The Tour Specialists Blog

On Thursday night I, along with the team at The Tour Specialists, got to enjoy Tjapukai By Night.  Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is an enthralling experience by day, but by night there is something a little more special about it.  On arrival at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park I was greeted at the flamelit entrance by Tjapukai performers who applied traditional face paint on me.  As I walked up the torchlit path to the entrance, two young Tjapukai men were waiting to take a souvenir photograph with me.  There was time for plenty of laughs, and the anticipation of the night ahead began to swell.

Once inside the courtyard at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park I met the rest of the Tour Specialists team and was offered a welcoming glass of wine.  We enjoyed the fresh Tropical North Queensland air and mingled underneath the vast Australian night sky.  After a short while we were ushered into the Magic Space – a large cavernous room adorned with Australian Aboriginal artworks and artefacts.  The Magic Space is the beginning of the Tjapukai By Night experience, and exudes an atmospheric ambiance.  After a short while admiring the Aboriginal artworks, the lights begin to dim and the show begins…

The Tjapukai By Night performance in the Magic Space is incredibly intimate.  In the centre of the room is a small circular stage where the enthralled audience gathers around to enjoy the Tjapukai performers tell a traditional Dreamtime through the use of dance and didgeridoo music.  As the traditional dance ends the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo reverberates off the hallowed walls of the Magic Space creating a powerful experience for the audience.  I was amazed at how clear the sounds of native Australian animals were in the poignant didgeridoo music.  I could clearly hear the sounds of dingos and birds being expertly teased out of the authentic Aboriginal instrument.  As the audience is being captivated by the spectacular performance, it comes as a pleasant surprise when doors burst open and lights begins to penetrate the darkness of the Magic Space. 

The Tjapukai performers beckon the audience to follow into the mysterious corridor.  As we follow the alluring sounds of the didgeridoo we are led to a large outdoor grass area nestled by Tjapukai lake.  I, along with the rest of the audience were handed tapsticks, and immediately became part of a traditional Australian Aboriginal corroboree.  The Tjapukai performers begin the corroboree with song and dance which the audience enthusiastically participates in, and climaxes with the creation of fire.  The audience gathers closer and ‘gives wind’ to the fire – blowing on the smouldering fire to ignite the flames.  It doesn’t take long for the flames to burn brightly, and a traditional campfire is started.

Out of the shadows a Tjapukai performer appears, lights his spear in the campfire and hurtles the firespear into the lake.  When the spear makes contact with the tribal land it explodes into a mushrooming fireball that magically illuminates the dark night sky.  The audience erupts into cheers and applause as the fire begins to dim.  As we look out towards the lake we see something begin to emerge from the deep dark forest.  A flamelit canoe materializes out of the darkness carrying Tjapukai performers.  As the canoe meets the shoreline the performers lead the audience along a mysterious path that follows the shoreline of the lake, and this short journey through Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park ends at the delightful Boomerang Restaurant. 

The Boomerang Restaurant is a large open-aired restaurant that overlooks the calm still waters of the lake and the rainforest clad mountains in the distance.  The Boomerang Restaurant features a gourmet hot and cold buffet dinner.  The dishes have been inspired by Indigenous Aboriginal ingredients such as Lilly Pilly, Wattleseed, Pepperberry and Rosella.  Being vegetarian I particularly enjoyed the buffet dinner as there was an abundance of fresh seasonal vegetables, vegetarian soups, lasagne and pasta dishes.  The carnivores were impressed with the fine array of seafood and meat dishes.  The bread was fresh and delicious, traditionally prepared by chefs at Tjapukai.  As we were enjoying our delicious desserts, the final Tjapukai performance began.   

The final Tjapukai performance is enthralling.  Tjapukai performers take to the stage, and through dance and song tell traditional dreamtime stories.  There is plenty of audience interaction and we get to really feel part of the show!  There is a good deal of humour in this last performance, and audience members are called to the stage to take part in traditional dance and fire making.  As the Tjapukai performance comes to a close a camp fire is lit on the grassy lawn outside the restaurant, and we have a chance to enjoy a glass of fine Australian wine or chilled Australian ale by the fire and meet the talented Tjapukai performers. 

As the night comes to a close there is plenty of time to explore the retail gallery.  This is not just another gift shop – it sells a range of fine Australian artwork, didgeridoos, boomerangs and other authentic handmade creations.  I highly recommend the Tjapukai By Night experience.  Not only was it fun and entertaining, but also provided me with a wonderful insight into traditional Aboriginal culture.  I got to experience first-hand rituals and traditions that date back over 40,000 years, which is truly awe-inspiring and remarkable.  Tjapukai By Night is an unforgettable cultural experience, and a ‘must do’ activity for those on a Tropical North Queensland vacation!

Amy Jennings
The Tour Specialist. 
  

Cooktown is getting ready to celebrate it’s history with the annual Discovery Festival which is to be held over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend June 6 - 8.  The Dutch Tall Ship Duyfken will be in town at the wharf.  There will be Tourism expo and a tropical carnivale with rides, games and sideshows. 

