CAIRNS • NORTHERN BEACHES • PALM COVE
PORT DOUGLAS • DAINTREE • CAPE TRIBULATION
ATHERTON TABLELANDS • MAREEBA • KURANDA
MISSION BEACH • CASSOWARY COAST • INGHAM
HINCHINBROOK • COOKTOWN • CAPE YORK
GULF SAVANNAH • PALMERVILLE
Welcome to Tropical North Queensland, the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed sites sit side by side, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.
Stretching from the city of Cairns and the waters of the Coral Sea, across the world’s oldest rainforest and the plains of the Gulf Savannah, to the northern most point on the continent, Tropical North Queensland has a diversity of landscapes found nowhere else.
To make the most of your tropical getaway, set off on an exhilarating adventure, relax and unwind on an indulgent escape, explore unique natural wonders, or immerse yourself in exotic cultural experiences. For adventure, test your nerves by rafting rainforest rivers, venture into the vast Aussie outback, or parachute
from 20,000 feet onto an unspoiled beach. For relaxation, pamper yourself at a chic day spa, feast on ocean-fresh seafood and garden-fresh produce, or lose yourself in an island daydream. For culture, Tropical North Queensland is the only place to experience two distinct Indigenous traditions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, with a wonderful array of opportunities for the visitor.
Your jump-off point for this unforgettable getaway is Cairns, unofficial capital of the far north, a lively city that mixes a laid-back tropical lifestyle with an exciting multicultural vibe.
The cosmopolitan city of Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest, is where your holiday begins. It’s the perfect starting point for your tropical adventure with more shopping, dining, entertainment, sporting events, adrenalin-pumping adventures and cultural experiences anyone could wish for.
Cairns boasts more than 600 tours showcasing the most exciting, amazing and unique attractions of the region, from the reef to the rainforest, and the beaches to the outback.
Tours to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef and nearby islands depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal. To visit the nearby Atherton Tablelands, start by soaring over the rainforest on the Skyrail Cableway, or step back in time on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Or why not do both? One on the way up, and the other on the way down. Cairns also hosts an unimaginable array of landbased tours and most include complimentary transfers from your accommodation.
When you’re in the city, soak up the ambience of the Cairns CBD, a lively tropical precinct packed with things to see and do. Enjoy al fresco dining by the water, soak up the sun’s rays, cool off with a swim at the Esplanade Lagoon, learn about the city’s amazing history, shop ‘til you drop, or just stroll around the marina. All the while enjoy the company of the laid-back, friendly locals that make Cairns a favourite destination for young and old, couples and families.
Foodies can taste local and organic produce, dine at chic cafés and restaurants, sample tropical foods at a bustling farmer’s market, or enjoy a hearty meal at a local pub. Cairns’ restaurant scene rivals much larger cities in Australia, with a cosmopolitan vibe and tastes from
around the world. Take advantage of Cairns’ weather and dine al fresco. Many restaurants offer waterfront dining, where you can sit back, relax and enjoy your meal overlooking the water on the Esplanade, the Pier Cairns, or Cairns Waterfront Dining precinct.
If at the end of a day of diving, white water rafting, or trekking through a rainforest, you still have the energy to party the night away, Cairns has great nightlife right across this tropical city, every night of the week. This lively little city boasts nightclubs where backpackers mingle with the locals, pumping live music clubs, world-class theatre productions, or community-based entertainment. Or, for those looking for a little more sophistication, stroll down to the stylish waterfront bars at Marlin Marina.
Cairns is the starting point for hundreds of touring adventures. Your days and nights can be as adventurous or as relaxed as you like, with tours showcasing the most exciting, amazing and unique attractions of the region. Explore the rainforest, cruise the reef, venture to the rugged outback, or take to the skies.
Amongst the city’s finest hotels, with a focus on exemplary service and five-star quality, is the Reef Hotel Casino. A stylish lobby provides a glimpse of the understated elegance and luxury of the rooms.
The complex boasts one of Australia’s finest boutique casinos, a multitude of dining experiences and bars, extensive wedding, event and conference facilities, free live entertainment, and an indoor sports arena.
Take a dip in the cool blue waters of the Esplanade Lagoon, a 4,800 square-metre saltwater pool that offers free-of-charge, year-round swimming in downtown Cairns. Surrounding the Lagoon are sweeping parklands with tropical gardens and playgrounds; a perfect spot to take a stroll, people watch, cook your own barbeque picnic, get active in a free fitness class, or just chill.
Cairns and the surrounding areas are a natural paradise for adventure riders and recreational cyclists of all disciplines, levels and abilities. Enjoy leisurely coastal cycle trails edging the waters of the Coral Sea, challenging downhill rides through World Heritagelisted rainforest, and everything in between.
For a relaxing ride, pedal along the waterfront of the Esplanade for a dose of people-watching and sea breezes or branch out on Cairns City Council’s network of recreational bike paths.
To get the blood pumping head to the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park, the best known rainforest mountain bike trail network in the world, to tackle terrain designed to challenge world champions.
Famous for spectacular waterfalls, wildlife and gourmet produce, the Atherton Tablelands are also home to great cycling. Enjoy magnificent flowing trails, familyfriendly tracks, epic mountain bike rides and scenic back country roads. The Tablelands also hosts several bikefriendly accommodation options, perfect for a multi-day visit. Or tackle the renowned Bump Track descending to Port Douglas for an exhilarating ride through rainforest and eucalypt woodlands. Finish your ride in the laidback village by the sea and enjoy a bite to eat on stylish Macrossan Street.
Four popular walking tracks wind through Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, located behind the Cairns Botanic Gardens in the suburb of Edge Hill.
The Red Arrow Circuit is 1.3km and takes about 30 minutes.The Blue Arrow Circuit is 5.4km and takes 3-4 hours. It's a rugged bush track with steep climbs and requires a reasonable level of fitness. The Green Arrow is a 3.4km bush trail which starts towards the top of the Blue Arrow loop and branches off to the west ending at Whitfield and the Yellow Arrow Trail provides a connection from Aeroglen to the existing Red and Blue Arrow walking tracks and loops back on itself. The trail head offers 54 car parking spaces, a toilet block and picnic shelter.
Ivan Evans Trail, behind the suburb of Bayview Heights, is a Class 3 walking track of approximately 2.4 km return (1 hour). This hidden gem of a track winds through dense rainforest and climbs gradually to a scenic lookout. After the lookout, the trail consists of a series of switchbacks and travels over several boulders.
1 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City T 07 4020 8200 info@cairnskoalas.com.au cairnskoalas.com.au
Cairns Koalas and Creatures, located in the heart of Cairns, offers a familyfriendly, educational journey through Australia’s landscapes. Explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, mangroves, rainforest, woodlands, and Outback while learning about conservation and the importance of protecting our natural heritage. Enjoy a unique Koala Experience, meet these iconic animals up close, and get a souvenir photo with a koala.
See koalas (and other amazing Aussie creatures) up close and personal, right in the heart of Cairns! Conveniently located near the stunning waterfront, Cairns Koalas & Creatures is an allweather, family-friendly attraction with onsite cafe and plenty of parking. Explore Australia’s landscapes, learn the importance of conservation, and enjoy a souvenir photo with a koala.
With multiple performance spaces, this world-class venue hosts a huge variety of events including theatre, music, dance, contemporary circus, opera, film and comedy.
Cairns Aquarium By Day
Australia’s newest and most spectacular aquarium exclusively showcases the stunning marine and wildlife from Tropical North Queensland’s two World Heritage areas – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. You will get up close with the ocean’s largest predators; sharks, rays and
giant grouper. The Cairns Aquarium has over 16,000 creatures and is located in the heart of the Cairns CBD. There are daily presentations including an 11am shark feeding show. Guests of all ages enjoy guaranteed interaction with some of the region’s most rare and elusive animals. The Cairns Aquarium is airconditioned, wheelchair accessible and has free Wi-Fi available. Cairns Aquarium by Twilight and Night at the Aquarium Experiences
As the sun sets on Tropical North Queensland’s mountains ranges, steamy rainforests and shallow reef lagoons begin to stir with life. Your guided tour with a wildlife educator gives you an insight into the unique changes of the region's nocturnal creatures as they emerge from their daytime lairs. Enjoy a 3-course dinner at Dundee’s restaurant at the conclusion of the Aquarium by Twilight tour or a 2-course dinner at the conclusion of the Night at the Aquarium Experience. Aquarium by Twilight Tour – 3pm-5:30pm Tuesday – Saturday. Night at the Aquarium Tour – 5:45pm-7:30pm – Tuesday – Saturday.
There is so much to see and do at the Cairns Aquarium! Enjoying talks and presentations throughout the day, see the divers hand-feed the sharks and get up close at the marine touch tank. Combine your General Admission ticket with a visit to the onsite Cairns Turtle Hospital where you will take a behind the scenes tour to see some of the turtles being rehabilitated prior to release back to the ocean. You can also combine your General Admission ticket with a Coral Conservation tour where you will take a behind the scenes look at the Forever Reef Living Coral Biobank, Australia’s only facility to house all 400 species of hard corals from the Great Barrier Reef. Open everyday of the year from 9:30 am –3:30 pm (last admission 2:30pm).
5 Florence St, Cairns T 07 4044 7300
reservations@cairnsaquarium.com.au cairnsaquarium.com.au
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is an Advanced Ecotourism Accredited sanctuary, providing the ultimate immersive adventure for visitors who want to experience wildlife in a natural setting. Highlights include koala feeding, crocodile cruises on Hartley’s Lagoon, crocodile and cassowary feeding shows, snake shows and crocodile farm tours. Zootastic 5 is an exclusive, fully guided interactive wildlife tour. An experienced keeper escorts a maximum of six participants to feed, pat, hold and/or cuddle some of Australia’s most amazing species, including koalas, wombats, cassowaries, friendly pythons, wallabies and kangaroos. Tours include a Koala Cuddling souvenir photo.
Breakfast with the Koalas is also very popular. Reptastic 5 allows a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with lots of splendid creatures. This unique experience allows you to be guided by passionate keepers as you get up close with giant pythons, American alligators, native reptiles and exotic tortoises. Or try Hartley’s signature ‘hands on’ experience, The Big Croc Feed. You get to feed a giant ‘Saltie’ supervised by a Hartley’s Croc Keeper. Reptastic has the option of a visit to meet Kozzie, the North's only Komodo Dragon. Extra cost and conditions apply.
Visitors to Hartley’s can learn more from their specialised displays including the Gallery of Living Art Exhibition and Reptile Display plus their Birds of Prey walk-through enclosure. After spending the day exploring, enjoy a delicious snack at Lilies Restaurant overlooking Hartley’s Lagoon and find that perfect gift, including crocodile leather products, in the Paperbark Gift Shop. The new 'Croc Wise History and Interpretive Centre will open in late 2024. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is located 40 minutes north of Cairns and 20 minutes south of Port Douglas. Tour packages available.
