explore NQTC

Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef

World class natural experiences designed by nature The North Queensland Tropical Coast is a unique part of Australia and an absolutely unique part of North Queensland. It features world class natural experiences, no crowds, no rush and no stress.

This amazing destination is built to Explore. It can be discovered in line with your own flexibility in your own time and your own vehicle. It is a driving delight. The 350 kilometres between Cairns and Townsville can be completed by car in about five hours. But don’t do it! You’ll want to take the time to turn down that road, take a walk, check out this beach, that pub, or just stop as you discover this amazing region. Give yourself a week to fully appreciate its unique appeal. It is traversed by Australia’s National Highway One but be aware that many of the highlights are off the highway. And the next town is about a 30-minute drive so just relax and take in the adventure. Barefoot millionaires abound in the area, but don’t worry, be happy, as you will be given the same friendly welcome where ever you go.

You will find more 3-star options than 5-star, but the inspiring landscapes are rated some of the best in the World, at least 7-star, and “of outstanding value to humanity” (UNESCO). It’s not really a problem to decide which end to start your journey. If you arrive on a flight into Cairns, it makes sense to travel South. If you arrive in Townsville, you will travel North. The choice is yours and it works equally well from both locations. And once you have experienced the destination’s uniqueness, please tell your friends and family about its wonderful features … and this great magazine.

CAIRNS TO TOWNSVILLE Coast through the 350 kilometres between Cairns and Townsville to get the big picture and experience this absolutely unique part of Tropical North Queensland.

Babinda Babinda is a small sugar town located 60 kilometres South of Cairns. Crystal clear mountain streams, pristine rainforests and spectacular waterfalls portray Babinda as a hidden paradise often overlooked by travellers as just another North Queensland township. The main attractions are the Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls – two of the most beautiful attractions of Tropical North Queensland.

Bramston Beach Bramston Beach is a 45 minute drive south of Cairns. To reach this quiet and unspoiled beach, turn left at Mirriwinni, a small township on the Bruce Highway.

Mission Beach This quiet stretch of the tropical North Queensland coast is the closest point to the great barrier reef on the mainland. Flanked by lush rainforest, the dreamy beachside enclave of Mission Beach is at its heart. Mission Beach is uncommercialised and full of genuine locals who will let you into their secret swimming holes, or have a chat in one of the local bars.

Innisfail Innisfail, only 88 kilometres south of Cairns and is a popular destination for backpackers who work in the banana industry. Founded more than 110 years ago when the region developed as a sugar growing and timber producing area the town is well known for its Art Deco buildings. Visitors can take a self-guided walk around town with the help of a brochure from the Innisfail Visitors Information Centre.

Kurrimine Beach The quiet, long beach of Kurrimine is the main attraction, where you can see Manta Rays trawling the shallows and turtles coming in to nest. This small town boasts a winery, a beachfront pub, a cafe, a post office, petrol station and general store.

Tully Tully is recognised as the capital of white water rafting thanks to the Tully River and internationally renowned white-water rapids which attract thousands of visitors from all over the globe. The town is also famous as the wettest place in Australia, with an annual average rainfall of 4.27 metres. Given Tully’s reputation as the wettest town in Australia it seemed only natural that their ‘big thing’ to attract tourists is a giant gumboot.

Cardwell On the Highway South of Tully is Cardwell boasting a dynamic waterfront activity trail complete with million dollar views out over the islands of historic Rockingham Bay and home to an array of marine life including the Dugong. Fishing is a must do in Cardwell. There is a variety of species found amongst mangrove fringed creeks and rivers, offshore islands and channels, or on the Great Barrier Reef.

Hinchinbrook Island Hinchinbrook is a 40-minute boat trip from Cardwell. The narrow, mangrove-lined Hinchinbrook Channel separates the island from the mainland. Dive the Great Barrier Reef, go snorkelling, take a walk through the virgin rainforest to isolated beaches, or fish the world-renowned waters.

Townsville Ideal for families, couples and friends to explore tropical islands, wetlands, the Great Barrier Reef, wet tropics rainforests and a glorious beachfront in warm tropical weather. No matter what your holiday style, Townsville offers you a diverse range of historical, military, outback, island, active and tranquil experiences.