Tag: kids

22 SHORT JOKES THAT ARE EASY TO REMEMBER

February 9, 2020

Jokes are an essential part of our lives, whether to be used as a display of humour to make other people laugh, to help children handle stress or to be used by parents as a helpful means in avoiding conflicts and meltdowns. We’ve compiled a list of some short jokes that are super easy to remember.

1. What fish is the best fighter? The swordfish.

2. Would you like to hear a construction joke? Yes- I’m still working on it.

3. Do you feel cold? Then go to the corner, it’s 90 degrees

4. I read the other day that people eat more bananas than monkeys. No surprise there, I can’t even remember the last time I ate a monkey.

5. What do you do when the phone rings and you get a private caller? Don’t answer that. Pick up for rank Lieutenant and higher only.

6. Did you hear they’re testing a revolutionary new blender? They’re getting mixed results.

7. Why should David never lose his ID? Because then you would have to call him Dav.

8. A single glance is enough to tell if someone is lying. It’s the fact that they’re horizontal that gives it away.

9. What is the best season to jump on a trampoline? Spring time.

10. A prisoner is finally released, he walks outside and starts yelling “I’m free, I’m free!” A little kid walks up to him and happily joins in, yelling “I’m four, I’m four”.

11. Why did the cow cross the road? To get to the mooovies.

12. Knock knock – Who’s there? A broken pencil. A broken pencil who? Oh, forget it. It’s pointless.

13. Did you hear about the actor? He was just going through a phase.

14. What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta.

15. What’s orange and sounds like a carrot? A parrot.

16. Why did the frog take the bus to work today? Because his car was toad away.

17. What did the buffalo say to his son when he left for college? Bison.

18. Why did the M&M go to school? Because it wanted to be a smartie.

19. How do you throw a space party? You planet.

20. What do you call a train carrying bubblegum? A chew chew train.

21. Why did it get so hot in the baseball stadium after the game? All the fans left.

22. What do you call a rooster staring at a pile of lettuce? A chicken sees a salad.

Kids with a good sense of humour tend to be more positive thinking individuals with a higher self-esteem. Humour and laughing have the added bonus of being healthy for you, increasing the endorphins (happiness chemicals) to the brain. So, the next time you get the chance, share a joke with your family.

PARENTING

8 BENEFITS OF PLAYING SQUASH FOR KIDS

February 5, 2020

Squash is played on a four walled court with either two or four players with two being the most common (singles). Ranked the number 1 healthiest sport by Forbes Magazine, Squash is a fast-paced game which targets many fitness aspects.

Some of the benefits include…

1. Improves heart health

Squash has many aspects which help to improve your cardiovascular health, including running, jumping and diving. This keeps your heart and lungs working at peak efficiency.

2. Meet new people

With specific junior training sessions, Squash lets your kids make quality friendships through sport and exercise. It is also social for adults, with many opportunities for adults to go down and have a hit, no matter the skill level. The sport has players from kids though to 80-year-olds, so it is suitable for all people and ages.

3. Improves hand eye coordination

As Squash is a racket sport, it requires players to move and adjust body positioning so the ball can be hit. For kids, this is an important skill to develop young so that sports don’t become a challenge to play later in life.

4. Increases strength and fitness

As a kid, strength is developed from Squash through needing power to hit the ball. The legs, arms and abs are all toned while playing and as players become more competitive these aspects of the game are trained on through gym work and fitness training.

5. Can be played in rain or shine

Squash is an indoor sport, so the weather does not affect when you can play. Not sure what to do on a rainy day with the kids? Go down to the nearest Squash courts and have a go.

6. Improves self-confidence

As the game is mostly an individual sport, it helps players gain a sense of confidence when they finish matches knowing the hard work and training they have put in. Knowing the training is paying off and helping improve your game gives a sense of accomplishment.

7. Helps set routines

Having a weekly commitment to sport in your schedule helps motivate yourself or your kids to exercise. Whether this commitment be training or a team competition, this set time helps you get into weekly sport routines.

