Cairns. With a lush tropical landscape and lively city, it's your one stop shop holiday destination. Plan your trip for November and you'll also be able to enjoy some amazing events.

Events worth checking out

The Cairns Esplanade Markets are on every Saturday in November from 8am to 4pm and are a definite must. This is a great way to embrace the vivid energy of the city, as creators, cooks and farmers come out to showcase their goods. You can pick up some delightful jewellery, leather work, pottery and skincare as well as try some delectable taste delights.

Are you planning on starting a family? Check out the Baby Welcome and Family Expo. Taking place on November 2 from 10am to 2pm, this is a great opportunity to learn more about products and what you can expect with a new baby, or have a great time with your kids. There are information stalls, stage entertainment, a craft corner, some fantastic rides and a petting zoo.

Another event that's ideal for travelling families is Little Taccas. This event will take place on November 13 from 10am to 2pm and is all about nature. Taccas is actually the name of the tropical plant Tacca integrifolia, this event aims to give kids (particularly those five and under) an appreciation for nature and gardening through teaching them about specific plants and techniques. Taking place in the Botanic Gardens, you can make a day of it and also take part in arts and crafts, storytelling, sing-alongs and discover the attraction with garden walks.

Are you an avid sportsperson and jump at the chance to partake in triathlons? There a few events which are sure to perk your interest taking place in November. On November 22 – 23, there is the Yungaburra Triathlon which is to be held on the Tinaburra Foreshore of the Atherton Tablelands. This is an ideal place for the sporting event to take place as there are many kilometres of trails and breathtaking scenery. There will be Sprint, Olympic and Enticer distances, so you can choose the one for you. On the second day, there will also be Kids and Corporate events.

Still not convinced?

If you're still undecided if Cairns is the place for you, allow us to tell you more about this stunning area. For a start, the culture is diverse and colourful – the first people to arrive here were the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Many years later, Dutch navigators uncovered this glorious area and when Captain James Cook arrived, he claimed the coast for Britain, which was the first step that lead to European settlement. The history of Cairns is fascinating, with gold rushes, foreign wars and a number of immigrants making their way to the north, adding to the culture with their skills, traditions and culture.

There is no doubt one of the highlights of Cairns is the marine world. It's here the Great Barrier Reef is, with its majestic coral structures and huge variety of ocean flora and fauna – at this landmark you'll find the greatest variety of species in the whole world.

Within the 1,500 kilometres, there are about 21,900 individual reefs a huge amount of colourful fish and other marine life. It's undoubtedly majestic. There are a number of ways you can discover this absolute wonder. Try snorkelling, diving, swimming or head out on a semi-submersibles. 

There is also a whole array of outdoor sports, restaurants and cafes that are both world class and relaxed and some amazing places to stay. This is also a stellar place to try a self-drive tour. Rent a car and check out Port Douglas, Mossman, Kuranda range and Daintree.