The best way to travel from Cairns to Kuranda, and back, is by combining Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway for one unforgettable adventure.
Embark on a fascinating journey and unlock the secrets of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest with Skyrail. Admire Australia’s World Heritage-listed rainforest from a truly unique perspective as you glide just metres above the dense rainforest canopy before descending to explore the forest floor.
Unlock the secrets of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth by taking a complimentary Ranger-guided tour at Red Peak, and through the Rainforest Discovery Zone and interpretive displays. Customers can also enjoy live commentary throughout the experience by downloading the Skyrail Audio Guide and Interpretive app. From The Edge Lookout, marvel at unimpeded, spectacular panoramic views of the ancient landscape spanning across the Barron Falls and sweeping down along the Barron Gorge.
From the moment you step aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, you’ll enjoy a nostalgic and scenic journey. Travelling across 37 bridges and through 15 hand-carved tunnels, reaching heights up to 328 metres above sea level, it’s an amazing engineering feat that passes through steep ravines and lush vegetation so close you could almost touch it. Take in the impressive heights of Stoney Creek Falls, before a photographic stop at the grand Barron Gorge Falls.
Why not indulge yourself in a Gold Class experience, enjoying spacious, individual seating as your dedicated host brings you locally-sourced food and beverages throughout your relaxing journey?
The Great Barrier Reef and beyond is here to be explored, and Reef Unlimited makes it easy by showcasing the best of experiences in the region. Indulge in their collection of incredible Australian-owned and operated tours in Australia’s tropical backyard. They offer adventures for everyone at the Great Barrier Reef, including Island Day trips to the iconic Green Island or Fitzroy Island. Just a 45-minute transfer away from Cairns, they will have you snorkelling or enjoying a glassbottom boat tour to view the amazing coral and marine life.
Further out, you can experience Cairns' newest and most technologically advanced pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Magic. This includes snorkelling, coral viewing tours, a buffet lunch, marine biology lab, and underwater observatory. Alternatively, enjoy one of Cairns’ most unique and exclusive Great Barrier Reef tours, Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel. Here, you're invited to explore some of the best diving and snorkelling sites on the Great Barrier Reef with experienced Marine Biologists and Indigenous Cultural Guides.
Not forgetting those who are based in Port Douglas, Calypso provide full day outer reef tours as well as half day island tours to the stunning Low Isles. Land based explorers can join our expert local guides with our selection of Daintree Tours or venture off into the rainforest to experience zip-lining with Treetops Adventures
Take to the skies above the Great Barrier Reef with a tandem skydive from up to 15,000ft.
Experience the thrill of freefall at over 200 km/hr for up to an insane 60 seconds, then float under a canopy for 5-7 minutes, soaking up spectacular coastal views of Cairns or Mission Beach.
There’s no better way to see this tropical paradise by combining a tandem skydiving session with your Tropical North Queensland break. Take your happy holiday self to the skies and plunge into the unknown — this incredible feeling will pulse through your veins for the rest of your days.
With eyes bulging, windswept, you'll be desperate to do it all over again. With the rainforest in one direction and the Great Barrier Reef in the other, skydive views don’t get much better than this. Plus, they are the only skydive landing in Cairns!
Whether it’s your first time or your thirtieth time, the rush, the exhilaration, the unfathomable joy — it will all be there in droves. Take a skydive in Cairns or Mission Beach and you’ll be breathing in views of the world’s largest coral reef system. Stretching over 340,000 square kilometres, this truly is the marine playground’s greatest viewing platform.
T 07 4041 3600 admin@atpcairns.com.au drivenorthqueensland.com.au australiantouristpublications.com.au
From Winton to Weipa, and Mt Isa to Mackay, beautiful North Queensland is ready and waiting for you to hit the road and start exploring. And the Drive North Queensland map is your compulsory companion! Packed with detailed information, including 10 epic drive itineraries, the DNQ Map is essential, especially when you’re out on the road, and out of phone range. Pick up your free Drive North Queensland Map from your local Visitor Information Centre.
With more than 100 ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef, Tropical North Queensland offers the ultimate access to the world’s largest and most spectacular coral reef system. The Reef spans more than 2,000 kilometres, has over 3,000 reef and coral cays, more than 1,600 fish species, 600 types of coral and some of the world’s most picturesque tropical islands!
Take a plunge into one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and discover why this is the largest, most incredible natural underwater world on the planet. No visit is complete without spending time visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Tropical North Queensland has a host of reef tour operators, scuba diving courses, day trips, equipment suppliers and everything you could need to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. Diving, snorkelling, sailing,
cruising or island hopping, the choice is yours. For a longer stay, you can book multi-night or overnight trips on the reef as part of a liveaboard cruise.
Alternatively, get a magical bird’s-eye view of the reef by booking a scenic helicopter flight over the reef. Or dive with Minke whales for an unforgettable adventure, parasail from an island for an adrenalin rush, or spy on baby turtles making their first dash to the freedom of the Coral Sea.
Clump Point Marine Facility
Mission Beach T 0493 101 030
dunkisland@myroo.com.au myrooadventures.com
Dunk Island Adventures offers unparalleled experiences amidst the stunning beauty of the Cassowary Coast. Spend the day island hopping, where each pristine island has its unique charm and swim and snorkel from the shorelines of secluded tropical islands. In the evening savour gourmet cuisine and refreshing beverages on a specially curated sunset cruise. For a cultural experience, they specialise in small-group tours showcasing local Indigenous culture, traditions, arts, and cuisine. Whatever your adventure, see Dunk Island Adventures.
Departing daily from Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas and Mission Beach, reef and island trips are available to suit all budgets and interests.
Boats travel to the outer edge of the reef where you can snorkel, try an introductory dive, watch fish-feeding and marine presentations, or take a ride on a glass bottom boat or semisubmersible. Most reef tours include a tropical buffet lunch.
Why not indulge yourself sailing aboard a luxury catamaran to a secluded coral cay? Full and half-day trips also depart for nearby tropical islands, allowing easy and quick access to the reef and the rainforest.
These trips allow visitors to enjoy a walk through the rainforest, cool off with a swim or snorkel, relax on a boat tour, or enjoy a host of watersports. You can also take to the water in the evening and complete your day in paradise with a luxurious sunset dinner cruise.
Bring your sense of adventure for a fun ride to snorkel the gorgeous, untouched Beaver Reef with Reef Adventures Mission Beach. As the only Great Barrier Reef operator in Mission Beach, Reef Adventures see it as their mission to ensure you enjoy and experience this amazing natural wonder, in pristine condition, without the crowds. They offer a range of snorkelling sites within a protected Marine Sanctuary for an unspoiled, reef packed with colourful corals and a dazzling array of marine creatures.
Dunk Adventures is Tropical North Queensland’s premier smallgroup, personalised cruise company. QuickCoast is a spacious, comfortable, catamaran operating a fast ferry service from Mission Beach to Dunk Island. Showcasing world-class scenery of the Cassowary and Hinchinbrook coasts, they can also create a bespoke island adventure for you to experience your own slice of paradise. Deluxe coach transfers available from Cairns.
Clump Point Boat Ramp
Mission Beach
T 07 4068 8240
info@reefadventuresmissionbeach.com.au reefadventuresmissionbeach.com.au
Immerse yourself. Challenge yourself. Treat yourself…with Reef Adventures Mission Beach. As the only Great Barrier Reef operator in Mission Beach, they offer a very different experience to those leaving from Cairns or Port Douglas. Reef Adventures’ aim is to ensure you enjoy and experience this amazing place in its natural state, away from the crowds. They visit excellent shallow sites with loads of colour, or deeper, more challenging sites and the reef is in incredible condition!
Mackay
St
Opal
Tongue
Snorkelling is the most popular way to experience the Great Barrier Reef and it’s simple, safe and fun. It’s as easy as putting on your mask, snorkel and fins and you’re all set to glide at your own pace.
Gave upon a myriad of marine creatures; giant clams, 1600 species of fish including the huge Maori Wrasse, reef sharks, rays and sea turtles. A snorkelling mask magnifies everything, giving you an amazing underwater view as you float over coral gardens and watch one of the great natural wonders of the world below. Many nearby islands are fringed with coral reefs, so you can snorkel right from the beach.
Dart Reef
Flinders Reefs
CTRC supports the work of all organisations, individuals, and agencies in their efforts to conserve sea turtles and the habitats that they live in. They work closely with a number of these groups including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EPA National Park Rangers who are responsible for bringing the turtles to the centre.
CTRC relies on the generous donations from supporters and volunteers, without whom they would be unable to continue this important work. Fitzroy Island Resort is one such proud sponsor having supplied full use of their land, infrastructure, materials and equipment, utilities, transfers, and manpower from its initial construction phase through to the current day-to-day operations. Fitzroy Island Resort has been assisting in the implementation of daily talks at the Centre, meaning they can now be booked for a small fee that contributes towards the Centre's mission.
Daily Turtle talks are limited to 15 people, so guests are advised to book in advance before their visit to Fitzroy Island.
Diving the Great Barrier Reef allows you to explore one of the natural wonders of the world, up close and personal. Whether you want to do an introductory dive, get your certification, take a day trip, enrol for Advanced Diver Training or experience a liveaboard dive adventure, there’s a tour to suit you. Beginner courses and resort dives are great ways to be introduced to the Great Barrier Reef. Daily reef excursions also offer introductory dives with professional tutoring, allowing first-time divers the chance to get a taste for the sport while exploring this marine wonderland.
Even without entering the water, you can explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible boat. Seated just below the surface of the water, experience a diver’s view of the ocean as you glide slowly past the reef and all its splendour. From the wide viewing windows, the reef is revealed in all its glory and from all angles, allowing you to marvel at spectacular coral formations, thousands of years in the making, and a technicolour rainbow of exotic tropical fish, all without getting wet.
Fitzroy Island, Great Barrier Reef T 07 4044 6700 stay@fitzroyisland.com fitzroyisland.com
Fitzroy Island is a tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches within the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
A 45 minute Fitzroy Flyer ride will get you from Cairns to Fitzroy Island and back daily. Come for the day or stay the night in the contemporary resort featuring Suites, Studios, Beach Cabins, Bungalows and a 4 bedroom Penthouse.
Fitzroy Island Resort features a large pool with swim up bar and 2 restaurants, Foxy's beachside bar and a General Store. It's ideal for families, a visit with friends or a romantic getaway with pristine beaches, spectacular walking trails, abundant marine life and endless activities.
FISH is your one stop activity hire centre on Fitzroy Island offering a range of water- based activities including equipment hire, guided snorkel tours, kayak and glass bottom boat.
