
you from the sun. A light waterproof jacket is recommended
during the green season (though it is definitely not cold!)
and warm clothes for winter nights if you are venturing into
the outback.
Accommodation
For travellers
who look for a backpacker accommodation we recommend:
CAIRNS
*Calypso
*Bohemia
*YHA
*Caravellas
BRISBANE
* Tin Billy
* Palace
* Bunk
* YHA
Available facilities to go to the accommodation:
- Check if free transfer buses are provided by the hotels
- Airporter Shuttle Bus services are available - 8$AUD per person
(Cairns); and 11$AUD per person (Brisbane)
- Taxi fare from airport to:
* Calypso: about 17$ AUD
* Bohemia: about 15$ AUD
* Tin Billy: about 27$ AUD
* Palace: about 25$ AUD
Places
of Interest
Cape
Tribulation - approximately 150km north of Cairns,
Cape Tribulation is a remote community in the heart of the
Daintree National Park. Captain Cook named the cape in the
late 1700's, as it was just north of here that his 'tribulations'
began when he ran his ship on to Endeavour Reef. It is famous
for the discovery of rare and primitive plant species in the
rainforest and also the only place in Australia where the
reef meets the rainforest (the Great Barrier Reef and Tropical
Lowland Rainforest). The stretch of coast that follows the
Coral Sea is incredibly beautiful.
Undara
Lava Tubes - these geological wonders were formed
some 190,000 years ago when a volcano erupted and its molten
lava flowed down a dry riverbed. As the top layer cooled and
crusted, the magma below continued to flow through the tubes
taking it further from the volcano. As the eruption stopped,
the lava drained out of the tubes leaving a series of long,
hollow tunnels. The word Undara means 'a long way' in the
Aboriginal language and one of the lava flows here extends
160 kilometres, making it the longest lava flow from a single
volcano in the world.
Fitzroy
Island - 35 kilometres (18 nautical miles) south
east of Cairns, Fitzroy Island is one of 600 'Continental'
islands on the Great Barrier Reef and is surrounded by colourful
fringing reef. It is actually the top of a submerged mountain
and was connected to the mainland approximately 10,000 years
ago but when the Ice Age ended and the ocean rose, the valley
between Fitzroy and the other mountain peaks flooded.
Beaches
Cape
Tribulation - has a beautiful white, sandy beach
bordered by World Heritage rainforest and the clear waters
of the Coral Sea.
Fitzroy
Island - is surrounded by beaches made up of coral
deposits. You can snorkel right off the beach.
Hikes
Rainforest
Hike - Discover unspoilt freshwater streams and hidden
waterfalls that can only be reached by foot on our 2 day hike
exploring the valleys surrounding Little Mulgrave River.
Mossman
Gorge - The 3km walking trail offers a beautiful
introduction to the World Heritage rainforest of the Daintree
National Park.
Silver
Valley - enjoy a walk through the outback to a renowned
Aboriginal rock art site.
Culture
Gold
Rush - Approximately 150km west of Cairns, in the
heart of the QLD outback, you won't believe that these rugged
tree-studded hills were once home to 10,000 people scrambling
for gold. 120 years ago Tyrconnell was the most famous mine
on the Hodgkinson Goldfield and several original buildings
and machines remain as testament to the era.
Aboriginal
Outstation - a highlight of some of our 4WD safaris
is the chance to interact with members of the local Barbarrum
clan, learn about their way of life and try your hand at didgeridoo
playing
Wildlife
You
might be lucky enough to see fresh and salt-water crocodiles,
kangaroos, wallabies, the endangered emu-like Cassowary, possums,
the cute Green Tree Frog and a huge variety of bird life including
pelicans and several species of cockatoos and parrots. You
can guarantee to see all these, plus koalas and more, at Rainforest
Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, a unique reserve visited on many
of our tours.
Other
Activities
Canoeing
- Have fun exploring beautiful Lake Tinaroo by canoe - a great
way to get up close to wildlife along the banks. As included
in some of our 4WD Safaris.
Skyrail
Rainforest Cableway - See the rainforest from a different
angle! Experience amazing views of the canopy on this 7km
gondola ride that takes you to Kuranda, the village in the
rainforest. As included in some of our 4WD Safaris.
Horse
Riding - explore the grasslands, rainforest and Cape
Tribulation beach on horseback on our 3 Day 'Trails in Tribulation'
Guided Transport packages.
Great
Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkelling - take a day
trip to the pristine reef off Cape Tribulation on our 3 Day
'Reef & Rainforest' Guided Transport packages or check
out our 'Diving the Great Barrier Reef' section (see Itineraries
in the Queensland 'Tours' menu) for day trips and Learn to
Dive/Advanced Open Water courses from Cairns.
White
Water Rafting - enjoy a full day of white-knuckle
adventure rafting the Grade 4 rapids of the Tully River on
our 3 Day Hinchinbrook Safari.
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