Sweet cat and the sea story

l BUNGALOW

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

BUNGALOW resident and author Chele Castley is launching her debut children’s book, The Captain’s Cat and the Stars of the Sea, this Saturday, a beautifully illustrated story that will have Cairns’ kiddies falling in love with the wonders of the ocean.

From 10am to 12pm at Dundees at the Cairns Aquarium on June 3, local families can chat one-onone with the author and get a signed copy of the book. Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has also endorsed the book and will distribute it through primary schools in the electorate.

The book tells the story of Theia, the cat of a ship captain that travels around the world, and as she looks at the stars in the night sky, she realises stars are shining in the sea. With the help of sea creatures, she will try to unveil the mystery of the stars of the sea.

Inspired by her love of the sea and her experiences as a marine biologist, Ms Castley penned the book, aiming to create a fun educational tool that would teach children to care for our oceans.

“I love educating and children are like sponges. If you can get to them early, it will make for better adults who will help keep our oceans clean,” she said.

Chele Castley with her debut children’s book about a cat and the sea.

To buy the book, visit www.shawlinepublishing. com.au

l PALM COVE | Nick Dalton

A PALM Cove hotel has been named the best on the mainland in the South Pacific and Australia by Tripadvisor’s 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotel Awards.

The Reef House was pipped for first by Pinetrees Lodge –which is on Lord Howe Island off the New South Wales coast –and ranked second overall.

Tripadvisor said it analysed 12 months of review data (January 1 - December 31, 2022) from over 1.5 million hotels with the annual awards celebrating travellers’ favourite accommodations across 10 distinct categories: Top Hotels, All-inclusive, B&Bs, Family-friendly, Hottest New Hotels, Luxury, Out of the Ordinary, Small Hotels and two new additions for 2023 - Best Hotels for Sleep and Best Hotels with Spas.

It said it proved once again that Australia was home to some truly world-class hospitality.

Reef House was number 2 in the South Pacific and number 2 in the top 25 in Australia.

Tripadvisor head of editorial Sarah Firshein said it was “clear that our community ventured far and wide in the last year”.

“Our 10 subcategories encompass winners from 37 regions around the world and include a wide range of amazing places to stay,” she said.

Tripadvisor described The Reef House Adults Boutique Tropical Escapes as a “muchloved Queensland resort”.

“For almost 50 years, The Reef House Adults Boutique Tropical Escapes has provided a luxurious home away from home where couples can relax, revive and reconnect,” it said.

“This exclusive adults-only retreat offers a serene oasis amidst lush tropical surroundings, pampering guests with bespoke experiences, impeccable amenities, and warm hospitality.

“From the daily twilight canapes, pool butler service and luxury concierge, to the on-site yoga and wellness classes and award-winning day spa, this is a hotel that has every detail covered.

“The Reef House Adults Only Tropical Escapes, about 25 minutes from Cairns in Far North Queensland, ranked high because of its consistent five-star ratings for its location, cleanliness, service, and value reaching around $679 per night.”

The Reef House director Malcolm Bean said: “We are very excited to announce The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa has placed second in the Top Hotels in the South Pacific, second in the Top Hotels in Australia and second in the Luxury Hotels in Australia in TripAdvisor’s 2023 Travellers’ Choice Awards”.

He said the superior level of service investment in The Reef House allowed the staff to deliver an outstanding customer experience.

“Over 13 years we have developed a proposition that is truly unique in Queensland – an adults-only boutique fullservice hotel with more than 21 complimentary ‘Signature Inclusions’ in every stay,” he said.

Solstice walking tours

l GORDONVALE

THE Mulgrave Shire Historical Society will be hosting guided walking tours of Gordonvale at the Sugar Solstice Country Fair next weekend.

The fair will be held at Norman Park in the heart of Gordonvale on Saturday, June 10, from 2pm- 6pm.

Julie Amadio of the society said the fair celebrated the start of the sugarcane crushing season and the historical and cultural uniqueness of Gordonvale.

“The Mulgrave Shire Historical Society will have a marquee set up in Norman Park showcasing historical photographs of the early days of the sugar industry,” she said.

“They will also have guided historical walking tours of the mosaics which line the footpaths in the Gordonvale CBD featuring the businesses of yesteryear.

“Tours will commence at the society’s marquee at 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm and culminate at the Mulgrave Settlers Museum at 60 Gordon Street Gordonvale.”

Ms Amadio said the tours would be about 45 minutes in duration and a gold coin donation for the tours would be appreciated.

The museum will have extended trading hours and will be open from 10am until 6pm. Entry is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $30 for children.