Solar Eclipse 2012 Live Webcam
Posted: 13 Nov 2012
Can't be in Cairns, Port Douglas, Daintree or the Tablelands for the Total Solar Eclipse 2012?
Watch it online on the Cairns City Webcam!
Extra Departures For The Eclipse
Posted: 12 Nov 2012
Extra departures on this special Aboriginal Cultural experience throught the Eclipse period
Thursday 15th November, Friday 16th November and Sunday 18th November
Solar Eclipse 2012 Road Reports
Posted: 01 Nov 2012
Plan, prepare and be patient!!
Police are urging residents and tourists to plan, prepare and be patient for the viewing of the Total Solar Eclipse scheduled for Wednesday November 14 between 6.38am and 6.40am.Now is the time to start researching, if you can see the sunrise at 6.38am from your house or neighbourhood, then the best seat in the house is at your own.Other viewing locations to consider are the northern end of the Cairns Esplanade, the northern ends of Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob Beach, Trinity Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove and Ellis Beach.Those travelling by road to the region are urged to plan their trip and observe the fatal four; seatbelts, speed, fatigue and drink driving.The following changed traffic conditions will be in place;CAIRNS/KURANDA/WANGETTI• Closed – the Kuranda Range Lookout and Rex Range Lookout (no parking available)• Closed – Lake Morris Road (Residential traffic only)• Limited parking – Oak Beach (Area will be closed once it reaches capacity)• Wangetti Beach – Parking available opposite Djarragun College for gold coin donation• Closed – Beach access road to Wangetti ( 4pm 13/11 to 12pm 14/11)• Reduced speed zones at Oak Beach and Wangetti Beach• Closed – Palm Cove Boat Ramp (4pm Tues 13/11 to 12pm 14/11)• Palm Cove Jetty open until it reaches capacity• Closed – Ray and Janet St, Yorkeys knob (Residential traffic only)• Closed – Southern End Vasey Esplanade, Trinity Beach (Residential traffic only)PORT DOUGLAS AND MOSSMAN• Closed – the Esplanade Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas (Macrossan – Mowbray, residentialtraffic)• Closed – Mowbray and Macrossan Street, Port Douglas (Residential Traffic only)• Closed – Island Point Road (Residential traffic only)• Closed – Murphy Street (Residential traffic only)• Closed – Flagstaff and Alexandra Range Lookout, DaintreeATHERTON TABLELANDS• Closed – Bob’s Lookout, Desailly Range (no parking available)Police expect a significant increase in traffic volumes along the Bruce Highway between Innisfailand Cairns, the Captain Cook Highway, the Kennedy Highway, Mulligan Highway and Mossman-Mount Molloy Road. Police warn that parking at many vantage points will be limited; and remindmotorists to follow the directions of traffic controllers. If you park illegally or unsafely you can expectthat your vehicle will be towed away.For further information visit myPolice qld gov au/cairnsFor safety and other information regarding the eclipse visit:www.eclipse2012.org.auFor Traffic and Travel information visit: 131940 qld gov au
Tropic Sunbird Is Back In The Water With A New Look!
Sunlover Reef Cruises | Moore Reef Tour
Posted: 04 Oct 2012
Following a $500,000.00 refurbishment, Sunlover Reef Cruises celebrated the return of its 400 seat vessel, Tropic Sunbird. Tropic Sunbird now joins Tropic Sunseeker who was also refurbished January 2012.
The extensive upgrade to Tropic Sunbird undertaken in recent months includes a freshly painted xterior, new windows, new carpet on three levels, seat coverings.
Tropic Sunbird will alternate with Tropic Sunseeker to share the route, bound for Sunlover Reef Cruises’ outer reef pontoon at Moore Reef. Each vessel is available for private charter.
The Group General Manager of Ocean Hotels and Tourism, Nicola Constantinidis said she is delighted with Sunlover Reef Cruises’ new look vessel that will boost fleet capacity by a further 400 seats when it resumes operations.
“While the upgrade to Tropic Sunbird may have been at significant cost, we truly believe it to be a solid investment in local tourism and the company’s future by enabling greater capacity and flexibility in terms of our sales and marketing efforts.
“With the vessel back in the water and joining her sister vessel, (affectionately called the twins) we are now set to vie for new business that includes the lucrative private charter and meetings and incentive markets.”
