Natural Wonders

Located on the northern tip of Australia’s east coast, the tropical city of Cairns is internationally recognized as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The city is home to 100,000 people and also boasts the fifth busiest international airport in Australia with many carriers flying directly into Cairns from countries around the world. Cairns is a tropical city with many outdoor restaurants and cafes and great shopping for all tastes, as well as offering a complete range of accommodation options from budget right through to five-star. Great adventures cruises have been running trips to the Great Barrier for more than 100 years and as a result, are recognised as an industry leader.

Great Adventures offer daycruises to Green Island, a beautiful 6,000-year-old coral reef or relaxing around the luxurious day-visitor facilities-all just 45 minutes crossing from Cairns. A full range of options on the island include introductory scuba diving and guided snorkel tours as well as a crocodile farm, parasailing and private beach hire. For those wanting the ultimate reef adventure, cruise from Cairns to the luxury of Great adventures multi-level pontoon on the Outer Reef. The pontoon features undercover seating and tables where you can enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch. There’s also a sundeck, full bar facilities, an underwater observatory, a semi-submersible coral viewing tour and a swimming enclosure for children. You will be able to snorkel or dive among the reef’s spectacular coral gardens and diverse marine life. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Overseas Visitors to England

INTERVIEWER: Can you tell us how many overseas visitors come to England each year?

KATE: Oh a lot. On average well over 27 million a year. Last year 27.4 million overseas visitors came and they came from all over the world.

I Can you give us some statistics of the breakdown of nationalities?

K Well, Americans top the list. The latest statistics I’ve got for that show that about, they, they account for about 3.5 million of the 27 million that I was talking about. And then the French and Germans come next, about 2 million overseas visitors each – Spain, 1.7 million and Italy, 1.2 million. So those are the most frequent visitors we’ve had in recent years, anyway.

I And where do they head to when they get here?

K Overwhelmingly, they do to London. It’s by far our most popular destination. Last year, there were over 15 million overseas visitors to London. And it’s a shame really because many people don’t venturevery far away from the capital. But you know, England has much, much more to offer. It has great diversity, really.

INTERVIEWER: So, where would you suggest people go to find this diversity?

KATE: Well, it depends what people want really. We like to think we’ve got something for everybody. Most overseas visitors probablywouldn’t think of England as the obvious place for a beach holiday, but of you think about it we are an island and there are hundreds of miles of coast, staggeringly beautiful coastline. And for families, I suppose you can’t do better than Cornwall, really, in the Southwest of England. You can get surfing, lots of water sports – really good for family holidays, as are the Norfolk Broad, which is in the East of England. You could hire a boat, meander through more than 125 miles of waterways, passing the most peaceful countryside. And if you’re into getting away from it all and climbing and hiking, then go to the Lake District. That’s a place of breathtaking scenery. If you’re into quaint villages and rolling countryside, you’re really spoilt for choice. Go to Northumberland or the Cotswolds. You can really escape the masses and at the same time see fantastically picturesque villages with Typical thatched cottages and of course the traditional country pubs. Wonderful place to go.

I.: And, of course, England is steeped in history.

K.: Yeah. If history you’re after, then again you’re spoilt for choice. There are lots of historic towns other than London. For example, there’s York, dating back to before Roman times. A walled city, tiny, cobbled streets, a delight really. And then, York Minister is a fine example of gothic architecture. In fact, it’s Europe’s second largest gothic cathedral. And if you happen to be there on a Sunday, well you’re really in for a treat because the magnificent bells ring out all over the city. I mean, it’s fantastic.

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