This annual event will be opened officially by Federal Minister for Liechhardt Jim Turnour, State Member for Cook Jason O’Brien and Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott.
 
The main event of the festival is the re-enactment of the landing of Lt Cook and the Endeavour Crew.  The first performance of the re-enactment took place 189 years after Cook’s landing this year will the 49th re-enactment.

Events throughout the celebration also include a play called Farewell James My Darling which is an insight to how life was in the early days, live bands a finale fireworks display, billy cart races, belly dancers, fire artists and it promises to be a fun event for all!!

With so much happening this is a great weekend to discover Cooktown!

The famous Food, Wine and a Taste of Port is a sell-out tonight. All of the 2500 tickets were sold well in advance of the event.  The event organisers are holding only 40 more to sell at the gate specifically to tourists.  This event seems to be getting more popular every year!
Carnivale finishes tommorrow with the Seafood Extravanganza on the Marina Mirage Boardwalk on Sunday from 10.00 am till 2.30 pm, yacht racing the Audi Clipper Cup, Art & Craft Display in the Community Hall and a Poker Tournament at the Central Hotel.

 On Saturday 21 June the Sebel Reef House & Spa Palm Cove will host and evening of fine food from France’s Champagne region, accompanied by some of the country’s best champagnes by Mr Frank Wilden the owner of Oyster, a highly rewarded Melbourne restaurant.

The evening will commence with champagne on the magnificent Terrace, situated across from the spectacular palm fringed Palm Cove Beach then proceed with the culinary  delights of chef Phillip Mitchell’s  Taste of Champagne Menu!

This night of indulgence is not to be missed and costs $110.00 per person for dinner and champagne.  A night’s accommodation at the Sebel Reef House & Spa is the perfect companion to make the evening a memorable one.  

Please contact Palm Cove Accommodation 1300 799 004.

Yesterday the very lucky guests on board Poseidon actually got to swim with a Dwarf Minke Whale.  Poseidon are one of only 9 boats lucky enough to have a Whale Permit to actually swim with the whales!!!

This inquistive minke kept coming back five times to check out what the lucky guests on board Poseidon were up to!

  Head shot of a Dwarf Minke Whale courtesy of Mike Ball Dive Expeditions.

Once again the Dwarf Minke whales have returned to the Tropical Waters near Cairns.  This very exciting time is a part of the whale’s annual seasonal migration.

Dwarf Minke Whales spend up to 3 to 4 months on the Great Barrier Reef each year.  Mike Ball Dive Expeditions has been the first operator this year to spot the whales back in April.  All on board were treated to the whales display of close passes and roll overs, which is all part of there typical behavior.

Mike Ball has been running Minke Whale expeditions since 1996 to the reefs north of Cooktown.  In conjunction with leading cetacean researchers, government agencies and other operators they have evolved a Swim with the Minke Whale Programme. This programme has minimal impact on the whales and allows them to approach people within the whales comfort zone.  Minke Whale’s have a natural curiosity and this provides for a close and spectacular encounter.

The dwarf minke whales usually start there annual migration from Victoria to Northern Queensland from March to October with the maximum sighting on the Northern Great Barrier Reef in June and July.

In June and July Mike Ball Dive Expeditions conduct special Minke Whale Expeditions with the second day of the trip devoted to finding and snorkelling and or diving with Minke Whales.  Since 1996 Mike Ball’s trips have had a 98 percent success rate. The largest pod they have seen was 28 whales and the longest encounter was 10 hours.

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions provide both a 3 and 4 night Minke Whale Expedition and according to Mike Ball are only 1 of 9 operators that have Whale Permits in the world to swim with these magnifcent mammals.

For further information about these great trips please email us at info@thethourspecialists.com as these trips are very popular and an amazing opportunity to see these wonderful creatures so close!