Sunlover Reef Cruises operates a daily service to Moore Reef. From the undercover pontoon passengers are offered a variety of activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, viewing the reef from glass bottom boat or semi submersible tours and (Seawalker) helmet diving. Marine biologists also provide an interesting, interpretive view of the marine life that is showcased. In 2010 and 2011 Sunlover Reef Cruises won the coveted Major Tour and / or Transport Operator award in the TNQ Tourism Awards. Sunlover Reef Cruises is a finalist in the 2012 Awards, with winners announced on 13 October 2012.
Reece Mastin's 'shout It Out' Music Video Filmed On The Atherton Tablelands
Posted: 05 Jul 2012
X Factor winner Reece Mastin filmed his filmclip for 'Shout It Out' on the beautiful Atherton Tablelands!
Check out our Video Library for a link to the film clip!
Check out our 'Self Drive' categories for ideas on places to visit on the Atherton Tablelands!
New Aboriginal Guide For Daintree Dreaming Day Tour
Posted: 18 Apr 2012
An exciting day for our Daintree Dreaming customers today with the commencement of a new tour guide Cris Wilesmith. A young enthusiastic Aboriginal guide who has completed stage one of his training, Cris will be complete his training in 6 weeks and will guide the tours each Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.
Palm Cove Webcam
Posted: 19 Mar 2012
Our Palm Cove Webcam which was located on cairnscam.info is currently being upgraded. It will be available again in a couple of weeks on the top of the weather page.
In the meantime, check out the Cairns Webcam at http://www.cairnsinfo.com/webcam.php
Cairns Stars In Book Series For Students
Posted: 16 Mar 2012
Cairns is featured in the tenth book of the Our Australia, an innovative series teaching students about the rich history, culture and geography of regional Australia.
The series is a collaboration between Australian Geographic magazine and award-winning author Phil Kettle, who also wrote the popular children’s series Get Real.
“This is a fantastic initiative for our kids and their teachers,” says author Phil Kettle. “It’s compelling, it’s fun and these books teach children about the rich and precious diversity of our country.”The series follows Taha, a mischievous young boy, on his trip around Australia with his mum in their campervan, ‘The Southern Cross.’ The stories abound with quirky Aussie slang, jokes and Australiana facts.
In this edition, Taha and his friend Joel leave Canberra and travel 2069km up the coast of Queensland, driving along the Pacific Highway to Brisbane and catching the famous Tilt Train to Cairns.
On the trip the boys learn about the history of Cairns, go game fishing and visit the Cairns tropical zoo, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the Great Barrier Reef.
Each book provides a fun way of learning about towns, cities and regions across Australia, including Broken Hill, Hobart, Byron Bay, Darwin and Canberra.
“This has been an exciting project for me to work on,” says Kettle. “I’m thrilled that schools, libraries and families now have access to this quality Australian resource.”The books are a part of the new Australian Geographic Education range, a vital new resource for primary school teachers.
“As guardians of an iconic brand, the series is a significant development for us,” says Australian Geographic general manager, Jo Runciman. “We are tailoring our material to a new generation and providing a quality educational resource that is relevant to the country we live in and for the people who live here.”
To arrange an interview with Our Australia author Phil Kettle, call 0423 296 685.To discuss the new Australian Geographic Education series or request a copy of Our Australia- Cairns contact Rebecca Baker on 02 9263 9825 or RBaker@acpmagazines.com.au.
Sydney Travelling Film Festival
Posted: 24 Oct 2011
SYDNEY TRAVELLING FILM FESTIVAL COMES TO TOWN 11-13 NOVEMBER 2011
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS MARGARET POMERANZ & DAVID STRATTON FROM AT THE MOVIES AND AUSTRALIAN MUSIC ICON CHAD MORGAN
The Sydney Travelling Film Festival lifts the curtain on its annual event in Cairns, bringing a weekend of world cinema and three very special guests to Cairns City Cinema, 11-13 November.
The festival will offer audiences tales from France, Israel, Norway, UK, Italy, Japan, USA, Argentina and Australia. The program caters to all tastes, from life in a monastery to classic Australian comedy, road trips and French animation.
Special guests this year include At The Movies film critics, David Stratton (founder of the Travelling Film Festival in 1974 and Sydney Film Festival Director 1966-83) and Margaret Pomeranz who will introduce the Cairns festival’s Opening Night Australian feature, The Hunter - a gripping physiological drama based on the novel by Julia Leigh and directed by Daniel Nettheim, starring Willem Dafoe and Sam Neill.
To celebrate their 25 years together on Australian television, Margaret and David will also present at Cairns a special screening of P. J. Hogan’s classic 1994 Queensland comedy, Muriel’s Wedding.
