20 waterfalls near Cairns
Mighty mountain ranges and Wet Tropics Rainforest create the optimum environment for a myriad of extraordinary waterfalls. Fall in love with these 20 waterfall wonderlands only a short drive from Cairns.
Dive inOn the Trail of Inspiration
Where to experience the best Tropical North Queensland has to offer … from wallowing under a waterfall to taking the plunge on the Great Barrier Reef.
The Wet Tropics’ Famous Five Precincts and a guide to exploring them
If you’re looking to connect with nature and discover a rainforest that’s the oldest, longest and largest in Australia, go behind the foliage with this guide to the five precincts of the Wet Tropics.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The most incredible place to picnic
Don’t you love a good tease? First the travel TV shows, then the endless Instagram feed, not to mention the glossy magazine pictures of exotic tropical locations. It’s time to stop imagining and start planning – the perfect picnic at Vlasoff Cay is awaiting you.
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.
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, 1200m 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.
Fishing from Cairns to Cape York
Cairns to Cape York is an angler’s Nirvana: a pristine environment that is both challenging and inspiring. With the largest diversity of fish species in Australia and the ability to fish all year round, a visit to Tropical North Queensland should be on everyone’s bucket-list.
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’s On
Brilliant events against spectacular backdrops. Here’s what not to miss when you’re in Tropical North Queensland.
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Music5 December 2018Festival of Small Halls at Koah Hall
Festival of Small Halls takes the best folk and contemporary acoustic artists performing at two of the country’s largest festivals and sends them on the road to tiny halls in communities all over Australia.
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Music31 December 2018Crystalbrook Collection New Year’s Eve at the Esplanade
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Music25 - 27 Apr 2019Outback Rock and Blues
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Music27 April 2019Red Hot Summer Tour
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Food & Wine24 - 26 May 2019Port Douglas Carnivale
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