TRAVELLING SENIORS
- INDEX
- DESTINATIONS
- YOUR ITINERARY
- ACCOMMODATION
- THINGS TO DO
- TRANSPORT
- TOURS
- ATTRACTIONS
- WEDDING / HONEYMOON
- CAR HIRE
- DINING OUT
- BACKPACKERS
- INTERNET@CAFES
- CAMERA HIRE
- MAPS and INFO
- SAFE TRAVEL
- CLASSIFIEDS
- LINKS
Your friends might think that retirement is all about watching tele, and learning to crochet, but not you. You're off to the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics rainforest and the North Queensland Outback. And why not.. you deserve it! But there's more to consider as you get older, isn't there?
Relax! We've found all the information you'll need to ensure that your Far North Queensland experience is the most fun you've had since the sixties!
Relax! We've found all the information you'll need to ensure that your Far North Queensland experience is the most fun you've had since the sixties!
All Queensland residents aged 60 and over are eligible for either a SENIORS CARD or a SENIORS BUSINESS DISCOUNT CARD. Australian Seniors Cards are issued free by each state and territory government and entitle holders to a wide range of discounts at thousands of business outlets throughout the country.
Being of a more senior stature isn't always a disadvantage. There are plenty of things to see and do around Far North Queensland that don't require the nimbleness of youth. In fact, your longevity will even earn you savings on many of your holiday purchases, if you play your cards right. From mechanics services to fresh bread rolls, from a relaxing massage to a scenic flight, there are thousands of businesses in Tropical North Queensland which offer substantial discounts to our greying friends!CLICK HERE for more information about Seniors Cards and Seniors discounts.
TOURS AND ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS
HINCHINBROOOK ISLAND DAY CRUISE
leaves from Port Hinchinbrook Marina (MAP)
Front Street, Cardwell
Phone (07) 4066 8585 / Fax (07) 4066 8271
www.hinchinbrookferries.com.au
The protected waters of Hinchinbrook island are one of the great wilderness areas left on the Australian coast. These waters are home to many marine species, including two rare species of dolphin, the mysterious Dugong, several species of Turtle and Estuarine Crocodile.
Throughout the full day tour (9am-5pm) the Skipper and crew make special effort to provide informative commentary about the ecology and history of this very special island. The day cruise provides smooth water cruising, beach combing and swimming on 9km Ramsay Bay, observing marine wildlife, and mangrove exploration. You will also have 3 hours of free time in the afternoon with opportunity for more ocean swimming on picturesque Orchid Beach, marked trail bushwalking through palm and boulder forest, and also the option to dine at the Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge.
COOKTOWN CRUISES AND BOAT RENTAL
1a Webber Esplanade, Cooktown (MAP)
Phone (07) 4069 5712 / Fax (07) 4069 5714
www.cooktowncruises.com.au
One of the highlights of your stay in Cooktown!
Departing at 1:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (throughout the season) this two hour eco cruise will be one of the highlights of your stay in Cooktown. On your tour you will see one of Australia's most historic harbors where, in 1770, Lt. James Cook beached the 'Endeavor' to repair damage that was sustained on a reef near Hope Island. You will hear some of the Chinese and European history from the gold rush days.
Wildlife, in particular birds, a crocodile nest and sometimes basking crocodiles, are a feature of this cruise along with information on the mangroves.People travelling with pets are most welcome. Special event and evening tours are available on request. You can take a Water Taxi trip to North Shore for some beach combing or hire a boat for a half or full day and go fishing or sightseeing on either the Annan or Endeavour River. Contact Cooktown Cruises by phone or e-mail for conditions & cost.
CAMIRA SAILING ADVENTURE
Shingley Drive, Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach (MAP)
Phone (07) 4946 4662 / Fax (07) 4946 4382
www.cruisewhitsundays.com
85ft of awesome fun!
Experience the thrill of high speed sailing through the spectacular Whitsunday Islands and explore Famous Whitehaven Beach.
'Camira' is a world first with her sleek lines, spacious deck areas and mind-blowing performance – she is one of the worlds fastest catamarans capable of sailing at speeds up to 30 knots!
On this full day adventure, you'll enjoy swimming, snorkelling, beautiful beaches and bays, an all you can eat BBQ lunch plus exhilarating sailing – altogether an awesome day out on the water. This is a fully inclusive trip. All activities including snorkelling, with all gear provided (conditions permitting) are included. Morning, and afternoon tea, a delicious BBQ lunch and all refreshments are included whilst on board. This is not just a cruise but an awesome experience.
CRUISE WHITSUNDAYS
Shingley Drive, Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach (MAP)
Phone (07) 4946 4662 / Fax (07) 4946 4382
www.cruisewhitsundays.com
Experience the ultimate reef trip!
Cruise on board 'Seaflight' the Whitsundays premier day cruise vessel with its spacious, air-conditioned lounges, bar and external viewing decks. Travel through the stunning Whitsunday Islands and onto the outer Great Barrier Reef site pristine Knuckle Reef Lagoon.
Here you will spend time on Queensland's most innovative reef pontoon – the only reef pontoon in Australia with a giant waterslide! The spacious pontoon features the largest and most spectacular underwater viewing chamber in the region, a choice of areas to relax and an awesome range of activities.
Well protected and boasting its own ecosystem, Knuckle Reef has a higher concentration and greater diversity of live coral than any other commercial site in Queensland. Nowhere will you experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef better than here at Knuckle Reef Lagoon.
TROPICAL HORIZONS TOURS
Phone (07) 4058 1244 / Fax (07) 4055 2630
www.tropicalhorizonstours.com.au
Enjoy small personalised tours!