Another special guest at Cairns is iconic country music singer, Chad Morgan, who is hosting a Q&A after the screening of the Australian documentary I’m Not Dead Yet – the story of Chad’s legendry life of almost 60 years on the road, narrated by Australian rocker Tex Perkins.
Alongside these Australian features is the winner of four Israeli Academy Awards - The Human Resources Manager and Academy Award® nominated animation by Sylvian Chomet (Triplets of Belleville) The Illusionist. The festival line up also includes Official Selections from the Sydney Film Festival; the winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, Happy Happy; romantic comedy Medianeras, the internationally acclaimed Le Quattro Volte and new documentary from Errol Morris, Tabloid. The closing night film is the visually ravishing adaptation of Haruki Murakami's best-selling novel, Norwegian Wood, with an evocative score from Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead.
The Cairns Sydney Travelling Film Festival also showcases three acclaimed Australian short films including Nullarbor, winner of the 2011 Yoram Gross Animation Award at Sydney Film (screens with The Illusionist) and finalists in the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films – Cropped, in an outback home a family makes a mysterious discovery (screen with The Human Resources Manager) and Owen Trevor’s Two Laps, a tale of a two men and their annual race (screens with Happy, Happy). Alongside these Australian short films is short film from Singapore, Tiong Bahru, Official Selection at Sydney Film Festival.
Tickets on sale now at the cinema box office (07 4031 1077) and online at eventcinemas.com.au
Opening Night and guest sessions selling fast!
For full program details visit sff.org.au – Travelling Film Festival – Cairns
Barra, Beef & Bulldust Expo 4-6 November 2011
Posted: 06 Oct 2011
Where the outback meets the sea, Karumba will be the centre stage of the inaugural Barra, Beef and Bulldust Expo held 4 - 6 November 2011. Tours and attractions will also be promoted along the Savannah Way and Overlanders Way on-route to Karumba.
The free regional Expo at Karumba will showcase projects, organisations, goods and services ranging from corporate and local businesses, to community organisations and health services, to agriculture, art and education. There will be entertainment for all ages during the Expo.
A major evening event (ticketed) is planned to follow the Expo with a feast of local barramundi, beef and prawns and drawcard entertainers: Troy Cassar-Daley, Mary G, David Hudson and Shane Howard.
The expo will provide an opportunity for people across the Gulf region to showcase the community, natural resources, culture and economic prospects to the wider Gulf regional community, business leaders, politicians and other government decision makers, primary producers, industry, tourists and natural resource management practitioners.
The event is envisaged to be a catalyst for building partnerships and networks, extend the business and tourist season in the region, raise the profile of all sponsors, stallholders and activity hosts, generate opportunities for increased investment and business collaboration and increase the sustainability of land management practices across the region.
Visit their website for the Event Programme and Ticket information http://www.barrabeefandbulldust.com.au
Cardiac Challenge Reef Special
Posted: 08 Aug 2011
Passions of Paradise, an Australian Tourism Award winner and inductee into the Queensland Tourism Hall of Fame welcomes all cyclists and their families to our magical tropical North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. We are proud once again to be a sponsor of this wonderful event. With weeks of training ahead of you and a few mountain ranges to conquer on your way to Cooktown, we know that a bit of rest and relaxation is called for. No visit to our region would be complete without a trip to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef.Our 25 meter sailing catamaran, Passions of Paradise, travels daily to beautiful Michaelmas Cay and Paradise Reef and we offer all cyclists, their families & friends the following special valid until 31st October. REGISTERED CYCLISTS and their PARTNERS (25% discount)($114.25)Additional FRIENDS & FAMILY 10% discountAdult ($135.10)Under 14 Child ($81.10) In addition, for every passenger we book Passions will donate $10 to the Hospital Foundation. To book, simply call our friendly 24 hour reservation number, 40 411 600 and quote your Cardiac Challenge registration number.
Webcam At The Reef With Passions Of Paradise
Posted: 15 Feb 2011
Passions of Paradise now have a webcam installed on board. Check it out! http://www.passions.com.au/webcam/
Refurbishment Complete
On The Beach Holiday Apartments
Posted: 08 Jan 2011
All of our 1 BR Beachfront Apartments have had their makeover with reviews from guests being very positive - comfortable, modern with a tropical theme. February 2011 sees all 2 and 3 BR Apartments have a review with refurbishments to be marked for completion prior to July. Watch this space.
