Ways to help the great barrier reef
Support the Great Barrier Reef’s Lifetime Achievement Award nomination
Support NowSee 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.
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.
How to explore iconic landscapes with Traditional Custodians
Delve deeper into the iconic landscapes of Tropical North Queensland by visiting with Traditional Custodians.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore Tropical North Queensland
Eleven distinct destinations, hundreds of places to see, endless experiences to relish. Where to begin your tropical journey of discovery.
Gulf Savannah & Outback
The outback meets the sea in this remote region stretching across the Gulf of Carpentaria. Marvel at ancient geological wonders, try your luck fossicking for gold, buy fresh prawns straight from the trawler and swap stories with local characters.
Torres Strait Islands
Off Australia’s northern tip, the islands of the Torres Strait are a world unto themselves. Few travellers experience the unique melting pot of Aboriginal and Melanesian cultures, waters teeming with dugongs and dolphins, and hidden relics of Australia’s military past.
Cooktown and Cape York
Getting to the edge of Australia is an adventure you will never forget. Tackle rugged dirt roads and raging rivers, explore 27 national parks, meet the locals in historic Cooktown and immerse yourself in Australia’s most fascinating Indigenous dance festival.
Atherton Tablelands
Tropical North Queensland’s not all about the coast. Head inland to the Atherton Tablelands and discover a lush green world dotted with waterfalls, swimming holes, farm gates, food and wine trails, and some of the best coffee in the country.
Kuranda
Tourists have been flocking to the quirky village of Kuranda for more than 100 years. Wind through the mountains in a historic train, fall in love with the vibrant arts community and feel the spray of Queensland’s most famous waterfall.
Port Douglas
Barefoot luxury is the order of the day in this charming holiday town set between rainforest and reef. Iconic beach resorts and award-winning golf courses rub shoulders with stylish boutiques, alfresco restaurants, trendy craft breweries and bustling markets.
Daintree and Cape Tribulation
Discover a place where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet. The 180-million-year-old Wet Tropics Rainforest tumbles down to the coast at Cape Tribulation, right on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Head into the jungle for the digital detox of a lifetime.
Palm Cove
Luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, breezy beach bars and indulgent spas await in Tropical North Queensland’s most glamorous enclave. Kayak off the beach, fish from the jetty or kick back with a cocktail by the pool. Even your dog is welcome.
Cairns and Northern Beaches
The perfect jumping-off point for your Tropical North Queensland adventure. Cairns is a vibrant city with a laid-back, outdoor lifestyle and is set right in between two natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.
Mission Beach and The Cassowary Coast
An undiscovered gem of Tropical North Queensland and the closest point to the Great Barrier Reef. This sleepy stretch of coast has it all – verdant rainforest, deserted beaches, uninhabited islands, bubbling waterholes and welcoming locals – including fascinating cassowaries.
What are you looking for?
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR
Wow! Can you feel the energy from this morning’s IRONMAN Cairns start?
It was next level… who else got goosebumps? Big congrats to young guns Bailey Tuddenham and Madi Toovey 🏊♂️🚴♀️🏃♂️ for taking out the IRONMAN 70.3. The full IRONMAN is far from over, so don’t miss a minute of the action on the Cairns Esplanade today 🎉🔥.
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @visitpalmcove @ironman.cairns
ID A video showing the electric atmosphere at the IRONMAN Cairns start line. Athletes run into the water as the race begins, surrounded by cheering crowds, event flags and the early morning light over the Coral Sea.
Not a bad spot for a winter dip. Just saying.
📍Cairns Lagoon
📸 @myholidaycentre
ID Cairns Lagoon at sunset, featuring people swimming and relaxing in the water. The sky is painted in pastel pink and purple hues, with the iconic silver fish sculptures standing along the waterfront.
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
We know where we would rather be 😉. Trev’s out here road testing both ends of the thermometer, what’s your pick? Beanies or boardies?
🎥 @trevs_gone_outdoors
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID The video follows a man transitioning between two extreme landscapes, the tropical rainforest of Tropical North Queensland and the snowy mountains of southern Australia.
When the whales are this curious, you don’t need to chase the moment, it finds you 💙. Dwarf minke season has arrived, bringing the gentle giants of the deep back to the Great Barrier Reef.
Known for their calm nature and surprising curiosity, these sleek swimmers often circle boats and snorkellers, creating once-in-a-lifetime encounters you will never forget. The #GreatBarrierReef is the only place on Earth where you can swim with dwarf minke whales and it only happens for two months a year, right here in Tropical North Queensland.
Seen one? Dreaming of it? Tell us👇
🎥 @pablocogollos_photography and @oceanearthstudios via @gbrmarinepark
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID Underwater footage of a dwarf minke whale in the clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Heli views, river crossings, red dirt, waterfalls, beach camps and one cracking sunset. Cape York, you’re a wild one and we love it!
📍Creb Track to the Tip
🚙 Pack the recovery tracks
🌴 Stay for a good time, not a long time
🎥 @_lanicooper_
ID A compilation of Cape York adventure scenes featuring 4WD vehicles crossing creeks, navigating muddy tracks and driving along red dirt roads.
Wondering what a drive through the #CassowaryCoast looks like? Why not hit the road and find out? 🚙 🗺️ LINK IN BIO 👆
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia @cassowarycoastaustralia
ID A series of images of the Cassowary Coast including Paronella Park, Cairns Adventure Group Tully River Rafting, Hinchinbrook Island, Josephine Falls, Mamu Tropical Skywalk, Etty Bay and Dunk Island.
This World Environment Day, add your name to something truly great. 🌏
The Great Barrier Reef, a living legend, has been nominated for the @unep Lifetime Achievement Award.
A lifetime this great deserves the world’s recognition.
Sign your support and help raise global awareness for its protection.
🔗 LINK IN BIO
🎥 @lifetimeofgreatness
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia @portdouglasdaintree @cassowarycoastaustralia
Spotted 👀 One very casual cassowary (of Jurassic proportions) on a seaside stroll at Etty Bay. Cue the soundtrack… because when your evening walk turns into a real-life dinosaur encounter, you know you are in Tropical North Queensland.
🎥 @jilarapearl
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia @cassowarycoastaustralia
ID A cassowary walks calmly along the sand at Etty Bay during sunset, with soft waves in the background and a pastel sky overhead. Three people stand in the shallows watching the ocean. Jurassic-style music plays in the background, adding a playful prehistoric mood to the scene.
Four Mile Beach in @portdouglasdaintree delivering the goods, as always. Who’s got this iconic shot in their camera roll?
📸 @amys.camera.lens
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID Aerial view of Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas with palm trees, ocean and mountain backdrop.
What do limestone pinnacles, abandoned smelters, secret swimming spots and ancient caves have in common? They are all hiding out west in #Chillagoe.
🎥 @saltandcarbon
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @visitmareebashire
ID Drone and ground footage of Chillagoe, showing limestone outcrops, smelter ruins, waterholes, caves and outback roads.