8. Helps you keep healthy

With the sport having so many great health benefits and it targeting so many fitness aspects, it comes as no surprise that it keeps your body in good shape. The sport helps keep your body at a healthy weight and feeling good.

TOWNSVILLE

WHAT’S ON IN TOWNSVILLE THIS FEBRUARY

January 27, 2020

SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY

Mamma Mia!
Runs until 8 February
Townsville Civic Theatre
www.townsville.qld.gov.au
1.30pm / $35-55 / Family

The Wolfe Brothers
Dalrymple Hotel
www.oztix.com.au
8.00pm / $33.70 / 18+ Yrs

Rescue – Hands-On Kids Exhibits
Runs until 8 March
Museum of Tropical Queensland
www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au
9.00am / Museum Entry / Family

JCU Townsville Fire Vs Bendigo Spirit
Townsville Stadium
www.wnbl.com.au
6.00pm / $14-25 / Family

World Wetlands Day Tree Planting
Mundy Creek Landcare Site
www.conservationvolunteers.com.au
4.30pm / Free / Family

Chinese New Year Dinner
The Ville Resort-Casino
www.ttcci.org.au
6.30pm / $35-70 / Family

Family Fun Fair
Milestones Early Learning Bushland Beach
www.bushlandbeach.milestones.com.au
10.00am / Free / Family

Sign On Day
Townsville Basketball
www.townsvillebasketball.net.au
9.00am / Free / Family

Estates Soccer Club Sign On Day
Victoria Park
www.estatesfc.com.au
2.00pm / Free / Family

Family Fun Fair
Aussie Kindies Early Learning Deeragun
www.deeragun.aussiekindies.com.au
10.00am / Free / Family

Free Community Open Day
Condon Kids Early Learning Centre
www.kidselc.com.au
9.00am / Free / Family

SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY

Story Party Townsville – True Dating Stories
The Ville Resort-Casino
www.storyparty.co
7.00pm / $40 / 18+ Years

World Travel Expo 2020
Townsville Entertainmen & Convention Centre
www.travelexpo.net.au
9.00am / Free / Family

Hypnobirthing 1 Day Intensive
Hypnobirthing Envision Health Qld Townsville
www.hypnobirthingtsv.com.au
9.30am / Check Website / Family

Free Community Open Day
Charters Towers Kids Early Learning Centre
www.kidselc.com.au
9.00am / Free / Family

TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY

Parent Information Session: Triple P Overview
CityLibraries Aitkenvale
www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au
9.30am / Free / Family

FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY

Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company presents Beauty & The Beast
Runs until 16 February
Burdekin Theatre
www.burdekintheatre.com.au
Various times / $39-45 / Family

2020 Cowboys Community Day
Training Field, Cowboys HQ
www.cowboys.com.au
5.30pm / Free / Family

The Beautiful Girls
Otherwise Bar
www.moshtix.com.au
7.30pm / $43.79 / 18+ Yrs

SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY

Lonely Hearts Valentine’s Day Sale
Runs until 22 February
Animal Care and Adoption Centre
www.townsville.qld.gov.au/animals
9.30am / Various prices / Family

Awesome 80s Show
Cowboys Leagues Club
www.cowboysleagues.com.au
6.30pm / $20 / Adults

Migi Yarn Women’s Book Club
CityLibraries Thuringowa Central
www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au
10.00am / Free / 15+ Yrs

Riverway Vikings Come and Try Day
Charles Moroney Park, Kelso
www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au
10.00am / Free / Family

Parental First Aid and CPR Workshop
Nurture Family Health Centre
www.nurturehealthcentre.com
10.15am / $30 / Adults

Combined Sign On Day
Townsville Hockey Association
www.commercialshockey.com.au
4.00pm / Free / Family

Adoption Day
Petbarn Townsville
www.petbarn.com.au
10.00am / Various pricing / Family

URT Bushfire Charity Camp
19 Aitken St, Aitkenvale
Fb URT Transformation Centre
7.00am / Free / Family

SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY

Renegade Handmade Market
Marian School
Fb Renegade Handmade
8.00am / Free / Family

Songs of the Shows
Carlton Theatre
www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au
2.00pm / $15-25 / Family

