In footsteps of gold fossickers
THE best way to experience the great outdoors these school holidays is to totally immerse yourself in it.
The Far North is home to many spectacular treks and trails, some of which can take you to incredible places only accessible on foot.
Steeped in history, the Douglas Track follows an old trail from the goldfields down to the coast.
The track is actually part of a network of trails within the Barron Gorge National Park, and there are opportunities to link up your own half-day or full-day adventure.
The easiest trail to follow will take you from the Speewah camping grounds all the way down to Stoney Creek at Kamerunga, effectively allowing you to hike from Kuranda to Cairns.
The hike takes you through rainforest and steadily climbs to the top of Barron Gorge National Park.
Keep your eyes peeled for local fauna, including echidnas, green tree snakes and cassowaries.
Take the small detour to Glacier Rock, and take in the stunning panoramic view of Cairns below.
From there, the hike is completely downhill.
If you time it right, you can walk over the Kuranda Scenic Railway at the same time the train is coming.
The track zig-zags down the hill to Stoney Creek, where you can cool off after the hike.
Or keep going, following Stoney Creek Rd and eventually crossing the Barron River to finish up at Lake Placid.
PETER RABBIT
Smithfield Shopping Centre hosts a Peter Rabbit activity centre for the school holidays until Friday, April 13, from 11am to 2pm.
ARTS AND CRAFT WORKSHOP
Children can decorate their very own sunglasses case and walk away with their very own pair of sunglasses from 10am to 1pm daily until Friday, April 6.
ARTS AND CRAFT WORKSHOP
DFO Shopping Centre hosts metal model workshops daily until Saturday, April 7, from 10am-1pm. No booking required. From April 9-13, book to visit a mobile planetarium at 1am, 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am, 12pm and 12.30pm daily. Visit DFO on Facebook for the link to book.
ARTS AND CRAFT WORKSHOP
Stockland Shopping Centre hosts Trolls performances at 11am and 1pm and a meet and greet at 12pm daily until Saturday, April 11, at centre court. Then from April 9 to 14, Zoo To You visits centre court from 10am-1pm daily, with shows at 12pm.
BAT CHATS
Take an informal guided tour of the vulnerable spectacled flying fox roost outside Cairns City Library and vicinity. People will learn about how the spectacled flying fox is a keystone species, which has a vital role in seed dispersal and pollination around the region, and other bat facts. From 5.30pm to 6.30pm, meeting outside Cairns City Library, corner Aplin and Lake streets.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY CYCLING WORKSHOPS
Cairns Regional Council hosts the Bella’s School Holiday Cycling workshops. The fun school holiday programs teach girls how to ride safely away from traffic through games-based play. Each program includes three skills and safety sessions for girls aged 5-14 years. April 3, 5, and 8; and April 10, 12 and 15. To book phone: 4044 3227 or email: r.ker@cairns.qld.gov.au
TOBRUK POOL PARTY
A free event for those aged 12-25. Enjoy wave rider surfing, an inflatable obstacle course, giveaways, games, music and refreshments. Friday, April 6, 15pm, Tobruk Pool. A Youth Week activity.
TISSUE PAPER BUTTERFLY MOBILES
Free craft session making tissue paper butterfly mobiles for ages 6+ on Friday, April 6, from 10.30am-11.30am, Smithfield Library. Ph: 4044 3711.
CAIRNS MINECRAFT EVENT
Build roads, bridges and houses as part of developing a Minecraft Cairns workshop as part of Youth Week activities. Friday, April 6. Registration is a must due to limited spaces. Details: cairnsminecraft.com
YOUNG CREATIVES CLUB
Work on and share art projects with like-minded students while learning about contemporary art, design, multimedia, photography and music. Hosted by Cairns artist Hayley Gillespie (pictured). Saturday, April 7, 3-5pm, Cairns Art Gallery. Ph: 4046 4800 or email: marian.w@ cairnsartgallery.com.au
COME AND PLAY HOLIDAY PROGRAM
Get off the devices and come and play old school – Snakes and Ladders, Tiddlywinks, Quoits, Checkers and more. Free with Museum entry. Suitable for ages 5-12. Kids must bring a parent or guardian. Saturday, April 12, 10.30am-12.30pm.
STOP-MOTION ANIMATION WORKSHOP
Learn to make your own movie animations using Stop-Motion Studio at Manunda Library on Monday, April 9, from 10.30am to noon. A fun and interactive workshop exploring the creative process of stop animation filmmaking and simple storytelling using digital technologies. For children aged 13 and over. Registration essential, ph: 4044 3779.