Far North Queensland is set to be hit by a category three cyclone within hours
Cyclone Niran is moving slowly north-east away from the coast this morning
A tropical low about 215km east of Innisfail has triggered an urgent warning
Residents are advised to cancel non-essential travel and secure their houses
The wild weather has also forced 38 schools in Far North Queensland to close
40,000 homes have already been left without electricity after powerlines fell
Lucinda, a three hour drive south of Cairns, received a 259mm downpour
I’ve come at the start of rainy season to see how this region, more famous as a winter getaway, will lure Australians to their own backyard.
I’m taking a one-way trip, arriving in Cairns, then heading north to Port Douglas along the Captain Cook Highway – known for being one of Australia’s prettiest stretches of road. The rest of the drive will run all the way south to Townsville, along a rainforested route called the Great Green Way.
Day 1: Cairns
Arriving in Cairns, my first stop is a new hotel called Flynn, which is bidding to transform Cairns from its cheap and cheerful backpacker image into an upmarket destination.
A rebel camper is frustrating authorities and oceanfront bungalow owners after setting up a makeshift home on the beach complete with a veggie garden and some promising-looking banana trees.
The woman set up camp about five months ago at the foot of the Great Dividing Range, just off the Captain Cook Highway at Ellis Beach, 28km north of Cairns. Her car is parked at the site too.
Her camp is near oceanfront bungalows, the local surf club and the Ellis Beach Bar and Grill. Staff at the Ocean Beach Bungalows and the cafe refused to comment.
But Brett Olds, the local representative from the Cairns Regional Council, is fuming that the resourceful camper has taken advantage of apparent inaction by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Holiday overview
This itinerary combines white-sands relaxation on Palm Cove, a luxury retreat in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest and five unforgettable days on Lizard Island – the northernmost resort in the Great Barrier Reef. Throughout, you ll stay in some of Australia s most enticing accommodation, from private-island getaways to luxury treehouses and beach-side boutiques. Whether you re a keen scuba diver, a sun worshipper, a wildlife enthusiast or a culinary connoisseur, the sheer diversity of experiences on offer will satisfy even the most seasoned traveller.
Holiday itinerary Days 1-2: Depart UK
Start your holiday in style with included airport lounge access before your flight o Australia, landing in Cairns on day three.
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Subscriber only What a massive year it has been for the Mackay region with COVID-19 and the local and state elections undoubtedly the guiding forces. With that there has been a renewed vigour on speaking out on the issues that mattered. So without further ado, here are some of the Mackay region personalities who featured in the headlines throughout 2020:
Vicki Blackburn Vicki Blackburn, a mum plagued by what ifs since her daughter was brutally killed in Mackay almost seven years ago, has never stopped fighting for justice. She started off 2020 by hosting an awareness morning tea before she bravely pushed through the findings of an inquest into Shandee Blackburn s death in which the coroner found John Peros responsible.