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Tropical North Queensland is where the rainforest
meets the reef. Few places on earth can boast such unique natural attractions
with the Great Barrier Reef offering an underwater treasure trove of dazzling
coral and sea life and superb tropical rainforests of the Daintree within
easy reach. Laze on palm-fringed beaches, immerse yourself in azure waters
or indulge in the good life with a tropical feast or romantic escape.
Cairns
A sophisticated city, Cairns is your gateway to this vibrant region. You'll
find the warm climate reflected in a friendly welcome. Be lured by a stunning
array of dining choices, choose from more than 650 tours and see for yourself
why Cairns has been voted Australia's most liveable regional city. Use Cairns
as your base to explore lush tropical rainforest, cosy villages and to access
tropical islands and the Great Barrier Reef . This thriving city's airport,
train, cruise and highway linkages bring all within easy reach
Beaches of Cairns and Palm
Cove
Stretching 26 kilometres along unspoilt coastline, the beaches of Cairns
lie north of the city. Palm Cove is a charming start to your beach odyssey.
Take a reef tour, wander around the village and take in the atmosphere or
sample tropical cuisine at a beachfront restaurant. Head south to Trinity,
a palm-fringed cove between two headlands. Relax with a walk through beachside
rock pools to a hilltop vantage point to spy dolphins or turtles or visit
nearby Kewarra Beach, a golden strip of sand lapped by the Coral Sea. Other
must-see beaches include Holloways, Yorkeys Knob and Ellis Beach, a popular
weekend destination for locals.
Great Barrier Reef
Don't miss the opportunity to see why the complex, intricate and extraordinary
Great Barrier Reef is lauded as one of the world's most magnificent diving
locations. View delicate soft corals or iridescent fish through a wide array
of learn-to-dive courses or extended trips for experienced divers. Snorkelling
offers a wonderful way to see this amazing biosphere and most reef tours
include transfers and lunch. You don't even have to get your feet wet when
you view the reef by semi-submersible craft, from an underwater observatory
or from the air with a helicopter scenic flight. Cairns and Port
Douglas are cruising bases, so you can choose a cruise to fit your requirements.
Whether you spend a day or a week on the reef, dive to your heart's content
and explore this unique natural wonder.
Islands
You'll know you're in paradise when you see the range of idyllic islands
scattered offthe coast of Tropical North Queensland. Each island has its
own personality. Emerald rainforest jewels, large natural islands made for
exploration, sophisticated romantic retreats and secluded coral atolls.
Lizard
Island has drawn international attention and garnered major awards for
its stylish resort. Find total privacy at Bedarra
Island, its first-class facilities have hosted royalty. Close to Cairns,
Green
Island is a picturesque tropical coral cay harbouring reef gardens while
Fitzroy
Island's fringing reefs are popular with snorkellers. Try to glimpse
the turquoise Ulyssess butterfly on Dunk Island , an idyllic rainforest
isle. Other islands include Hinchinbrook, the world's largest island national
park and home to the famous Thorsborne walking trail; and Orpheus, the region's
most southern island. For something different, try camping on a deserted
national park island such as the Frankland Group.
Port Douglas
Nestled beside the sparkling waters of Dickson Inlet and the rolling waves
of the Coral Sea, Port Douglas has developed into one of Tropical North
Queensland's most sophisticated, stylish seaside villages while still retaining
a relaxed ambience. Once a quiet fishing villlage, it is now a base for
reef trips and rainforest tours. Shop until you drop, stroll amongst art
galleries, play golf or explore the many dining options.
Daintree and Cape
Tribulation
Australia's most important lowland rainforest, The Daintree harbours lush
tropical vegetation. Head north to Cape Tribulation, named when Captain
James Cook's ship ran aground on a reef. You won't find it any hardship
to explore this superb region of national parks and wilderness. Mossman
Gorge is a good point to access the World Heritage Listed Daintree National
Park. A huge range of operators offer tours to this region. There are river
cruises, guided nocturnal walks and adventurous 4WD safaris which make this
once-remote area highly accessible.
Kuranda
and the Tropical Tableland
Comprising an area greater than Tasmania, "The Tableland" encompasses cool
tropical highlands, mountain retreats, lakes, waterfalls and villages. Be
refreshed in this region which is set on rolling plateaux around 700 metres
above sea level. Kuranda's shady trees,walking trails and art galleries
are a drawcard for visitors each to enjoy country-style markets. Choose
from three scenic journeys - by train, road or scenic cableway above the
trees. Yungaburra is the central location to cool crater lakes ideal for
swimming, canoeing and bushwalking. From Atherton,
head to Lake Tinaroo with more than 200 kilometres of shoreline or visit
Mareeba
and Ravenshoe.
Mission
Beach
To the south of Cairns, Mission Beach draws together four villages which
link 14 kilometres of golden, perfect beaches. Look offshore to idyllic
islands, wander along breathtaking foreshore made for a romantic moment.
Pump up the pace with some heart-stopping white water rafting adventure
in the rainforest reaches of the Tully River. The aptly named Cassowary
Coast links Cardwell
to Cairns. Drive along this stretch to see rainforests and mighty rivers
or enjoy the Great Green Way.
Gulf Savannah
Get a sense of the last frontier in the Gulf Savannah, a place of adventure
with untouched bushlands, golden savannah plains and fossil sites. An area
rich in minerals and semi-precious stones, World-Heritage Listed fossil
fields give an insight into eons past. Head to the caves of Chillagoe
or the Undara Lava tubes. Discover the rainforest oasis of Lawn Hill National
Park. Hailed as the fossil find of the century, Riversleigh's limestone
field has yielded world-class exhibits. Train buffs can journey on two historic
trains The Savannahlander and The Gulflander and for fishing enthusiasts,
the region offers legendary opportunities to land the big one. The frontier
towns of Karumba,
Burketown
and Normanton
are preserved relics of golden days, and offer true-blue' Aussie warmth
and character.
Cape
York Peninsula
One of the world's last accessible wilderness areas and where you can stand
on the tip of the continent. much of Cape York's rugged mountains, grasslands,
and rivers are protected by large national parks. The fishing is amazing,
the scenery magnificent and the culture a fusion of many . Visit ancient
Aboriginal cultural sites, head to premier sportsfishing grounds or go on
a 4WD adventure you won't forget past towering termite nests, fast-flowing
rivers and remote camping and wilderness lodges. Off the northern tip of
Queensland see the Torres Strait Islands , a place of interesting culture
and history. Cooktown,
which is easily accessible from Cairns, is one of Australia's most historic
towns.
Nearest Highway: Bruce Highway
Nearest Airport: Cairns International and Cairns Domestic Airports
Have you been to Queensland and know about some more great highlights worth a mention? Add details for other visitors to read about.
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