Thanks to Tara from TPDD for sending through an article entitled 'Try something a little different this Australia Day' she found on Yahoo Travel.

They listed their top ten suggestions for things you should do this Australia Day and the Daintree Rainforest came out in number one place ! As their No.1 suggestion, Yahoo travel, suggests we should 'Marvel at the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest - Spend Australia Day in the most diverse eco-system in the world, the Daintree Rainforest.

Untouched tropical rainforest and golden beaches make the Daintree Rainforest home to some of Australia's famous flora and fauna. This World Heritage Listed area contains the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare anywhere in the world'. (Ed Note: This alternative to a crazy day with the crowds is brilliant, I can't think why I didn't think of it !) However if you do want a crazy day with the crowds then make sure you get yourself down to one or more of the many events taking place all throughout the region.

There are two family days, one at the Sports Ground in Port Douglas with registration for the various sports and games to be played during the day from about 9.00am. Just a word of warning, please remember the Council in it's infinite wisdom has dumped sand all over the outfield so don't wear your best clothes and shoes 'cos they'll get ruined, just think of it as a big beach, it'll be great !

The other family day is being held at George Davis Park in Mossman starting at 9.00am and there no reports of sand from that venue...yet!
The Tin Shed is open from 8am for coffee and cakes, so get down to the Combined club as early as you can to claim your seat to watch the 48th Annual Low Isles Boat race. There will also be a $500 Raffle, BBQ for lunch and lots of Aussie games through the day and live music by Eddie the Eagle.

The Port Douglas Yacht Club has their annual Australia Day party starting at midday, running right through 'til midnight with Triple J Hottest 100 broadcast and DJ Soljah and Dyls driving the beat 'til the close.

And last but by no means least, The Court House Hotel at 10am is hosting the Newsport Subscription competition draw to see who has won the $1,200 worth of beach goodies (Kite board, lessons and Seafolly Swimwear voucher) as supplied by Windswell Kitesurfing and Tshinta swimwear. The lucky winner will be advised by the Australia Day Newsmail out. If you want to make sure you are in the draw for this fantastic package then come and see us at The Court House on Sunday Jan 24 from about 10am and we''l get you signed up absolutely free. The Court House Hotel is then hosting a full day of fun and games from midday with 5 DJs keeping the groove going 'til late.

Editors comments: We all love a drink, but please drink responsibly, think of others and make sure everyone has the best Australia Day ever....Aussie, Aussie, Aussie......