| The
Region - Synergy II - luxury catamaran sailing to
the Great Barrier Reef in Australia from Port Douglas
Australia |
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CAIRNS -
PORT DOUGLAS - DAINTREE
CAPE TRIBULATION - GREAT BARRIER REEF |
Visiting the 'Reef and Rainforest
Coast' of Tropical North Queensland, Australia will be a
journey of delightful discovery that will stay with you
forever. Here you'll discover the coast's diverse natural
treasures from the magnificent underwater world of the
Great Barrier Reef to the lush tropical rainforests that
cloak the mountains and plains - two World Heritage
ecosystems existing side by side.
Classic palm fringed beaches tempt you to just relax
and unwind or you can choose from a host of tours, or action
packed adventure. As well as exploring the reef diving
or snorkelling, you can take a rainforest walk or a 4WD
safari, play a round of golf, go fishing
or set off on a crocodile spotting cruise.
Dining in any one of the tantalising array of
international restaurants, casual bistros, al fresco cafes or
country style pubs is an experience to savour the delicious
tropical flavours of the local cuisine, the freshest
seafood and exotic tropical fruits. Soak up the
friendly atmosphere at a lively village craft market or take a
Shopping trip among the exclusive boutiques, galleries,
speciality stores and gift shops. Port Douglas has it
all as a favourite international holiday destination where a
laid back tropical ambience awaits you.
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s greatest reef system,
stretching more than 2000km along Queensland's northeast
coast. As the world’s largest and most complex reef system, it
has thousands of individual coral reefs and hundreds of
continental islands, reef islands and coral cays.
Exploring the Great Barrier Reef on Synergy II is both
exhilarating and easy.
The basis of the reef is the seemingly endless variety
of corals, displaying every conceivable colour, shape and
form. The gorgeous and positively gaudy fish and other marine
animals that live among the coral reefs afford brilliant
displays of multicoloured movement. Giant clams and small
shells, starfish and sea cucumbers, anemones, turtles, eels,
rays, sponges - there is just so much to see on the
spectacular Great Barrier Reef. And Synergy II is the perfect
way to see it in luxury and style.
DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Port Douglas is situated one hours drive north of
Cairns, the gateway to the Reef and Rainforest coast. A
number of International and Domestic Airlines fly into
Cairns International Airport. To access information visit
the Cairns Port Authority website
http://www.cairnsport.com.au/content/standard.asp?name=Airport
Websites and phone numbers for airlines providing
international and domestic access to the destination are
found by
clicking here.
EASY DIRECTIONS
The best way into this region is to arrive via the Captain
Cook Highway from Cairns. The sinuous curves on the
spectacular 70km coastal road from Cairns International
Airport to Port Douglas will unwind you and the views will be
your first glimpse of paradise. Take a helicopter, hire
vehicle, luxury coach or limousine and don't forget your
camera.
TRAVEL SMART
The rule is relax. The style is casual so all you need are
comfortable, lightweight clothes. The climate is comfortable
tropical all year with maximum temperatures of 31º C in the
summer and 26° C in the winter. Most of all pack lightly - at
16 degrees south of the Equator, the climate here is like
Tahiti. During the winter months, on very rare evenings, a
wrap is required.
TEMPERATURES
During the cooler, dry season the days are balmy and the
evenings pleasantly cool (26 - 17 degrees Celsius). Summertime
is the 'Green Season', bringing warmer days and restorative
rain. The rainforest revitalises itself and the streams are
replenished. Sea temperatures range from 23.2 C in July to
28.7C in February.
YOU CAN SWIM ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF ALL YEAR LONG
It is warm enough to swim all year round with sea temperatures
averaging between 22 & 30 C (72 & 86 F), however from November
to April, sea wasps or "stingers" as they are called inhabit
coastal tropical waters. The sting is very painful and in very
rare cases can prove fatal. Fortunately, sea wasps are very
rarely found on the Outer Barrier Reef. Synergy provides
wetsuits and lycra suits for sun and stinger protection at no
charge.
GETTING AROUND
Coach and limousine transfers are available from Cairns
Airport to Port Douglas. Local transport includes a local
shuttle bus within the town and taxi's at very reasonable
rates. For those who prefer to make their own way around,
there are several rental companies operating from Port Douglas
offering everything from bicycles and scooters to cars, vans
and 4WDs. Pick up cars at the airport or Port Douglas.
Pre-Booking of rental cars is recommended.
MISCELLANEOUS
Shops are usually open 7 days a week, with banks operating
Monday to Friday. There are 24 hour automatic teller machines
available outside of these hours, and currency exchange
facilities at hotels and tour desks. All major credit cards
are accepted as well as traveller's cheques. Electricity is
230/240 volts (50 hertz) in Australia and you may wish to
consider bringing an adapter/converter for your camcorder or
other equipment.
MARKETS
Every Sunday of the year, Port Douglas hosts its world famous
Farmers Markets - don't be fooled by the name, you can find
art, books, jewellery, clothing, unique gifts and woodwork as
well as tropical fruits and vegetables. You can even have your
fortune read or dabble in a massage.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in the region ranges from luxurious 5 Star
resorts and exclusive rainforest lodges to
apartments and more casual budget options. The staff at
Synergy are happy to assist with any accommodation
requirements you have.
PORT
DOUGLAS VILLAGE CARNIVALE
Port
Douglas celebrates in style each year in May with its
award-winning 10 day festival, the Port Douglas Village
Carnivale. Carnivale sees Port Douglas become a living
postcard of tropical culture, where visitors
and locals join in and celebrate life in the tropics, its
pleasures, culture, wine and cuisine. For more information
visit the Port Douglas Village Carnivale website
www.carnivale.com.au
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