Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Cairns is a coastal city in the North-East of Australia, in the state of Queensland, with a population of around 125 000 residents. It is ranked amongst the top three tourist destinations in Australia and it is little wonder why: with its endless miles of sandy beaches and year-round good weather, Cairns and the surrounding region is truly a tropical paradise. Cairns itself, despite its relatively small size, is a developed cosmopolitan centre which is well-known for its cafes, clubs, shopping and nightlife. For more information on Cairns, click here (a new window will open - close it to return to this page).

The renowned Great Barrier Reef - the largest living coral reef in the world - stretches over 2000 kilometres, and Cairns is the ideal place to see it from. Water temperatures in the ocean off Cairns are a comfortable 22 to 27 degrees Celcius all year round which makes the Reef a delight for snorkellers and scuba divers. Those less aquatically inclined can see the reef from one of the many charter and tourist boats operating from Cairns, and indeed such a trip is included as an option in the Congress programme. For more information on the Great Barrier Reef, click here.

Other attractions of the Cairns area include the Wet Tropics Rainforest, also world-renowned for playing host to hundreds of species of rare and endangered plants and animals. A tour of the Rainforest is also included as an option in the Congress programme. For information and maps of the Rainforest area, click here.

  Gilligan's Backpackers

The new venue is Gilligan's Backpackers, a large hostel located in the heart of the city. This recently built venue is the focal point for entertainment, tours, parties and nightlife in and around Cairns. Gilligan's is a short walk (less than 10 minutes) to all the major pubs, clubs and casinos in Cairns, and very near most of the night time social events on the IPSF Congress Cairns 2006 programme.

www.gilligansbackpackers.com.au

Accommodation at Gilligan's Backpackers will be in 6-bed dormitory style rooms, each with a built in shower, toilet, bathroom, lockable cupboards and balcony or outdoor area. All bed linen and towels will be provided, and guests can make use of the hostel pool, bar, kitchens, games rooms, gym, large screen TVs and lounge areas. With IPSF potentially booking out 2 entire floors (300 beds), this clean, new, well kept venue will be the PERFECT location for relaxing, socialising, embarking on tours, and of course - partying!

While this venue is set to be the ULTIMATE in IPSF culture, alternative accommodation options are available at additional expense. There are a variety of hotels in neighbouring areas, and Gilligan's also has limited double, twin and four bed rooms available. For more information on how to access these different rooms or nearby hotels (at an additional charge) and still be included in all IPSF activities, please email the congress organisers.

  James Cook University

The accommodation venue is located immediately adjacent to James Cook University (JCU). JCU will therefore prove an ideal location for the majority of Congress seminars and other functions. For more information on JCU click here.