Three Divas and the Gentlemen of Jazz
NQ Licensed Events Centre
www.jazztownsville.com
6.00pm / $10-40 / Family

Sign On Day
Curra Swans Football Club
www.curraswans.com.au
10.00am / Free / Family

TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY

Expectant Parent Information Night
Townsville & District Multiple Birth Association Inc.
www.townsvillemultiples.com.au
7.30pm / Free / Family

WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY

International Ocean Film Tour
BCC Cinemas Townsville Central
www.adventureentertainment.com
7.00pm / $18-22 / Family

Morning Melodies – The Swingin’ Martinis
Burdekin Theatre
www.burdekintheatre.com.au
11.00am / $15 / Family

Chicks at the Flicks – Ghost
Event Cinemas (Townsville City)
www.eventcinemas.com.au
6.00pm / From $15 / Family

FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY

Anh Do – The Happiest Refugee
Townsville Civic Theatre
www.alist.com.au
8.00pm / $59.90-64.90 / Family

Open Day
Calvary Early Learning Centre
www.elc.calvary.qld.edu.au
9.30am / Free / Family

SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Hotter Than Hell
Kirwan Tavern
www.oztix.com.au
2.00pm / Check Website / 18+ Years

Glory Days: The Bruce Springsteen Show
The Ville Resort-Casino
www.the-ville.com.au
6.30pm / $39 / 18+ Yrs

Family Fun Day
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au
10.00am / Free / Family

Try Sail Experience
Townsville Sailing Club
www.townsvillesailing.com.au
2.00pm / $10-20 / Family

SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY

Family Fishing Tournament
Runs until 23 February
Taylors Beach
www.hinchinbrookway.com.au
7.00am / Check Website / Family

Stadium Open Day
Queensland Country Bank Stadium
www.queenslandcountrybankstadium.com.au
Check Website / Free / Family

SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY

Castle Hill Trail Run
Castle Hill
www.outerlimitsadventure.com.au
6.00am / Check Website / Family

Sip and Paint in Townsville: Monet’s Footbridge
Jezzine Barracks
Fb Townsville Art Classes
2.00pm / $64.39 / Adults

MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY

In My Blood It Runs Screening
Event Cinemas (Townsville City)
www.inmyblooditruns.com
7.00pm / $23 / Family

TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY

Come and Try Night
Murray Sports Stadium
Fb Monsoons Volleyball Club
6.30pm / Free / Family

WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY

The Blood of Kings
Runs until 7 March

Townsville Civic Theatre
www.theatreinq.com
Check website / Family

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY

Shake the Rainbow
Runs until 1 March
Stockland Townsville
www.stockland.com.au
Daily / Check Website / Family

SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY

Elton John – Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour
Queensland Country Bank Stadium
www.eltonjohn.com
6.00pm / Check Website / Family

The Mystery Feast
Burdekin Theatre
www.burdekintheatre.com.au
5.30pm / $80 / Adults

SAVE THE DATES:

SUNDAY 1 MARCH

Bedside Manners
Pimlico State High Performing Arts Centre
Fb Townsville Little Theatre
8.00pm / TBA

MONDAY 2 MARCH

10cc Live in Concert
Townsville Civic Theatre
www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au
8.00pm / $69.90-99.90 / Family

FRIDAY 6 MARCH

Ocean Film Festival World Tour
Townsville Civic Theatre
www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au
7.00pm / $24-34 / Family

FRIDAY 13 MARCH

NQ Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos
Queensland Country Bank Stadium
www.queenslandcountrybankstadium.com.au
7.00pm / Check Website / Family

THURSDAY 19 MARCH

Sleeping Beauty
Townsville Civic Theatre
www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au
7.30pm / $55-85 / Family

WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH

Kinky Boots
Runs until 4 April
Townsville Civic Theatre
www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au
8.00pm / $35-50 / Family

FRIDAY 27 MARCH

Townsville Battle of the Brains
Brothers Leagues Club Townsville
www.thepyjamafoundation.com
6.00pm / $20 / Adults

LIFESTYLE

BUZZY BEE CELEBRATION

January 27, 2020

Rain or shine, a buzzy bee themed celebration is sure to brighten up anyone’s day. With vibrant colours, sweet treats and a warm vibe, this party is going to be the bee’s knees. Whether you’re hosting a party for the little ones or a get-together for the girls, we’ve got what you need to make it a sweet day.