Explore the islands beaches and National Park walking trails ranging from an easy walk through the secret garden rainforest or a challenging hike up to the summit – great for taking photos of the magnificent view! Fitzroy Island where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.
Find inspiration and a deeper connection to Tropical North Queensland through an Indigenous cultural experience. Be formally welcomed to their Country, gain insights and hands-on experience with a guided tour, or learn about the world's oldest living culture through traditional stories, performance, art and events.
Tropical North Queensland is the only region with two distinct Indigenous cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Dozens of different language groups still call this place home, each with their own customs, traditions, and creation stories, offering an amazing range of cultural experiences for the visitor.
Learn from Indigenous guides about age-old hunting and gathering techniques, passed down for thousands of years. Join them on a rainforest walk to learn about bush tucker and bush medicine and take a traditional fishing lesson. Enjoy a river cruise with the Traditional Owners of both land and sea to experience ancient lands through ancient hands. An eco-tour with the original environmentalists.
Mount Surprise Gulf Savannah Way T 0456 793 764 manager@talaroo.com.au talaroo.com.au
Talaroo Hot Springs unite one of outback Queensland’s most extraordinary geological wonders with the Aboriginal hospitality of the Ewamian people. Take an unforgettable guided tour of the ancient hot springs with Ewamian Rangers and bathe in the healing waters. Stay longer to enjoy the campground, café, bike trail, swimming pool and river walk.
Join Aboriginal people “On Country” and discover ancient archaeological sites, including rock art more than 30,000 years old, or visit an art centre on a remote community. Visitors can also take an art class for a hands-on painting and storytelling experience. Art enthusiasts will delight in the annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, showcasing a stunning array of contemporary and traditional works. Engage with artists and hear the stories behind their intricate designs, depicting traditional creation stories and a spiritual connection to the land. Another must-see cultural event is the Laura Dance Festival where communities gather to perform traditional dances, songs, and ceremonies. Be “Welcomed to Country” and enjoy the rhythmic beats of the didgeridoo and the captivating movements of the dancers for a mesmerizing experience.
Western Yalanji Ranger Base, Palmerville Station, Whites Creek Road, Palmer, T 0499 406 805 palmerville.com.au/westernyalanji-cultural-tours
Western Yalanji Cultural Tours offer oncein-a-lifetime immersive experiences from Palmerville Station, 380kms north-west of Cairns. Enjoy access to sacred sites only available on their fascinating guided tours. Join the Western Yalanji Rangers and learn their timeless traditions through storytelling, guided walks, and cultural demonstrations. Group tours or private Ranger Tours available. Bookings are essential.
Whether you want to learn more about Indigenous art, want to go bush, or inject a touch of culture into your holiday, this region has so much to offer.
Out on the Savannah Way, visit Ewamian Country at Talaroo Hot Springs. Talaroo is managed by Ewamian Rangers as an Indigenous Protected Area and Nature Refuge and in 2021 they opened a new tourism experience including a campground, café and tours based around the unique and spectacular hot springs. Don’t miss the Hot Springs Discovery Tour with a Ewamian guide, which offers a fascinating insight into this living cultural landscape and includes a blissful soak in the ancient healing waters. Yundu Yalada. Hello and welcome to Kuku Yalanji country. Enjoy a fascinating insight into the timeless traditions, cultural practices and history of the Western Yalanji people on their guided tours from Palmerville Station, 380kms north-west of Cairns. Western Yalanji Cultural Tours visit sacred sites only accessible through their ranger-guided tours. Visit the Sacred Limestone Valley and learn the ancient stories of the caves and water holes and their connection to Country. Explore ancient archaeological sites such as the world-famous "Magnificent Gallery", containing thousands of Aboriginal paintings, stone artefacts and motifs and learn the Traditional Owners’ role as custodians of these cultural treasures. Group tours or private Ranger tours available. Bookings are essential.
The Mandingalbay Yidinji people are the Traditional Owners of both land and sea Country and have been living on the
Cairns T 07 4019 7998 reservations@mandingalbay.com.au mandingalbay.com.au
Join their 3-hour Hands On Country Eco Tour starting with a river cruise across the Cairns Harbour to an Indigenous Protected Area at the base of Crocodile Mountain where you are traditionally “smoked” to welcome you to Country before enjoying a walk with the guides to discover native bush foods and medicine. Other experiences include Deadly After Dark Sunset Cruise and Edu-Tourism programs.
edge of the Great Barrier Reef amongst the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest for thousands of years. They have been recognised as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land by Native Title since 2006. Their tours and events provide visitors with the chance to experience ancient lands through ancient hands. Mandingalbay Yidinji Guides cover topics of cultural significance, and lead interpretative walks, showcasing traditional use of natural resources used for medicinal purposes and sustenance. Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours is 100% Indigenous owned and operated.
Nestled just outside Kuranda, a 40-minute drive from Cairns, Rainforestation Nature Park is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing Australia’s Indigenous culture through their Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience.
During this authentic, award-winning experience, local Pamagirri guides welcome you to join them on a journey of discovery of the Dreamtime, where you’ll learn about the fascinating customs and ancient traditions that are still practiced today in the rainforest of North Queensland.
This immersive experience takes approximately 1 hour and includes Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Performance and the Dreamtime Walk. Extended Dreamtime Walk activities are available at an extra cost for groups to learn even more about Australia’s fascinating Indigenous history and culture.
Kuranda
Rainforestation Nature Park
Kennedy Highway T 07 4085 5008
res@rainforest.com.au rainforest.com.au
Located at Rainforestation Nature Park, you can watch a ceremonial dance in the rainforest and see traditional hunting and gathering techniques before learning to throw a boomerang. Join the Dreamtime Walk along the Rainbow Serpent boardwalk for an insight into ancient Aboriginal beliefs.
The Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre provides artefact displays and guided tours illustrating the rich cultural heritage of the Kuku Yalanji people.
A must-do is their guided Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) Dreamtime Walk tour. Get a deeper understanding of the ancient flora and fauna of the rainforest and learn about traditional plant uses and Kuku Yalanji culture, giving visitors a rare insight
into the special relationship the local Indigenous people have with the rainforest.
Dreamtime Walks leave from the Cultural Centre four times a day at 10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm. Bookings are essential and subject to availability. Duration is 90 minutes and includes freshly made damper and billy tea at the end of your walk.
The Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is the central hub for all things Mossman Gorge and is staffed by local residents with a breadth of knowledge on the area. At the centre you will find an official welcome area, a contemporary café, art gallery, gift shop and tour desk.
Located in the southern part of the World Heritage Listed, Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge is one of the few places in the country that visitors can gain an insight into the lives, culture and beliefs of Australia’s Indigenous population and their connection to the natural environment.
Join a guided Dreamtime Walk tour to get a deeper insight into the ancient flora and fauna of the rainforest and learn about traditional plant uses and Kuku Yalanji culture.
Many visitors make the trip to Mossman Gorge every year to take in the beauty of its pristine rainforest, cool streams, towering mountains and the dramatic Gorge and to receive the warm welcome of the local Kuku Yalanji people.
Located only 20 minutes from Port Douglas, a visit to the Gorge is a must on any adventurer’s holiday to Tropical North Queensland.
The pristine, unspoiled beaches of Cairns, renowned for their palm-fringed, golden sands and calm tropical waters, stretch more than 26 kilometres along the Coral Sea.
This historic beach location has some of the best views of Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea. The neighbourhood at Machans Beach has an eclectic and hippie feel with a unique community culture that sets it apart from other beaches around Cairns. If you are planning your trip to Cairns and want to stay in a quiet, unassuming beach and blend in with the locals then Machans Beach is the right place for you.
Next along the Captain Cook Highway is Holloways Beach. Ideal for long strolls along the ocean’s edge, this is a lovely spot to cool off, sit and enjoy the sea breezes, or cast out a fishing line. Holloways Beach accommodation ranges from luxurious holiday homes, a beachfront resort, family-friendly holiday apartments, to Airbnbs.
Named after a fisherman who lived on the rocky hill in the 1880s, Yorkeys Knob is home to the 200-berth international Half Moon Bay Marina. Nestled in the cove of Half Moon Bay is the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, serving tasty bistro meals in a relaxed, open-air setting with expansive views of the marina and the ocean from their covered balcony. Yorkeys Knob is also home to one of the most popular golf courses in North Queensland. The picturesque 18-hole Half Moon Bay Golf Club offers magnificent views of Redlynch Valley, the Kuranda Range, and the sparkling waters of the Coral Sea.
Set like a jewel nestled between rainforest and reef, Kewarra Beach is prized by locals for being quiet, uncrowded and relaxed. The beach offers a glorious view and, in season, bottle-nosed dolphins and dugongs can be spotted frolicking in the bay.
This seaside village, just 30 minutes north of Cairns is sheltered between two headlands with sprawling ocean views. Trinity offers the holiday trifecta of stylish waterfront accommodation, great restaurants, and activities to keep the whole family entertained. Stay at a swanky resort, rooms with ocean views, or affordable, self-contained apartments. After a delicious meal, stroll along the beach, take the kid’s to a stateof-art playground, or hike to an ocean-view lookout.
Clifton Beach is a peaceful stretch of sand that runs all the way to Palm Cove, with excellent swimming, kid’s playground and beautiful shady areas. It’s only 20 minutes from Cairns, has no high-rise buildings, so it’s a favourite for locals and their families.
Stinger season generally runs from November to May. Cairns’ beaches with stinger resistant swimming enclosures are Palm Cove, Clifton Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Holloways Beach, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach and Ellis Beach.
If Tropical North Queensland were to claim a signature scenic drive, the Great Barrier Reef Drive would be it. The Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Cape Tribulation carves through tropical rainforest on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other. The 42km section from Palm Cove to Port Douglas is dotted with spectacularly scenic lookouts, quaint holiday villages, luxury resorts, beachside bars and secluded swimming spots.
Palm Cove is a unique, quiet and relaxing village by the sea where centuries-old Melaleuca trees line the esplanade. This tropical township offers world-class restaurants, award-winning beach resorts and chic day spas in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication, ensuring your stay will be one to remember. The Palm Cove Markets has more than 120 stalls showcasing local, quality handmade products, from contemporary jewellery, leather work, pottery, clothes, skincare, plants and produce, wellness stalls and food trucks. The markets also include great family activities such as crazy golf, henna tattoos and live entertainment. They’re held 8am to 2pm on the first Sunday of the month (except for January to March) on Williams Esplanade.
Captain Cook Highway, Wangetti T 07 4055 3576
reservations@crocodileadventures.com www.crocodileadventures.com.au
Simply the best place to see crocodiles and native Australian wildlife in Tropical North Queensland, with over 2,100 metres of timber boardwalks leading you on a journey through woodlands and rainforest. Tour the wetlands on a safari boat cruise and view crocodiles and resident birdlife on a coastal Melaleuca habitat.
