Keep cool in Cairns: ways to beat the summer heat
There are a lot of things to love about summer, but for happy travellers the weather can be a little warmer than you’re used to. Fret not! Cairns locals have perfected the art of escaping the heat.
Keep cool this summerSee Great. Leave Greater.
Connect with nature in a place unlike anywhere else. Up here, you’ll experience the astoundingly diverse and connect to something greater. It’s not just about relaxing on the beach (although we do that well too), it’s about making a connection to our special part of the world.
On the Trail of Inspiration
Where to experience the best Tropical North Queensland has to offer… from wandering to waterfalls to taking the plunge on the Great Barrier Reef.
16 things to do your first time in Cairns
If ever the statement “so much to do, so little time” rang true of a destination, Cairns would be it. With the Great Barrier Reef in its front yard and the Wet Tropics rainforest out the back, aside from your bathers, time is the best thing you can pack for a visit to Tropical North Queensland. If it’s your first time in the North Queensland capital, start with these 16 things to do in Cairns.
Christmas in Cairns and Port Douglas 2022
Whether you’re heading to Cairns for the holiday season or you’re a local looking for some festive cheer, here’s what’s on for Christmas in Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas.
Sweet sounds of summer
Watch a live music show and get your groove on during your holiday to Cairns. With an incredible line-up of musical acts over the summer, you’re guaranteed to be tapping your toes, singing at the top of your voice, and dancing like no one is watching!
How to ring in the 2023 New Year around Cairns
Still deciding what you want to do for New Year’s Eve? From fireworks to dinners, send off 2022 and welcome in 2023 with these celebrations near Cairns.
Mini road trips in Tropical North Queensland
Discover local specialties and hidden gems on a mini road trip through Tropical North Queensland with these one day wonders. Here are eight itineraries to get you out and about.
50 must-do day trips from Cairns
While Cairns itself is known for its laid back city vibes and stunning esplanade, the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, waterfalls and quirky townships are just a stone’s throw away. Grab a pen and paper and add these day trips from Cairns to your holiday bucket list.
Guide to Barron Falls (Din Din)
Rocky, wild, and undeniably dramatic, Barron Falls has a regal presence that is suitably fitting to its moniker. Whether you witness it as a scenic trickle in winter or as a mist-filled force in summer, Barron Falls deserves a spot in your tropical travel itinerary. Get ready to chase the ultimate waterfall with this guide to Barron Falls near Cairns.
Find your zen with these health & wellbeing experiences in the tropics
A trip to Tropical North Queensland is pretty much like living inside a meditation app. From listening to the soft tinkling of rain and chorus of birdsong in the rainforest from a luxury chalet, to letting go of your inhabitations and being truly present with a massage, a trip to the tropics is sure to make you feel zen.
How to explore iconic landscapes with Traditional Custodians
Delve deeper into the iconic landscapes of Tropical North Queensland by visiting with Traditional Custodians.
Top spots to picnic around Cairns and the tropics
Dining al-fresco is a way of life up here in the tropics and with a plethora of picture-perfect spots in our backyard, there’s no need to book into a swanky restaurant. Pack a blanket and hamper and head to one of these picnic spots in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.
8 islands south of Cairns to explore
The Sunshine State might have 900 tropical islands off its coastline, but there’s one stretch of coast that’s overrepresented when it comes to idyllic island-oasis. Enter Southern Cairns and the Cassowary Coast, whose offshore attractions are as much of a drawcard as its mainland namesake.
Boujee Bathtubs: Bathe with a view in the tropics
These boujee bathtubs with incredible views are all wham, bam, put it on the ‘gram! From rustic tubs in the outback, to the actual epitome of forest bathing, here’s the bathtubs with a view you need to add to your bucket list.
Keep cool in Cairns: ways to beat the summer heat
Whether you’re chasing air-conditioning or water fun, we’ve got you covered with these ways to beat the heat in Cairns.
Everything you need to know about the Cardwell Spa Pool
Cardwell Spa Pool is a naturally-fed, seasonal creek that shot to stardom on social media in 2016. Ever since, people have been adding it to their holiday itinerary but there are a few things you might not know about this idyllic swimming spot.
10 waterfalls to chase on the Atherton Tablelands
Hit the famous waterfall circuit, uncover those lesser known or stretch a little further and take a dip in Australia’s widest, single-drop waterfall on the Atherton Tablelands.
Walk on the wild side with these rainforest boardwalks
From wandering through the top of the rainforest canopy, to venturing to thundering waterfalls, these rainforest boardwalks are short on distance but big on experience.
Mission Beach & Cassowary Coast Waterfalls & Swimming Spots To Cool Off In
Mother Nature sees your backyard swimming pool and raised you her take on it with these waterfalls and swimming spots– each perfectly moulded and best explored with a sense of adventure.
Incredible hikes you need to conquer near Cairns
Surrounded by national parks, World Heritage rainforest and the Great Dividing Range, find countless bush walks or hikes within a short distance of Cairns.
