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See Great. Leave Greater.

Connect with nature in a place unlike anywhere else. Up here, you’ll experience the astoundingly diverse and connect to something greater. It’s not just about relaxing on the beach (although we do that well too), it’s about making a connection to our special part of the world.

On the Trail of Inspiration

Where to experience the best Tropical North Queensland has to offer… from wandering to waterfalls to taking the plunge on the Great Barrier Reef.

cairns esplanade
Cairns & Northern Beaches
16 things to do on your first trip to Cairns

If ever the statement “so much to do, so little time” rang true of a destination, Cairns would be it. With the Great Barrier Reef in its front yard and the Wet Tropics rainforest out the back, aside from your bathers, time is the best thing you can pack for a visit to Tropical North Queensland. If it’s your first time in the North Queensland capital, start with these 16 things to do in Cairns.

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Mossman Gorge Centre Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk
Cairns & Northern Beaches
How to explore iconic landscapes with Traditional Custodians

Delve deeper into the iconic landscapes of Tropical North Queensland by visiting with Traditional Custodians.

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private helicopter flight over daintree waterfall
Tropical Lifestyle & Culture
Live the luxe life with these luxury & wellness experiences

From soaring above the Great Barrier Reef in a private helicopter to sundowners on a secluded sand cay, indulge in the lap of luxury in Tropical North Queensland with these luxury and wellness experiences. 

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Cairns & Northern Beaches
50 must-do day trips from Cairns

While Cairns itself is known for its laid back city vibes and stunning esplanade, the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, waterfalls and quirky townships are just a stone’s throw away. Grab a pen and paper and add these day trips from Cairns to your holiday bucket list.

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ccs crystalbrook
Eco Certified
A Guide to Sustainable Dining in Tropical North Queensland

From utilising organic and locally sourced produce to reducing food waste with Green Food Australia, these sustainable restaurants in Tropical North Queensland are not only delicious, but kind to people and the planet too.

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Great Barrier Reef Drive
Uncategorised
Mini road trips in Tropical North Queensland

Discover local specialties and hidden gems on a mini road trip through Tropical North Queensland with these one day wonders. Here are eight itineraries to get you out and about.

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aerial of sheraton grand mirage port douglas
Port Douglas
The ultimate Port Douglas accommodation guide

Whether you’re heading for a romantic getaway or a budget family holiday, this Port Douglas accommodation guide will help you find your perfect home away from home.

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Emerald Creek Falls
Uncategorised
20 waterfalls near Cairns

Mighty mountain ranges and Wet Tropics Rainforest create the optimum environment for a myriad of extraordinary waterfalls. Fall in love with these 20 waterfall wonderlands only a short drive from Cairns.

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undara train carriage accommodation
Cairns & Northern Beaches
Quirky & unique accommodation you won’t believe is in the tropics

From the utterly adorable (staying with tree kangaroos anyone?) to the beautifully bizarre, accommodation options in the tropics are anything but your boring bread-and-butter hotel. Pack your bags and check into one of these quirky accommodation spots in Tropical North Queensland.

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Lukure Caff Paninis
Cairns & Northern Beaches
Your guide to vegetarian & vegan friendly restaurants in Cairns

You’ll find most cafes and restaurants around Cairns include quality meat-free dishes. The following eateries however, hero plant-based food. Here’s where to eat vegan and vegetarian food in Cairns.

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daintree rainforest boardwalk
Cairns & Northern Beaches
Walk on the wild side with these rainforest boardwalks

From wandering through the top of the rainforest canopy, to venturing to thundering waterfalls, these rainforest boardwalks are short on distance but big on experience.

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nandroya falls atherton tablelands
Mission Beach & Cassowary Coast
Mission Beach & Cassowary Coast Waterfalls & Swimming Spots To Cool Off In

Mother Nature sees your backyard swimming pool and raised you her take on it with these waterfalls and swimming spots– each perfectly moulded and best explored with a sense of adventure.

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private helicopter flight over daintree waterfall
Tropical Lifestyle & Culture
Live the luxe life with these luxury & wellness experiences

From soaring above the Great Barrier Reef in a private helicopter to sundowners on a secluded sand cay, indulge in the lap of luxury in Tropical North Queensland with these luxury and wellness experiences. 

Read more
bathtubs in tropical north queensland
Cairns & Northern Beaches
Boujee Bathtubs: Bathe with a view in the tropics

These boujee bathtubs with incredible views are all wham, bam, put it on the ‘gram! From rustic tubs in the outback, to the actual epitome of forest bathing, here’s the bathtubs with a view you need to add to your bucket list.

