Eco-Luxury

Playing your part

Make sustainable travel choices without compromising on your comforts in Tropical North Queensland. As a region enclosed by vast wildernesses and natural World Heritage wonders, protecting the environment and unique wildlife is an unquestionable way of life. Just visiting, gives you an appreciation for the natural assets and a passion for wanting to protect it.

Take a voyage on a carbon-neutral luxury sailing vessel and visit nurseries growing corals to rehabilitate the reef; help identify Dwarf Minke Whales on an expedition to the only known aggregation of the species in the world; sleep beneath the stars by some of the world’s most significant rock art sites on an Indigenous-guided tour; and retire to eco‑lodges from rainforest retreats to island bungalows or the outback cabins.

Health & Wellbeing

While basking under a waterfall or simply being in the ancient rainforests of Tropical North Queensland may be a form of meditation or rejuvenation on their own, why not take that relaxation a step further by booking into one of the revitalising spas peppered through the region.

If nature is your calling – after all, it’s the perfect place to practice the art of shinrin-yoku (forest-bathing) – hike through incredible landscapes, take a stroll down palm-fringed beaches, join a yoga retreat, or perhaps even test your endurance on a spectacular IRONMAN course.

Health & wellbeing

See it. Love it. Protect it.

Enveloped by two of the world’s most important natural sites, full of creatures and plants not found anywhere else on the planet, conservation is at the heart of Tropical North Queensland.

Simply visiting the Great Barrier Reef funds management and research for the long-term resilience of the reef, while many tourism experiences, both on water or on land, play key roles in contributing to protecting the diverse environments and fauna of the region.

Conservation

Eco accreditation

Certification programs like Ecotourism Australia assure travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high-quality nature-based tourism experiences.

Tropical North Queensland is full of many Eco-certified businesses. Before you book, choose experiences that you know are playing their part for the environment.

Eco-certified experiences & accommodation

Tips

To get the most out of your Great Barrier Reef experience, opt for a reef tour with a Master Reef Guide on board.
Head down to Rusty’s Markets, open every Friday–Sunday, to stock up on local produce or find an array of tasty treats or satisfying meals.
Learn about the land with the people who have protected it for thousands of years. From camping on country with Traditional Custodians, learning about the stars or hunting in the mangroves. Discover Indigenous Tours.

Discover

From ways you can help to connecting to country, explore here for more travel inspo.

Great Barrier Reef

Ways you can help the Great Barrier Reef

There’s a sense of responsibility that comes when you’re visiting one of the world’s seven wonders; a calling to nurture nature. If leaving only footprints (or fin waves in this case) is high on your priority list, here are some ways you can help the Great Barrier Reef during your next holiday.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

9 ways to be a more eco-conscious traveller

These eco-travel tips will ensure that your trip to Tropical North Queensland is as green as the lush rainforest environment itself.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Conscious travel: How to travel Tropical North Queensland for a cause

Take nothing but photographs, leave only footprints and help give back to the unique environment of Tropical North Queensland with these experiences and causes.

Tropical Lifestyle & Culture

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.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Rest, Relax & Rejuvenate: 10 day spas & yoga retreats to add to your itinerary

From three day beach-side yoga retreats, to modern spa treatments in the heart of Cairns City, relax and unwind with these spa and yoga experiences in Tropical North Queensland.

Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours camping

Indigenous Culture

15 ways to connect with Indigenous culture

Tropical North Queensland is the only region in Australia with two distinct Indigenous cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Connect with these ancient cultures 60,000 years in the making.

Cairns & Northern Beaches

8 Ways Crystalbrook Collection combines sustainability with luxury

If you haven’t met them already, there are three hotel siblings in Cairns you should really know by name – Riley, Bailey and Flynn.

Tropical Lifestyle & Culture

Mudcrab to mangoes: your guide to eating local in Cairns

From earthy bush tucker and exotic fruits to ocean-caught seafood and a biodynamic dairy farm, Tropical North Queensland offers up a menu with a unique ingredients list.

Tropical Lifestyle & Culture

Guide to Cairns & Port Douglas

A getaway is looming and you’re longing for a tropical escape – Cairns and Port Douglas are both popular holiday havens boasting a wealth of experiences. Read this guide to help plan your trip to these two seaside locales.

Wet Tropics Rainforest

10 relaxing ways to sleep in the rainforest

This summer, swap your inner city stresses for cool, rainforest rejuvenation, checking into one of these accommodation providers in the rainforest.

Great Barrier Reef

Everything you need to know about Master Reef Guides

Anyone who’s ever done an organised tour will know the host or tour guide can make or break the experience. That’s why it pays to book a Great Barrier Reef tour with one of the Master Reef Guides, the official ambassadors of the world’s most famous reef.

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.

Cairns & Northern Beaches

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.

Tropical Lifestyle & Culture

Top Scenic Flights

From scenic flights over the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforest to flying to an ancient aboriginal rock art site or undertaking an epic helicopter pub crawl, take to the sky on your Tropical North Queensland adventure.

Cairns & Northern Beaches

6 reasons why you need to live the life of Riley

If you’ve been scouring the internet ether for the perfect hotel match, put down your Google search. It’s time for you to meet Riley.

Port Douglas

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.

Indigenous Culture

Experience an incredible Aboriginal rock art tour

Discover what true connection to country feels like at a 20,000-year-old Aboriginal rock art gallery with Jarramali Rock Art Tours. Fly in via a scenic helicopter or jump in a 4WD with a Traditional Owner guide for the full overnight experience.

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