Pineapples

Tropical Lifestyle & Culture

I went up to direct a documentary in north Queensland and … that’s when I saw this extraordinary place and put a down-payment straight away.

– Actress Diane Cilento

Enchanting Tropical North Queensland

People often say visiting Tropical North Queensland feels like a world away from the rest of Australia. That’s because life operates a little differently in North Queensland. From ancient culture and modern marvels, larrikin characters and must-see creatures to reef and rainforest, peaks and palm trees, it’s the perfect place to enter a new state of mind.

Playing on the beach

A welcome state of mind

There’s a reason Tropical North Queensland has a reputation for being the most laid-back part of the country. It’s hard to take life too seriously when the sun shines year round, the reef glistens at your doorstep and the thermometer rarely drops below a balmy 25C (77 F). It’s not just the weather that’s warm, either – the people in the Tropical North are about as friendly and welcoming as they come. You’ll tend to find them soaking up the sunshine most of the year – taking a refreshing dip before work, cooling off under a waterfall, snorkelling the reef, or simply lounging in a deckchair. You won’t get a warmer welcome anywhere else.

FIND A PLACE TO GET WARM

Sharing a food plate

Learn what laid-back really means

The weather not only influences how Tropical North Queenslanders are but how they live as well. Everyone embraces the outdoor lifestyle and you can experience it, too: sip on an ice-cold beer on a pub’s shaded verandah; feast on an alfresco breakfast by the water; drink cocktails as the setting sun casts its glow over the Coral Sea. In the long, balmy evenings, revel in a meal under the stars prepared from the finest local produce – from tropical fruit that bursts with flavour to fresh-from-the-boat seafood that’s as good as anything in the world.

EXPLORE PLACES TO EAT & DRINK

Pouring a coffee

Meet the characters who call this place home

Tropical North Queensland has its share of larger-than-life personalities as well as others who quietly share their fascinating life stories. Ask a local a question and you might find yourself still chatting 20 minutes later, armed with knowledge about secluded beaches, “secret” waterfalls, the best place for a coffee. Encounter Indigenous custodians at Mossman Gorge, farmers at Rusty’s Market, guides who explore lava tubes all day or learn from the passionate marine biologists who spend their days on the reef.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THINGS TO DO

Discover

Tap into the magic of Tropical North Queensland & let its warmth wash over you.

Tropical Lifestyle & Culture
Why life in Tropical North Queensland is so enviable

What is it about Tropical North Queensland that lures people here from all corners of the world? Sharon Timms explains.

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Best waterfront bars in Tropical North Queensland

Beaches and bars are a match made in heaven – especially in the tropics, where any excuse to down a cool beverage is welcomed. Here are some of the coolest waterfront and beach bars Tropical North Queensland has to offer.

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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:

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Dive into this guide of swim-out hotel rooms

Walk in: swim out. For that added splash of luxury to your weekend getaway, family holiday or romantic retreat the following hotels will get you as close as you can to the most convenient and luxurious pools in the region.

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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:

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Atherton Tablelands
14 Food trail highlights on the Atherton Tablelands

Foodies take a deep breath and prepare your tastebuds for tantalisation. Here’s fourteen fun ways to get your foodie fix on the Atherton Tablelands.

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Trail running the Goldfields Trail at Babinda Boulders

Trail runners and bushwalkers are spoilt for choice in Tropical North Queensland. It’s hard to put a figure on how many trails there are but trust me, there are hundreds. Situated in lush, heritage-listed rainforest, the Goldfields Trail, between Babinda and Goldsborough Valley, is one the most iconic in the region.

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11 Best markets near Cairns

Soak up the colour and the character, the smells and the sounds clunk and clash in a cacophony of the excitement of these 12 great markets.

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Top 3 spots to picnic around Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands

Eating outdoors is one of life’s great pleasures in a tropical climate. Here’s our top picks for rolling out the picnic blanket and enjoying a long, lazy lunch.

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Tropical Lifestyle & Culture
Market Day

Celebrated Palm Cove chef Nick Holloway adores iconic Rusty’s Markets in Cairns. Kerry Heaney joined him for a tour of the stalls.

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Tropical Lifestyle & Culture
10 Cool ways to cool down during the wet season

It’s no secret that it gets a little warm in Tropical North Queensland during Summer but with it comes the Wet Season. This is one of the best times to visit as the rainforest shakes the dust from its leaves and the rivers, creeks and waterfalls are at their best. Here are ten cool ways to cool off during Summer:

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@bellanikita

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