Travel Planning:
Most international attendees will require a valid visa and current passport to enter Australia. A currency converter is available here. Please note that air travel to, from, and within Australia can be congested in the workshop period since it coincides with the holiday season in Australia. If you are planning to attend you should ensure that your air travel reservations are made well in advance of your travel!

Please be aware that the Australian environment is unique, and that visitors should be aware of the hazards that may be encountered and take appropriate precautions. Please take some time to view the following site regarding travelling safely around Queensland.

 -- Queensland Tourism --   (opens in new window)

For more local information, see the Accommodation section

Go to the TOP of this page   

Location:
The 2010 workshop will be held in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Click and drag the map to look around:


View Larger Map

Go to the TOP of this page   

Weather:
Current and Forecast weather for Cairns can be found here:

Bureau of Meteorology: Queensland Forecast Areas Map.

AccuWeather Forecast:

(Metric:)

Forecast | Maps | Radar
( Click for English/American )

Go to the TOP of this page   

Tours:

  - Rainforest:
        - Daintree Rainforest:

At more than 120 million years old, the Daintree is the oldest rainforest on earth
and can be visited by small 4WD group tours, which include guided short walks,
evening tours to see the native wildlife or day hiking tours.

Daintree Discovery Tours:
www.daintreediscoverytours.com.au
Prices start from $160 per person.

Tony's Tropical Tours
www.tropicaltours.com.au
Prices start from $160 per person.

        - Mosmaan Gorge:
Mossman Gorge is in a very accessible and scenic section of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park.
Strangler figs and epiphytic plants flourish and the crystal-clear Mossman River cascades over granite boulders.
The area is also home to colourful Boyd's forest dragons.
Stroll along the 400 metre walking track to viewing platforms over the Mossman River.
Look for the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly and eastern yellow robin. Take the two kilometre loop track
through the lush, green rainforest to learn about the plants and how the local Kuku Yalanji people use
them in traditional ways.
,br. Location: 80 kilometres north of Cairns, near Mossman. Please drive slowly and carefully
when passing the Mossman Gorge Aboriginal Community.

  - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway:

 Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Cairns Australia, is a world first in environmental tourism
taking you on an amazing experience over Australia's World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest
canopy and deep into the forest.

The Skyrail experience, spanning 7.5kms over pristine rainforest, allows you to explore the wonders
of an ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse
areas on earth. Gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins,
the Skyrail journey immerses you in an intimate rainforest experience where you'll see, hear, smell and become
part of the tropical rainforest environment.

  - Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural:

 Today, Tjapukai's show business has become the most awarded Aboriginal cultural attraction in Australia
and is credited with enhancing reconciliation locally, nationally and internationally. Tjapukai showcases the
culture of the rainforest people of Tropical North Queensland.

Situated on 25 acres of land owned by the Tjapukai people at Caravonica, north of Cairns,
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is a stunning theatrical interpretation of Aboriginal culture from
the beginning of time into the future. Seven separate arenas allow visitors to experience every facet of
the rainforest people's culture - from the provocative History Theatre to the inspiring Creation Theatre,
and the original Dance Theatre and the interactive Camp Village, where visitors can learn didgeridoo playing
and boomerang throwing.

Package Prices available upon request for Skyrail, Train and Tjapukai.

  - Great Barrier Reef:

 One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef offers a vast range of leisure activities.

Boat trips to the reef can be arranged to suit your needs, whether by large catamarans,
smaller sailboats, deluxe charter vessels or purpose-built diving and fishing boats.

Sailaway IV - Low Isles
www.sailawayportdouglas.com
Prices from $150 per person.

Calypso - Outer Great Barrier Reef
www.calypsocharters.com.au
Prices from $165 per person.

Quicksilver - Great Barrier Reef
www.quicksilver-cruises.com
Prices from $186 per person.

  - Attherton Tableland:

 Atherton is the 'capital' of the lovely Tropical Tablelands, a land of beautiful lakes, waterfalls,
rich red soil and tropical rainforest. Here the temperature is cooler, the pace is slower and there
is a feeling of relaxation in the air.

The rich Tableland area is famous for producing peanuts, maize and potatoes. The area also has
a number of natural attractions such as the Curtain Fig Tree, Millaa Millaa Falls, crater lakes and
amazing rock formations.

Atherton is ideally situated as a base to explore most places of interest in the Tablelands area.

  - Horse Riding at Wonga Beach:

 Wonga Beach Horse Rides will take you on a ride through grassy headlands along side beautiful
creeks, through pristine Daintree Rainforest and along beautiful Wonga Beach. Walk, trot or canter
your horses along the beach or into the surf.

They will pick up from the Resort at approximately 2.00pm and return around 6.00pm.
Maximum group size is 14.
Prices from $109.00 per person + $10.00 Insurance Levy per person.

  - White Water Rafting on the Barron River:

 Cairns is lucky enough to have the Barron River located just 20 minutes away, with our half day
white water raft adventure leaving you plenty of time to enjoy other activities on the same day.

The rapids on the Barron River are of grade 2-3 which means they are simple technical rapids with a
need to manoeuvre the raft, which results in great rafting for first timers.

Minimum group number of 4.
Half day rafting on the Barron River.
Pick up at the Resort at approximately 1.15pm and return around 6.30pm.
Prices from $90 per person + $25.00 per person on board raft levy.

  - Fishing:

 Offering both half day sole charters or shared charters - Estuary Trips - depending on
the weather etc will determine which estuary you venture down highly experienced guide.

3 pax - From $385.00 per half day.
4 or 5 pax - From $495.00 per half day.
Generally departs around 1.30pm returning at about 6.00pm.

