Situated between Cairns and Port Douglas, Palm Cove has no shortage of accommodation options. My own approach when choosing accommodation for our family is to lean very much towards venues that make an extra effort to cater to families with kids. We stayed at the Novotel Resort Palm Cove for a quick weekend getaway and,…
I know that many families come to north Queensland for the tropical beaches. Families planning a visit to the tropical north should not overlook the varied wildlife experiences that are available as well. Drawing on my last five years up north I have written an article, published on family traveling website stradun.net that details the best…
My father Professor Murray Esler is a renowned research cardiologist. As a consequence of his international reputation (proud much, who me?) he travels frequently and is a Qantas Platinum Level 1 frequent flier. Nearing seventy he was somewhat confused to be asked by the chief steward on an international Qantas flight whether he had left…
Accommodation costs can be so prohibitive to family travel. Our family has only recently cottoned on to the perks of Mystery hotel deals, and consequently our travels have become significantly more affordable. Mystery hotels are typically four or five star properties that generally cost 40-50% less than the stated rate at similarly ranked properties at…
I have been reflecting on simple pleasure recently, especially those that we enjoy in Tropical North Queensland. We are blessed with a collection of rainforest swimming holes across the far north and particularly enjoy them during stinger season (October to May) when the beaches are off limits. The stunning Milla Milla Falls are located 873…
How important it is to encourage kids to engage with simple pleasures. I worry for my own mobile, high tech kids that they will forget to take joy in quiet moments. One simple pleasure that they are are mad for is feeding kangaroos and wallabies. Most wildlife parks and zoos in Australia offer this…
We stumbled across this scene on a recent trip to the Cairns Tropical Zoo. What amazed me was not only that the gardener was in the enclosure with the giant crocodile, but that he was listening to music and paying the croc not the slightest attention. A visit to the Cairns Tropical Zoo is one…
I can’t be the only one that finds it difficult to integrate exercise into my daily life. Obesity is on the rise in Australia and much of the world. Current recommendations suggest that adults should engage in moderate intensity exercise for half an hour, 5 times a week. It is recommended that children aged 1-5…