NORTH QUEENSLAND
North Queensland - Luxury Travel Magazine
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The Sunshine State | |||||
| By: Dana McCauley, Issue 43 – Winter 2010 | |||||
| (Queensland, Australia) | |||||
| TAKING A BREAK IN THE UNSPOILED TROPICAL PARADISE OF NORTH QUEENSLAND IS A LUXURY BEST ENJOYED MINUS THE MASSES. AS DANA McCAULEY DISCOVERED, THE BENEFITS OF FLYING OFF-PEAK EXTEND BEYOND THE DOLLAR SAVINGS. | |||||
| With the low season looming, it’s the ideal time to plan a spring getaway to tropical north Queensland. Skipping the crowds means not only taking advantage of great deals on resorts and villas but, more importantly, experiencing the unique natural environment at its pristine best. The slow-down starts at the end of September and lasts until the Christmas holiday rush leaving a good month or so to enjoy clear blue skies and balmy nights at off-peak rates. It is also the ideal time to experience the region’s beaches and coves, tropical rainforests and unique marine life in peace and tranquility. The world heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef dominates the tropical north, extending 2600 kilometres along the coastline in a unique underwater world that is without parallel. The coral is home to an amazing variety of marine life: strikingly coloured clownfish, coral trout and red bass, as well as turtles, dolphins and whales. The visual feast is not just for deep-sea adventurers; a mask and snorkel are all you need to access the rich and vibrant ecosystem and scenic flights over the reef offer a birds-eye view of the majestic marine kingdom. The Whitsunday Islands are a hub of luxury resorts that operate as a gateway to nature, with a total of 74 near-deserted islands bordered by the Great Barrier Reef. The whole area is an oasis that can be best appreciated during the quieter months. The calm aqua waters of the Coral Sea lap up against pristine white silica sands of some of the world’s most impressive beaches, inlets and coves, and there is nothing like the feeling of having it all to oneself. The major resorts on Hamilton, Hayman and Lindeman islands can be accessed by boat, making island-hopping an easy way to enjoy the variety of natural beauty. For a real taste of solitude, spend a few days idling out at sea on a luxury yacht. A number of companies offer crewed charters that take care of the holiday maker’s every need, including the option of an on-board personal chef. More adventurous types can hoist the sails on their own on self-skippered charters, in what has come to be known as “bareboating”. No license is necessary, although it is recommended that at least one person on board have previous sailing experience. There are many other aquatic pursuits including jet-ski safari, ocean rafting and sea kayak tours. Back on the mainland, there is an equally impressive array of natural wonders to explore. Flying into Cairns gives you access to some of the top locations of the north, with luxurious accommodation options in the city and surrounds, all accessible by hire car or limousine. Palm Cove is just a half-hour drive up the scenic Captain Cook Highway and is fast becoming the spa capital of north Queensland. Despite its growing popularity, it maintains a village atmosphere and is home to one of the most pristine beaches in Australia. Besides the usual seaside activities of swimming and sunbathing, there are a number of impressive golf courses in the area. Other activities include horse riding through bush land, reef tours and white water rafting. Further north is Port Douglas, just another thirty minutes up the Highway. Home to the famous four-mile beach, the town is known for its relaxed atmosphere and low-key sophistication. It is the closest town to the Great Barrier Reef and borders the oldest rainforest in the world, the 135-year-old Daintree Rainforest, accessible by riverboat. | |||||
| LUXURY BEACH HOUSES | |||||
| We asked accommodation guru Cher Roscoe of Travelcall in Melbourne for her expert advice on where to stay in the tropical north. Cher had some tantalising suggestions for taking the path less travelled. She filled us in on the newest and best luxury beach houses in Port Douglas and surrounds. “35 Beachfront Mirage is lovely,” she said. “So is The Pearl at Newell Beach. Then there are 17 gorgeous homes at Oak Beach; and Mali Mali, in the hinterland behind Port Douglas and Mossman, is stunning.” All of these properties can be viewed at Executive Retreats. | |||||
| STAY: | |||||
| Qualia Resort On Hamilton Island: With the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef right on your doorstep this ultra luxury resort provides a sumptuous island getaway. | |||||
| Hayman Island Resort: An island resort with a range of suite options including eight individual penthouses leaving you to tailor your island holiday to your style. | |||||
| Club Med Lindeman Island: A family friendly option for an island holiday, you can choose to relax or have your holiday action packed. | |||||
| The Sebel Cairns Hotel: The perfect place to rest your head if you want a base to explore the tropical north from Cairns. | |||||
| Peppers Bale Resort Port Douglas: This chic resort blends the modern with pavilion style accommodation from South East Asia adding to the charms of Port Douglas. | |||||
| Angsana Resort & Spa At Palm Cove: This resort provides relaxed luxury where you can bask the warm weather and soak up the rays on the beach. | |||||
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