ATS Tours - Travel to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands

Queensland is Australia’s sunshine state, home to World Heritage rainforest and the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. The northern gateway, tropical Cairns, is the perfect base from which to explore the rainforest, experience Aboriginal culture up-close, and visit the wonders of the reef.

Why not indulge in an island getaway or cruise—perhaps in the Whitsundays, heart of the Great Barrier Reef? Divers, snorkelers, and sunbathers alike will find plenty of fun in the sun in Queensland’s Tropical North. In Southern Queensland, the capital city of Brisbane is a jumping-off point to the rainforest and mountains of Lamington National Park; Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island; the sophisticated Gold Coast; and the Sunshine Coast, home of the Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo.

Great Barrier Reef & Beyond, Queensland Hotels

Hotel / Resort name	Ratings
Cairns Colonial Club - Cairns   The Cairns Colonial Club Resort is set within 11 acres of tropical gardens, with 3 lagoon swimming pools and 3 resort restaurants, and combines the tranquility of a tropical resort with the advantages of a mainstream hotel. With comfortable and spacious rooms and suites, the resort offers guests an excellent range of accommodation to choose from.		more photos
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa - Daintree Rainforest   Set in the Daintree Rainforest, adjacent to the Daintree River, this hideaway offers 15 treehouse-style villas. Friendly staff tailor-make each guest’s stay, suggesting the best combination of authentic Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal culture, spa treatments, soft adventures and gourmet cuisine. The Daintree Spa offers unique outdoor and Aboriginal-inspired treatments. Rate includes à la carte breakfast.		more photos
Hamilton Island    Hamilton Island is nestled among the Whitsunday Islands at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns make getting there a breeze. There is a range of accommodation to suit every budget, from the luxurious and intimate beachfront setting of the 5-star Beach Club to the sweeping views of the Coral Sea at the Reef View Hotel or the self-contained Hamilton Island Holiday Properties. Dining options include 10 restaurants, 6 bars, and even a grocery store.		more photos
Hayman Island    The luxurious Hayman Island -- nestled amid a lush tropical landscape in the spectacular Whitsunday Islands -- is designed for comfort and privacy with priceless antiques, beautiful gardens with trickling waterfalls and shady ponds guarded by Oriental statues. Relax under a palm tree on the sandy beach, swim in one of the three extraordinary pools, or try out the free non-motorized watersports. Visit the health club, Spa Chakra Hayman, and sauna. A helicopter or boat trip out to the reef are exciting options. Four restaurants give you a choice of cuisine, atmosphere and style. Four restaurants give you a choice of cuisine.		more photos
Kewarra Beach Resort - Palm Cove   Kewarra is ideal for nature lovers, with breathtaking gardens meandering onto its own absolutely private beachfront near Palm Cove. A freshwater lagoon flows through this tropical oasis, emanating a close relationship with nature. Kewarra offers 75 suites and bungalows, superb service, and provides the perfect base for exploring the reef and rainforests.		more photos
Kingfisher Bay Resort - Fraser Island   Award winning Kingfisher Bay Resort, on Fraser Island, offers a base from which to explore this World Heritage treasure. Huge sand dunes and an amazing Seventy-Five Mile Beach highway complete with shipwreck contrast with lush rainforests and beautiful freshwater lakes. It is a paradise for hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, seeing the wildlife and four-wheel-driving. Relax in comfort, take a ranger guided nature walk, indulge in a massage, enjoy good food and wine or watch the sunset.		more photos
Mantra Treetops Resort & Spa Port Douglas - Port Douglas   Mantra Treetops Resort & Spa sits amidst its own natural rainforest with free flowing waterways & lily ponds. The resort is located five minutes' drive from Port Douglas Village and a short walk from the beach. It features a spa, two indoor/outdoor restaurants, cocktail bar and swim-up pool bar.		more photos
Novotel Rockford Palm Cove - Palm Cove   Set in 100 acres of lush scenery on the beautiful coastline of spectacular Tropical North Queensland, the spacious Novotel Rockford Palm Cove resort offers guests the choice of 245 rooms, suites and self-contained apartments, 7 pools and recreational areas. A relaxed and tranquil atmosphere where you can be as active or inactive as you like.		more photos
Orpheus Island    Located amid the Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by 3,000 acres of pristine national park, Orpheus is a nature lover's paradise. Limited to 42 pampered guests, Orpheus provides the ultimate hideaway. Accessible by seaplane, the magnificence of an unspoiled island and its fringing reefs are a backdrop to an experience in exquisite tropical food, wine and privacy. Explore the world's largest populations of Giant Clams or discover your own private beach. All meals included.		more photos
Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas - Port Douglas   Peppers Beach Club is steps away from the beauty of Four Mile Beach. The resort’s elegant open–air design, calming water features and lush tropical gardens create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy wandering the Port Douglas boutiques, stroll along the beach, play a round of golf or simply relax by the pool. Hotel rooms and 1, 2, and 3 bedroom suites available.		more photos
