great tropical drive

eat drink

  • The Great Tropical Drive

    Get ready to discover the very best of Tropical North Queensland on the Great Tropical Drive. Some 26 different routes make up the drive, taking you from coast to Savannah, islands to the outback, rainforest to reef.

  • The Wheelbarrow Way

    Stretching from Mareeba to Chillagoe, the Wheelbarrow Way travels through verdant crop-producing farmlands, cattle country, wooded savannah and friendly little towns with impressive histories.

  • The Canecutter Way

    Discover the unique delights of the Cassowary Coast region as you pass historic towns and sugar-cane fields on the Canecutter Way from Kurrimine Beach to Innisfail.

  • Choose your own adventure: Discover the Daintree & Cape Tribulation

    Choose your own adventure with these unique tour ideas in Cape Tribulation; a place where Australia’s oldest, largest and longest rainforest collides with the only living organism seen from space.

  • 48 hours mountain biking the Cassowary Coast

    From making first tracks at sunrise along the coast to meeting friendly local wildlife in the ancient rainforest, uncover the secrets of the mountain biking trails of Mission Beach and surrounds.

  • Luxury places to rest your head

    Escape to luxe island hideaways, indulgent outback retreats or tranquil ancient rainforests. Kick off your shoes, take some much needed R&R and discover the unique landscape of Tropical North Queensland.

  • Why you should visit the tropics in summer

    From cosy rainforest retreats to once-in-a-lifetime Great Barrier Reef reef events, epic waterfalls to spectacular outback scenery, this is why you should put the green light on your summer holiday.

  • Say “I do”: 8 wedding combos in Port Douglas

    The knee has been dropped, or the questions been popped – now you’ve got a wedding to plan. Not to fret, your wedding fairy godmother is here, armed with the ultimate ceremony and reception combos in Port Douglas.

  • 10 Cafes in Cairns for great coffee

    With such a vibrant foodie culture, finding the best cafes in Cairns can be overwhelming. Fuel your caffeine addiction with these local favourites for a guaranteed quality cup of coffee.

  • Vlasoff Cay: the most incredible place to picnic

    Feel grounded the moment you arrive at a private sand cay on the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Old town young heart: your guide to Yungaburra

    It’s no coincidence the Atherton Tablelands village of Yungaburra attracts visitors from far and wide. This village, 750m above sea level, translates to Meeting Place in local indigenous dialect – and the trail of headlights coming from Cairns each weekend proves it.

  • A wildlife warrior’s 3 day guide to the tropics

    Love animals? Love nature? Love khaki? If you answered yes, this guide has your name written all over it, and we’re calling you a wildlife warrior from now on. Trek to the tropics for three days of nature in the north with this itinerary.

  • Cape York is calling: Planning a trip to The Tip

    Ready to tackle one of Australia’s most remote landscapes, Cape York? Just you, a car and 1,200km of untamed, World Heritage-listed, 180 million year-old rugged rainforest beauty – aka The Tip.

  • A backpacker’s guide to nightlife in Cairns

    Cairns may be known as the gateway to the reef and rainforest, but don’t be fooled… the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down around here. In fact, you’re guaranteed a party every single night of the week in this vibrant small-town city. Find out exactly where to go in this handy nightlife guide.

  • The Rainforest People of Kuranda

    Known as the colourful village in the rainforest, Kuranda has a much deeper history that stretches way beyond its famous quirky markets. Learn more about the Indigenous people who have called Kuranda home for at least 10,000 years.

  • 48 hours in Kuranda

    Just as the Na’vi in Avatar have Pandora, Tropical North Queensland has Kuranda, a rainforest village worthy of its own feature film. If you don’t know much about it, discover why you need Kuranda’s leafy greens in your life with this 48 hour guide.

  • Guide to Kuranda Markets

    The bumper sticker catchphrase ‘Magic Happens’ was surely created after a visit to the picturesque village of Kuranda, a rainforest township where the outside world seemingly does not exist.

  • It’s a locavore life

    Flanked by the coral sea, the Gulf of Carpentaria and tropical rainforest, boasting vast differences in climate and altitude, Tropical North Queensland has arguably the greatest variety of fresh produce in Australia.

  • Top places for a date near Cairns

    Whether you’re embraced in the thralls of a new holiday romance, on your honeymoon or anywhere in between, deciding on where to actually go for a date can be tough. Find some fresh and fun inspiration below:

  • Great Green Way – The start of your East Coast Adventure

    Spanning 457km down Australia’s East Coast, the drive from Cairns to Townsville encompasses waterfalls, wetlands, mountains, and plenty of friendly country towns.

  • 72 hours in Port Douglas

    This old favourite has a new sense of cool about it. Here’s how to make the most of your time away.

  • An active traveller’s guide to Cairns

    Boasting nature’s ultimate keep-fit playground, nutritious local produce for those post-workout gains, and plenty of idyllic spots for some all-important recovery time, Tropical North Queensland is an active traveller’s dream. Here are our top tips to exploring the region like a top athlete:

  • 12 other things to do when visiting the Cardwell Spa Pool

    Whether you’re out to catch a barra, hike Australia’s largest island National Park or adventure your way through a scenic 4WD track, Cardwell is the perfect launch pad for an outdoorsy weekend with a friendly local twist.

  • Seafood lovers’ guide to Cairns

    As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is teeming with an abundance of restaurants offering fresh, local catches and exceptional seafood. Find the stand-out seafood dishes in Cairns below.

  • Lizard Island – The northern-most resort on the Great Barrier Reef

    Surrounded by pristine turquoise waters that will make you question whether you’re in a dream, discover the true meaning of tropical oasis at the exclusive and ultra-luxurious, Lizard Island.

  • Retreat Hopping on the Atherton Tablelands

    Pack the mini-break bag and head for the hills for a long weekend of retreat hopping on the Atherton Tablelands.