Reef HQ will entertain visitors of all age groups coming here. The children will get to take part in creatively planned craft activities organized during the weekends. There are also special holiday programs arranged for children during their school vacations. Other than that, the Reef HQ authority organizes education programs for groups throughout the year. To take part in these programs, you will have to make bookings in advance. Another program organized by the Reef HQ authority is Reef Sleep Program. People joining this program will get an opportunity of experiencing the magnificent view of the reef during the nighttime. Kids can join Reef Sleep Program when accompanied by their parents or any other adult individual.

Reef HQ has been made accessible even for people with disability; however, the disable individual must be able to move around without assistance. There are special toilet and parking facilities for the disabled individuals.

Many of you must be wondering whether Reef HQ allows admission with pets. The answer is ‘yes’. You can visit this place with companion dogs that are registered. However, to ensure that health and hygiene is maintained at the Reef HQ, you will not be allowed to take the companion dogs in the café area. Now, as we have mentioned the café, let us inform you things that you can expect at Reef HQ’s waterside café. The café will serve you with exotic coffee based beverages and a wide variety of light meals.

There are a number of animals and plants at Daintree that are part of the endangered list or are threatened. The twelve hundred sq kilo meters of the rainforest is simply one of the most unique and rewarding destinations not only in Queensland or even Australia, but also the world.

Daintree forest has a long history. The rainforest was formed close to one hundred and thirty five million years ago. Throughout the rainforest, you can see evidence of a huge number of phenomena such as global climatic changes, devastating fires, harsh storms, violent volcanic eruptions and more.

The forest has however succeeded at surviving, even thriving.  The forest is the last remaining protected areas in the world that is home to such diversity. The authorities monitor any human interaction closely so that the ecology of the Daintree Rainforest remains pristine for a long period of time.

Hiking is one of the best ways of experiencing the beauty of the superb rainforest. Hikers are given strict guidelines so that they are safe; and also to preserve the ecological balance of the forests. No litter or trash should be left anywhere in the forest. Hikers should travel in groups or at least in twos.

The marked trails should never be left, since you stand a risk of losing yourself, and also of damaging the forest. Water and food are essentials, as are gear and clothing appropriate for hiking.

There are a number of trails available for hikers. Make sure you consider your capability and time while choosing a trail. The Marrdja Botanical Walk is the shortest trail, just about thirty minutes, and the Mount Sorrow Ridge is the longest, and lasts for about six hours. Make sure you approach the longer hikes with caution. Make sure you leave the least impact in the forests.

Stop at the Rainforest Market at Cairns when you are done with your hike. The huge assortment of rainforest souvenirs, food items, clothes and more makes this a great place for shopping enthusiasts.

The Naaracoorte Site encompasses three hundred and five acres if area. It is inclusive of a series of ridges of stranded coral reefs that are South American coast line as well as the caves.

The World Heritage Site that comprises of two Australian fossil mammal sites was compiled in 1994. These are superb specimens that represent the major stages in the evolutionary history of the earth. These are outstanding examples that represent the significant biological and ecological evolution that is going on even now.

Naracoorte Caves are a popular attraction in Australia. The main highlight of this attraction is the subterranean wonders at the site. It is also possible to discovered evidence of life in the Pleistocene Age as well as the Earth’s development, just in case you are so inclined.

The National park has twenty six caves in total, of which not all are permitted for visitors. A few of the caves are devoted for research by scientists while some are protected. The caves that are open to visitors have a huge list of attractions.

The towering cliffs and the pristine stretches of beach here make for an exceedingly rewarding destination that is suitable for both adventure lovers as well as recreational tourists. There are a huge number of activities on offer for tourists, and this is inclusive of swimming, scuba diving, fishing, sailing and a lot more.

Yorke Peninsula is also a region that has a significant position with respect to history. Wallaroo’s historical heritage can be best experienced by a long historic walk along the ancient buildings, the remnants of the copper smelters and other buildings that existed here. The Ardrossan Folk and District Historical Museum is another must see, with a collection of top notch agricultural machinery such as the Stump Jump Plough.

Yorke Peninsula is also home to Ardrossan Golf Club, with eighteen holes. The Ballywire Farm and Tearooms is a great spot to visit. The working farm here has farm animals such as cows, sheep, horses and donkeys. It is possible for visitors to take part in the various farm activities as well as interact with the animals. Yorke Peninsula is known all over the world as home to some of the best malting barley as well as premium quality wines in the world.

There are a range of attractions as well as things to do in store for visitors to the island. The copper mines are a must visit, as are the sheep farms.

Rawson Pass is a point close to the summit. The Rawson Pass was earlier accessible via car until nineteen seventy six. The road was actually closed for cars because of environmental concerns. It is also possible to access the Rawson Pass via cycle, many cyclists use the path until this pass.

