Traveling with kids? It is so much fun to explore the world with your kids - and I've learned that when we travel with our daughter, we learn and see so much more! One of the coolest travel sites that I've seen is a location-specific one that highlights the unique beauty and attractions of Cairns, Australia. Published by Peace Mitchell, Cairns Family Holidays is an excellent resource for accommodations, attractions, and dining in Tropical North Queensland, as well as a wide range of information on the locale, what to bring, events, and more. Incredible!! We're already seeing when we can head to Cairns, based on exploring this site.

Photo courtesy of Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Cairns

We were lucky enough to sit down and chat with Peace about her site. Here's what she had to say...

WE: Please tell us about your site, Cairns Family Holidays…

PM: Cairns Family Holidays provides information for families planning a vacation to Cairns  and the Great Barrier Reef.  There’s family-friendly information about restaurants, tours and attractions and information about free-family fun in the Cairns Region too.   Cairns is in the northern part of Australia, we have a warm tropical climate, stunning rainforest and white sandy beaches. The Great Barrier Reef is world heritage listed and attracts people from all over the world. At the reef you will find amazing fish, brightly coloured coral and a host of other marine life including whales, dolphins, dugongs, sea turtles, manta rays and starfish.  The rainforest of this region is also world heritage listed ensuring that it is preserved for generations to come. Our rainforest is home to 7 species of possum, tree kangaroos, gliders, cassowaries and wallabies as well as an amazing array of colourful butterflies and insects found nowhere else in the world.

WE:  What was the genesis of the site?

PM: I started this site as there was no central place for families to find information specific to family travel in this region. I’ve always loved travelling and as a teacher I’ve always been passionate about the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. As a mother with three young boys I know what things are important for families when they’re travelling and having that information really helps families to enjoy their trip.

WE:  Do you feel lucky, living in such a gorgeous area with so many opportunities?

PM: I have always loved living in this part of Australia, I had an idyllic childhood of trips to Green Island, camping in the remote areas of the Daintree and exploring the outback, we always lived near the beach too so walks along the beach after school have always been part of my life. My husband comes from a long line of boat builders so sailing to the islands is one of my favourite things to do on weekends.

WE:  What sorts of activities do you like to promote for kids?

PM: With my background as a teacher I think it’s important for children to have the opportunity to have authentic experiences.  I love the tours and attractions which teach children about Aboriginal culture, the Rainforest and of course the Great Barrier Reef. I also really like the wildlife parks, the animals of this regions are beautiful.

WE:  You've co founded a non-profit organization and also are active in other philanthropic areas - can you please share that with us?

PM: In 2006 our community was devastated by a large cyclone (similar in scale to Hurricane Katrina) and as a result of a need in the community for something positive to come from something so negative my sister, myself and two friends started our own non profit group. 

Our organisation is Mothers Helping Others and aims to help families with young children in practical and tangible ways. We’ve had a number of projects over the last 2 years including building a playground, publishing a book of children’s stories and establishing a playground for young parents.  We’re currently campaigning for a change to legislation to improve parenting facilities in rural and regional communities.

WE:  I bet your kids are very well-travelled in your area! What are their favourite places to go?

PM: The kids love exploring so no matter where we go they have fun! Their favourite places are definitely the beaches and the islands, they love sailing, swimming and are learning how to snorkel too.

WE: Thanks so much, Peace. Your site is an extraordinary resource!

All photos courtesy and copyright of Cairns Family Holidays.