What a fantastic way to spend a day! I was absolutely delighted to drive my way up the Kuranda range through the amazing rainforest before entering the more arid, temperate region known as the Tablelands. A quick trip from Palm Cove to Mareeba then on to the Australian Coffee Centre aka Skybury, took approx. 1hr 30 mins. If self driving look out for the iron sculpture of the farmer with his wheelbarrow to indicate entry on to the “Wheelbarrow Way” which takes you through lychee ,coffee, papaya, banana and more plantations before arriving at Skybury.
My mother in-law and I were greeted by friendly welcoming staff. We walked out to the dining room deck area to breathe in the amazing 180degree views. There are rolling hills in the distance as well as native eucalypt trees and plantations of many varieties of crops.  Julye made us an amazing coffee that we enjoyed while absorbing the relaxed quiet atmosphere.
Next it was time for our plantation tour. Our guide was Andrew, a true Aussie Cowboy who has spent a lifetime working in the Australian bush. We learned all there is to know about growing, harvesting and maintaining the oldest running coffee plantation in Australia. It was also fascinating to learn that although a relatively new coffee producing country, Australia’s coffee is very highly regarded in the coffee growing world, second only to the quality of Jamaica’s coffee. Skybury is the major producer of this export coffee, which is sent all over the world. Well done! We watched an 8 minute IMAX type video in the media room summarizing all that we had learned. Very First Class!
After our tour we were famished so headed back to our favourite spot on the balcony for lunch and a refreshing glass of wine. The barramundi was exceptional! (Steaks, Pastas, Vegetarian and Kids meals are also available) To top off a truly spectacular meal, cappuccino ice cream was for dessert! Yum!!( they also offer a selection of decadent cakes, biscuits and cheese cakes!)
At the gift shop they offer everything coffee related from bean grinders and Percolators to different varieties of chocolate covered beans and fruits and of course a selection of the freshest coffee to take home.
Skybury coffee Plantation is for anybody who enjoys coffee and is of course very child friendly. They even have a native animal rehabilitation centre to care for sick or injured wallabies, kangaroos and birds from the area. It is easy to see why The Australian Coffee Centre is a winner of Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards!
Thank you to everybody at The Australian Coffee Centre for a very memorable and educational day!

Sonja McSweeney - The Tour Specialists Palm Cove

I booked some guests on Ocean Freedom and they couldn’t stop raving on about what an awesome day they had.
They were a family of 5 with teenage boys; the boys tried an intro dive for the first time.  They absolutely loved it and they said with the one dive instructor to 1 intro diver the boys felt totally at ease the whole time. They mentioned how beautiful the reef was and how they saw many turtles at Upolu Cay.
They also went on about how scrumptious the lunch was, and how plentiful it was.
Thesel in all these guests had a great day and would highly recommend this tour to anyone. In fact they took a few brochures home with them to give to their family and friends that are coming up later in the year.
Louise Morgan
Tour Consultant
The Tour Specialists

Port Douglas is once again in annual preparation mode for the highly celebrated Reef & Rainforest Carinvale.  This year the Carnivale will be held from 23 May  - 01 June 2008.
Each year the Carnivale embraces a theme and this year is Bringing the Country to the Coast.

The Reef & Rainforest Carnivale gets off to a bang with the Spectacular Street parade on Friday 23 May where street performers, floats, entertainers and bands all promise to get this year Carnivale off and running.  The Street parade kicks off at around 7.00 pm and finishes off with a fantastic fireworks display!

The Reef & Rainforest Carnivale then continues on throughout the week with the 2C Solar Caps $20,000 Carnivale Fishing Bonanza, Audi Cairns Centre Clipper Cup Boat Races, Sheraton Mirage Art Awards & Masquerade Party, Golf Tournaments, Art Awards, Fashion, Cook offs between some of Port Douglas premier restaurants, Lotsa Printing longest lunch and on Saturday 31 May the Quicksilver Food Wine & A Taste of Port takes place, which is a unforgettable night of great food & wine complimented by fantastic entertainment.  This years headline act is the McClymont’s supported by Hip To Soul. As the theme this year is a little bit country grab your cowboy hat and boots and make sure you pre-book your spot to this sell out annual event! 

Port Douglas Accommodation during the Reef & Rainforest Carnivale is usually extremely heavily booked.  Why not reserve your room now at www.thetourspecialists.com we can also help with any tour arrangements you would like to make.

 
As a French person living in Australia I was so pleased to have 2 French travellers asking me how they could attend the Anzac ceremony last Friday.

They felt very close to Australia for what they did for France during the war and even if they were in Cairns for a short time they made the point of spending time for the ceremony.

They also told me how much they loved Cairns, such a tropical paradise on Earth with so many things to enjoy like the Reef and the Rainforest.
Yes, it is a Special place.

Vive la France !

Florence
TTS Consultant

Saturday 26 April

On Saturday I decided to take my family to Skybury Coffee Plantation.  I had heard rumors that Skybury was a hidden treasure, and I was thrilled that after a year and a half living in Cairns there were still unexplored areas to discover and activities yet to do!  The scenic hour and a half journey west of Cairns to Mareeba was stunning.  We watched as tropical rainforest turned into native Australian bushland, which slowly melted into rolling green agricultural paddocks.  Skybury Coffee Plantation is located 10 kilometers outside the rural township of Mareeba but felt as if it was literally a million miles from anywhere.  When we stepped out of the car at the end of our journey we were greeted by crisp fresh country air and the vast Australian landscape that stretched to the distant azure horizon.     

We were greeted at the entrance of Skybury Coffee Plantation by ‘Squaky’ the resident Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo.  He didn’t feel like talking to me, but really seemed to warm to my partner Terry, much to Terry’s delight!  After our journey we were famished, and headed inside in anticipation of lunch.  As soon as we entered the Australian Coffee Centre we were greeted by spectacular views and charming, elegant surrounds.  The Coffee Centre features polished wooden floorboards, spacious timber furnishings and large comfortable chairs.  The aroma of coffee was hanging in the air, and we quickly made our way to the reception area.  Greeted by Skybury’s warm friendly staff, we discussed our options for the day and decided to purchase the ‘Complete Package’.  This entitled us to a meal, coffee, beer, wine or soft drink, cappuccino ice-cream, guided tour and discounts at the gift shop.  We were really looking forward to the day! 

