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.

How to explore iconic landscapes with Traditional Custodians
Delve deeper into the iconic landscapes of Tropical North Queensland by visiting with Traditional Custodians.

Live the luxe life with these luxury & wellness experiences
From soaring above the Great Barrier Reef in a private helicopter to sundowners on a secluded sand cay, indulge in the lap of luxury in Tropical North Queensland with these luxury and wellness experiences.

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.

A Guide to Sustainable Dining in Tropical North Queensland
From utilising organic and locally sourced produce to reducing food waste with Green Food Australia, these sustainable restaurants in Tropical North Queensland are not only delicious, but kind to people and the planet too.

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.

The ultimate Port Douglas accommodation guide
Whether you’re heading for a romantic getaway or a budget family holiday, this Port Douglas accommodation guide will help you find your perfect home away from home.

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.

Quirky & unique accommodation you won’t believe is in the tropics
From the utterly adorable (staying with tree kangaroos anyone?) to the beautifully bizarre, accommodation options in the tropics are anything but your boring bread-and-butter hotel. Pack your bags and check into one of these quirky accommodation spots in Tropical North Queensland.

Your guide to vegetarian & vegan friendly restaurants in Cairns
You’ll find most cafes and restaurants around Cairns include quality meat-free dishes. The following eateries however, hero plant-based food. Here’s where to eat vegan and vegetarian food in Cairns.

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.

Live the luxe life with these luxury & wellness experiences
From soaring above the Great Barrier Reef in a private helicopter to sundowners on a secluded sand cay, indulge in the lap of luxury in Tropical North Queensland with these luxury and wellness experiences.

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.
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.
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR
If there`s one waterfall that`s work the walk, it`s #BehanaGorge 🌴 Grab your shoes and your swimmers for this 6km return trip just a 30 minute drive south of #Cairns 👣🌿🚙
📸 @endlessssummer_ #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #southerncairns

Is there any island more breathtaking than this one? We don`t think so! ✨⛵️
@lizardisland is renowned for its diving, with the world-famous Cod Hole on the northern tip of Ribbon Reef just 50 minutes from the Island 🐠 Here you might find some friendly grey reef sharks, schooling sweetlips & a dazzling array of tropical reef fish, maybe even the site’s namesake, the Potato Cod 🤿
While you`re there, don`t forget to make your way over to the Lizard Island Research Station – a coral reef research facility that is recognised as the major island-based research facility on the @gbrmarinepark! 🌊
Bonus quiz: How did Lizard Island get its name? Tell us your guesses in the comments 👇
📸 @exploreshaw #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #CapeYork

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 launchpad for an outdoorsy weekend with a friendly local twist 🎣🍃🏝 Hit the #CardwellForestDrive & make your way to this gem – #AttieCreekFalls – to float away your troubles 💎
📸 @thelifeof_riley._ #explorecairnsGBR #exploretnq #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland #cassowarycoast

Mount Hypipamee National Park is calling! 🗣 One of the main features is this deep, cylindrical volcanic pipe with a lake at the bottom covered in green waterweed 🍃 There are two walking tracks here - one leads to this viewing platform & takes roughly 30 minutes to complete and the other leads to #DinnerFalls 💦 We suggest doing both for an `explosive` adventure 😉🌋
📸 @blueyandb #exploretnq #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #athertontablelands

Welcome to winter in the tropics (aka the perfect time to go to #FitzroyIsland) 🏝️🤸 This quintessential tropical island National Park is a must-do when you visit the tropics 🏖 Boasting incredible views, refreshing water & one of the most photogenic coral shores around 🐚✨ You can discover the island for yourself with @fitzroyislandadventures or @sunloverreefcruises ⛵️ Don’t feel like leaving? Stay a while at @fitzroyisland resort 🍹 🏝
📸 @the_trail_tale #exploretnq #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia

Celebrating hump day with the only kind of blues we like in Queensland on board @sailawayportdouglas ⛵️✨ 😉
📸 @kristy_gc #explorecairnsGBR #exploretnq #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland #portdouglasdaintree

@portdouglasdaintree really is paradise 😍🌴 With delicious dining options, spas galore & incredible shops, tours & activities you’ll never be short of something to do while you spend time in #PortDouglas 🌺⛵️ But you don’t have to do anything at all to enjoy your time - just check in to one of the town’s luxurious resorts for the perfect flop & drop holiday 🧘
📸 @braedanlovett #explorecairnsGBR #exploretnq #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland

How about a dunk in the water this week? 💦 #DunkIsland is just a stone’s throw off the coast of #MissionBeach in @cassowarycoastaustralia and can be reached by a short boat trip ⛵️ Most of the island is national park, with unique tracts of rainforests, pristine beaches and abundant species of wildlife 🏝️ 🐾 Don`t forget to grab a board from @whatsupcairns and test your SUP skills 🏄
📸 @mycolourfulworld_ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploretnq

If you’re a little bit of a green thumb, you might want to spend a little time exploring this beauty in Cairns 🍃 The Flecker Botanic Gardens are home to an incredible array of plants & wildlife (mainly birds, but we could watch them all day! 🦜) Try a tour of the garden, check out the visitor information centre & let the kids explore their inner nature fanatic with the fortnightly activity program for children under five - there’s crafts, stories, sing alongs & garden discovery walks! 🌿
If you’re looking for a little more action, just a short walk or drive down the road you’ll find the @tanksartscentre & some epic walking trails 🥾🎭
📸 @taegs_takes_photos #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploretnq

Today we celebrate National Reconciliation Week 👣🌴
This is a time for everyone to learn about our shared histories, cultures, achievements, and to explore how each person can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia through this year’s theme “Be a Voice for Generations” ❤️🖤💛
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #NRW2023
