Touring resumes in Tropical North Queensland
The first cruise ship has returned to Cairns, divers are back exploring the Great Barrier Reef and waterfall tours are in demand as Tropical North Queensland welcomes visitors in the wake of Cyclone Jasper.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The first cruise ship has returned to Cairns, divers are back exploring the Great Barrier Reef and waterfall tours are in demand as Tropical North Queensland welcomes visitors in the wake of Cyclone Jasper.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen has said the region’s tour operators had responded swiftly to the weather event to ensure the safety of guests and infrastructure and were working just as quickly to reopen.
“Today we welcome the Seven Seas Explorer with 700 passengers disembarking to experience some of the more than 2000 tours our region has to offer,” he said.
“These cruise passengers are joining about 4500 visitors across the region with 1500 people currently staying in hotels in the Cairns CBD.
“Tropical North Queensland had $20 million worth of cancellations, losing about 10 per cent of our Christmas and New Year bookings in the lead-up to Cyclone Jasper and will record about $60 million in losses next week.”
CaPTA Sales and Marketing Manager Ben Woodward said they had lost around $500,000 each day since Tuesday from cancellations and closures.
“We’ve weathered cyclones before but we have been closed at our parks for the last couple days,” he said.
“But we are opening back up again from today and there is definitely a lot for people coming of ships like this to do over the next few days and into Christmas.”
“We anticipate an influx of last-minute bookings when the sun comes out next week with great conditions forecast for the reef operators.
“The Cairns Aquarium and Cairns Koalas and Creatures at The Pier – the newest attraction in town – have been keeping visitors dry while showcasing the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of the tropics.
“Today (Friday) Quicksilver’s Pro Dive has returned to the Great Barrier Reef and ferries are taking guests to Fitzroy Island Resort.
“Visitors are excited to see the rivers in full swing and adventure seekers are already white water rafting on the Tully River today with the Cairns Adventure Group.”
Adventure Group owner Roderic Rees said that there is nothing unusual about a cyclone in the Far North and they are ready and waiting to go.
“The cyclone has passed. It’s nothing that we don’t deal with every wet season,” he said.
“The region’s beautiful, and what an exciting time to come up.
“Everyone’s prepared, everyone recovers quickly, and the tourism industry is ready to go, welcome guests. and show them a fantastic holiday.”
Mr Olsen said the big wet has brought many tourist attractions back to life after a period of little rainfall.
“Chasing waterfalls and tubing tours are the hot ticket items in summer when our rainforest rivers are at their most spectacular.
“The Barron Falls is Tropical North Queensland’s biggest attraction after heavy rain – the feeling of the mist on your face as the water thunders into Barron Gorge is extraordinary.
“Visitors can experience the falls from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway’s spectacular The Edge Lookout.”
The Palm Cove strip is back in business with accommodation providers including the Reef House welcoming guests back and the restaurant open for lunch and dinner. Nu Nu and the coffee shops have reopened.
“All accommodation and attractions are open on the Cassowary Coast and drive visitors are returning to Paronella Park,” he said.
“Operators in Port Douglas have been slowed down by power outages but are gradually reopening, while the Daintree region will take a little longer as they wait for the river to subside.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Touring resumes in Tropical North Queensland
How program is creating sport pathway for young girls
The Far North’s arm wrestle against capital cities to breed and maintain sporting talent has received a boost with a new program helping establish grassroots pathways.
LNP member demands former chairman’s party donation be returned
An LNP whistleblower has called out his own party’s decision to accept a “non-political” donation from a key Far North powerbroker now facing serious charges, including allegedly assaulting a woman.