PORTS OF CALL - Australia / New Zealand
Cairns, Australia
Rapidly becoming the "capital of the Great Barrier Reef," the tropical paradise of Cairns (pronounced "Cans") is one of Australia's fastest-growing tourist areas. Our cruisetour guests will experience both the wet and the wild as they explore lush rain forests, wetlands and woodlands and spy the glorious creatures that inhabit them.
While On Your Cruisetour
Head to Tropical North Queensland, where you'll explore melaleuca wetlands and riverine rain forests. See how many of the 500 different species of eucalyptus you can identify as you trek through the eucalypt woodland.
- Witness a world-famous feeding frenzy (without becoming croc-bait) at Australia's own Crocodile Attack Show.
- Swim with the fishes - literally, thousands of species - on a full day of snorkeling, diving and frolicking at the Great Barrier Reef. You can bet you'll no longer be wondering why it's one of the Seven Wonders.
Fun Things to Do
- Looking for a rush? Take your adventure to the next level and try bungee jumping or white-water rafting in a rain forest.
- Hop on a paddlewheeler for a peaceful sightseeing excursion through Trinity Inlet, a marshy area known to Aussies as the Everglades.
- Reel in a red emperor or a mackerel on a deep-sea fishing trip around Cairns. Or hunt for big game and snag yourself a marlin that, no joke, really is "this big.
Currency
The local currency used in Cairns is the Australian dollar (AUD). Credit cards are widely accepted. And you can use your ATM card at banks around the country as long as your card is connected to the international banking network. Traveler's checks are also accepted.