We took a seat on the large outdoor timber wrap-around veranda that overlooks acres of coffee plantation, green rolling fields, dams and native Australian forest.  The day was perfect with warm sun shinning and a cool breeze rustling though the trees.  Birds were flittering and fluttering in the trees surrounding the veranda, providing a little entertainment before our meal.  The menu was divine, and we were pleasantly surprised when our huge meals arrived!  Terry enjoyed the fresh Barramundi with a garden salad and hot potato chips, my mother enjoyed a slow roasted rib fillet with gravy and baked potatoes and I had a Mediterranean vegetarian pasta dish that featured the freshest seasonal produce such as button mushrooms, artichoke hearts and sundried capsicum and tomatoes.  The meals were sensational – they were massive, and prepared with exceptional care.  We all enjoyed every last bite.   

After lunch it was time for the coffee tour.  If you have an interest in how coffee is grown and harvested, this coffee tour is for you!  We were taken into the fields of coffee plants and tasted coffee beans directly from the tree.  We learnt about the fascinating history of the coffee bean and about the coffee industry in Australia and around the world!  The coffee tour is great if you have a thirst for knowledge regarding coffee, however may be a little long if you’re not interested in the subject matter.  Luckily enough we are avid coffee connoisseurs and thought the tour was excellent!  The tour concludes with a short screening of a DVD that really highlights the passion that everyone – from the owners of the company through to the farm hands - has for Skybury.

On completion of the tour we decided we simply must taste the coffee!  Once settled back on the large wrap-around veranda we sampled the most delectable smooth cups of coffee with a new found appreciation for the effort that goes into every cup!  While enjoying the coffees we were treated to the most decadent cappuccino ice-cream with large wafer biscuits, cream and strawberries.  The dessert was simply delicious!  The afternoon was divine.  We appreciated the perfect soft tropical weather, we relaxed in the comfortable chairs, enjoyed each others company, the coffee and the breathtaking views.  My partner finished the day with an exotic affogato, a splendid combination of coffee and ice-cream served in a tall martini glass.  Just perfect!

Before leaving we purchased some Skybury coffee and postcards from the gift shop with our complimentary gift vouchers (available only with the ‘complete package’).  We had a lovely day that featured beautiful coffee and sumptuous meals.  We all decided that Skybury coffee was an absolute ‘must do’ for visitors to Tropical North Queensland, and I know that we will be returning soon …. we might just see you there!

Amy Jennings
The Tour Specialists

Last Saturday I had the most wonderful experience of traveling up to Kuranda on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.  All the feedback I had heard back about this delightful journey was all excellent, but having lived in Sydney for a few years and commuting from Cronulla to Sydney City every day I was very put off by all forms of train travel for a few years!
We decided on the 9.45 am departure as it was a Saturday and after waking up early all week a little sleep in was in order.  We arrived at the picturesque Freshwater Station.  The train starts in Cairns then makes its way to Freshwater Station which is closer for those people who are based on the Northern Beaches.  Freshwater Station has a lovely little gift shop and a fantastic café which I believe serves a fantastic breakfast before your journey begins.  The station also provides a few historic buildings such as a Railway Construction workers hut and a Museum.

Well all aboard and at 9.45 am the train departs for Kuranda. We traveled up standard fare and were impressed.  Our carriage was very quiet this enabled us to both sit near the window and enjoy the view.  On arrival at the station we were provided with and information card and this pointed out various points of interest throughout the journey, along with a running audio commentary provided in the carriage.  The train traveled out though Redlynch then started to climb up the Freshwater Valley to Kuranda traveling through many hand carved tunnels and areas where you are able to capture spectacular views of the Coral Sea and Cairns City.  On a clear day you can even see Green Island on the horizon.  Towards the end of the journey a stop is made at Barron Falls Waterfall this Waterfall is 329 metres above sea level the falls drop is 265 metres.  Back in the early days a Flying Fox provided a view of the falls and a method of commuting to work!
In the wet season this waterfall is just amazing and leaves many a jaw dropped.
The stop at the falls is for around 10 minutes and this allows for plenty of time to take photos.  Once the whistle blew it was all aboard and onto Kuranda Station. 

The Kuranda Station is very impressive, this federation style station is heritage listed.  The building was completed in 1915 and is the only remaining example of a railway station of precast concrete construction.  The station is home to many local and introduced tropical plants and flowers making it one of the most beautiful railway stations in Australia.

We arrived at Kuranda just after 11.00 am so we had three hours to filling in which I think was about the perfect time to have a look around.  I have a fascination for butterflies so I new the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary was on my radar!  So after a quick coffee at one of the many coffee shops dotted along our walk we arrived at the Butterfly Sanctuary.