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norman river channel aerial

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR

Cairns lands 2nd in Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year Awards. #PortStephens may have taken the top spot, but Cairns continues to shine in #TropicalNorthQueensland. 🏝️Thanks so much for the love 🩵.

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @wotifcom 

ID The reel features aerial and scenic shots of Cairns, capturing rainforest, reef and  the region's palm fringed beaches. The visuals highlight the region’s natural beauty, adventure and tropical lifestyle.
Port side or starboard side - which would you choose? ⚓️ 🎥 @shangrilacairns 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland  @australia 

ID A large white cruise ship is docked at the marina, with the city and mountains in the background. The water reflects the sky, and the ship’s decks and windows are visible. The view is from a high vantage point at Shangri-La Cairns, overlooking the waterfront.
OMG, Is that a baby dragon? Meet the newest additions to the @WildlifeHabitat - Wilma and Whiplash’s tiny but mighty Boyd’s Forest Dragons. After months of careful incubation, they have finally hatched. Who else thinks they need names? 👇

🎥 @wildlifehabitat 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland  @australia  @portdouglasdaintree 

ID A Wildlife Habitat keeper introduces newly hatched Boyd’s Forest Dragons, explaining the incubation process. The video shows gloved hands gently handling tiny eggs and placing baby dragons in an incubation container. The scene shifts to their parents, Wilma and Whiplash, perched in their enclosure. The keeper describes the careful temperature and humidity control needed for hatching.
Two historical landmarks captured in one beautiful image – can you name them? 🤔 (Answer at the end!) 

📸 @amys.camera.lens

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @australia @queensland @portdouglasdaintree 

A small white church sits among tall palm trees near a sandy shoreline. Behind it, the ocean stretches to the horizon with a wooden pier on one side and distant mountains in the background.

⚓ Port Douglas Sugar Wharf 
⛪ St Mary’s by the Sea
Every day is an adventure in @TropicalNorthQueensland. ☀️ And if you need a little inspo, here are 8 experiences that made 🎥 @kellerdiaries' list. 

🚂 Take a scenic ride through the rainforest on the @kurandascenicrailway.
🐎 Gallop along the beach between two World Heritage sites with @capetribhorserides.
🛥️ Cruise to Mackay Coral Cay for pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
🍍 Hunt for hidden gems and fresh local produce at the Port Douglas Markets.
🍇 Indulge in a delicious road trip through the @athertontablelands’ foodie trail.
🏝️ Spend a sun-soaked day exploring @fitzroyisland.
🤿 Snorkel the @gbrmarinepark and meet its incredible marine life.
🌴 Chase waterfalls and secret swimming spots in @portdouglasdaintree. 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland  @australia 

ID Text over video reads “8 must-see places in Tropical North Queensland” followed by a series of videos showing a train travelling through a rainforest, people riding horses along a sandy shoreline, people standing on a white sand cay in the ocean, an outdoor market filled with people and stalls, a person admiring views from a lookout beneath a tree, a white sand beach with bright blue water, colourful coral underwater and a person jumping into a rainforest waterhole.
Journey through #Mareeba along the historic Wheelbarrow Way to discover #Chillagoe, a hidden outback gem filled with ancient limestone caves, rich mining history and landscapes that take your breath away. Have you heard of it? Time to add this “secret” to your TNQ bucket list.

Planning a trip? @visitmareebashire offers a 2-day
Wheelbarrow Way itinerary and all the tips you need to make the most of your adventure.

🎥 @overlandtravellers 

ID Aerial and ground footage showcasing Chillagoe’s outback landscapes, ancient limestone formations and scenic walking trails. Clips feature a couple exploring caves, hiking throughthe rocky terrain and enjoying sunset views among towering limestone pillars. Text overlays highlight Chillagoe as one of TNQ’s best-kept secrets.

#exploretnq #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #australia @queensland @australia
Monday mood? ➡️ Wishing you were here instead… 🌴 #MissionBeach 

🎥  @_markfitz 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia missionbeachqld

ID Aerial drone shot featuring a long stretch of beach with golden sand palm trees.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate #RexSmealPark? Drop your score below. 👇 We would give it a 10… obviously...🌴

📸 IG/kel.and.dyl

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @portdouglasdaintree  #portdouglasdaintree 

ID A park with lush green grass stretches toward the waterfront, framed by tall, evenly spaced palm trees. In the background, a calm body of water reflects the sky, with distant mountains and a tree-covered shoreline.

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