Venue

Host City – Cairns

The 2008 AARES Conference will be held in Tropical North Queensland at The Sebel Cairns Hotel.

The Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region is Australia’s premier tropical escape combining some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery with a diverse range of activities that attracts more than 2 million domestic and international visitors each year.

The region’s environment is as unique as it is diverse – the reef, rainforest and outback. Nowhere else on earth do two World Heritage listed sites sit side by side -The Great Barrier Reef and Australia’s Tropical Rainforests. These two areas are renowned for their scientific value and beauty and this region brings them to life better than anywhere else.

In sharp contrast to the aqua and green colours of the reef and rainforest coastline are the rustic ochres and open spaces of the Tropical Savannah and Cape York Peninsula wilderness areas that are home to mythical geological and cultural wonders.

Other serene settings include the Cairns, a patchwork of farmlands, rainforest and lakes offering a cool rural retreat from the coast and the beachside hamlets that make up the Great Green Way. From Cairns serene beaches stretch along the coast including the popular boutique destinations of Palm Cove, Port Douglas, the Daintree, Cape Tribulation and Mission Beach and other quiet beach havens such as Trinity Beach and Yorkey’s Knob while ten of the Great Barrier Reef’s premier Tropical Islands sit atop the azure waters off the coast. Highlands

The secret of the region is the many ways in which to experience these natural wonders with hundreds of touring options available each day.

Things to see and do:

When you change your latitude to Tropical North Queensland, you will discover the diverse range of experiences and activities this life enhancing destination has to offer!

From taking in the breathtaking views of this region with a skydive to immersing yourself on a catermaran and sailing above the crystal waters of the Great Barrier Reef, you are sure to find something to suit your every need.

The Great Barrier Reef
Nowhere else can you better experience the natual wonders of the planet's largest marine park than in Tropical North Queensland - Australia's closest and easiest access point to the Great Barrier Reef, where diving, snorkelling, sailing, cruising and island hopping are a way of life.

The Rainforest
Explore the lush green World Heritage listed rainforest, home to amazing biodiversity, wildlife and stunning natural waterfalls.

Outback / Off Road
Visit lava tubes, hot springs, hidden gorges, mining relics, amazing terrain and abundant wildlife, not to mention excellent fishing. The tropical Gulf Savannah and the Cape York Peninsula offer you some exciting thrills and some amazing outback experiences.

Adventure
If it's wild and wacky, chances are you can do it in Cairns. From kite surfing to sky diving, action junkies are catered for on land, sea and in the sky. And if thrills and spills are not your scene, you can nestle in and be entertained by nature.

Food & Wine
Enjoy the taste of the tropics as delectable tropical cuisine beckons as an outstanding attraction in itself, whether served at one of the many award winning restaurants or as part of a gourmet tour.

Shopping
Whether it's a big shopping centre you are after or you prefer to stroll through heritage markets - shopping in Tropical North Queensland is a must. From hand-made artefacts to simple groceries and needs you are sure to find somewhere thats has what you're looking for.

Indigenous Culture
Share the culture, history and stories with the region's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences and gain an intimate knowledge of the people who keep strong a culture that has survived over 40,000 years.

Host Venue – The Sebel Cairns Hotel

17 Abbott Street
Cairns QLD 4870
T: +61 7 4031 1300
F: +61 7 4050 2120

Throughout the past years the hotel has developed a reputation of impeccable 5 star service, high quality food and luxurious accommodation. The ambience that the hotel has created has continued with the late-2007 opening of the Spa at The Sebel Cairns Hotel and the new bed package treatment to all its 321 rooms and suites.

Whether you are a conference delegate, honeymoon couple or family exploring this adventurous and tropical region, you will find what you are looking for at The Sebel Cairns Hotel. Spacious rooms with spectacular views, inspiring conference facilities, tantalising food and the ultimate in relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatments, all on the door step of Cairns' shopping, dining and touring precincts.