The butterfly sanctuary was fantastic and we happened to arrive at perfect timing as they had a tour about to start.  Our guide was Tina and she was brilliant her enthusiasm and passion really shined through!  I learnt so much about the life of a butterfly through Tina’s commentary.  Such as most butterflies live for several weeks while some can live as long as 9 months or even a year!  How butterflies feed! How butterflies protect themselves!  The cycle of a butterfly!  Which I am not going of course to tell you as you will have to go and find out for yourself!!!!
The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is one of the largest butterfly farms in the world in terms of enclosed space.  The main aviary is a large all weather glass house it has an average height of 25 feet.  The Sanctuary itself is seven acres and some of the three acres are used for the cultivation of butterfly food plants whilst the remaining four acres are rainforest. 

We were extremely lucky as on the day we went as it was mating season!! The very large moth, Hercules Moth was mating this was a great chance to get up close and take a picture of this amazing moth as they stay very still whilst mating and this is not a very regular occurrence!  After walking through this lovely environment you then come to a room that has a display of all the types of butterflies throughout the world.  This was amazing as there were hundreds of butterflies on display some with fantastic brilliant iridescent colours.

The camouflage butterflies where incredible such as having two snake heads on there wings to discourage predators to taking on the appearance of a leaf  even down to the fine details of having markings that depict water drops…….absolutely incredible!!!

After the butterflies it was time for a look around the shops and markets then off for some lunch!  Well it was getting on to around 2.00 pm and time for our Journey back!
This time we were traveling Gold Class.  Gold Class is a special exclusive section of the train where two special railway carriages have been restored to former grandeur.  Gold class has free seating so it is best to get there a little early so you can obtain a window seat.  The seats are not fixed so are very comfortable and easy to move near the window.  Once settled in you take in you surrounds of this premier carriage.  The Gold Class attendant then came around and introduces himself and asked what type of beverage we would like.  Beer, wine, juice and sparkling wine were all on offer.  I opted for a lovely glass of sparkling so I could sit back and enjoy the surrounds.  Once the train was off it was then time for the canapés to come out and this was in the form of an individual cheese & biscuits and dried fruit plate for all which was the perfect companion to my glass of sparkling!!  Gold Class still also provides the running commentary at the end of you journey you are presented with a souvenir pack of a gold class pen, postcard and pin something to take home and remind you of you day!  It was lovely to come home in a bit of luxury and style.

Tammy - The Tour Specialists Palm Cove

Sunday, 20 April, 2008

On Sunday morning I was lucky enough to visit Cairns Wildlife Dome – the exotic wildlife park and rainforest habitat in the heart of Cairns city.  Cairns Wildlife Dome is an outstanding feature of the Cairns city skyline, and is a unique dome structure perched on top of the Cairns Reef Casino.  The dome itself is made of glass, is 20 meters high and is suitable to visit in all weather conditions.  I’ve always been impressed with the dome from the outside; the way it provides a nightly light show featuring all the neon colors of the rainbow.  I was intrigued about what Cairns Wildlife Dome would have to offer, and couldn’t wait to see what it was like inside.
    
Upon entering Cairns Wildlife Dome I was greeted with a myriad of sights and sounds.  There was a plethora of exotic rainforest creatures freely roaming around amongst the large, lush green rainforest habitat.  The sound of the vast variety of tropical birds singing was delightful and somewhat noisy, and every rainforest tree and bush in the dome seemed to be rustling and bustling with an excess of playful birds.  At the entrance of Cairns Wildlife Dome I was lucky enough to meet my first feathered friend, a Red Tailed Black Cockatoo.  This friendly bird was happy to have a chat with me, and even perch on my arm for a more indepth and intimate discussion.

The dome structure was bigger on the inside than I expected, and the lush tropical rainforest habitat was spectacular and unexpected in the heart of Cairns city.  I felt as though I had been transported into an exotic rainforest paradise in the blink of an eye.  Cairns Wildlife Dome features large pathways and a wooden boardwalk that leads you from the base of the dome toward the roof.  As I ascended the walkways I was treated to spectacular views of the entire dome structure, all the exotic animals in the dome and the city of Cairns and Coral Sea lying just outside the wildlife park.  As I meandered along the pathways at the base of the dome I spotted free roaming pademeloms.  These soft and furry rainforest creatures were absolutely adorable, and didn’t seem to mind all the attention they were getting from me!  I also spotted some turtles and freshwater crocodiles in a billabong, frogs in lush green rainforest trees and some slithery scaly pythons.
 
As I ascended the wooden boardwalk I was greeted by Goliath, an enormous 5 metre saltwater crocodile.  Goliath is an amazing creature and seeing him up close and personal gave me a newfound respect and appreciation for Estuarine Crocodiles that are typical of the Far North Queensland region.  Cairns Wildlife Dome features a unique underwater viewing platform, a welcome addition to the above-water view, which gave me a unique perspective of Goliath from both under and on top of the water.  As I got higher in the Wildlife Dome the birds changed from ground dwellers to colourful and exotic birds typically of the canopy of the tropical rainforests.  As they swooped and soared around me I decided I needed to know more about them, and decided to watch the bird presentation at 10:30 am.

