Explore Queensland’s Tropical North

This Mater Prize Home lottery No. 273 we are giving you the chance to win a $1.8 million paradise lifestyle in tropical Cairns.

Situated on the edge of the Coral Sea, Cairns is a laid-back city best enjoyed outdoors. With the Great Barrier Reef at your doorstep, spectacular hinterland, stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and renowned rainforests – you’ll never find yourself bored in Cairns!

Go Island Hopping

• Fitzroy Island

Discover some of the reef’s unspoilt beautiful islands from Cairns. Hop on a 45 minute ferry to Fitzroy Island – a tropical paradise of rainforest, local wildlife, abundant marine life and white sandy beaches within the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Explore the reef! Here you can safely swim, snorkel and dive off these iconic coral beaches. Make some friends with the sea life, including clown fish, turtles and even whales during certain times of the year. If you’d prefer something more active you can also hire a range of water sports equipment such as kayaks and stand up paddle boards. Or if you don’t fancy a swim just unwind on the beach – imagine laying on the glistening beach, lined with coconut trees and sloping gently into the peaceful, clear Coral Sea. Nudey beach was voted number 2 Best Beach in Australia 2017, by Brad Farmer from 101 Beaches. It’s made up of pure white sand and crystal clear water – pure paradise!

97% of the island is National Park, covered in tropical lush rainforest. Explore the bush walking tracks throughout the island, such as the historic lighthouse and summit walks, with views all the way to the Great Barrier Reef.

• Green Island

A premier world heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – tropical and enchanting Green Island is a unique part of the Great Barrier Reef. Just 45 minutes across the Coral Sea from Cairns you can explore this beautiful 6,000 year old coral cay with unique island rainforests, surrounded by enticing white sandy beaches, magnificent coral reefs and copious marine life. It’s the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest growing on it!

This tropical island paradise is a National Park and is home to over 120 native plant species, colourful bird life and surrounded by coral gardens and diverse marine life to explore. Here you can go snorkelling and diving where you will meet an endless variety of vibrant fish, giant clams, starfish, turtles, shells, eels, sponges, sea urchins and many more incredible marine creatures. Or stay dry to view the coral and fish life from the comfort of a glass bottom boat!

While on the island visit some 50 ferocious crocodiles on display at Marineland Melanesia – there is nothing quite like it, exploring the unique artefacts of some distant Melanesian jungle as giant crocodile beasts watch over you. You will really feel as if you are somewhere completely undiscovered! Visit the Islands King – Cassius, the world’s biggest captive saltwater crocodile, who is 110 years old minimum. He is a massive 5.48 metres long. The chance to see Cassius is a once in a life time opportunity and you will leave with respect for this true living dinosaur! When you are there don’t miss the crocodile feeding time, there are two shows daily – this is when you will see their true power! You will also have the very special opportunity to hold a baby crocodile ‘Cuddles’.

Kuranda

The picturesque mountain retreat of Kuranda Village is only a 20 minute drive from our Mater Prize Home! The world famous Kuranda is well known as the Village in the Rainforest since it’s tucked within the tropical rainforest in the heart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforests. It boasts spectacular scenery and natural beauty – but just getting here is an experience in itself and arguably the highlight…

• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Take the 90 minute Skyrail Rainforest Cableway – a unique rainforest experience taking you on an unforgettable journey through Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy and deep into the forest. Spanning 7.5km, guests glide just metres above the rainforest canopy in Skyrail’s six-person gondola cabins, which provide magnificent and uninterrupted views of the rainforest, the Coral Sea, tropical Cairns, and the lush Cairns Highlands.

Witness the wonders of the world’s oldest continually surviving rainforests from Skyrail’s unique vantage point, before alighting at Skyrail’s two rainforest mid-stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls, where you’ll discover this amazing environment from the forest floor on boardwalks, scenic look-outs and in the state-of-the-art Rainforest Interpretation Centre.

Voted Australia’s Best Major Tourist Attraction, the multi-award winning Skyrail is acknowledged not only as a premier tourist experience, but as a world leader in eco-tourism, providing you with a truly unique rainforest experience available nowhere else in the world. Skyrail is really The World’s Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience.

• Kuranda Scenic Railway

Or take the Kuranda Scenic Railway – unwind on your way through a remarkable journey comprising supreme views of dense World Heritage protected tropical rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls and into the awesome Barron Gorge. This famous railway winds its way on a journey of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Cairns to Kuranda. An experience not to be missed!

• The Village in the Rainforest

Upon reaching the village of Kuranda a rich variety of fascinating attractions and unique shopping experiences awaits you. Kuranda is well known for its vibrant arts community. The Village in the Rainforest has two market locations, the Original Markets and the Heritage Markets. These local markets are open daily, selling a variety of unique jewellery, leather goods and unique Aboriginal art, while galleries, bookshops, and boutiques line the village streets.

Make sure you allow plenty of time to visit some of Kuranda’s world legendary attractions and activities – including butterflies, koalas, native and exotic birds, kangaroos, reptiles, and some of the world’s most venomous snakes! Watch traditional Aboriginal dancers perform, travel on a riverboat along the almighty Barron River, get your photo taken holding a cute koala, feed some wallabies – you will not be bored here, there is so much to do!

Go extreme

Get your ideal dose of adrenaline and fun! If you’re into more extreme activities, you have come to the right place. Cairns is known as the home of thrill experiences in Australia – and the activities are endless!

Take the leap and freefall 10,000ft on tandem sky dives with beautiful views of the Great Barrier Reef and the brilliant green of the rainforest – truly once in a life time experience. If this doesn’t tickle your fancy leap into an adrenaline-fueled adventure with a bungy jump or The Minjin Jungle Swing at the Cairns Bungy Tower, which will have you soaring through lush rainforest canopies with views of the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef.

Not a fan of heights? Do some white water rafting down the mighty Tully River instead, which is regarded as the best rafting river across Australia and New Zealand! The jungle like World Heritage Rainforest boarders the length of the Tully River providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to your white water rafting adventure. Other activities in the area include quad biking, horse-riding and hang-gliding.

So don’t miss out on your chance to win your own a $1.8 million resort-style home in tropical Cairns, where you can explore some of the most stunning and glistening beaches in the world, spectacular hinterland and world renowned rainforests. Buy your tickets today!

Keep an eye out for our next blog where we will explore Port Douglas, Daintree, Cape Tribulation and all it has to offer!