Ellis Beach is located five minutes north of Palm Cove, offering a six kilometre stretch of pristine, unspoiled golden sand. Stay the night in beachfront bungalows or charming campgrounds, staring up at the stars and out to the scenic Coral Sea. Ellis Beach is protected by a rocky outcrop at the southern end and nearby Double Island, offering tranquil waters and shelter from the wind. The fishing is excellent at the southern end of the beach. For a break from all the seaside serenity, head to the popular bar and grill across the road.
Fourteen kilometres north of Ellis Beach, with a pristine viewpoint of Trinity Bay below, this view is definitely worth the stop. The lookout is a launch point for hang gliders and a favourite stop for weekend travellers. The endless coast line, incredibly blue water, and mountainous backdrop makes for the ultimate photo opportunity.
If the World’s Best Beach isn’t enough for you, don’t worry, Palm Cove has much more than its exquisite sandy shores. This quaint little seaside village, nestled on the palm-fringed shoreline of the Coral Sea, ticks all the boxes for today’s traveller.
Palm Cove offers a year-round tropical climate, boutique hotels, luxury resorts, award-winning restaurants, soothing day spas, and two World Heritage-listed natural wonders nearby, and it’s only 25 minutes’ drive from Cairns Airport!
Palm Cove has been offering visitors laidback luxury since the 1950s and has lost none of her charm. Chic restaurants and swank hotels share the shoreline with magnificent 500-year-old Melaleuca trees and a gorgeous esplanade famous for its “tunnel” of coconut palms.
Kick your shoes off and refresh your body and soul by connecting with yourself and the natural surroundings. Indulge yourself in town with some retail therapy or great fresh food. Take it easy fishing
or take a trip. Situated half-way between Cairns and Port Douglas, Palm Cove is a great base to explore Tropical North Queensland. The world-famous Great Barrier Reef, the world’s oldest rainforest in the Daintree, and the higher ground of the beautiful Atherton Tablelands are all within easy reach.
The calm waters of Palm Cove make it ideal for water sports. Get wet kayaking, kiteboarding or paddleboarding. Or stay high and dry and explore the network of scenic bike trails for healthy, safe family fun. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, visit Palm Cove and unwind in this chic coastal resort that has a sleepy seaside village at its heart.
*as voted by Conde Nast Traveller
85-93 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove T 07 4055 3222 stay@melaleucaresort.com.au melaleucaresort.com.au
Melaleuca Resort in beautiful Palm Cove is the perfect beachfront resort to escape the hustle and bustle, unwind, relax and rejuvenate. Set amongst an award-winning, vibrant and lush tropical garden populated with exotic Australian native birdlife, featuring a lagoon style walk-in pool, Melaleuca Resort is directly opposite the beach.
They have clean, comfortable one-bedroom, fully selfcontained apartments feature a relaxing lounge and large balcony with spectacular views of the Coral Sea and gardens. Guests call Melaleuca their second home, returning with friends and family to introduce them to Melaleuca’s old-fashioned hospitality and the beauty of Palm Cove.
You always hear a lot about Tropical North Queensland’s golden beaches, stunning landscapes and friendly locals, but did you know that they host some of the country’s most engaging events? Why not plan your trip around one of these world-class festivals to truly experience the best the region has to offer?
See what’s on the calendar or learn more about arts and culture, sporting, food and beverage or music events in the tropics at: tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/whats-on
25 - 28 July 2024
Celebrate the depth of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture at Australia’s premier Indigenous art fair. This truly unique event celebrates, supports, and strengthens the depth and importance of culture to the Queensland community.
23 August - 1 September 2024
A fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural identity of Cairns. This vibrant annual 10-day festival celebrates the art, culture and the beauty of living in Tropical North Queensland.
26 July - 4 August 2024
Ciao, it’s time to celebrate Italy in the tropics! Experience fabulous Italian food and wine, plus an array of events, culture, traditions and world-class entertainment across Tropical North Queensland. This event has something for everyone.
12 - 14 September 2024
Featuring three days of fun, fashion, food, glamour and entertainment built around two days of horse racing, the Cairns Amateurs is an event not to be missed by racing fans or fashionistas.
8 - 11 August 2024
Experience a world-class food festival in one of Australia’s favourite gourmet destinations. Prepare to be inspired by exceptional cooking, and unforgettable dining experiences while you learn the art of cooking from talented experts.
6 - 9 September 2024
Australia’s most visually spectacular cycling festival features a Gran Fondo course along the stunning Great Barrier Reef Drive between Port Douglas and Palm Cove, with breathtaking views of the Coral Sea.
15 September 2024
Take on paradise for a paddle, run and mountain bike in a challenging trifecta. Ride through the rainforest, run along Dunk Island and Mission Beach and paddle in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
19 - 24 November 2024
A mesmerising journey into the vibrant world of style and creativity, this annual celebration of fashion in the heart of Tropical North Queensland showcases the talent of designers both locally and from across the globe against a backdrop of tropical beauty.
3 - 13 October 2024
Set under a Boulevard of Gimuy trees overlooking the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest on the Cairns waterfront, this immersive and explorative First Nations Arts and Cultural Festival celebrates art, culture, language and history on the homelands of the Yidinji people.
23 - 25 May 2025
Lovers of all things food, fun and sun should experience the annual Port Douglas Carnivale to celebrate all things Tropical North Queensland and “Watch. Dance. Play”. Be sure to check out the website for program announcements.
11 - 13 October 2024
Experience the hottest music artists at TNQ’s homegrown music and camping festival. Headlined by American country superstars and Australian music legends across three stages at the Mareeba Rodeo Arena, music lovers won’t want to miss this!
29 May - 1 June 2025
With over 20 individual and team sports spread over four fun filled days of competition, there is something for every masters-aged athlete at the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games.
Welcome to Port Douglas, a laid-back seaside village that mixes a relaxed, tropical feel with an air of style and sophistication.
This leafy village has an international reputation for its luxurious day spas, chic cafés, world-class restaurants, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina and boutique shopping. However Port Douglas is equally famous for its pristine beaches, nearby rainforest the departure point to the Great Barrier Reef. So visitors can feel equally at home in a pair of Jimmy Choos, or no shoes at all!
Port Douglas can satisfy the travel needs of pleasure seekers, adventurers, nature lovers, foodies, shopaholics, whether you’re looking for a cultural or transformative experience, or just looking to chill.
Port Douglas is the closest town to the twin World Heritage-listed attractions of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. It sits on a peninsula straddled by the famous Four Mile Beach and is in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef Drive, running from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, truly one of the most scenic drives in Australia.
Port Douglas is an hour’s drive north of Cairns. From the airport hire a car, take the shuttle, or to arrive in style, book a limousine or helicopter transfer and set the scene for your luxurious Port Douglas escape.
If you’re looking for sun, sand and sea, Port Douglas has it right on your doorstep. Cool off in the aquamarine waters of the Coral Sea or take in the sea breezes and palm-fringed golden sands of Four Mile Beach, from which to enjoy oodles of watersports. When you’re ready to visit the Great Barrier Reef, Port has dozens of easily accessible options for exploring. Whether you want to go diving, snorkelling, fishing, or perhaps stay high and dry on a reef pontoon, everyone can experience this extraordinary underwater world. Tours depart daily for the Low Isles coral cay, sailing or day-tripping to the outer reef or multi day, live-aboard dive trips.
On the other side of Port Douglas lies the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest living rainforest in the world, and the crystal creeks of Mossman Gorge.
6/28 Wharf Street, Port Douglas T 07 4099 4789 advice@portdouglasgetaways.com.au portdouglasgetaways.com.au
Book direct and save up to 25% off your tropical getaway. Family owned and operatored, Port Douglas Getaways has exclusively serviced the beachside region for over 25 years. They offer the premier choice of holiday accommodation, with 55+ luxury properties ranging from absolute beachfront abodes to private hideaways- all in the heart of Port Douglas. Book with them today. Paradise awaits.
Port Douglas is a world-class culinary destination, making the most of its fresh, local produce and tropical climate. The place is buzzing with dozens of eateries scattered throughout village offering great coffee, seafood caught just outside the door, and exotic tropical fruits and fare.
This laid-back seaside village is compact and easily navigated so you won’t need to travel far to find a great place to eat. Macrossan, Wharf and Grant Streets have a selection of award-winning restaurants and hip cafés that wouldn’t be out of place in the southern capital cities. And the balmy weather invites al fresco dining, street-side tables, the waterfront views of the Marina or shoes-optional food and drink at Four Mile beach. Port Douglas even offers Australia’s only authentic rainforest dining experience. Port Douglas’ dining is famed for its as-fresh-as-it-gets seafood and enjoys wonderfully diverse influences in its cuisine. Like much of Australia’s modern culinary fare, Asian flavours and ingredients have been incorporated but foodies can enjoy artisan bakeries with creative café favourites, Spanish tapas, pub food with a contemporary twist, or grab and go street eats.
From luxury hotels and resorts, apartments, villas, riverside Airbnbs to backpackers, Port Douglas combines a relaxed friendly lifestyle with a range of quality accommodation to suit all tastes. The region has it all, from the sheer indulgence of being pampered in lavish surroundings of an international resort hotel or, boutique apartment, or private home, to the comfort
At the best Reef, Island, Rainforest, and Beach locations in and around Port Douglas. T 0427 498 042 windswellkitesurfing@gmail.com windswell.com.au
The crew at WindSwell are dedicated to sharing their love of the ocean and rainforest, through a variety of lowimpact water sports, with sessions for all levels of riders, at epic locations. Try Wakeboarding/ Tube ride session at Four Mile Beach. Their Rainforest River SUP Magic Tour is the ‘coolest’ mustdo activity. There’s Wing surfing and Kitesurfing, or their Epic Reef and Island Tour specialises in customised, smallgroup and private charters.
and convenience of a motel or holiday unit. Get back to nature and try some camping with the ocean as your setting or enjoy a home away from home with a variety of B&Bs or a backpacker hostel. Whatever your accommodation, the backdrop of astonishing beauty. Let one of Australia’s most stunning locations be yours, whatever your budget.
An excellent way to experience the arts and culture of Port Douglas is to visit the many art galleries in the village. Local artists use a variety of media from oil on canvas, to ceramics, glassware, sculpture and photography. Port Douglas is also an ideal place to gain an introduction to Indigenous art as it sources works from both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; many artists are well established and some emerging. Aboriginal art is very collectable with wonderful creations where ancient styles meet new world techniques. Purchases can be made from approved galleries or direct from the artists themselves. To ensure the art is ethically sourced, ensure the dealer has signed the Indigenous Art code. Port Douglas is also a great place to learn about Indigenous culture. Immersive experiences include traditional storytelling, guided tours, cultural presentations, and art classes.
