Average Cairns temperatures: 20.5ºC (min) / 29.5ºC (max)
The tropics have a reputation of summer year-round, but spring is where the traditional feeling of summer kicks in. Swimming holes are frequented as warm and sunny days call for relaxing in cool waters; bright flowers bloom and with them, flocks of colourful birds feeding on their nectar arrive.
While other places in Australia are still experiencing milder weather, Tropical North Queensland becomes the perfect place to kick start summer early.
With many sunny days and a lower chance of rain through spring, many events appear on the calendar. Dress up at the spring racing carnivals, taste your way through Palm Cove at Reef Feast, slap on an Akubra and make your way to Undara Outback Rockabilly Rods & Rides Festival, spend your day at a music festival, or challenge yourself at one of the athletic events around the region.
Warm, sunny days and glassy seas are synonymous with spring with winds dropping off causing flat seas and ideal boating conditions.
Make the most of this prime time and live that luxe life on one of the many islands you’ll find dotted along the Great Barrier Reef or perch up by the pool at one of the many hotels and resorts in the region.
See trees laden with flowers readying themselves for the peak summer fruiting. Pops of colour decorate the landscape with birds of all colours and sizes flocking to feast on the sweet nectar.
See unique native rainforest trees in full bloom, mango trees adorned with small yellow/ cream blossoms and the vibrant red of poincianas and flame trees.
It’s the tropical version of snowing, but underwater. Each year two-to-six nights after the November full moon, the Great Barrier Reef erupts in a mass spawning event.
This eruption lasts for 20 to 30 minutes with all sorts of marine creatures simultaneously releasing their sperm and eggs surrounded by masses of fish taking advantage of the abundance of food. It’s the most active time on the reef and is an amazing thing to go snorkelling or diving in.
Head west to try spot the Morning Glory cloud formation in September and October. These clouds have been “sky surfed” by professional hang‑gliders who liken them to a surfing a tsunami.
The Gulf of Carpentaria is the only place in the world where these cigar-shaped clouds predictably occur.
As the days warm up, find one of the many places to cool down from placid freshwater swimming holes, waterfalls or incredible resort lagoons.
Explore one of the many walking and hiking trails that surround the region. With drier conditions and better visibility from the summit, hikes such as Mt Bartle Frere are popular through spring.
Spring is still a popular time to tackle the epic Cape York adventure. Hit the dusty road to the most northerly point of mainland Australia.
Marine stingers may be present in coastal waters through some of spring. It’s recommended you wear a protective suit to help shield you from the sun and to minimise the risk of jellyfish stings.
You’ll be a busy bee discovering all that Tropical North Queensland has to offer.
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.
Feel grounded the moment you arrive at a private sand cay on the Great Barrier Reef.
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.
Surrounded by national parks, World Heritage rainforest and the Great Dividing Range, find countless bush walks or hikes within a short distance of Cairns.
Ready to tackle one of Australia’s most remote landscapes, Cape York? Just you, a car and 1,200km of untamed, World Heritage-listed, 180 million year-old rugged rainforest beauty – aka The Tip.
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.
Are your campsites better described as camp palaces, or do you just roll with the bare essentials? Whether you’re at one end of the spectrum or the other, lace up your hiking shoes, load up your 4WD (or hatchback) and string your fairy lights around these camping sites near Cairns.
Looking for an eco-certified river, reef and rainforest adventure in Tropical North Queensland? Think Frankland Islands.
Mission Beach would be better referred to as Mission Beaches with its 14km stretch of sand interlinking three beaches and four villages. Lesser known are the smaller beaches and coves that make up a huge part of its charming appeal.
Some adventures are off the beaten track and others, like the Undara Lava Tubes, are underneath it. You’ll need to dip below the earth’s surface, to explore these famous 190,000-year-old lava tunnels that point to an explosion when 23 cubic kilometres of lava flowed for 160 kilometres, carving a natural playground south-west of Cairns.
From sculptural gorges, to bird-filled wetlands, experience 1,099kms of pure outback adventure as you drive Queensland’s Savannah Way.
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.
Moungibi (Burketown), a small town in the Gulf of Carpentaria with a population of fewer than 300 people, may surprise you with its depth of experiences – Indigenous-owned & operated Yagurli Tours offers a collection of tours run by the Gangalidda-Garawa Traditional Custodians.
Strap on your mask and snorkel or tank for the Great Barrier Reef’s biggest event of the year – the beautiful and mysterious mass coral spawning.
Explore the far reaches of Tropical North Queensland, from The Savannah Way to The Tip.
Cairns to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
The Savannah Way is an epic, two-state, one-territory, 3,700km journey across the top of Australia. You can take a section of the drive in Tropical North Queensland between Cairns on the coast and Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park close to the Northern Territory border – a distance of about 1,700km.
View itineraryCairns to Cape Tribulation (return)
Welcome to the loveliest little drive in Queensland. Short but oh-so-sweet, the Great Barrier Reef Drive covers just 140km in a straight line north from Cairns to Cape Tribulation via Port Douglas.
View itineraryTownsville to Cairns
Stretching between Cairns and Townsville, this under-the-radar route can be completed in four hours, but is best enjoyed over a couple of days so you can soak up the region’s spectacular natural assets and relaxed friendly vibe.
View itineraryCairns to Cape York
Got a heightened sense of adventure and want to take it all the way to the top (of Australia)? Jump into a 4WD and head off on an unforgettable journey from Cairns to Cape York.
View itineraryDaintree to Cooktown
The CREB Track is one of the country’s most challenging four-wheel-drive adventures, traversing spectacular World Heritage-listed rainforest as it weaves its way north from Daintree village to Cooktown.
View itineraryCardwell to Undara
The Kirrama Range Road is stunning drive across the ranges from Cardwell to Undara, with plenty to see and do, and spectacular scenery including lookouts, waterfalls, heritage-listed rainforest and swimming holes.
View itineraryCape Tribulation to Cooktown
Drive the beautiful and wild Bloomfield Track from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown – a bucket-list drive for all 4WD enthusiasts.
View itinerarySpring carnivals, concerts and more. Check out what’s on in Spring.
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