The bird presentation was both educational and enjoyable.  The stars of the show included an Eclectus Parrot, Rainbow Lorikeets, Kookaburras, Red Tailed Black Cockatoos, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos and a Frogmouth.  Most of the birds swooped and soared – generally just inches above our heads, however the Kookaburra was in an especially bad mood and decided he didn’t want to play.  Instead, he flew to the other side of the dome and laughed at us, which resulted in an uproar of applause and laughter from the audience.  Cairns Wildlife Dome has a variety of animal shows and presentations throughout the day such as feeding tours, reptile rap, furry friends and dusk creatures.  Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to see all of these shows, however when purchasing tickets to the Cairns Wildlife Dome entry is valid for five days so I will get a chance to go back and catch the shows I missed.    
Cairns Wildlife Dome provides an intimate animal experience in the heart of the city of Cairns.  I recommend the Cairns Wildlife Dome to anyone who wants to experience native Australian animals and tropical rainforest without even leaving the city.  After leaving Cairns Wildlife Dome I enjoyed a cup of coffee in the Reef Casinos restaurant – Pacific Flavours – and marveled at the unique ability to transition from a tropical rainforest environment into decadent luxury in the blink of an eye.  Treat yourself and experience Cairns Wildlife Dome personally…

Amy Jennings
The Tour Specialist

Last Friday the team at The Tour Specialists were lucky enough to experience hot air ballooning with Hot Air.  Hot Air has an excellent reputation, with the largest commercial fleet of balloons, and the biggest balloons that fly in the Southern Hemisphere.  I was really looking forward to the experience, and couldn’t wait to be soaring through the skies like a bird!

The day begins early.  We met at the base of the Kuranda Range at 5am.  The friendly staff at Hot Air informed us that early morning weather provided the optimum weather conditions for a balloon flight, and they don’t make the experience so early simply because they’re sadistic!  We loaded into the large comfortable coach and began our scenic 45 minute journey West to Mareeba, located on the Atherton Tablelands (the best location in the world for ballooning, so I am told).  The drive was gorgeous.  The morning of our balloon flight was cool and crisp.  Fog was hovering low in the forest, and our pre-dawn journey over the Kuranda Range was unforgettable.  We could hear the birds awaken in the trees and begin their melodic chorus.  Night began to give way to day, which cast hues of glorious pink over the native Australian bushland.  

As we arrived at our launch spot (a large rural paddock amongst a locally owned mango farm) we were greeted by the amazing sight of the balloon inflation.  Each Hot Air balloon is unique, and upon inflation we were thrilled to discover our balloon design – a kangaroo!  As we were waiting for our balloon experience I took time to appreciate the crisp cool morning and fresh country air.  Light was beginning to penetrate the dark sky, and I could feel the anticipation of the group – we were ready to hop in the balloon and experience the glorious tropical sunrise in the sky.  As our balloon inflated we had plenty of time to take photos, and the Hot Air staff took a wonderful group photo of us. 

We were directed to the large wicker basket and one-by-one started entering the balloon.  The wicker basket was more spacious than I anticipated, and could hold up to 20 people.  We enjoyed the warmth radiating off the burner flame as our friendly experienced pilot continued filling the balloon with air.  Time for more photo’s and lots of laughs as we eagerly awaited the balloon to be ready for flight.  In only minutes we were ready, and started our smooth ascent into the sky.

The balloon experience was magical.  On the day of our balloon flight, the Atherton Tablelands was shrouded in fog, which only added to the romantic and mystical ambiance of the experience.  As we began our upward journey there were moments when we were completely enveloped by fog, and then we rose above it and entered a soft powder blue sky.  The fog below us looked as soft as cotton wool and as light as fluffy clouds.  The tops of the forest clad mountains peaked above the fog, creating a beautiful natural contradiction.  The softness of the fog and the dense forest peeping through.  Simply breathtaking!  Our balloon flight lasted half an hour (although hourly flights are available), and after 10 minutes in the air, the fog lifted providing us with magical views of the green patchwork farmland, forests, majestic mountains and the horizon in the distance.  It was a real treat when we got to glimpse the other hot air balloon sharing the sky with us; it was just like we were part of a balloon festival!   

The feeling of silently gliding through the air is difficult to describe, but nonetheless is a memorable, once in a life time experience that I will never forget.  Our descent was perfect, and was probably one of my favourite parts of the whole experience.  We landed in a large open field surrounded by avocado crops and cows.  Once on the ground we helped the Hot Air Crew back the balloon away.  It was so much fun playing packing up games, deflating the balloon and packing it away.  We all lent a hand, and worked up a good appetite doing so!  Back onto the bus and a quick 5 minute drive to Ringers Rest for a gourmet buffet breakfast.

