The Tour Specialists Blog

Our first stop is a lovely picnic area just 5 minutes away from the Ma Mu site where the friendly Tropical Horizon team serves us a nice Morning tea of coffee, tea and fresh muffins (the banana muffin is truly delicious!). I was already expecting a cooler temperature because we are on the edge of the tablelands, but it is a bit colder than what I thought as it was it overcast. A thicket jacket would have been nicer to wear! But the perspective of the day makes me forget the chill.

Shortly after we recharged, we are ready for the famous Ma Mu walk! At our arrival, the friendly team in charge welcomes us and starts explaining about the walkway. As they are still trying to complete the construction process (just a few details really as the walkway will be open shortly), we are given a fluorescent yellow vest for security purposes and we are ready to go! To knowing that we are almost the first people to walk along the walkway makes the experience even more special.

The walk starts on a normal path through the forest and while we are leaving the car park behind us, we start hearing the sounds of nature rather than the noise of cars. After about 10 min walk we reach the first point of interest, a long balcony suspended about 15 metres from the ground. The view from here is amazing, what I can see is beautiful, luscious rainforest and a glimpse of the Johnston River. The balcony sways a little if we move quickly, but we are told that it is normal, it’s part of the structure and there is nothing to worry about (oh well, I trust them!). The next step is the proper walkway suspended (up to 10 metres) through the rainforest canopies. It all feels really peaceful; all you can see is forest all around you. We are told that there are some cassowary chicks hanging around the site and have been spotted recently, but no luck today… what a shame! After a short stroll we reach yet another balcony with an additional elevated tower on the top. We all start going up the stairs in order to reach the top of the tower and… the view is breathtaking! We are about 37 metres from the ground, we see the northern part of the Johnston River and the whole valley is at our feet. It’s truly amazing and it’s hard to explain with words.
If somebody is afraid of heights, they can still enjoy a great day walking through the paths in the rainforest. It will still be an exciting and enchanting experience amongst the scents and colours of the thick canopies!

What is amazing about these structures is that they are all made of recycled plastic (milk bottles) and steel. They are also resistant to a category 4 cyclone (that is why I am not worried about those light movements on the balcony!) and surprisingly, they really blend with all the surroundings.
After a few pictures of this spectacular panorama, we start heading back to the car park, where the local guides explain to us a few more details about Ma Mu and shortly after we are ready to go back to Cairns.

On the way back, our driver has been really nice and stopped at one of the banana plantations so we could buy some fruit to take home.
I really enjoyed my day at the Ma Mu walkway, the Tropical Horizons team has been fantastic and I have seen something truly spectacular that I would definitely recommend!Tropical Horizons Information & Bookings

Valentina - The Tour Specialists Hilton Hotel

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go away for a night to Elandra resort Mission Beach, on the weekend and all my partner and I can say is WOW!

On Monday the 28th of July at about 10:30 am, my partner and I set off from sunny Palm Cove and headed south in the car with the GPS set for Mission Beach, as it did not recognize the resort address.  We meandered down the Bruce Highway south of Cairns and enjoyed the scenery and did a couple of scenic stop offs along the way.  At about 2 pm we found the resort, there is a trick to getting into the driveway.  Elandra is like a hidden secret hidden away from the prying eyes and sticky beaks.  No wonder celebrities would chose to stay here.  Always best to call reception and ask for the correct roadway.

This resort looks so welcoming and has a great sense of serenity calm about it.  Wondering through reception allowed us to take in the African inspired jungle themed décor.  The view over the pool was amazing taking in the horizons and Dunk Island. 

After being greeted by the warm and welcoming yet professional staff that run this fine establishment, we were offered our luggage to be taken to our room, which is  most appreciated if you happen to find the footpaths and stairs challenging.  This also gives you time to soak in the atmosphere.  It is all about relaxed five star service, in a sophisticated yet relaxed environment.   Believe me you’ll feel like a movie star after staying here.

After settling into our terraced split level,  suite for about an hour or so we ventured up to the large resort pool. So nice to stay at a resort that doesn’t cater to children and families, it is more for couples for a romantic getaway or companies seeking a great conference venue with the idea that staff stay on for a bit of rest and relaxation afterwards. 

After a refreshing swim in the pool and selecting the ideal pool lounge in the afternoon sun it was time make a quick side step to the bar for a couple of pool side cocktails, my compliments to the knowledge and very capable staff at making such delicious refreshments. 

As the sun was going down we made our way back to our suite for the evening, they are homely yet stylish with simplicity being the key here.  White décor and timber lime washed furniture is complimented with African inspired pieces throughout.   We then decided to do the late afternoon stroll down to Lugger Bay.   It was well worth the walk it takes a very leisurely 30 mins walk.  From the beach and its stunning white sand you can see the islands off the coast.  

After having a swim and walk along the beach we headed back up the same track to our room.  After a complimentary late check out and a well earned relaxing sleep in with the sounds of the ocean and the sun coming up over the water it was time then unfortunately to pack up and leave this beautiful place.
So after having to regretfully check out after only an overnight stay and saying goodbye to the friendly staff it was off home to sunny Palm Cove again.  My self and my partner will be back in the future for a much longer stay
I would highly recommend that you stay a minimum 2 to 3 nights or even a week to truly unwind and relax.  The resort has all the spa services you will need and a great restaurant, they also have a well stocked library of books also.

The new owners of the resort have really gone beyond the Horizon to create a true home by the sea Elandra.

Looking forward to our next stay,
Elandra bookings & information

Lachie  Knowles
The Tour Specialists
Palm Cove

Whales Whales Whales

Check out these amazing pictures that have been taken onboard Poseidon Outer Barrier Reef Tours.  Poseidon travel out daily from Port Douglas to the pristine Agincourt Ribbon Reef.  Poseidon has been awarded one of the few permits to swim with the Dwarf Minke Whales.  They are regularly encountered from May to September and there larger cousins the humpback as seen in these pictures appear from July to September and are increasing in numbers.
Poseidon Booking and Information