Turn Your Home into a Beehive

Bees are often associated with sunny weather and colourful flowers, so keep this in mind when planning the décor for your buzzy bee celebration. Choose a bright and natural colour scheme, such as white, yellow and green.

Pick some flowers or head over to the store and pick out a lovely bouquet to serve as the centrepiece on your table. Give your guests a vibrant flower crown on arrival that they can take home with them after the party.

Drinks with a Little Buzz

Sugar, ohh, honey honey. Adding honey to your drinks will add a little touch of sweetness. Keep it simple with honey and mint infused water or take it up a notch with honey strawberry lemonade or honey and peach iced tea. It works fantastically in mocktails as well, which the tweens and teens are sure to love.

If your party is more for adults, try adding honey to your alcoholic beverages. Honey melon mojitos, wildflower honey punch or wild berry and honey sangria are sure to bring the buzz.

Treats Sweet like Honey

When you think of honey, the first thing you likely think about is yummy sweet treats. Head into the kitchen and get your hands dirty (or sticky, especially when working with honey). Add it to cookies, cakes, fudge and donuts. For some savoury options, try incorporating it into glazed chicken wings, grilled prawns and dips.

Keep them Buzzy

To complete your party, keep your guests ‘buzzy’ with a variety of party games and activities. Why not make a queen bee or beehive pinata out of paper mâché, filled with small toys and yummy snacks? Alternatively, put a twist on the classic “pass the parcel” by passing around a soft toy bumblebee and shouting out “buzzy bee” when stopping the music, or play pin the stinger on the bee.

CAIRNS NEWS

WHAT’S ON IN CAIRNS THIS FEBRUARY

January 27, 2020

SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY

Sports Sign-On

Also runs on 2nd, 8th and 9th February
Mount Sheridan Plaza
www.mtsheridanplaza.com.au
10.00am / Free / Family

Water Polo – Crater Lake Series
Lake Barrine
Fb Cairns Water Polo
9.00am / Free / Family

Cairns Airport Chinese New Year Street Festival
Grafton St, Cairns City
www.cadcai.org.au
4.00pm / Free / Family

Greta Stanley (w/ full band) Hometown Show
Laneway Green
www.moshtix.com.au
6.00pm / $17.34 / Family

Introduction to Essential Oils
Oile’s Essentials
www.mydoterra.com/oilesessentials
10.00am / Free / Family

SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY

Dumpling Making Workshop
Stockland Cairns
www.eventbrite.com.au
1.00pm / Free / Family

MONDAY 3 FEBRUARY

Space+Place: Street Soccer
Guginy Reserve, Manunda
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
3.30pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

Space+Place: Movere Dance
ARC Disability
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
4.00pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

Space+Place: Strong Families
Mooroobool Hub
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
4.00pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

Space+Place: Reading Matters
Manoora Centre
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
3.00pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

Come & Try Mums n’ Bubs Fitness Classes
Runs until 6 February
Nurtured Fitness
www.nurturedfitness.com
Various times / Free / Mums & Bubs

TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY

Space+Place: Active Sports
Jensen St Park, Manoora
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
4.00pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY

Space+Place: Skateboarding
Shang Park, Mooroobool
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
4.30pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

Space+Place: Basketball
118 Murray St, Manoora
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
5.00pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

Space+Place: Hip Hop Music and Dance
Cairns West School, Manunda
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
2.30pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

Free Parent Workshop – Little People, Big Worries
Every Family – Cassowary Coast
www.vpginc.com.au
10.00am / Free / Family

Sign On / Come and Try Night
Atherton International Club
Fb Atherton Touch Football
5.30pm / Free / Family

THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY

Lantern Decorating Workshop
Stockland Cairns
www.stockland.com.au
2.30pm / $5 / Family