 
Ringers Rest is an open aired Restaurant inspired by Australian working sheds.  Complete with a corrugated iron roof and natural Australian timber furnishings, you get a real sense of the Australian outback.  The restaurant is in the midst of natural Australian bush, with the sense that you’re absolutely a million miles from anywhere.  The tradition after a successful balloon flight is to toast a glass of champagne, and Hot Air is continuing that tradition.  On arrival I was given a chilled glass of bubbly champagne, which I think is a delightful way to celebrate the wonderful ballooning experience. 

Breakfast was beautiful.  Being vegetarian I find buffet breakfasts at time problematic, but Hot Air provided a wide variety of hot and cold foods to keep everyone happy.  I enjoyed fresh toast, a sumptuous selection of tropical fruits (watermelon, rockmelon, honeydew, kiwi fruit, pineapple and grapes), fresh juices, green tea and chilled water.  The carnivores in our group enjoyed bacon, sausage, scrambled egg, tomato and so many more yummy treats.  We all finished our meal, fat and happy, with a freshly brewed cup of Mareeba coffee.  Just perfect….

Each Hot Air balloon is fitted with an onboard camera, so we picked up our group and individual photos then hopped back onto the bus for our 45 minute return journey to Cairns.  The trip back to Cairns gave me the perfect opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep.  Before I knew it we were back in Cairns, with wonderful memories (and some great pictures) of my time flying through the sky with Hot Air Balloons!  

Amy Jennings
The Tour Specialists

My day at the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary in Port Douglas was so much fun.  We woke up early Sunday morning to allow plenty of time for the hour-long drive to Port Douglas from Cairns.  The weather was perfect (as usual in Tropical North Queensland) and my family and I enjoyed the scenic costal drive.  The Coral Sea looked spectacular in the morning, with the warm sun glittering off the smooth sapphire surface of the Ocean and the palm trees gently swaying in the cool breeze. 

On arrival at the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary we were greeted by happy, friendly staff and were given our complimentary map of the wildlife park.  We were all very hungry after our early morning drive, so we made our way immediately to the Wetlands Restaurant to enjoy our Breakfast with the Birds. 

At the Restaurant we were greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne (although I was driving so I opted for the fresh orange juice).  After being seated at a large comfortable table by friendly restaurant staff, we made our way to the large bay-mares.   The buffet breakfast was divine.  My partner (who is a big eater) especially enjoyed the all-you-can-eat gourmet breakfast and had bacon, eggs, sausages, beans, hash browns and freshly toasted bread.  Being vegetarian, buffet meals can be somewhat problematic for me, but this was just perfect!  I enjoyed a huge array of fresh (and dried) seasonal tropical fruits, muesli (with soy milk!), fresh locally baked bread and a great selection of fresh juices.  At the end of breakfast we sat in the tranquil surrounds (while enjoying a hot herbal tea) and enjoyed the vast array of birds.  My favourites were the noisy black cockatoo’s and the ducks in the pond nearby!   

The Rainforest Habitat has three distinct sections: the Grasslands, Rainforest and Wetlands.  In the Grasslands we saw wallabies, kangaroos (which we got to pet and hand feed), endangered tree kangaroos, emus and crocodiles.  At the Wetlands my partner held a baby crocodile!  We saw cuddly Koala bears, a plethora of tropical birds and an endangered Southern Cassowary.  My favourite section was the Rainforest environment.  It was simply breathtaking experiencing the rainforest from the dense forest floor to the top of the lush green canopy.  We watched turtles and eels frolic in the crystal clear waters, and an amazing array of tropical rainforest birds soar overhead.  There were plenty of seats and viewing platforms which allowed us to rest in the temperate milieu and experience the rainforest creatures in their natural environment. 

At the end of the day we sat at the open air Curlew Café (which is fully licensed) and enjoyed a cold drink and ice-cream.  One of the most impressive things about the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary is its commitment to eco-tourism which is evident by its Advanced Eco-Certification.  The passion of the staff to principles of education and preservation was obvious, and although we missed the formal presentations, we did meet the enthusiastic staff as we were wandering around the wildlife park who were happy to answer our questions and have a chat.

I highly recommend the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary to anyone who wants to have a unique and intimate experience with native Australian flora and fauna!  We all had a fantastic time, and enjoyed our trip back to Cairns as dusk fell over the crystal clear Coral ocean and tropical rainforest around us!       
 
Amy Jennings - The Tour Specialists Clifton Beach

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Who said landing in a helicopter on Palm Cove Beach was impossible? 

 Well last weekend Skysafari landed two helicopters on Palm Cove Beach to pick up there lucky guests for a spectacular scenic helicopter flight.  With only a couple of days notice you too could be collected one of Far North Queenslands best beaches!

 How convenient and what a way to view the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef!

