The Northern Reef: From Cairns, daily cruise boats and sail boats, helicopters and seaplanes travel to Green Island, Fitzroy Island and the Outer Reef where boats are anchored or moored to floating pontoons just offshore. You have many 1 day or more dive options if you wish to snorkel the reef close-up. Go to Islands and Beaches to see most of the Great Barrier Reef Islands including the fabulous Lizard Island where you can charter Great Black Marlin deep sea fishing tours.

Beaches: There are no beaches at Cairns. If you wish to spend a day on the beach, Green Island is a short ferry ride away and there are 6 beaches on the Marlin Coast nearby and north of the city. Watch out for the stinging jellyfish through October to early May. Protective swimming enclosures are provided and warning signs are posted on beaches.

Cape York Peninsula.

The Cape is the most northerly point and the wildest, least populated region of Australia, about 100 miles/160 km north-west of Cairns. For those who are independent and adventurous, Kangaroo Kelly suggests a Cape York Safari; rent a 4wd and make the trek via Cooktown to Cape York via a rugged dirt road crossed by several rivers. At the Cape, flights to Thursday Island are available and you will encounter the Thursday Island Aboriginal people and their culture. For those less adventurous, overland tours, fly/cruise options and a daily airborne mail run to different places of the Cape York Peninsula are available.

Gulf Savannah Region.

This region stretches as far west as the Northern Territory border. Attractions include Mt Surprise, a centre for gem fossicking. Want more adventure? Keep the 4wd and make the Safari trek inland to the Undara Lava Tubes. Its a 155 mile/250 km outback bush trip to see the Tallaroo Hot Springs and the lava tubes that are over 100 miles long, dotted with rainforest and are big enough to drive a train through. Stay overnight at the Lava Lodge. For others, air, rail, or bus tours are available from Cairns.