Space+Place: Karate Kids
Balaclava School
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
2.45pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

Space+Place: Active Sports
Raintrees Shopping Centre
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
4.00pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

Space+Place: Netball
Shang Park, Mooroobool
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
4.30pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY

Alteouise DeVaughn – In My Life
Runs until 8 February
The Clink Theatre
www.clinktheatre.com.au
7.30pm / $25-35 / Family

Chinese New Year Lantern Festival
Chinese Friendship Gardens
www.cadcai.org.au
5.00pm / Free / Family

Space+Place: Tennis Hot Shots
Shang Park, Mooroobool
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
2.45pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

Space+Place: AFL
Shang Park, Mooroobool
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
4.00pm / Free (registration required) / 6-17 Yrs

Space+Place: Deadly Running and Walking
Murray St Park, Manoora
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
5.00pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

Space+Place: Volleyball
Also runs on 9th February
Plaza Palms, Manunda
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
5.30pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY

The Beautiful Girls
Tanks Arts Centre
www.ticketlink.com.au
6.30pm / $37-42 / 18+ Yrs

Marty Sheargold
Cairns Performing Arts Centre
www.ticketlink.com.au
8.00pm / $44.90-49.90 / 15+ Yrs

Fork for the Fires
Stratford Soccer Grounds
Fb Cairns On A Fork
3.00pm / $5 / Family

Totally Workwear Cairns Race Day
Cannon Park Racecourse
www.cairnsjockeyclub.com.au
11.00am / $10 / Family

Lunchbox Favourites – Kids Cooking Class
Modern Pantry
www.modernpantry.com.au
2.00pm / $48.56 / 6+ Yrs

SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY

2020 Come & Try AFL Day
Centrals Juniors AFL Club
www.centralsjuniorsaflclub.tidyhq.com
10.00am / Free / Family

Space+Place: OzTag
Shang Park, Mooroobool
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
4.00pm / Free / 6-17 Yrs

MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY

Morning Melodies – The Swingin’ Martinis
Cairns Performing Arts Centre
www.ticketlink.com.au
11.00am / $20 / Family

WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY

International Ocean Film Tour Vol.6
Event Cinemas Cairns Central
www.eventcinemas.com.au
7.00pm / Check Website / Family

Free Parent Workshop – Early Communication
Every Family – Cassowary Coast
www.vpginc.com.au
9.30am / Free / Family

THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY

The Switch – Live
Mystery Adventure Cairns
www.findtheswitch.com
5.00pm / $40 / 13+ Yrs

FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY

Future Stars Dance Comp
Location TBC
www.futurestarsdancecomp.com.au
8.00am / Check Website / Family

SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Cairns Biggest Sign On Day
Cairns Convention Centre
www.bigsignonday.com
10.00am / Free / Family

True Vibenation
Tanks Arts Centre
www.ticketlink.com.au
6.30pm / $34-40 / 18+ Yrs

FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY

CBWC Business & Bubbles + AGM
Harbourside Bar & Kitchen
www.cbwc.org.au
5.30pm / $40-45 / 18+ Yrs

Wife after Death
Runs until 29 February
Rondo Theatre
www.ticketlink.com.au
7.00pm / $26.25-$31.50 / Family

Bushfire Band-Aid Mini Festival
Runs until 22 February
Atherton Golf Club
Fb Bring Back Rock n Roll in Far North Queensland
3.00pm / $30 / Family

SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY

Kenfrost Homes Challenge | NQ Cowboys Vs Brisbane Broncos
Barlow Park
www.ticketlink.com.au
4.00pm / $10-60 / Family

SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY

World Travel Expo – Cairns
Cairns Convention Centre
www.travelexpo.net.au
9.00am / Free / Family

Rare Disease Day Fun Run & Walk 2020
Fun Ship Playground
www.rarefriends.org
8.30am / $5-15 / Family

TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY

Mark Dodge Motoring Race Day
Cannon Park Racecourse
www.cairnsjockeyclub.com.au
12.00pm / $10 / Family

FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY

C.W. Stoneking
Tanks Arts Centre
www.ticketlink.com.au
6.30pm / $30-35 / Family

Carl Barron – Skating Rink for Flies
Runs until 1st March
Cairns Convention Centre
www.ticketlink.com.au
8.00pm / $79.90 / 18+ Yrs

SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY

Leap for 130 Years Fundraiser
St Monica’s College
www.stmonicas.qld.edu.au
5.45pm / $35-60 / Adults

The Necks
Cairns Performing Arts Centre
www.ticketlink.com.au
7.00pm / $38-42 / Family

Leap Year Celebrations
Cairns Esplanade Fun Ship Playground
www.parkrun.com/cairns
7.00am / Check Website / Adults

SAVE THE DATES:

TUESDAY 3 MARCH

10cc – The Things We Do For Love Tour
Cairns Performing Arts Centre
www.ticketlink.com.au
6.30pm / $69.90 – $99.90 / Family

SATURDAY 7 MARCH

The Ironing Maidens – A Soap Opera
Tanks Arts Centre
www.ticketlink.com.au
6.30pm / $10.50-15.75 / Family

Ocean Film Festival World Tour
Cairns Performing Arts Centre
www.ticketlink.com.au
7.00pm / $24-34 / Family

Japan Day of Hope 2020
Edge Hill State School
Fb Japan Day of Hope
11.00am / Free / Family

TUESDAY 10 MARCH

CBWC International Women’s Day Lunch
Pullman Cairns International
www.cbwc.org.au
11.00am / $59-79 / Adults

TUESDAY 17 MARCH

The 91-Storey Treehouse
Cairns Performing Arts Centre
www.cairnsperformingartscentre.com.au
10.00am, 12.00pm and 6.00pm / $17.85 / Family

TRAVEL

12 MIND-BOGGLING FACTS ABOUT NORTH QUEENSLAND

January 1, 2020

From the Great Barrier Reef to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, North Queensland is a fascinating place. Here are some facts that may surprise you!

1. The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest in the world. It’s thought to be over 165 million years old, meaning it has probably co-existed with dinosaurs. This also means it is tens of millions of years older than the Amazon Rainforest.

2. There are 3,000 vascular plant species in the Wet Tropics, including the world’s most primitive flowering plants. The Wet Tropics is home to about a third of Australia’s 315 mammal species as well as 370 bird species. Some of these species aren’t found anywhere else in the world, such as the ringtail possum, quoll, tree kangaroo and more.

3. North Queensland has many big ‘things’. Check out the big cassowary in Wongaling Beach, the big marlin in Cairns, the big gumboot in Tully, the big mango in Bowen, the big banana in Mackay or the big cane toad in Sarina.

4. Thirty species of whales, dolphins and porpoises have been recorded in the Great Barrier Reef, along with six species of sea turtles, 215 species of birds, 17 species of sea snake and more than 1,500 species of fish.

5. The Great Barrier Reef is the size of a whopping 70 million football fields, or roughly the same area as Italy, Japan or Germany.

6. The Cairns region is home to the tallest mountain in Queensland – Mount Bartle Frere measures 1611m high.

7. Cassowary babies are raised by males. Females breed with several partners, lay eggs and abandon them. A male will then incubate the eggs as well as raising and defending the chicks for nine months.

8. Eungella is home to some animals that aren’t found anywhere else in the world, such as the Eungella dayfrog, Eungella spiny cray and Eungella honeyeater.

9. Cape Tribulation, north of Cairns, is the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites meet; the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

10. Cairns is home to the world’s largest lava tubes. Found in Undara National Park, these lava tubes are thought to be roughly 190,000 years old and were created when lava spilled into a river bed.

11. Cairns became a recognised city in 1923, having grown initially out of gold mining. However, it received its name in 1876, when it was named after the governor of Queensland at the time – William Wellington Cairns.

12. Charters Towers, 150km south-west of Townsville, is home to a record-breaking bull. Johnny Reb (JR) is a Texas longhorn steer with a horn span almost three metres long, and a Guinness World Record to prove it. You can visit him on a wagon ride at Leahton Park on a Texas Longhorn Tour.