You can leave the bikes and go on to the summit walking. The peak can also be accessed from Thredbo, which is a shorter six and a half kilo meters ( four miles ). The walk takes about one hr forty five minutes. There is a chair lift service as well available. There is a public restroom here that is the highest in Australia.  As visitors increase, waste management is becoming a big issue.

The Kata Tjuta from which part of the name of the national park comes from, is located at a distance of forty kilo meters from the Uluru ( or the Ayres Rock, as it was also referred to ), the other namesake. The Kata Tjuta is also referred to as the Olgas and are an enormous pile of rock domes from long ago. The Kata Tjuta and even Uluru that we see in the present day are the results, or rather remains, of erosive activity that began taking place more than five hundred million years ago.

Both the Kata Tjuta and the Uluru resemble icebergs in the way that these formations are actually tips of humungous rocks that extend more than six kilo meters into the ground. These formations are mighty under ground mountain formations.

The region has been the dwelling place of the Aborigines of Australia for more than twenty two thousand years. This was suggested by archeological work done after the rock was discovered by the western world. Uluru has had its traditional custodians in the Anangu people since ages. William Gosse, a famous European explorer, spotted the rock at first in the western world in eighteen seventy three, and then named it after Sir Henry Ayres, who was a previous premiere. Although technically not a monolith, it is referred to commonly by many people.

It was in eighteen eighty five that the Ayres Rock was returned to the custody of the Anangu people for them to care, and they manage the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. The rock which was previously referred to as Ayres Rock / Uluru, was from then own known as Uluru / Ayres Rock. It is frowned upon to climb the rock, as it is of religious significance to the Anangu people. There are a whole range of attractions related to culture and history here. Entry to the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park is priced at $ 25, for three consecutive days and multiple entries.

Burleigh Heads is located beneath the Burleigh headland. The headland is adorned with wonderful pines and palm trees. The headland was created by an old volcano. It served as a holy site for the Aborigines. They often gathered here to feast and fish. The headland is situated adjacent to Burleigh Head National Park. The park is located on the banks Tallebudgera Creek. The headland offers spectacular views of Surfer’s Paradise. The region is home to a magnificent beachfront park. This park draws locals as well as international tourists.

The atmosphere at Burleigh Heads is relaxed and calm. The region is replete with bars, restaurants, and cafés. The tranquility emanates from Burleigh Heads, rendering it a perfect destination for holidays.

Of all the beaches in Queensland, Burleigh Heads lies at the southernmost tip. It is reputed to be the finest beach in the state for surfing. The bottom of the beach comprises of sand. The southeasterly winds ensure that the climate is pleasant throughout the year. There is a huge quantity of water that pours into the bay from the southeast region. Hence, surfing is recommended on days that are windy.

The fame of Burleigh Heads rests on its point break. This unique point break forms a right-hander that is long and barreling. Surfing is part of the culture at Burleigh Heads. Billabong International is a surfing brand that is housed here. Most surfing competitions are held here and in the Kirra region.

The national park at Burleigh Heads is a wonderful getaway from Gold Coast’s hustle and bustle. Walk briskly through the rainforest situated along the coast. The tracks extend to Tallebudgera Creek. If it is your day, you may spot a koala.

Tallebudgera Creek is famous for its white sand and aqua waters.

Some of the popular attractions at Burleigh Heads include:

• Burleigh Heads National Park: The walk is wonderful, offering diverse views of wildlife such as birds, lizards, and other mammals.
• Tallebudgera Creek: This creek comprises of white sands and aqua waters. You might spot dolphins here if it is your lucky day.
• David Fleay Wildlife Park: This park is run by the government. It has many mangroves. The park is home to spectacular animal species, including crocodiles, kangaroos, and wallabies.

The Great Barrier Reef Australia is indeed a phenomenon, and is among the seven wonders of the natural world. The reef is a magnificent entity, larger than the Great Wall of China, and is visible from outer space, and is the only living thing to be so. It is the largest single structure in the world that is completely formed out of living things. There is a whole range of living species that are being supported by the Great Barrier Reef, and many of these are endemic to the reef. There are many endangered and vulnerable species of animals as well that are housed in the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef History and evolution

The history and evolution of the Great Barrier Reef is something that has been a source of fascination for geologists, oceanographers and other experts since ages, and the reef has a history that is extremely lengthy and diverse. The reef was formed by multiple generations of coral, who made their habitat in this region and was later found out and settled in by man.