Rydges Tradewinds - Cairns   Ideally situated on the Cairns Esplanade, the Rydges Tradewinds Hotel is only a short stroll to the city center and the Great Barrier Reef departure point. The 245 spacious rooms all feature private balconies and water views. Enjoy the poolside dining, go for a dip in the resort-style pool or relax at the day spa. The hotel also offers complimentary airport and city transfers.		more photos
Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove    Located beachfront on the southern end of Palm Cove, this world-class resort offers guests a tranquil escape. Choose from 126 Asian-inspired hotel rooms and apartments. Drift into bliss at the Sea Temple Spa or unwind and enjoy a cocktail overlooking the central lagoon pool. Sea Temple Resort & Spa, Palm Cove is your temple for relaxation.		more photos
Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina - Cairns   The spacious guest rooms and suites offer a range of spectacular views. The restaurant and bar is open till late, 24-hour check-in and in room dining is available, and a tour desk to assist with local tours. This waterfront hotel is located just a 10 minute drive to the airport, adjacent to the Reef Fleet Terminal and a short walk to the Esplanade Lagoon.		more photos
Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas - Port Douglas   Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas is an oasis of luxury situated on Four Mile Beach, nestled among 320 acres of tropical landscaped gardens, with a championship 18-hole golf course and 5 acres of swimmable saltwater lagoons. Experience the best of resort living, and cuisine from three award-winning restaurants.		more photos
Thala Beach Lodge - Port Douglas   An exclusive lodge 10 minutes south of Port Douglas, Thala Beach Lodge is part of 145 acres of native gardens, forests and coconut plantations. The resort affords breathtaking views of the Coral Sea and is home to a beautiful private beach. A luxurious hideaway with 84 deluxe bungalows, Thala offers guests seclusion without isolation. A wide range of reef experiences and adventures provide transfers to and from Thala. Tariff can be all-inclusive or room only.		more photos
The Lakes Cairns Resort & Spa - Cairns   The Lakes Cairns Resort & Spa is a unique resort on 11 acres of lush tropical gardens, scenic lakes and large lagoon-style pools, minutes from Cairns city center and easily accessible by shuttle (minimal charge). Includes complimentary airport transfers for stays of 3 or more nights. The resort offers apartments, with kitchen and laundry facilities, a variety of dining choices and an award-winning day spa and salon.		more photos
Voyages Dunk Island    Dunk Island, located in the Coral Sea, is an island of peace and plenty, offering an amazing variety of activities, facilities and experiences. Dunk has a selection of restaurants and eateries designed to cater to any appetite. The endless variety of activities to choose from includes rainforest walks, snorkeling, water skiing, and tennis. With its Junior Rangers Program, which has its own meal times and activities, Dunk is the perfect place for families as well! Daily Breakfast is included in rate.		more photos
Voyages Heron Island    Heron is a protected wildlife sanctuary with lush vegetation and white sandy beaches reached by launch or a 30-minute helicopter flight from Gladstone. You cannot get closer to the Great Barrier Reef than Heron Island. A true coral cay, it is actually part of the reef itself, which means you can walk straight from the beach to the reef edge with its brightly colored fish. This makes it great for snorkeling and is especially popular with divers. Nature lovers will be delighted with the island's birds and marine life. In June and July, you'll see humpback whales in the waters around Heron, and in November, the giant turtles begin laying their eggs in the sand. From December to April, the baby hatchlings can be seen struggling out of their nests and heading for the sea. There is a pool, tennis court, restaurant and nightly entertainment. A variety of dive packages are also available.		more photos
Voyages Lizard Island    Pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear blue waters encircle Lizard Island, located on the Great Barrier Reef. The island is protected as a natural environment where you can escape the cares of the world, yet still enjoy all of the comforts of a luxury resort. With only 40 rooms, guests won't have to compromise luxury and service to enjoy the seclusion of this tropical paradise. Accommodations include villas, suites, and rooms, each featuring private balconies and bay views. All meals, beverages and most activities are included.		more photos
Voyages Silky Oaks Lodge - Port Douglas   Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa is an oasis of elegance and beauty on the edge of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park. Twenty minutes from Port Douglas, it provides relaxing spa treatments and luxurious accommodation. Tariff includes full buffet breakfast, and some lodge activities.		more photos
Voyages Wilson Island    A World Heritage location on its own coral cay, Wilson Island is a pristine natural environment, where the island’s resident turtles and birds can be enjoyed by a maximum of just 12 people. You’re sure to find solitude to contemplate the island’s wildlife, or your own secluded beach to play Robinson Crusoe! Comfortable designer-inspired tents are stylish yet simple, with battery-operated lights. Showers, toilets and vanity areas are in a separate building. Enjoy the exceptional snorkeling, bird watching, island and reef walks. The Longhouse is the social center of Wilson Island.		more photos