The busting Port Douglas Markets, held in the beautiful seaside location of Anzac Park, are a lively source of local arts and crafts. More than 100 stalls sell their wares every Sunday from 8am to 1.30pm, including hand-made gifts and souvenirs, and one-off artisanal creations.
Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas T 07 4099 3235
info@wildlifehabitat.com.au wildlifehabitat.com.au
The award-winning Wildlife Habitat, located in Port Douglas, is an immersive exhibit providing visitors with a chance to experience the wildlife of Wetlands, Rainforest, Woodland and Savannah environments up close. Enjoy Breakfast with the Birds, hand-feed kangaroos, observe cassowaries, take a photo with Koalas, Swim with the Salties or take part in croc feeding!
The Daintree combines breathtaking beauty with exceptional biodiversity offering a unique holiday destination
Although it’s possible to visit the Daintree in a day, you will want to spend longer once you cross the river into this wonderland, so it’s best to plan ahead and book one of the unique accommodation options. Daintree Village is around 45 minutes from Port Douglas.
The best way of seeing and understanding the river’s ecosystem and wildlife is to take one of the many cruises on offer. The Daintree River is the habitat of the saltwater crocodile, seen regularly on cruises. Croc-spotting and wildlife river tours leave from the Daintree village jetty and run throughout the day. There is nothing more exciting than seeing these wonderful animals in the wild.
The picturesque village of Daintree, a good stop-off on your way to Cape Tribulation, lies on the southern bank of Daintree River and is especially popular for birdwatching and crocodile cruises from the jetty. A rainforest ridge walking track also runs from the edge of town. The village has a cafe, hotel, local arts and crafts, souvenir shop and a visitor information centre. As the sun sets
Daintree 10kms north of the Daintree ferry T 07 4098 9171
info@discoverthedaintree.com
Visit this award-winning ecotourism attraction in the Daintree Rainforest, offering unrivalled views from the forest floor, up into the soaring heights of the treetops. Walk the 11 metre-high aerial walkway, climb the 23-metre high Canopy Tower, enter the Jurassic Forest with animatronic dinosaurs, discover the Bush Tucker Trail, Cassowary Circuit, interactive displays, and more. Audio guide in 8 languages with comprehensive interpretive guide book included.
behind the Great Dividing Range, toast the dimming of the day from the riverside environmental park.
The Village has a wide choice of accommodation with highquality Airbnbs, budget cabins, camping and caravan parks, secluded luxury holiday homes and an eco-lodge and spa.
The majestic Daintree River is one of the longest rivers on Australia’s east coast at 140 kilometres and is World Heritage listed for its incredible biodiversity and “superb natural phenomena”. The river and surrounds host some of the most rare and primitive animal and plant life on the planet. It harbours fresh and saltwater fish species, its lush swamp forest attracts rare and prolific bird life, marsupials found nowhere else on earth, frogs, reptiles, and the infamous saltwater crocodile. Cruising the Daintree River on a tour boat is a great way to experience the river. Immerse yourself in nature, spot amazing animals and get a deeper understanding of this ancient river’s ecosystem and wildlife. Tours leave from various points along the river, including the ferry crossing and Daintree village (Ferry Charges apply).
Daintree Village T 07 4098 6120
info@greaterdaintree.com.au greaterdaintreewildlifecruises.com.au
Cruise along two different sections of this amazing river. See wildlife in their natural habitat. Come back again at no extra cost for up to 30 days. Whether it’s magnificent scenery or seeing wildlife in the wild, Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises offer the best value of all. Up to 11 cruises daily from Daintree Village and Daintree Ferry Gateway.
As you cross the Daintree River by ferry, the only access to Cape Tribulation from the south, you’re disconnecting from outside world and stepping back in time.
“Cape Trib” is home to the world’s oldest rainforest, tens of millions of years older than the Amazon, and a direct link to the ancient world of Gondwanaland. It’s a place of raw and wild beauty, untouched by modern development, where you can emerge from the dense rainforest onto the sun-bleached sands of an isolated beach.
Cape Tribulation is where you can position yourself between the tumbling rainforest of the Daintree and the glistening corals of the Great Barrier Reef. Cape Trib offers many activities, including bush walking, mountain biking, horse riding treks, diving and snorkelling, river cruises and even 4WD safaris. There’s also an opportunity to join a night tour to see nocturnal animals. Australia’s richest diversity of flora and fauna is found in this region, so a guided tour will explain the intricacies of an ancient environment and introduce you to the likes of the Peppermint Stick Insect or Boyd’s Forest Dragon.
If enjoying the tranquillity of Cape Tribulation’s natural environment is not quite enough for you, a host of activities await. Literally get off the beaten track and take an off-roading
Turtle Rock Café, Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation T 07 4098 0006 tours@oceansafari.com.au
Offering an exhilarating 25-min ride to snorkel the pristine Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation, visiting two snorkel destinations on a half day eco-adventure.
adventure on the epic Bloomfield Track, 100km to Cooktown. Get wet snorkelling, diving or swimming the tropical waters of the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef or take the plunge into Emmagen Creek swimming hole. Burn some calories bushwalking through the forest on hiking trails and boardwalks or take a trip on a mountain bike or a horse riding trek. Or learn about this unique, ancient wilderness aboard a Daintree River cruise. No matter what you and the family choose to do, it's bound to be an unforgettable experience.
Turtle Rock Café, Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation T 07 4098 0006 lodge@oceansafari.com.au safarilodge.com.au
The Safari Lodge offers quad, twin and king Safari Hut accommodation and camp sites, as well as a swimming pool and clean amenities in the tropical rainforest at Cape Tribulation.
Lush rolling hills, a circuit of waterfalls, crater lakes, gourmet food and friendly hospitality make the Atherton Tablelands a favourite Queensland destination. Set in the cooler climes of the Cairns hinterland, it offers superb mountain views, fresh-as-it-gets farmgate produce, and world-class mountain biking and hiking.
Located in a World-Heritage rainforest, about 300 metres above Cairns, lies the picturesque village of Kuranda, renowned for its delightful mix of quaint village shops, world-famous markets, colourful characters and natural beauty. Initially people come to admire the mighty Barron Falls, but there is so much more on offer including wildlife attractions, walking trails, river cruises, souvenir shops and artists’ galleries.
Mareeba’s excellent climate make it the perfect base to explore the Tablelands and surrounds. Mareeba averages 300 sunny days a year and enjoys much cooler temperatures than the tropical coast. Sample some superb locally grown coffee (70 per cent of Australia’s crop is harvested there) or delectable hand-crafted chocolate.
Tolga and Atherton were Australian Army Headquarters at the height of World War II. History buffs can visit fascinating war-time sites and memorials at Tolga, and the largest field hospital in the Southern Hemisphere at the time, in nearby Rocky Creek.
Browse through Atherton’s quaint shops, explore the fascinating world of crystals, enjoy a picnic at Hallorans Hill or learn about the Chinese history of the town. Nature-lovers and bird-watchers must check out Hasties Swamp, a seasonal wetland attracting a range of resident and migrant birds.
Yungaburra offers country charm with stunning landscapes and beautiful natural attractions. There is so much on offer, from the landmark Curtain Fig Tree, charming cafes, awardwinning restaurants, galleries, quirky retail shops and the Avenue of Honour – a dedication to all who served in the Afghanistan Campaign.
Visit Lake Barrine, another natural lake hidden in tropical rainforest. This water-filled crater was left by a volcano that erupted approximately 50,000 years ago. Experience a fully-guided boat tour of the lake and its creatures, have a swim, take a walk or grab some breakfast or lunch at the teahouse.
Lake Eacham is a beautiful place to relax and regenerate during your holiday. The famous crater lake, surrounded by tropical rainforest and 3km walking trail, has pristine blue water that is perfect for swimming.
The Atherton Tablelands is known for its adventure sports, and the best place to get the adrenalin pumping is at Lake Tinaroo where you can water ski, sail, swim and fish.
Malanda is a charming country town synonymous throughout Tropical North Queensland for its milk and cheese. As well as being the centre of a highly successful dairying industry this small country town is home to Malanda Falls and is great for bird watching, bushwalking, and scenic drives.
Known as the village in the mist, Millaa Millaa is central to the Waterfall Circuit. The waterfalls in this area have been attracting visitors for over a century and are Queensland Heritage listed.
Ravenshoe, at 920 metres above sea level the highest town in Queensland, is an ideal place with which to explore Millstream
227 Bilwon Road, Biboohra T 07 4093 2750 info@goldendrop.com.au goldendrop.com.au
Visit the winery for the unique experience of visiting a working mango plantation, sample our lovely refreshing tropical mango wines, together with citrus cellos, mango port, and golden mango liqueur style wine. Their cellar doors are located in Kuranda and at their farm at Biboohra. Their products are also available to purchase online.
Eacham Cl, Lake Eacham T 07 4095 3754 bookings@chamberslodges.com.au chamberslodges.com.au
Spread across 20 acres of lush, tropical rainforest and perfectly positioned on the edge of the Lake Eacham National Park. Their spacious Lodges contain king size beds, ensuite bathroom, full kitchen, comfortable recliners and verandah with rainforest views for excellent bird and animal viewing opportunities.
Falls, the widest waterfalls in Australia, the Tully Gorge lookout and the beautiful Tully Falls. In town, browse the fantastic craft shops and high-quality art gallery.
Herberton has one of the biggest attractions of the Tablelands, the Historic Village Herberton. Explore original buildings, antique cars, tractors and relive the history of farming and mining.
69 Main Street, Atherton T 07 4091 2365
info@crystalcaves.com.au crystalcaves.com.au
Immerse yourself in the enchanting wonders of The Crystal Caves in Atherton. This unique museum, located in the main street, offers an interactive tour of Rene Boisevain’s private collection of crystals and fossils. Explore the meticulously crafted tunnels and grottos, touch and feel the ancient treasures, and marvel at the beauty of these unearthed gems. A truly captivating experience awaits you at The Crystal Caves.
Tyrconnell Gold Mine MT
MAREEBA
Mareeba Heritage Museum
DIMBULAH
WATSONVILLE
Discover the beauty of this ancient landscape. Under half an hour from Cairns, experience breathtaking landscapes, ancient rainforests, rugged gorges, savannah grasslands, crisp blue skies and clear nights.
Kuranda
30 minutes from Cairns
The village is in the midst of World Heritage-listed ancient rainforest, Kuranda has cassowaries and waterfalls and lands with great significance for Indigenous communities for over 10,000 years. Travel by road, train or cableway and immerse yourself in natural therapies, rainforest walks and Australian wildlife. Talk to accredited Wet Tropics guides at the Visitor Information Centre and pick up travel tips and maps. A hub for creatives, Kuranda is a great place to find hand-crafted souvenirs, art, gifts and local designs.
