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Flecker Botanic Gardens |
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The only Wet Tropics garden in Australia.
The main garden mimics the tropical rainforest
with its informal style. Visitors find tall
trees and palms supporting lianas and tropical
climbers, orchids, ferns and bromeliads. The understory of colourful flowering shrubs,
gingers, heliconias and other new and exotic
flowers is underscored by a wonderful display of
low growing ground covers and plants. Fallen
seed and attractive fungi are left in their
place which gives the visitor the complete
experience of wandering through a living and
evolving tropical rainforest.
An information centre and book shop is provided
where visitors can obtain maps, self guide books
and information leaflets. An 'Al Fresco' style
cafe is set amongst the tropical surrounds
serving morning and afternoon teas and meals. |
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The Centenary Lakes |
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Connected to the botanic gardens via a
boardwalk through pristine lowland swamp forest
and melaleuca wetlands, the Centenary Lakes
consists of both a fresh-water and salt-water
lake. Both areas provide BBQ, picnic shelters
and well equipped children's playgrounds. A
visitor can expect to see various forms of
birds, turtles, water lilies and other aquatic
life on their day out. Don't
forget, all this is only 4klm from the heart of
Cairns. |
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Mt Whitfield Conservation Park |
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More adventurous and active visitors will
find another world high above the gardens. Just
behind the Flecker Botanic Gardens is the Mount
Whitfield Conversation Park. With over 300
hectares of forested mountain range reaching an
elevation of 365 metres above sea level, the
park offers many opportunities for nature based
recreation and educational activities. With two
major walking tracks - the Red and Blue arrow
circuits, visitors may come across the Bush
Turkey or the more elusive Scrub Hen. Shy Agile
Wallabies can be seen in the early morning or
late afternoon in the open grasslands. Bird
enthusiasts are always delighted with the varied
range of bird life. |
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Crystal Cascades |
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Northwest of the city in the suburb of
Redlynch. Small waterfalls drop into large pools
surrounded by boulders and rainforest. There are
picnic tables and toilets but no kiosks or other
places to buy food or water, so bring your own.
Although popular with locals and increasingly so
with visitors, Crystal Cascades has no public
transport. Visitors will either need to hire a
car or take a taxi to the area.
Also be aware that there is little to no mobile
phone reception at Crystal Cascades either, so
make sure you book the taxi to return at a
particular time to pick you up. If you are
driving, head northwest to the suburb of
Redlynch and follow the signs. Please contact us
and we will be more than happy to arrange
options. |
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CALL TOLL FREE:
1800 634 629
(within Australia)
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