 Tammy - The Tour Specialists Palm Cove

I was very lucky to experience a night on Tropical Green Island.  This small coral cay is located just 50 mins away from Cairns.  Staying on the island was great as there were so many activities, you can choose to go on a helicopter scenic flight, dive, snorkel, glass bottom boat, parasail, sea walker, walk in the rainforest, shop or just relax by the pool and enjoy the dining…. You will always find something to experience!

My overnight trip to Green Island was in fact my work annual get together. This was the perfect destination for such an occasion.

All our staff met at the Reef Fleet Terminal for check-in and boarded the boat for a 1pm departure. During the 50 minute cruise I sat back and enjoyed the view from the upper deck of the Great Adventures boat.  On arrival at Green Island we were welcomed by our Managing Directors and a resort staff member. We were then escorted to the resort and allowed some time to check in before meeting the rest of our team for some fun games on the beach!
Everything was perfectly organized in a casual and friendly atmosphere by our Conference Incentive & Accommodation Specialists team. The afternoon activities provided much laughter, running, falling and eating sand and a few drinks…. After all our fun we headed back to our luxury suites to hose of all the sand and get ready for cocktails by the pool.  The time of day provided us with such a relaxing ambiance: you get the island for yourself (all the boats are gone) and you just have to “put up” with all the beautiful birds around you that consider that the island as theirs at night.

Unfortunately our BBQ dinner on the beach ended up at the restaurant due to the rainy weather. The buffet was excellent, especially the mushroom sauce made by their French chef! Delicious! After this sumptuous dinner we all decided to go back to the beach and watch the stars… and of course have a few more drinks. I don’t know why, after a while I ended up with a big headache so this was maybe the sign for me to go back to my suite. On the way back I passed by the resort pool and made a stop to enjoy the beautiful scenery at night, sitting in a long chair and listening to the silence!!

After a good (but short) night sleep and still a bit of a headache I thought a coffee would be really appropriate so I went to the restaurant. Breakfast looked so nice that I decided to give it a go. It was excellent.

I did not have the opportunity to do much before I got the 12.00noon ferry back to Cairns but lots of activities were available to me during my stay as they were included in my overnight package:

 Welcome cocktails & Island presentation
 Guided eco & rainforest walks
 Guided night nature walks
 Self guided walks & information
 Fish feeding daily
 Entry to the world’s oldest Underwater Observatory
 Glass bottom boat tour
 Windsurfers, surf skis & canoes
 Beach volleyball
 Snorkelling equipment 
 Beach chairs & umbrellas at Beach Hire

The location of this resort (46 luxurious suites) is exclusive: On the Reef and in the middle of the Rainforest! It also has its private swimming pool and internet access lounge for its guests.

Room Facilities:
 Remote control colour TV
 Complimentary cable TV
 Individually controlled air-conditioning
 Ceiling fans
 Direct dial ISD/STD telephones
 Message waiting system
 Mini-bar and refrigerator
 Complimentary tea & coffee making facilities
 240v/110v electrical points (bathroom only)
 Private balcony with table & chairs
 Full length mirrors
 Writing/make-up desks with mirror (Reef Suites only)
 Slippers (Reef Suites only)
 Bathrobes
 Hairdryer & complimentary personal grooming items
 Shower & separate bath
 In-room safe
 Pool & beach towels (available from Reception)
 Iron & ironing board
 Rechargeable torch
 Portable beach chairs (available from Beach Hire)

Green Island is a perfect location for your Seminars or Incentives

   The TTS Team arrive on Green Island 

Florence - The Tour Specialists Hilton Cairns

My name is Florence and I work at the Hilton Hotel Tour Desk in Cairns. The Hilton Hotel has a perfect location in Cairns as it is next to the Trinity inlet.  The hotel overlooks beautiful mangroves and is only walking distance to the Reef Fleet Terminal where many cruises depart from out to The Great Barrier Reef.  

One morning last week I was doing my normal duties when suddenly a guest rushed in the lobby. By his body language I thought he had an apparition (or maybe he saw a ghost?) as he was so excited…

 In fact from his balcony overlooking the estuary he spotted a crocodile swimming next to the hotel restaurant! So we all rushed outside and this 3 metre crocodile was there, having a look at us and finally disappeared in the water. Just to let the world knows that I am living in the most beautiful and exciting place in the world!! 

Well there is much hype around Port Douglas today as they eagerly await the arrival of the Queen Victoria who is on her maiden round the world journey.  The Queen Victoria departed New York on the 13th of January and is due to arrive at Port Douglas at 7.00 am on 29 February.  She is 294 metres long and weighs 90,000 tonnes and she has a guest capacity of 2,014 which are accommodated in 1,007 staterooms. 

If you are lucky enough to be going out on the reef tommorrow from Port Douglas then you will have a chance to view this Classic Cunard liner as you cruise pass!

Well the sun is out today on Palm Cove Beach and it is a fantastic day.  At the moment it is very quite up here as I think with all the hype in the media they think we have been washed away!!!  Well I am here to say we have not.  We have not had any rain today just a beautiful sunny day!!!