Mareeba
1 hour from Cairns
Once you arrive in town, check out the Mareeba Heritage Museum and ask the Visitor Information Centre staff for the lowdown on the area’s rich history, culture and what to do. Take a hot air balloon ride for panoramic views of the ranges and savannah. Get your blood pumping on an exhilarating climb, then cool off at Emerald Creek Falls; or mountain bike through Davies Creek National Park. Mareeba has also been hosting a world-class rodeo for more than 70 years and is now home to the hip Savannah in the Round music festival.
Mt Mulligan - Ngarrabullgan
2.5 hours from Cairns
Ten times the size of Uluru, Mt. Mulligan’s 18-kilometre tabletop emerges spiritually from the surrounding savannah, dominating your drive towards it. Mt. Mulligan is on Australia’s National Heritage List for its cultural importance to the Djungan people, and at its base are the ghost towns of mining's past, with gold prospectors still working the ridges.
2.5 hours from Cairns
Drive the ‘Wheelbarrow Way’ to Chillagoe, the tip of the dinosaur trail and home to the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, brimming with natural and cultural heritage. Explore the cavernous limestone underworld cave system, view Aboriginal rock art, and learn the fascinating mining history, dating back more than 130 years.
The Herberton-Petford Road will lead you to Irvinebank, nestled in the western slopes of the Great Divide, and the haunting remains of outback mining towns. Walk the streets and imagine the prosperity, now lined with preserved and heritage-listed buildings, and ask about the white swans. Visit the Loudoun House Museum, reputed to be the oldest still standing in North Queensland, with its collection of the area’s rich pioneering history.
The quaint towns of Mount Molloy and Julatten, just west of Port Douglas, are emerging on the tourist trail but have been a magnet for birdwatchers for decades. The region boasts the richest concentration of birdlife in the country, with nearly half of Australia’s 750 bird species found there.
Located in the World-Heritage rainforest, 330 metres above Cairns, lies the picturesque village of Kuranda, renowned for its delightful mix of quaint village shops, world-famous markets, colourful characters and natural beauty.
Visiting Kuranda can be done several ways. Travel on Kuranda’s Historic Scenic Railway which meanders through the Barron Gorge National Park while you relive the history of this hand-built rail line or experience the World Heritage rainforest from above the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. You can also drive yourself via the Kennedy Highway, stopping at the Henry Ross Lookout to enjoy the magnificent view of Cairns and the Coral Sea.
Take the time to visit some of Kuranda’s many first-class nature-based tourist attractions which include koalas, butterflies, kangaroos, reptiles as well as native and exotic birds. You can see traditional Aboriginal dancers perform, travel on a riverboat on the Barron River or join an Army Duck ride through the rainforest.
Kuranda is famous for its markets, the Kuranda Heritage Market and the Original Markets. Find locally designed and produced fashions, hand crafted jewellery, Indigenous artists, leather products, massages, gemstone specialists, as well as Tropical North Queensland’s best range of honey, local coffee, cafes, tropical fruits, coconuts and macadamia nuts.
The mighty Barron Falls present a breathtaking spectacle as torrents of water cascade dramatically through lush rainforest. During the wet season (November to March), the powerful deluge creates its most mesmerizing display of nature's raw force. The falls can be viewed from platforms on both sides of the falls, or from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. For more information visit www.kuranda.org
Heritage Markets, Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda T 07 4093 9188 birdworldkuranda.com
Birdworld Kuranda is walk-through exhibit, allowing visitors to interact with over 350 species of free-flying Australian natives and exotic birds from around the world. Naturally landscaped with waterfalls, ponds, and exotic and native plants, Birdworld replicates the natural rainforest habitat. Don’t be surprised to find a feathered friend taking a ride on your shoulder for the greatest selfie of all time. Bags of feed are available for purchase to give you an even greater opportunity to interact with these beautiful birds. Try their new Bespoke Birdworld VIP Tour. Free WiFi.
Kennedy Highway, Kuranda T 07 4085 5008 rainforest.com.au
Situated in the midst of World Heritage Rainforest, this award-winning nature park offers three unique experiences. Enjoy an Army Duck Rainforest tour on land and water, connect with local Indigenous culture in the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience with dance performance, boomerang and spear throwing, and didgeridoo playing, and visit iconic Australian animals in the Koala & Wildlife Park. Wildlife photos are also available.
Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda T 07 4093 7575 australianbutterflies.com
Explore Australia’s largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit, home to over 1,200 magnificent tropical butterflies. You’ll be enchanted by these elusive wonders of nature as you wander through the aviary’s boardwalks and gardens. You can also release butterflies and witness their first flight or join a behind the scenes tour in the breeding laboratory, housing up to 4,000 caterpillars.
Heritage Markets, Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda T 07 4093 9953 koalagardens.com
Discover the friendliest and cutest Australian wildlife at Kuranda Koala Gardens, right in the heart of Kuranda village. See some of Australia’s most unique wildlife upclose including wallabies, gliders, quokkas, wombats, lizards, snakes and freshwater crocodiles and more! Their new ‘Aussie Bush Collection’ allows you to cuddle a koala and receive a great souvenir photo. Check out the Nocturnal Wonders exhibit including bilbies, bettongs and the rare Mahogany glider. Daily feedings. Free WiFi.
Kuranda Railway Station, Kuranda T 1800 577 245 ksr.com.au
Exploring Far North Queensland is not complete without embarking on one of the most unique rail journeys in the world. Imagine a natural wonder so close you can almost touch it. Your senses come alive with natural scents and untamed sounds of the dense rainforest –that’s what it’s like aboard Kuranda Scenic Railway. You will unwind your way through a tropical paradise framed by rugged mountains, with waterfalls tumbling into deep ravines. This is an unforgettable train journey comprising unsurpassed views of Far North Queensland’s World Heritage-listed rainforest, the oldest on earth.
Arara Street, Kuranda T 07 4038 5555 skyrail.com.au
Embark on a fascinating journey of discovery with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over and deep into Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area that has survived against all odds to become the home of the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest. Enjoy a truly unique perspective of this ancient landscape; glide metres above the pristine jungle canopy before descending to explore the rainforest close up. Ensure you get the most out of your experience by downloading Skyrail’s multi-lingual Audio Guide and Interpretive App that places the story of Australia’s ancient tropical rainforest directly in your hands.
Coast through the 350 kilometres between Cairns and Townsville to get the big picture and experience this absolutely unique part of Tropical North Queensland.
This charming sugar town just south of Cairns is often overlooked by travellers. This hidden paradise boasts two of Tropical North Queensland’s most beautiful attractions, the Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls, featuring crystal clear mountain streams and pristine rainforests.
Bramston Beach is a 45-minute drive south of Cairns. Turn off the tourist trail at the historic township of Mirriwinni, for this quiet, unspoiled, beach and seaside village.
Innisfail, only 88 kms south of Cairns, is a popular destination for backpackers and holiday makers, with a rich history and renowned Art Deco architecture.
Take the time to discover the historic town of Mourilyan, one of the oldest in Australia, just eight kilometres from
Innisfail. Step back in time at the fascinating Australian Sugar Heritage Centre (temporarily closed). Please check websites for updates.
Kurrimine beach remains untouched by major development; all the more reason to visit. King Reef extends out from the beach, where you can see manta rays and turtles coming in to nest. This seaside township boasts a winery, a beachfront pub, café, general store, and a pace of life from days gone by.
This quiet stretch of the Tropical North Queensland coast is the closest mainland point to the Great Barrier Reef. Flanked by lush rainforest, the dreamy beachside enclave of Mission Beach is uncommercialised. Have a chat with a genuine local who may let you in on their secret swimming spots.
The Cassowary Coast is a truly unique part of Australiaat the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. The perfect getaway to immerse in the reef, rainforest, Indigenous culture, and tropical beaches all to yourself. The place to feel great this summer…is in the tropics.
Tully Visitor & Heritage Centre
Bruce Highway, Tully tullytourism@ccrc.qld.gov.au
T 07 4068 2288
Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre
55 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach info@cassowarycoasttourism.com.au missionbeachtourism.com.au
T 07 4068 7099
Tully, capital of the white-water rafting world, boasts the internationally renowned Grade 4 and 5 rapids of the Tully River which attract thousands of visitors from all over the globe. 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 has a beautiful waterfront with million-dollar views of the islands of Rockingham Bay and some of the world’s best fishing. Don't miss Cardwell's famous mud crab sandwiches.
Picturesque Etty Bay is famous for sightings of the endangered Southern Cassowary. These magnificent birds, some up to 2 metres tall, patrol the beaches, most commonly during the early morning and late afternoon.
Nestled amidst towering sugarcane fields and World Heritage-listed wonders, Ingham stands as the gateway to the extraordinary Hinchinbrook region. Nature lovers can stand beneath Wallaman Falls, Australia's highest single-drop waterfall, hike the dormant volcano crater of Mount Fox or the TYTO Wetlands, teeming with over 240 recorded bird species. History buffs will love Ingham's Mercer Lane mosaic art panels, depicting the town's rich sugarcane past
and the Lucinda Jetty, the longest service jetty in the southern hemisphere at 5.76 kms. The Hinchinbrook region isn't just a jumping off-point for adventureit's an adventure in itself. So make the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre your first stop and 'Find your Hinchinbrook Way'.
Australia's largest island National Park, Hinchinbrook Island sits beyond the narrow, snaking mangrovelined Hinchinbrook Channel and is fringed by the world's most extensive coral reef system. Onboard a charter from Lucinda, 20 minutes northeast of Ingham, Hinchinbrook Island emerges on the horizon – a tapestry of emerald rainforests cloaking prehistoric mountains that plunge towards deserted beaches. Hikers can brave the legendary Thorsborne Trail, a challenging 32km odyssey. Discover the majestic Zoe Falls beneath a natural infinity pool, traverse eucalyptusscented forests, rugged mountain ranges and sweeping sandy beaches. So, pack your bags, a sense of wonder and get ready to discover Australia's best kept secret.
Take a closer look at Townsville, a once quiet coastal town that’s emerged into a modern metropolis. Get your bearings from Castle Hill, overlooking the magnificent Magnetic Island with its pristine beaches and abundant wildlife. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront esplanade of The Strand and don’t miss the one-of-kind Museum of Underwater Art.
Corner Cooper Street and Bruce Highway, Ingham T 07 4776 4790
tourism@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au hinchinbrookway.com.au
Welcome to Ingham, the gateway to the Hinchinbrook region. Located on the Bruce Highway, this fully accredited centre is run by friendly staff brimming with local knowledge. Immerse yourself in interactive displays showcasing the wonders of the TYTO Wetlands. Browse the curated selection of souvenirs, postcards, and locallysourced products. Make the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre your first stop in Ingham and the key to 'Find your Hinchinbrook Way'.