Enjoy the ultimate rainforest tours experience - explore both the rainforest floor and make an easy ascent into the rainforest canopy to view World Heritage Listed Rainforests at their best at the Daintree Discovery Centre!
Discover the unique wilderness area of the World Heritage listed rainforests of Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge. Their experienced naturalist guide will provide interpretation of this ancient rainforest area and also included is an exclusive, private rainforest walk along all-weather boardwalks, and also at canopy, level where unsurpassable rainforest viewing may be experienced - a naturalist's paradise and photographer's dream! Tropical Horizon Tours also cruise the mighty Daintree River, where an experienced river guide will reveal the special wildlife of the Daintree River, the domain of the estuarine crocodile. Tree snakes, pythons, water birds and butterflies are also inhabitants of the mangrovelined riverbanks. So have your camera ready!
SUNLOVER CRUISES
Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns (MAP)
Phone (07) 4050 1333 / Fax (07) 4050 1313
Tollfree 1800 810 512
www.sunlover.com.au
Discover the real reef!
At Sunlover Reef Cruises, they have had the pleasure of introducing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the magic of the Great Barrier Reef through our express daily luxury cruises from Cairns. They love the reef and they love showing it off. Sunlover Cruises would love to show you too.
Sunlover Reef Cruises' daily luxury cruises to Moore Reef offer the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience for people of all ages. Sunlover Cruises trip gives you approximately four hours to explore the outer reef from their Moore Reef pontoon, so you will have plenty of time to be amazed and inspired by the unsurpassed beauty and splendour of this underwater playground. There are optional activities to personalise your day on the water including certified and introductory diving, seawalker platform helmet diving and guided snorkel tours, as well as scenic helicopter flights.
BILLY TEA BUSH SAFARIS
Phone (07) 4032 0077 / Fax (07) 4032 0055
www.billytea.com.au
We carry travellers..... not tourists!!
Billy Tea Bush Safaris is a family owned company running 4WD personalised day tours to the World Heritage rainforest area of Cape Tribulation and Daintree and extended tours to Cape York Peninsula. Billy Tea Bush Safaris offers Eco Tourism and Heritage Daintree Rainforest tours of a lifetime.Their vehicles (design to take maximum 14 passengers) are custom built for the passenger´s comfort and to withstand some of the ruggedness required in the areas that they operate. Some tours may be larger due to demand.
Billy Tea Bush Safaris are the proud 2007 winners of the Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards as Tour and Transport Operator. Their guides are chosen for their ability to relish their occupation. They have a good sense of humour, are competent drivers and have extraordinary culinary skills. And they are renowned throughout the peninsula as the only operators who have people constantly happy.
LAKE BARRINE RAINFOREST CRUISE & TEAHOUSE
Gillies Highway, Yungaburra (MAP)
Phone (07) 4095 3847 / Fax (07) 4095 3260
www.lakebarrine.com.au
Guided boat tours of Lake Barrine!
Whether you're interested in a fully guided boat tour of the lake and its creatures, a swim in the 10,000-year-old freshwater lake (along with a few friendly ducks), or a quick snack at the lakeside teahouse amongst beautiful terraced gardens, Lake Barrine offers one of the most beautiful and relaxing environments in the tropics. Lake Barrine Cruises run two specially built cruise boats with a total capacity of 170 which take visitors on the tour around the lake in ease and luxury
Lake Barrine is actually the crater left by a volcanic eruption approximately 10,000 years ago. And it is world famous for its informative relaxing rainforest and wildlife cruises around the volcanic crater brim. The 40-minute, 6km cruises provides a close-up view of one of the most complex and amazing rainforest eco-systems in the world.
NORTH WEST SAFARIS
Phone (07) 4094 2000
www.northwest-australian-safaris.com.au
Discover places off the beaten track!
NorthWest Australian Safaris offer small and very personalized 4wd camping tours to Cape York and The Gulf Savannah. Tours are all inclusive, with no hidden optional extras.
Because NorthWest Safaris offer small and personal group tours, they travel to those special places off the beaten track away from the mainstream tours to give you that extra special trip. They pick up from Port Douglas or offer free and secure parking for your vehicle/ caravan. They also offer free accommodation and dinner the night before and after the tour on their beautiful property in Julatten. How's that for great old fashioned hospitality!
NorthWest Safaris give very special and unique tours to Australia's most wild and untamed areas that are full of amazing flora and fauna and incredible tales of bravery and survival in these harsh and beautiful areas.
AUSTRALIAN MUSTER EXPERIENCE
Kingston Road, Whyanbeel Valley (MAP)
Phone (07) 4098 1149 / Fax (07) 4098 1501
www.australianmusterexperience.com
A genuine outback experience!
The Australian Muster Experience is hosted in a 19th Century inspired outback station building with stockyards and uninterrupted views to Port Douglas. Located in picturesque Whyanbeel Valley, bordering on the Daintree World Heritage National Park the Australian Muster Experience is housed in a truly stunning location. Framed by majestic rainforest, the venue takes maximum advantage of not only the views, it also offers clean fresh air and beautiful valley breezes.
Enjoy the spirit of Wild Australia as the lush green valley comes alive and you are entertained by real Aussie Stockmen with their horsemanship skills, cattle driving, whip cracking demonstrations and dry outback humour.
Further country hospitality is extended with a traditional Australian BBQ and there are plenty of beverages available for purchase from the fully licensed bar. The dining area is rich with rustic bush charm, all tables have been hand carved from local timber. Choose from a daytime Stockmans Lunch Muster or the evening Grand Outback Experience.
