The sum of all things

Reef and rainforest are just some of the many wonders that await delegates in tropical north Queensland.
Tropical north Queensland lives and breathes tourism, which is hardly surprising considering it’s such a spectacular region. It’s also no surprise that it’s an extremely popular destination for national and international conferences. Although far removed from the southern capital cities, getting there is well worth the effort and not as difficult or time-consuming as may be imagined.

Cairns International Airport is the nation’s fifth busiest in terms of international and domestic passenger movements. All major capital cities are serviced by Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Blue, while international flights operate from New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and New Guinea.

If it’s tropical paradise delegates desire, it’s available in the Cairns region. Pristine beaches stretch for 26 kilometres and take in such places Yorkeys Knob, Trinity and Kewarra. Palm Cove balances the fine line between village and resort, with a string of upmarket hotels and retreats gathered before a fine sandy beach. Farther north is the upmarket resort town of Port Douglas, rich with a range of indulgent accommodation, art galleries, fine restaurants and top class shopping.

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Beyond Port Douglas is the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation, where nature is at its most beautiful.

>> Conference & meeting venues in Cairns

Inland from Cairns, about a 20-minute drive, are the highlands, which begin atop the Kuranda Range.
Offshore, the Great Barrier Reef showcases its wonders, and visitors can explore undersea or above at Green, Fitzroy, Dunk and Orpheus islands.

Cairns also boasts a premium range of accommodation, most within walking distance of the Cairns Convention Centre, one of the true success stories of the Australian convention industry. The centre will host 30 major national and international conventions this year, contributing some $80 million into the local economy. Major upcoming events include the Australian Physiotherapy Association (1,000 delegates), the World Federation of Sleep Research World Conference in 2007 (2,500 delegates) and the Paediatric Cardiology Working Group of the Cardiac Society 5th World Congress in 2009 (2,500 delegates).