Tranquil Mission Beach is where you will find beautiful sandy beaches lined with coconut palms and tropical islands close enough to paddle to. This picturesque 14km length of coastline comprises the four villages of South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, Mission Beach and Bingil Bay.
Lot 4 Wongaling Beach Rd, Wongaling Beach T 07 4088 8288 missionbeachresort@alhgroup.com.au missionbeachresort.com.au
Mission Beach Resort is perfectly located at Wongaling Beach and within a five-minute walk to 14kms of stunning, worldclass beaches that meet the magnificent rainforest, creating the perfect setting for rest and relaxation. The Resort has all the facilities and services to make your stay stress-free and memorable. You won’t need to travel far for fun at Mission Beach Resort with on-site entertainment including pool, poker machines and other amusements, and a family bistro and sports bar. Their modern function and event facilities cater for special occasions, conferences and all types of events. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff offer visitors a wealth of information and can book all local tours and attractions.
Mission Beach is a popular base for exploring the surrounding World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest, quiet beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. Many people come to experience the peace and quiet, relax and do nothing much. It’s that kind of place. Whatever experience you seek, it’s all there.
When you do want to get active you can fill your days exploring gentle eco-friendly options or extreme experiences for adrenalin seekers. The list is dynamic. Explore the walks, sky-dive the beach, bird watch (big and little birds!), kayak the Coral Sea, go mountain biking, take in Indigenous culture, fish the big and small offerings from a local estuary or the untouched Great Barrier Reef minus the crowds!
Maybe you’ll just charter something: a helicopter, jet ski, rental car, paddle board, bike, tinnie or a local expert. There are all sorts of boating options whether you prefer fishing, sailing, diving or an adventure and island picnic trip. Stay the night on a Great Barrier Reef island or take a day trip just to snorkel and swim. The water taxi and other charters can take you to the famous Dunk Island National Park and nearby is the exclusive eco-resort of Bedarra Island. If it’s total relaxation, pampering or wedding preparations you are after, the villages offer beauty and massage services. There is an array of dining options scattered in each village from take-aways, cafes and coffee shops to gourmet bistros and restaurants.
The serene beauty of Mission Beach hides another side to this friendly beachside retreat – adrenalin-pumping adventure. Skydive on to the beach, head into the heart of the rainforest for white water rafting or explore the area on a jet ski or mountain bike.
The Cassowary Coast, which runs roughly from Innisfail to Cardwell, and includes Mission Beach, is named for the endangered Southern Cassowary. These majestic creatures can be spotted around Mission Beach, Innisfail, Etty Bay, Coquette Point and Mourilyn Harbour, walking through fields, across roads, through resorts and often through locals’ gardens. This flightless bird lives in the surrounding World Heritage Rainforest
Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach
2 Pacific Parade Mission Beach 1800 079 002 reservations@castaways.com.au castaways.com.au
Escape to a beachfront paradise at Castaways Resort & Spa, luxury accommodation in the heart of Mission Beach. Idyllically bound by the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest, their resort is the perfect destination for couples, families or groups of friends. Positioned on absolute beach frontage, with direct access to 14kms of beautiful white sandy beach, you have found your own tropical paradise! Castaways offers a wide range of accommodation, with 47 Beachfront Rooms and self-contained apartments, a private Beachside Villa and 18 Lush Rainforest rooms, spread over two centrally-located properties. Book now for your ultimate beachfront escape in the tropics!
and is one of Australia’s largest land animals. Current estimates fear fewer than 1,000 birds remain in the Australian wild. Many threats endanger the Cassowary, mostly due to increasing human presence in its habitat and being hand-fed by people.
Mission Beach is also the perfect base to do some island hopping to nearby Dunk, Bedarra and Hinchinbrook Islands.
122-132 Kennedy Esplanade, South Mission Beach T 07 4068 8129 info@tasmanholidayparks.com tasmanholidayparks.com/au/caravan-parks/ south-mission-beach
Right on the foreshore at South Mission Beach. Imagine 14 kilometres of white sandy beaches backing onto World Heritagelisted tropical rainforest and the closest access to the worldrenowned Great Barrier Reef. This is South Mission Beach, a world of its own on the Cassowary Coast, just two hours south of Cairns. Swim in beautiful tropical waters and relax under coconut palms that stretch out into the ocean. Palm-fringed islands, vivid coral reefs, lush rainforests, rare animals including the endangered cassowary, and roadside fruits stalls complete the postcard picture.
Escape the southern winter months or holiday all year round. Hire a villa or cabin, park the van or pitch a tent. Life doesn’t get any better!
Take in the mountains of the Great Dividing Range, the cultivated coastal plains, endless golden beaches, the Great Barrier Reef coastline, and Queensland’s most sought-after tropical islands.
Innisfail
Located on the junction of two rivers, the Johnstone and North Johnstone, is the township of Innisfail. 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 beautiful Art Deco buildings.
64174 Bruce Hwy, Innisfail T 07 4063 2211 stay@augustmoon.com.au augustmoon.com.au
August Moon Caravan Park, just 3km south of Innisfail in beautiful Tropical North Queensland, is perfectly located with magnificent views of Mount Bartle Frere and so much to see and do nearby. Take advantage of great rates on their clean and comfy villas and cabins; powered and unpowered sites big enough for your motorhome or your car, boat, and trailer; or their large, grassy camp sites. Enjoy a warm welcome from your hosts Julie and Cameron and all the facilities you need to make your stay fun, hassle-free and pleasurable for the whole family. Their park has an awesome tri-level saltwater pool, spacious, well equipped camp kitchen, barbeque facility, children’s playground and is pet-friendly!
South on the highway is Mourilyan, with the Australian Sugar Heritage Centre and deep water harbour. Take the scenic Canecutter Way Drive, meandering through farm country, via Mena Creek Falls where you can stop in at the famous Paronella Park and then head onto Silkwood and beautiful Kurrimine Beach.
73 Jacobs Rd, Kurrimine Beach T 07 4065 6144 info@kingreef.com.au kingreef.com.au
Wake up, dine and drink with stunning beachfront views at King Reef Resort, situated on a tranquil tropical beach in one of the most unique, beautiful and unspoiled parts of the world. Located in the small fishing village of Kurrimine Beach, an easy drive south of Cairns, King Reef Resort offers accommodation options to suit all holiday styles. Clean and comfortable hotel rooms, poolside motel rooms and apartments, beachfront cabins, and beachfront van sites on concrete slabs or grass-only sites. Featuring a beachfront bar and bistro offering home-made food and cakes using only the freshest and best ingredients. King Reef Resort is the crowd-free, stress-free coastal getaway you’ve been looking for.
Next stop is the small sugar town of Tully which hosts one of only two working sugar mill tours in Queensland. Tully is recognised as the capital of white water rafting. The Tully River and internationally renowned white water rapids attract thousands of visitors from all over the globe, especially between December and March.
One of the region’s most popular places is the seaside town of Mission Beach. A scenic two-hour drive south of Cairns via one of the Great Tropical Drive trails. Traditionally
a quiet seaside town, Mission Beach is recognised as home to the largest population of the critically endangered Southern Cassowary. Discover World Heritage areas and tropical islands, experience nature-based adventures or relax on a big, beautiful beach. Some 14 kilometres of spacious, sandy beach links Mission Beach, South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, and Bingil Bay.
The wide spacious beach is perfect for sharing a sunrise, taking a walk, having a swim or trying your luck at a spot of fishing.
9 Coyle St, Kurrimine Beach T 07 4065 6166 info@kurrimine.com.au kurrimine.com.au
Enjoy a warm, friendly welcome and the village atmosphere at this family owned and operated park. Providing quality service and excellent value for money and all the facilities to make your stay comfortable and stress-free. Kurrimine Beach is an unspoiled tropical holiday destination with a beautiful quiet, long beach.
King Reef is right on the foreshore with manta rays, nesting turtles and the elusive painted cray. The township boasts a winery, beachfront pub, café and post office, servo, and general store. Take your time to explore Kurrimine Beach. You'll be glad you did.
1671 Japoonvale Rd, Mena Creek T 07 4065 0000 info@paronellapark.com.au paronellapark.com.au
Come see why Paronella Park was voted the “Number one mustdo in Queensland!” Hand-built in the 1930s, Paronella Park is one of Queensland’s earliest and most popular attractions. Featuring waterfalls, bridges, tunnels, castles, more than 7,000 trees, guided day tours, an evening experience and a caravan park, it's a delight for the whole family. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Mena Creek Hotel, just 200m from Paronella Park, with sweeping farmland surrounds, a breezy balcony and relaxed atmosphere. While you’re in the area, don’t miss your chance to walk amongst the clouds of the spectacular Wooroonooran National Park on the Mamu Tropical Skywalk, a scenic 30-minute drive from Paronella Park. Experience the exhilaration of being high in the rainforest canopy on their elevated walkway and enjoy breathtaking views from the cantilever and observation tower.
Cooktown is a beautiful, unspoiled, small historic coastal town surrounded by stunning countryside. It is also Australia’s closest town to the Great Barrier Reef. With its laid-back atmosphere and friendly people, this is the perfect base to explore the rugged beauty of the Lower Cape, noted for its pristine environment and Aboriginal culture.
The land of Waymburr (Cooktown) was neutral territory lying between what is now known as the Endeavour River to the north and the Annan River to the south, where no blood was to be spilled in anger. Today Cooktown is one of Australia's most historically significant townships. This is where Lt James Cook found safe haven in 1770 to repair his ship, the "HMB Endeavour", and where the First Reconciliation took place between Europeans and Aboriginal people. A century later, “Cook's Town” was built on the banks of the river where that historic meeting took place. A bustling new port and
1/112 Charlotte Street, Cooktown T 07 4069 5775
sales@cooktownrealestate.com cooktownrealestate.com
Cooktown Real Estate is part of your North Queensland adventure, managing short term holiday rentals, for any length of stay. They will find you a property that is convenient, comfortable, has views, and even a pool! You may just love it so much that you want your own piece of Cooktown. Let their team provide a unique and refreshing approach to guide you during your stay.
community grew from a ramshackle tent city to service the mining camps of Queensland's largest gold rush on the Palmer River. The gold soon disappeared, but Cooktown hung on, surviving economic decline and two devastating cyclones, to emerge as one of Tropical North Queensland's best kept secrets.
For history buffs, a visit to Bicentennial Park offers a peaceful place to wander, with historical markers and views of the river commemorating Cook's landing in 1770. The world-class Cooktown Museum is also dedicated to the landing and houses a comprehensive collection of exhibits related to Cook's voyage, Aboriginal culture, and the region's rich history. Learn more about the town’s history at the Cooktown History Centre and see the Chinese Shrine at the Cooktown Cemetery.