The Great Barrier Reef is a humungous structure, and is extremely ancient. The Reef dates back to more that 20 million years ago. The reef is composed totally of living coral that grows on dead coral, and this process has continued since 20 million years ago, and has lead to the formation of what is now the Great Barrier reef. The dead coral have formed into huge amounts of rock, and is covered by a whole range of organisms like coral, crustaceans, snakes, molluscs, fish, sponges, algae, star fish, turtles, anemones, as well as a whole range of unique flora and fauna, numbering upto tens of thousands.

There is no physical or documentary evidence about the exact time when humans first discovered the reef, but this must have happened quite some time ago. There has been settlement by the Aboriginal people more than forty thousand years ago in parts of Australia, and the Torres Strait Islander and the Aboriginal peoples have navigated the reef since a long time. They have fished here, and hunted here.

The unique and varied landscape of this region is among the key reasons why it is the favorite with a whole number of New Zealanders, who like to drop in there on Weekends as well as a huge number of tourists, who find these pristine areas veritable paradises. The natural beauty of this place is a world apart from the urban sprawl of the city. Life is always a beat slower when you are in Coromandel. The easy pace of life is what makes the peninsula such an excellent holiday destination.

The peninsula has regions shrouded in verdant forests with mist glazing the air. These forests are home to some unique wild life as well as birds. The diverse flora and fauna of the region is something that has to be seen to be believed. The Coromandel peninsula is not only exquisitely beautiful, the region also has a significant place in history. It is said that Captain Cook, when he chanced upon the region in 1769, watched the planet of Mercury pass across the sun. The Mercury Bay and the Cook’s beach have been named as a memorial to this incident. The region was for quite some time exploited for timber, gum and gold. This lead to a lot of deterioration of resources in the area. But the exploitation was halted by environmentally conscious inhabitants as well as the farming, fishing, horticulture in addition to tourism.

There have been a good amount of attractions and sights set up for the benefit of visitors to this area, so as to provide adequate opportunities for reflection on the former days. The history of the region can be studies in detail at the various museums, which have comprehensive information on a wide range of topics. You can also observe the remaining elements of the gold mining and wood cutting times in the woods. Guides can be found who can take you here. If you like walking, the Coromandel region is the place to head to, and there is no dearth to scenic coastal paths and forest trails that are paradises for bushwalking enthusiasts.

Cairns City is a gateway to the Northern Australia and is a great base for people looking forward to explore tropical regions of Queensland and the world heritage Great Barrier Reef, the outback and the rainforests. While the city is modern and sophisticated it looks like a pretty postcard with its stunning mountains covered in dense flora and the glittering coral oceans.

Green Island is a world famous tropical cay (coral reef) which is situated about forty five minutes from the city of Cairns. The island is one of the Great Barrier Reef Islands and is like a dream becoming reality in the form of its stunning white sandy beaches and sapphire blue sparkling waters. It is one of the perfect ultimate getaways.

It is one of the prime tourist destinations in Cairns and has been the case for nearly fifty odd years now. Some time back, all the island had was a jetty, a few huts and a viewing point towards the end of the jetty. Popular with those seeking day trips from Cairns. Green island is small indeed the fifteen hectare area can be traversed and walked around in twenty minutes flat.

The circumference of the island is 1.5 kilometers long with beautiful edges in the form of sandy beaches or compacted coral. The interior of the island is dominated by lush green rainforests. The resort here on the island covers only twelve percent of the total space. There are many places where people can find solace and escape to on the island. The Green Island is home to a myriad of birds, 126 plant species and stunning coral gardens.

Visit the great marine parks of the island

You can hop onboard the Big Cat Reef cruise which can take you to the island’s protected Aquatic Park. The gorgeous coral cay of Green Island can be easily identified from the air by its stunning emerald green rainforests which are surrounded by sandy white beaches and picturesque reefs.

One can even enjoy a cruise on the green island with the big cat cruises. Amazing marine animals will take your breath away. One can sight the cute turtles, endless varieties of unimaginable colorful fishes. Shells, Starfish, sea urchins, giant clams, anemones, sponges, eels and many more incredible sea creatures are to be found here.

Relish in these pristine surroundings and the beautifully clear blue waters seen here. The big cat cruises make for the perfect time to scuba dive, snorkel, swim and encounter the coral and the fishes. View the under water world from the comfort of the glass bottom ship or in a semi submersible. Relaxing on the golden sand beaches however is the favorite pastime.

The island has along remained a day tripper environment but a guest house accommodation was established here in the 1930’s. The resort facilities here will astound you with luxury accommodation, bar, dining indoor as well as outdoor, snorkel and dive shops, swimming pool and beach hire.

The Green Island Resort was developed as an eco sensitive tourist getaway where all the infrastructure and buildings were built only with the clearing of minimal flora. In most cases the building were built around the vegetation of the island. No structures reach beyond the canopy of the trees here. This helps preserve the natural look of the island.