Time Zones
Like the US, Australia is broken into three different time zones. From Pacific Standard Time, the eastern states (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, ACT, Tasmania) are + 18 hours, the central states (Northern Territory, South Australia) are + 19, and Western Australia is + 20 hours. Some states practice daylight saving, so these times will differ during certain months.

Entry Formalities
You must have a passport, valid for not less than 6 months beyond the date of arrival, and a visitors visa. Consult your travel agent or airline.

Currency
Australian dollar, decimal currency system. Notes: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5. Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2.

Bank Hours
Generally 9:30am to 4pm Monday through Thursday, and 9:30am to 5pm Friday.

Departure Tax
Departure tax is A$38 (approximately US$27) per person over 12 years of age (included in international air ticket).

Electricity
240/250 volts, AC 50Hz. As the 3-pin outlets differ from those in the US a converter/adapter kit is required. Most major hotels have 110v outlets for electric shavers.

Language
English is the official language, but you will hear many colorful local expressions. Do not hesitate to ask questions, as people are very helpful.

Shopping
9am-5pm weekdays, and Thursday to 9pm. Saturday 9am-4pm. Put Akubra hats, Driza-Bone bushman raincoats, Aboriginal objects, wool products, opals and pearls on your shopping list.

Tipping
Tipping is not the general custom, and service charges are not added in hotels and restaurants. In better restaurants, however, it is usual to tip up to 10%. Porters at airports, taxi drivers and hairdressers do not expect to be tipped. At railway terminals porters have set charges, but not at hotels. At any time tipping is your choice.

Climate
As Australia covers 30 degrees of latitude, there is a wide variation in its climate. Looking to the north, about 40% of the continent is in the tropics. In the southeast region of the Australian Alps, there is snow for about 6 months of the year. Primarily, Australia is a sunshine country - even in the cooler southern regions. No capital gets less than 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. Perth is the sunniest state capital, with nearly 8 hours of sunshine a day. Remember that Australia, located in the southern hemisphere, has seasons opposite North America's.

Food
Australians don't really have a dish that they can call their own. But the country does offer a multitude of foods, from native kangaroo tails and macadamia nuts, through avocados, fresh tropical fruits, oysters and lobsters, to tender beef and lamb. And what you will find is a variety of foods prepared with the skills of many nationalities - French, Greek, Italian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian and many others.