Just outside town, Cherry Tree Bay is a beautiful spot for swimming, picnicking, and snorkelling and is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery. At the end of the day head for Grassy Hill, where James Cook stood to search for a passage through the Reef and enjoy panoramic views over Cooktown, the Endeavour River, and the Coral Sea. The views at sunset are breath-taking.
The fascinating Waalumbaal Birri Heritage and Culture Centre tells the story of Cook’s interactions with the Guugu Yimithirr people through magnificent murals. Art enthusiasts will be drawn to Kuku Bulkaway Indigenous
Art Gallery for modern representations of Aboriginal art. Or just outside town, visit ancient Aboriginal rock art sites such as the Black Mountain (Kalkajaka) National Park. Alternatively, take a tour from Cooktown with Culture Connect, or Jarramali Rock Art Tours in nearby Laura, to explore rock art and learn about Indigenous culture and history.
The Cooktown region is famous for its world-class fishing, with its pristine rivers, estuaries and the Great Barrier Reef close by. Hire a boat, take a fishing trip, or simply throw a line off the wharf with the locals. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a beginner, you’re bound to catch something. Or take a leisurely cruise on the Endeavour River, where Captain Cook beached the HMB Endeavour for repairs. It's a serene spot for birdwatching and enjoying the extraordinary natural surroundings.
The southern Cape is an area of diverse landscapes, flora and fauna and a wide range of wonderful bush and beach walks and scenic drives. Rainforest, outback plains, hilltop savannah, fresh and tidal wetlands, grasslands, heathlands, untouched beaches and hidden waterfalls are all within easy reach, so allow plenty of time to explore.
For the less adventurous, the Cooktown Botanic Gardens, established in 1878, showcase an amazingly diverse range of tropical plants and trees. It's a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Inside the Botanic Gardens, Nature's Powerhouse offers insights into the region's flora, fauna, and Indigenous culture through interactive displays and art exhibitions.
Cooktown's geographical diversity makes for excellent birdwatching and is home to more than 150 species.
Walker Street, Cooktown T 07 4069 6004 info@cooktowns.com cooktownandcapeyork.com
We invite you to explore the splendid isolation of Cooktown and Cape York. Nestled on the banks of the Endeavour River, joining the Coral Sea, Cooktown is one of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled, coastal towns. Come and soak up the history, adventure and culture and immerse yourself in tropical nature including fishing, birdwatching, waterfalls and the wonderful Cooktown Botanic Gardens. Test your 4WD skills and travel through one of the world’s last untouched frontiers to make your way to the most northerly tip of Australia. Visit our website for further information.
Experience the rugged beauty of Cape York, Australia’s last wild frontier and gateway to the exotic Torres Strait Islands. With a number of travel options including fly/drive, drive/cruise, all-inclusive tours, and of course self-drive, the Cape is more accessible than ever. Are you ready to tackle one of Australia’s most remote landscapes? Just you, a car and 1,200km of untamed, World Heritage-listed, 180 million year-old rugged rainforest beauty.
Discover Palmerville Station
Stay a while and discover Palmerville Station, a 331,000-acre cattle property on the mighty Palmer River in the Cape York wilderness. Palmerville has something for the whole family. Established on the “River of Gold” in 1873, the Palmer goldfields quickly boomed into one of the busiest settlements in Queensland with historic Maytown as its ‘capital’. Explore the remnants of this fascinating ghost town, which once boasted 20,000 residents (a majority of which were Chinese), 12 hotels, 10 stores, and
a hospital. It even had its own newspaper. Nearby Stonyville Township is a heritage-listed mining camp and another fascinating glimpse into Palmerville's rich history.
Palmerville also has a history stretching back at least 30,000 years. Take a tour with the Western Yalanji Rangers and explore ancient archaeological sites. View thousands of Aboriginal paintings, motifs and stone artefacts in the world-famous "Magnificent Gallery". Discover areas of Palmerville only accessible
on their fascinating guided tours and learn the Kuku Yalanji’s cultural world view, their physical and spiritual connection to Country, and their role as custodians of these cultural treasures.
While you’re in Palmerville, experience the thrill of fossicking by panning on the famous ‘River of Gold’, or hire a gold detector and unearth a take-home treasure. Wet a line fishing for the iconic Barramundi or drop in a pot and catch some local Red Claw crayfish. Test your 4x4 skills on the epic Old Coach Road, cool off in crystal clear rock pools, or just enjoy the vast wilderness. Accommodation includes unpowered campsites, historic miner's huts and modern donga-style cabins. Bookings are essential.
Escape the ordinary and join Cape York Motorcycle Adventures for an unforgettable experience riding from their base in Cairns, to the most remote areas of the Cape York Peninsula. Motorcyclists will enjoy an array of challenging dirt bike trails, designed specifically for various skill levels, using cutting-edge motorcycles. This multi award-winning family business is the longest running motorcycle touring company of its kind and has been taking care of the needs of riders since 1990.
The best time to embark on an adventure to Cape York is during the cooler months and June through to October provide ideal conditions. At any other time of year the roads may be closed due to flooding. Check the tmr.gov.au website for weather condtions.
Lot 4 Captain Cook Highway, Barron, Cairns. T 07 4055 0050
adventures@capeyorkmotorcycles.com.au capeyorkmotorcycles.com.au
Are you ready for the ride of your life? Join them for a 7-day adventure motorcycle tour from Cairns to Cape York and experience the ultimate in off-road exploration. Their expert guides will take you on some of the most challenging tracks in the country, through Australia’s remote northeast, where few other tourists have been. Ride through rugged and scenic terrain to the famous Tip of Australia – the northernmost point of the continent. Stay in comfortable accommodations and enjoy wholesome Aussie tucker. Book your adventure ride today and experience the thrill of a lifetime
To Indigenous Australians, the Gulf Savannah’s secrets and riches have been known for thousands of years. This vast untouched region, stretching from the east coast right across to the Gulf of Carpentaria, is dotted with geological wonders, historic mining towns and legendary fishing spots.
The Gulf Savannah is a vast, rugged land where natural attractions and extraordinary beauty, including spectacular gorges and lava tubes, are in stark contrast to the wide, open spaces. Friendly characters and historic towns showcase the outback’s rich pioneering heritage and offer a true Australian adventure.
Whether you want to follow in the footsteps of explorers in a 4WD vehicle, join a luxury coach tour to explore underground marvels, jump aboard a rail adventure through cattle lands and country towns or swoop in from the air to remote eco-resorts, there’s an outback adventure sure to appeal.
World Heritage fossil fields, wetlands abounding with wildlife, mining relics, limestone caves and hot springs are all part of the region’s enormous diversity.
Crack a whip at a working cattle station, fossick for gemstones, canoe beneath rugged sandstone cliffs, boil the billy on a campfire and watch the dance of the Jabiru. Relax with a cold drink at an historic hotel, discover a complete rainforest ecosystem hidden in a lava tube, be mesmerised by opera in a spectacular natural setting or hook a giant barramundi in a mighty river.
Take an unforgettable guided tour of the ancient hot springs and bathe in the healing waters at Talaroo Hot Springs, 50kms west of Mt Surprise. Talaroo’s surreal landscape of pools and terraces, vivid colours and
diverse formations provides a captivating backdrop for a truly unique visitor experience.
Sacred Aboriginal sites dot the plains and gorges, with fascinating legends and ancient artworks accessible to visitors with an interest in the Dreamtime. Out on the Savannah Way, visit Ewamian Country at Talaroo Hot Springs. Talaroo is managed by Ewamian Rangers as an Indigenous Protected Area and Nature Refuge. In 2021 they opened a new tourism experience including a campground, café and tours based around the unique and spectacular hot springs. Don’t miss the Hot Springs Discovery Tour with a Ewamian guide, which offers a fascinating insight into this living cultural landscape and includes a blissful soak in the ancient healing waters.
Cobbold Gorge, 90 kilometres from Georgetown, is a spectacular formation. Deep gorges with permanent spring fed waterholes flanked by sheer cliffs have formed an oasis for wildlife, including fresh water crocodiles. The gorge is situated on a family-owned, working cattle property and access is only by way of guided tours.
Activities include gorge tours, scenic helicopter flights, bush walking, birdwatching, agate fossicking and swimming. A range of accommodation and
camping options is available, as well as a fully licensed bar and restaurant.
Established on the Norman River by William Landsborough, Normanton was the port for the Croydon Gold Rush and is a terminus of the Normanton Railway Stationwhose Victorian architecture has been preserved. Some 30 kilometres to the south-west of Normanton is camp 119, Burke and Wills' most northerly camp. The wetlands between Normanton and Karumba are excellent for birdwatching, particularly just after the wet season. Normanton is 680 kilometres west of Cairns, and 500 kilometres north of Mount Isa.
Originally built to connect the once bustling river port of Normanton to the gold fields of Croydon, today the Gulflander railway journey is a tourism icon. From wetlands and grasslands to the arid Savannah, the 1950 railmotor, also known as the ‘Tin Hare’, ventures 150kms through countryside that most people would never see.
Four wheel drives, motorhomes, caravans and the family car all travel well on the highways of the Gulf Savannah. To get there, take the Savannah Way; the great top road linking Cairns with the far western areas of the Gulf through Georgetown, Croydon, Normanton and Karumba.
149 Yappar Street, Karumba T 07 4745 2211 info@www.barracentre.com.au barracentre.com.au
Discover the amazing secrets of the mighty barramundi at The Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre, the only hatchery in the world to breed the Southern Gulf strain of this iconic fish!
Interactive, interpretive displays detail the lifecycle and habits of the barramundi, as well as the history, stories and lifestyle of the professional fishermen who started the first restocking program to secure the future of the fishing industry. You will also discover the wetlands and mangroves and learn about the incredible birdlife and stunning southern Gulf flora.
Behind the scenes hatchery tours introduce guests to the breeding and stock management practises that sees thousands of barramundi fingerlings released into the wild every year. You can even hand feed one of the metre-plus breeding stock and experience the “barra boof”!
Discover Palmerville, a vast 331,000-acre cattle station in the wilds of Cape York, yet only 3 hours from Cairns. Discover historic Maytown, established on the mighty Palmer “River of Gold” in 1874. Step back in time and relive Maytown’s glory years as the bustling capital of the Palmer River goldfields by exploring the ghost town’s ruins. Discover more than 30,000 years of history, seen through the eyes of the Western Yalanji people. Discover
the world-famous Magnificent Gallery containing thousands of artworks, including Aboriginal paintings, motifs and artefacts. Discover the Mitchell-Palmer Limestone formation, a remarkable geological composition dotted with limestone caves and striking topography. Discover yourself and stay awhile amongst the spectacular scenery and beautiful surrounds. Campsites and cabins available. Bookings essential.