Refurbishment Well Under Way
On The Beach Holiday Apartments
Posted: 21 Apr 2010
We are very excited to announce that 9 of our 1 Bedroom Beachfront apartments have now been fully refurbished with the remainder being completed in May 2010. All furniture has been replaced and the rooms are ready to sell. Be one of the first to stay - mention this news article and save 50%....the first 10 callers only! Call NOW and SAVE.
Passions Wins Hall Of Fame Honours At State Tourism Awards!
Posted: 05 Jan 2010
Passions of Paradise won Hall of Fame Recognition (3 consecutive wins in Adventure tourism) at the Queensland Tourism awards, a glittering affair held at Jupiters Casino, Gold Coast in November. Not just content with taking our the Adventure award they also won the Major Tour &/ or Transport Operators category in a hotly contested field. Passions will now proudly represent Queensland at the Australian Tourism Awards in Hobart, February 2010.
Get Aspired!
On The Beach Holiday Apartments
Posted: 06 Dec 2009
On The Beach Holiday Apartments has just joined "Aspire Apartments & Resorts". The first in Far North QLD, Aspire offer a selective range of accommodation options at hotels, resorts, retreats and apartments in some of Australia's most sought after destinations.All Aspire Resorts are superbly located and On The Beach is no different. All offer you comfort, style and service, with an aspiring choice of accommodation styles, all designed to ensure an exceptional stay for the modern business and holiday traveller. As with all Aspire Resorts, our location is instrumental in defining our character and the aim is to be indulged in every sense, so guests can expect distinctive accommodation in keeping with the property’s style and surrounding environment.Service is tailored to guests needs - there are a range of services and facilities available for guests to choose. With 45 apartments ranging from 1 bedroom beachfront to 2 and 3 bedroom garden view, ocean view and beachfront, On The Beach is sure to aspire you in every way.Get Aspired today! Visit our listing and our website (www.onthebeach.com.au) and take advantage of some of our exclusive Specials being offered at Cairns Today for the festive season and beyond.
Top 1% Of Hotels In The World!
On The Beach Holiday Apartments
Posted: 25 Oct 2009
We are proud of our achievements over the past 3 years, having been voted in the top 1% of Hotels in the World by Expedia.The Expedia Insiders' Select List is as voted by guests - based on value, service and customer ratings. We have been in the top 1% for 2007, 2008 and now 2009. Don't take our word for it, come and experience quality for yourself!
Passions Marine Biologist Takes The Message To The World
Posted: 21 Apr 2009
Robin Aiello, Passions marine biologist and Environmental Manager, is taking a few months away from the tropics of Cairns to spread the marine conservation message farther a field. She is currently working in Antarctica onboard a world-class, 6 star Expedition Cruiseship called the Prince Albert II. The Prince Albert II is owned by Silversea Cruises- an Italian company reknowned for its high class service and spectacular itineraries. The Prince Albert II is the newest member of their fleet, it was only launched in May of this year, and is the companys only expedition ship. She carries up to 135 passengers. Robin was invited to join a hand picked Expedition Team to lead the ships inaugural journey to Antarctica. Robins duties include lecturing on a range of environmental topics, leading shoreside excursions to look for penguins, seals and other wildlife, as well as driving the zodiacs. Zodiacs are rubber inflatable boats that are used to transport passengers to and from the shoreside. These zodiacs are also used to conduct cruises amongst the huge icebergs and glaciers that Antarctica is so well known for.Robin joined the Prince Albert II in Mexico and sailed down the entire western coastline of South America to Ushuaia, Argentina the disembarkation point for Antarctica. She has just completed the inaugural trip from Ushuaia, to the Falklands, to South Georgia, to the Antarctic Peninsula and across the Drake Passage back to Ushuaia. She is currently in the middle of her second voyage back down to Antarctica. Robin will remain in Antarctica until early Jan when she will return to Cairns for a brief stop over before joining a similar ship in the Indian Ocean to take the same message of environmental and marine conservation to the islands around the Seychelles, Madagascar and East Africa.
Passions Save A Shark Conservation Program Donates Five Thousand Dollars To Shark Research
Posted: 21 Apr 2009
Passions has been running an on-board shark conservation awareness program for the past 2 years. Proceeds from the sale of t-shirts and other merchandise is donated to the Oceania Chondrichthyan Society to fund student awards and research grants.This year Passions has raised five thousand dollars.Passions want to thank each and every one of its passengers who has contributed to this amazing accomplishment by buying a t-shirt from us. If you are interested in purchasing one of our t-shirts and helping us save sharks, please contact us.
