Far North
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Far North
Innisfail, Far North Queensland
The next time you're longing for some warmth and sunshine, head up to the Cassowary Coast in northern Queensland and spend some time in idyllic Innisfail. This quaint town resting on the banks of the Johnstone River boasts a location that is close to two incredible World Heritage listed natural attractions – rainforest at Wooroonooran National Park and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef!
With a modest population of around 8500, Innisfail is the type of place where you can relax while still knowing there are plenty of services nearby. The town was once famous for sugar cane, but today bananas, delicious tropical fruits and tea are more prolific in the area. There is also plenty of seafood to be enjoyed, with a substantial prawn and reef fishing industry.
Things to do:
Wooroonooran National Park: This is a must-see and you'll probably want to go back again and again. Spanning 79,500ha, this rainforest wonderland is home to platypus, freshwater turtles, possums and countless tropical birds. Go for a walk and you'll discover beautiful waterfalls and creeks, and a fantastic view over the gorge at Crawford's Lookout. Strike out on the elevated Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway, a 2.5km path that rises from the ground up into the treetops for the best views. Bring a picnic and your bathers and enjoy a fabulous day out.
Great Barrier Reef: Arrange for a tour out to the Reef for some snorkelling, scuba, or just to sail around and enjoy life on the ocean. Holiday Inspirations has loads of useful Great Barrier Reef information.
Smile at a crocodile or pet a python: The Johnstone River Crocodile Park is home to many Aussie inhabitants, including kangaroos, dingoes, emus, snakes and of course – crocodiles. Here, you can even cuddle a baby croc!
Country drives and historical walks: The whole region around Innisfail is fascinating to explore, with heritage sites, museums, and quaint galleries and shops all around. For a longer drive, head to the Atherton Tablelands and try cheese tasting or a picnic by a waterfall, or drive a bit further west to Herberton, an historic tin mining town.
When to go
Given Innisfail is in Far North Queensland, you'll likely find the winter months are your best time to go, with autumn and spring being a very close second. The reason is three-fold; going north in the winter means you escape the cooler weather down south for a while, and get to bask in some warm sunny weather. Another reason is to avoid box jellyfish along the beaches – during the summer months, it isn't safe to swim in the beaches and when you're that hot, you'll want to swim! Finally, the summer months are during monsoon season, and it tends to rain a lot. So your best times to travel are between March and October, with June to August being the most popular time to visit.
How to get there
Catch the high-speed Cairns Tilt train, which travels at 160km per hour, making the 83km trip to Innisfail in only 30 minutes. Alternatively, Innisfail is an easy 45-minute drive from Cairns. Flights to Cairns operate daily from airports around Australia.
Accommodation
TakeABreak's Innisfail accommodation options include the lovely Riverlodge Tropical Motel. This charming Queenslander style building is a family-run business, where you can get a motel-type room in the cosy atmosphere of a 1-acre homestead with a swimming pool. Each room has a private verandah where you can look out to gardens or cane fields. Kids are made to feel welcome with pool toys available for their use, and if you have a four-legged furry best friend, they'll make him welcome too. Dog-minding may be available, but call to check first.
Another option is the comfortable 41-room Barrier Reef Motel, which has a pool, licensed restaurant, and is a short walk to the centre of town.
Ideal length of visit
With plenty of sunshine, surf and beautiful places to explore nearby, the ideal length of time to visit is forever. Innisfail is a great holiday in its own right, or it can be a lovely weekend getaway from nearby Cairns.
Further information
You'll find loads of useful information about tours and attractions on Innisfail Tourism's website http://www.innisfailtourism.com.au
Thanks to Riverlodge Tropical Motel for helping to put their town 'on the map'.
About the Author
Kylie-Jane Degeling is a freelance writer who has lived in Adelaide, Yulara (Uluru), Alice Springs and Canberra, as well as five different countries throughout the world. After backpacking around Australia, she worked as a tour guide in Central Australia, before training for her Commercial Pilot License and working as a flight instructor, scenic flight and charter pilot. She later worked as a travelling IT trainer for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which involved spending time in each of their 16 District Offices around the country on a rotating basis.
Having experienced Australia as a backpacker, tour guide, pilot and business traveller, Kylie now enjoys family holidays with her husband Alex, and children Jezzy and Jordan. She says, "I have been lucky to see Australia from a variety of perspectives, and as a travel writer can use this experience to inspire others to find holidays they would enjoy." Kylie currently works as a travel writer in addition to being a government writer and columnist for two parenting magazines.
How far north of his starting position does Carlos end up?
Carlos has a velocity of 5 m/s, 25 degrees north of east, and travels for ten minutes.
5 * sin 25 * (10*60) = 1267m north.
The Fabulous Picture Show - Far North - 20 Dec 08 - Part 2