Ready to pack your bags for your North QLD holiday, where you’ll be sipping cocktails by the pool, snorkelling in crystal blue waters and wandering through ancient rainforests? Of course you are.
There’s no need to book a flight to Bali or Hawaii to experience lush tropical landscapes and warm ocean waters when this region is on your doorstep.
Just a short flight away, dozens of incredible things to do await in this magical location that’s unlike anywhere else in the world. Here are some of the must-visit places in Tropical North Queensland.
Jump to:
1. Discover Ancient Rainforests
Ancient king ferns and giant bull kauri pines make the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest feel like you’ve entered Jurassic Park. The World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest is around 180 million years old, which is roughly 100 million years older than the Amazon. In this Far North Queensland forest you’ll find 58 percent of Australia’s bat and butterfly species, 35 percent of its frog, marsupial and reptile species, and, of course, the giant dinosaur bird known as the Southern Cassowary. Watch out for those!
2. Cool Off in Cairns’ Sparkling Esplanade Lagoon
Return from a day on the reef and dive into Cairns’ waterfront lagoon. Situated along the Cairns Esplanade, this huge 4,800m² saltwater lagoon is safe to swim year-round.
Of course, up in the tropics you need to watch for stingers and crocs when swimming in the wild, which is why the lagoon makes a family-friendly swim spot and great place to cool off when enjoying tourism in Tropical North Queensland.
3. Snorkel The Great Barrier Reef
Tick off an item on your bucket list when you venture out for a day snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. A must-visit in Tropical North Queensland, the world’s largest reef system is so huge it can be seen from space! Once you dive beneath the waves, you’ll uncover a secret world of colourful coral and vibrant marine life. Keep an eager eye out for Nemo and more than 1,500 species of fish calling the reef home. Nemo’s got plenty of neighbours.
4. Enjoy A Sunset Spritz with the Locals
Before the sun sets on another magnificent day, find yourself a comfy seat by the waterfront for a sundowner spritz, sparkling wine or ale. When you travel somewhere great there’s always the temptation to make the move permanent, so chat to the locals and learn about life in the tropics. Oak & Vine is one easy option if you’re already in Cairns and sunset drinks are calling.
5. Do Go Chasing Waterfalls
Tropical North Queensland is known for its stunning reef, lush rainforest and incredible landscapes. Venture inland on a waterfall trail seeking out the best cascades, lagoons and creeks. Go north during the wet season to witness the power and fury of mighty torrents like Barron Falls or visit in the dry months for peaceful freshwater swims beneath gentle cascades. Here’s a round up of the best waterfalls in Queensland to tick off while in Cairns.
6. Take A Scenic Drive Along the Great Barrier Reef
Planning your North Queensland holidays? With sweeping cliffside curves and unbeatable oceanfront views, the Great Barrier Reef Drive is a short-but-sweet scenic road trip that takes you 140 kilometres north of Cairns. Use the jaw-dropping journey to visit World Heritage sites and resorts along the route. Don’t forget to take your bathers!
7. Love Long Walks Along the Beach
There’s nothing like long walks on the beach to bring the vacation mood. Around a two-hour drive south of Cairns, Mission Beach is a picture-perfect postcard spot home to pristine golden sands and leaning palm trees.
8. Soak It All In
Steer your car about 2.5 hours south of Cairns towards Cardwell Spa Pool, a naturally fed seasonal creek famous for its idyllic blue waters. This geological wonder is a favourite for swimming and was a well-kept local secret until social media came along. Soak up the good life in the spa pool, which gets its vibrant or milky blue colour from the chemistry between the rocks and water. Water that flows into this creek comes from underground, picking up natural minerals along the way. Check the Far North Queensland weather forecast before you go, as water levels and safety conditions can change after the rain.
Explore the must-visit places in Tropical North Queensland during your holidays with Oaks Hotels and come home to a comfortable stay after a day of fun. Pack your swimmers. Adventure awaits.