  - Wildlife Sanctuary:

 Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary.
Entry fee is from $28.00 per person.
Groups of 25 persons or more will be allocated a complimentary Tour Guide - the request for a guide
must be advised at the time of the group booking - at least 2 weeks prior to the tour date.

  - Hot Air Ballooning:

 As the sun rises our pilots gently lift off and quietly glide the balloons over the panorama of
the Cairns Highlands (also known as the Atherton Tablelands). Afterwards you are treated to a wonderful
breakfast at our outback adventures site, and then returned to Cairns or Kuranda with plenty of time
to enjoy other tours in the same day.

Prices from $180 per person.

  - Cairns Tropical Zoo

 Cairns Tropical Zoo, on the Captain Cook Highway at Palm Cove - 20 minutes north of Cairns
is six hectares of tropically landscaped zoo featuring a natural habitat displaying Australia's
unique animals - plus some international tropical animals.
You have the opportunity to 'Cuddle a Koala' (extra cost applies and includes a top quality souvenir
digital photograph). This is a great place to pat a crocodile, meet a dingo, stroke a snake, scratch
a wombat, hand feed colourful parrots and meet rainforest birds, waterbirds and cassowaries.
Hand feed a multitude of macropods (kangaroos and wallabies) including the pure white 'red' kangaroos.
Plus visit the excellent reptile display.

  - Cairns Wildlife Dome

 The Cairns Wildlife Dome is a spectacular all weather wildlife exhibit encased by a 20-metre high
glass dome on the rooftop of the Sofitel Reef Casino Cairns. More than 60 species of magnificent
rainforest animals and birds wander and fly freely throughout the enclosure, replicating their
natural environment.
Discover the secrets of the rainforest and enjoy informative presentations; Reptile Rap, Bird Show,
Mammal Show and Dusk Creatures Show, and guided feeding tours. Meet Goliath the four-metre
Estuarine Crocodile. Exceptional viewing of the world's largest reptile in North Queensland's
first underwater viewing enclosure.

  - Gulf Savannah and OUTBACK

 Just a few hours drive west of Cairns, lush tropical rainforests give way to an ever-changing
landscape of open woodlands and savannah grasslands, dramatic volcanic landforms, rugged escarpments
and cool, fresh-water gorges. Try your hand at fossicking, enjoy amazing fishing, view the incredible
diversity of bird life or enjoy the preserved history of frontier towns. Experiences all enriched by
interaction with local characters as colourful as an Outback sunset.

  - HARTLEY'S CROCODILE ADVENTURES:

 Located just 40 minutes north of Cairns and 25 minutes south of Port Douglas, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
is simply the best place to see crocodiles and local wildlife in Tropical North Queensland. With over
2100 metres of timber boardwalks and pathways leading you on a journey of discovery through woodlands
and rainforest where you can see an array of wildlife, including beautiful tropical birds, reptiles,
insects and other native fauna. Enjoy our entertaining and educational wildlife presentations including snakes,
cassowaries, koalas, crocodiles, quolls and much more. Take a boat cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon to see crocodiles
and other wildlife on our melaleuca wetland. Learn about sustainable use and conservation on our Crocodile Farm tour.

Go to the TOP of this page   

Car Hire:

AVIS CAR RENTAL:

 All car rentals can be made via Avis' website: www.avis.com.au.
Other options include Hertz, ....
  1. Under the 'Make a Reservation' section include the rental date and time required
    for pick up and return of vehicle.
  2. Enter 'Rental Location Information' i.e. the location where you require to pick up
    and drop off your vehicle. Avis depots are located at Cairns Airport.
  3. Under 'Additional Information' you will need to enter our Wizard Number which is P668959
    (this number means that you will be charged using a corporate rate).
    Please note that private payment will be required.
  4. Continue to the next step (Location Selection) and you will be asked to select a
    City and Rental Location. AVIS depots are located as follows:

    Cairns Airport 
    Terminal Building 
    CAIRNS 
      
    (61) 07 4042 3800 
      
    Sunday-Saturday4.30 a.m. - 12.30 a.m.
      
      
  5. Continue to the Discounts and Rental Options screen and fill in any required fields
    e.g. if you require a GPS Navigation unit (will incur additional costs).
  6. Continue through to 'Car Selection' and choose the vehicle you require.
  7. You will then be provided with Rate Confirmation and asked if you require optional
    insurance coverage (see website for costs) - further information can be found on Avis' website.
  8. Continue and enter your Personal Information and then you will be asked to make your reservation.
  9. A booking confirmation will appear on screen - it is strongly suggested that you print this out
    for your information. Please note that payment will be required once you return your vehicle to
    the appropriate drop-off location.


City Bus Transfers:
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

(pick up) 		Palm Royale Cairns

(pick up) 		City Transit Mall

Bus Stop "D" 		Cairns Central

Rail Ticket Office 		DFO Palm Royale Cairns

(drop off) 		Cairns Colonial Club Resort

(drop off)
08:40 08:45 09:00 09:10 09:20 09:25 09:30
09:40 09:45 10:00 10:10 10:20 10:25 10:30
11:40 11:45 12:00 12:10 12:20 12:25 12:30
14:40 14:45 15:00 15:10 15:20 15:25 15:30
16:40 16:45 17:00 17:10 16:20 17:25 17:30
17:40 17:45 18:00 18:10 Closed 18:25 18:30
19:40 19:45 20:00 Closed Closed 20:15 20:20
21:40 21:45 22:00 Closed Closed 22:15 22:20


Go to the TOP of this page   

 

Page Last updated: 24 September 2010 by J. D. Carroll