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 Cairns is a compact, cosmopolitan and, all tropical city Birds of brilliant hues flash across the sky, rainforests nudge the city edge, sugar cane plantations dot the landscape, the Atherton Tablelands from a vivid backdrops and, off\sore, beyond the scattering of idyllic islands, lies teeming Great Barrier Reef. In recent years Cairns has grown from a sleepy, costal community to become the focal point of the many resort areas now springing up along the coast of far north Queensland. The area is blessed with a kindly climate - although rainfall is high in January, February and march -and the vegetation is
 lush. To the north, the Daintree rainforest, a World Heritage site and survivor of 100 million years of global weather changes, is a mysterious green universe, a living museum unique in the evolution and diversity of its plants and animals. Further north still is Cook town, a once rowdy gold rush community and now the gateway of the Cape York Peninsula, one of the world's last great wilderness areas. Whilst there is much to do in and around Cairns there is one recommended sightseeing excursion we belive no visitors should miss- the Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Rail Tour. The train climbs steadily through grasslands, hand-hewn tunnels and past tumblings waterfalls before arriving at Kuranda, with its lively markets and excellent arts and crafts shop. Visitors can see the award- winning Tjapukai tribal dance, visit Australia's biggest butterfly satctuary and take the blides through the rainforest's canopy.
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