Things to do in Port Douglas
Don’t let its flop and drop reputation fool you, there are many things to do in Port Douglas. From hunting with Traditional Owners & exploring the Great Barrier Reef, to river floats & wildlife parks. Here’s how to spend your time in Port Douglas.
Explore Tropical North Queensland
Eleven distinct destinations, hundreds of places to see, endless experiences to relish. Where to begin your tropical journey of discovery.
Gulf Savannah & Outback
The outback meets the sea in this remote region stretching across the Gulf of Carpentaria. Marvel at ancient geological wonders, try your luck fossicking for gold, buy fresh prawns straight from the trawler and swap stories with local characters.
Torres Strait Islands
Off Australia’s northern tip, the islands of the Torres Strait are a world unto themselves. Few travellers experience the unique melting pot of Aboriginal and Melanesian cultures, waters teeming with dugongs and dolphins, and hidden relics of Australia’s military past.
Cooktown and Cape York
Getting to the edge of Australia is an adventure you will never forget. Tackle rugged dirt roads and raging rivers, explore 27 national parks, meet the locals in historic Cooktown and immerse yourself in Australia’s most fascinating Indigenous dance festival.
Atherton Tablelands
Tropical North Queensland’s not all about the coast. Head inland to the Atherton Tablelands and discover a lush green world dotted with waterfalls, swimming holes, farm gates, food and wine trails, and some of the best coffee in the country.
Kuranda
Tourists have been flocking to the quirky village of Kuranda for more than 100 years. Wind through the mountains in a historic train, fall in love with the vibrant arts community and feel the spray of Queensland’s most famous waterfall.
Port Douglas
Barefoot luxury is the order of the day in this charming holiday town set between rainforest and reef. Iconic beach resorts and award-winning golf courses rub shoulders with stylish boutiques, alfresco restaurants, trendy craft breweries and bustling markets.
Daintree and Cape Tribulation
Discover a place where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet. The 180-million-year-old Wet Tropics Rainforest tumbles down to the coast at Cape Tribulation, right on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Head into the jungle for the digital detox of a lifetime.
Palm Cove
Luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, breezy beach bars and indulgent spas await in Tropical North Queensland’s most glamorous enclave. Kayak off the beach, fish from the jetty or kick back with a cocktail by the pool. Even your dog is welcome.
Cairns and Northern Beaches
The perfect jumping-off point for your Tropical North Queensland adventure. Cairns is a vibrant city with a laid-back, outdoor lifestyle and is set right in between two natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.
Mission Beach and The Cassowary Coast
An undiscovered gem of Tropical North Queensland and the closest point to the Great Barrier Reef. This sleepy stretch of coast has it all – verdant rainforest, deserted beaches, uninhabited islands, bubbling waterholes and welcoming locals – including fascinating cassowaries.
What are you looking for?
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR
Hey look, boobies! 😝
#michaelmasCay is a hotspot for seabirds, including terns, noddies and boobies (yes, really) 🦜🪺
What birds have you seen on the @gbrmarinepark? 👇
🎥 @chiaratalia_birds #exploretnq ...
@jadeexplores has been showing us some of her favourite experiences in #Cairns and we have agree, this is one of the best! 🙌🐠
Fly over the @gbrmarinepark with one of many operators around the tropics like @daintreeair, ...
There’s a lot more than meets the eye at @fitzroyisland 🌴🐠
From kicking back with a poolside cocktail, to exploring the @gbrmarinepark, to hiking for incredible views at the summit, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had here ...
Hands up if you'd rather be relaxing on #EllisBeach right now? 🙋 Wedged between the rainforest and reef just a few minutes north of @visitpalmcove, this slice of paradise draws people in with its epic scenery and chilled out vibes 🌴
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The rain doesn’t dampen your fun in Tropical North Queensland, how else would you get fabulous rainbows like this one in @portdouglasdaintree 🌈🌴
What’s your favourite rainy-day activity? ☔️👇
📸 @theverticalpixel ...
Islands, coral gardens & rainforest are just a few of the amazing things you can experience in the tropics 🌴🐠 So make like @ollygaspar and start your tropical adventure now! 🙌
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland ...
It’s that time of year again & Barron Falls has started flowing! 💦🌴
If you have the chance, head to @skyrailcairns or Kuranda Scenic Railway and see this magnificent waterfall for yourself 🙌
🎥 @winchandunwind ...
Did you know that the southern cassowary is only found in parts of Papua New Guinea and North East Australia!? So there’s nowhere better to try cassowary spotting than @tropicalnorthqueensland 🙌🌴
🎥 @pablocogollos_photography ...
No matter how many times you see it, #MillaaMillaaFalls is undeniably breathtaking 🌿✨ Located on the @athertontablelands, this cascading waterfall is just an easy day trip from #Cairns, and is part of a self-drive waterfall circuit which takes ...
The horses go marching one by one, hurrah! Hurrah! 🐴 Discover the secrets of the majestic #DaintreeRainforest on horseback as you make your way to #MyallBeach with @capetribhorserides 🌴🦋
If that’s not your scene, there are plenty...
