Travel guide Far North Queensland

Australia gets closer to reaching the coveted World Group in Davis Cup, but Belgium stands in its way. With Lleyton Hewitt, Peter Luczak, Carsten Ball, Chris Guccione and Bernard Tomic in the mix, the Aussies will be pulling out all stops to win this highly charged teams' event at the Cairns Tennis Centre. Blocking their path might be the talented Rochus brothers, Olivier and Christophe, alongside hardened Davis Cup campaigners Xavier Malisse and Steve Darcis. These two nations always enjoy close matches, with Australia leading the head-to-head series 2-1. But Belgium won the last close encounter three years ago in Liege and Australia is keen to make amends. Don't miss one of the most desperate tennis clashes you're likely to see this season in a do-or-die Davis Cup showdown.. www.tennis... Read more

The event, Jungle Fever at PK's Jungle village will kick off with the Jump-Up!, with Caribbean dance demonstration and dance competition, and with CD and drink give aways.

Later DJ FASMWA of SpinDMusic and JamrRock! in Sydney will pump out the latest in Soca, Dancehall and Reggae as jungle fever takes hold till morning!. fasmwa.blogspot.com/ Read more

The Cooktown local Show is now in it's fourth year and is fast becoming one of the community's favourite annual events.

They are steadily growing in numbers both in visitors to the Show and participation through competition entries. Stall holders from their community have a unique opportunity to showcase their wares to all, community groups and businesses can get the word out about their products and services.

Kids of all ages have plenty to keep them entertained including carni... Read more

See the best BMX riders in the country racing side by side at the Cairns BMX Club for the 2011 BMX Australia National Championships. Don't miss the adrenalin pumping action to see who will be crowned number one in Australia in the extreme Olympic sport of BMX! See you in Cairns!. www.bmxa.com.au. www.cairnsbmx.org.au Read more

The Tropical North Queensland Adventure Week will be a week of action sports competitions, all ages activities and demonstrations. The activities include white water rafting and kayaking at the Barron River gorge, skydiving canopy piloting demonstrations on the Cairns Esplanade, downhill Mountain Bike competitions at Smithfield MTB park, skate competitions at the Esplanade Skate Park and many other activities. The aim is to provide activities and competitions that are accessible to both amateurs... Read more

The "Tastes of the Tableland" Festival is a showcase of the best wines, coffees, cheeses, chocolates and other local produce that this wonderful region produces. It is a great place to enjoy lunch and sit at a table under the marquees or relax on a hay bale under the shady trees with a glass or two of their local wine. You will be entertained by their local talent while you eat.Their local young chefs will also be demonstrating how to cook up a treat with their local produce on the good old Aussie barbecue. Local artists will also display their work. There is fun for all the family - face painting for the children as well as special play areas set aside for them and a fashion parade for Mum. Dad can get to know the locals at the bar. There will be prizes galore to give away.. www.tast... Read more

Farewell the 'Coast to Coast for Kids' charity bike riders as they leave Cooktown from the Cookshire Council's community barbecue farewell at Centennial Park.C2C4KIDS is a 3,000 kilometre bicycle ride starting in Cooktown on and finishing in Sydney. Founding members David Bonne and Scott Gilbertson, both novice cyclists, have been personally touched by life changing experiences attempting to start a family without success. They will ride 3,000 kilometres in 30 days, with only four rest days! They will stop over at 26 towns down the east coast of Australia, with many fundraising events organised at each location.Money raised will go towards to two Australian charities that help families dealing with infertility, pregnancy loss, premature babies and children with developmental disabilities a... Read more

The Go Troppo Arts Festival, Port Douglas is fast becoming a significant event in the Cairns region's calendar of things not to be missed.

Special performances of original plays and musicals, art shows and competitions await your enjoyment.

Fabulous art workshops held in scenic locations at artists' studios set in rainforests or the mountains in the old sugar wharf building on the inlet invite your participation. Book early!. www.go-troppo-arts-festival.com Read more

The Crocodile Trophy is respected as the world's longest, hottest and hardest mountainbike adventure race.

Over ten days of racing, competitors including World and Olympic champions tackle a course which begins in the tropical oasis of Cairns, before venturing via the Tropical Tableland into the vast outback near Chillagoe. The race then ventures north towards the mythical Quinkan country of Laura before once again reaching the coast at Cooktown. The Crocodile Trophy finishes where the r... Read more

The Cairns Street Buskers Festival is Tropical Queensland's premier street theatre and comedy festival. 40 shows over five days and nights, there's something for everyone!Street theatre, music, outdoor aerial circus, cabaret and comedy shows (18 plus) and a dedicated "family fun day."Cairns comes alive during the September school holidays with performers almost everywhere: shopping malls, street corners, hotels, the Botanic Gardens, Esplanade parklands and the foreshore. The festival attracts a funky mix of international and domestic artists. If you've got what it takes, enter the street-star competition and win cash prizes over AUD1000.00Opening night (limited ticket release, 18 plus) at Jute Theatre and closes with the L-After Party (18 plus) at Rydges Tradewinds. Rydges offers discounts... Read more