Tiger Tales

Cairns

First Time Traveller

THRILL SEEKERS

Cairns and tropical North Queensland are fast becoming the preferred destinations for lovers of adventure sports. The region abounds in all sorts of activities for the adrenaline junkie and the locations are always spectacular. From white-water rafting with Raging Thunder’s full- and half-day tours to bungee jumping with AJ Hackett, the far North has it all.

One of the most popular extreme sports that thrill- seekers all want to experience is a tandem skydive. Tandem Cairns offers the closest beach jump, just south of Cairns at beautiful Etty Bay. Tandem Cairns’ half-day trip operates daily. Pure adrenaline is guaranteed as skydivers experience the one awesome unbeatable, mad minute of freefall from an altitude above 4,000m!

Raging Thunder, tel: +61 (0)7 4030 7990

A J Hackett Bungy, tel: +61 (0)7 4057 7188

Tandem Cairns, tel: 1800 805 997

MARKET LOVERS

Some of the most delicious, fresh produce in the world is grown in tropical North Queensland. Each weekend, farmers and stallholders sell their seasonal best at a variety of markets throughout the north. As you take in the sights of the tropics, do make sure to visit a market and taste the exotic delights. About a 90-minute drive from Cairns on the Atherton Tablelands, the Yungaburra Country Farmers Market operates on the fourth Saturday of every month from 7.30am to
12.30pm. It’s huge!

Do take the spectacular drive to Port Douglas on a Sunday morning to experience their renowned markets on the waterfront. The markets are open until around 1pm. And you must visit Rusty’s Market in Cairns, which is open every Friday through Sunday.

Yungaburra Farmers Country Market, tel: +61
(0)7 4095 2111

Port Douglas Markets, tel: +61 0408 006 788

Rusty’s Market, tel: +61
(0)7 4051 5100 or +61 (0)7 2888 9966

SPORTS NUTS

Up in the tropics, we’re all a bit sports mad and all the major football codes are fervently followed. Check out local NRL at Barlow Park, Aflat Cazalys, soccer at individual clubs and rugby union at Barlow Park. However, it’s tennis that is really attracting everyone’s attention. From 17–19 September, the new A$5.5 million Cairns International Tennis Centre on Sheridan St plays host to Lleyton Hewitt and the Davis Cup team as they compete against Belgium. From 6–12 September, the opening round of the Australian Pro Tour will be played at the new centre. It’s a fantastic opportunity for fans to catch international tennis greats. And if you feel like a social hit, the courts and equipment are available for hire from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week.

NRL at Barlow Park, tel: +61 (0)7 4051 9701

Aflat Cazalys, tel: +61
(0)7 4054 1464

Rugby Union, tel: +61 (0)7 4053 2778

Tennis Queensland, tel: +61 0407 536 132

NIGHT OWLS

When the sun sets, Cairns really comes alive. Throughout the city there are a variety of bars that cater to all tastes and budgets. Every week it seems as if a new bar is opening, adding to the vibrancy of the city and keeping operators on their toes as they compete for business. If you’re in the mood for a more sophisticated scene, step up to the glamorous new Lilo Wet Bar on the terraced rooftops of Rydges Plaza Cairns on the corner of Grafton and Spence Streets and take in the views of the city. If it’s watching sports from around the world on the big screen that you’re after, head to the Cairns Courthouse Hotel on Abbott Street. For a night out, head for Vertigo Bar at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino. It’s a great way to mix and meet the locals.

Lilo Wet Bar, tel: +61 (0)7 4046 3300

Cairns Courthouse Hotel, tel: +61 (0)7 4081 7777

Vertigo Bar, tel: +61 (0)7 4030 8888