TNQ Writer
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.
Sky experiences
Soar over the iconic Great Barrier Reef
Soar over the iconic Great Barrier Reef
Discover the Wet Tropics from above
Discover the Wet Tropics from above
Take flight at sunrise in a hot air balloon
Take flight at sunrise in a hot air balloon
Let’s be real, scenic flights are never long enough, so extend this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to a reef & rainforest scenic flight to experience two World Heritage wonders side by side.
If you’re craving the ultimate luxe level, be whisked away to your own private sand cay, Vlasoff Cay, a bright white whisp of sand surrounded by crystal-clear, azure water. Sink your toes into a dreamy beach in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef and treat your tastebuds to a gourmet picnic complete with sparkling wine.
These luxe tours are available to experience with either Nautilus Aviation or ZOOM Helicopters.
Float blissfully above rolling farmlands on the Atherton Tablelands in a hot air balloon and watch the sunrise above this picturesque landscape. The luxury package includes a personal chauffeur and private transfers, followed by breakfast at award-winning restaurant Nu Nu in Palm Cove. The uber-romantic can indulge in a private hot air balloon charter, complete with all the trimmings.
Expedition and luxury yacht cruising
Cruise in utter luxury with YOTSPACE
Cruise in utter luxury with YOTSPACE
Explore the reef with Coral Expeditions
Explore the reef with Coral Expeditions
There’s nothing quite as indulgent as watching the sunset over a secluded spot on the Great Barrier Reef with a glass of sparkling wine in hand. This is just a small taste of what you can expect on the luxe-packed cruise itineraries departing from Cairns.
Coral Expeditions offer multi-day cruises to the outer reefs, stunningly pristine and remote solitary sand cays and uninhabited islands. However, there’s nothing “off the beaten path” about the onboard experience. Comfortable cabins with ocean views, freshly prepared small-batch cuisine and specialist presentations and are all on offer. Choose from cruises on the Great Barrier Reef or venture further to Cape York and the Torres Strait.
If the ultimate idyllic island in the Great Barrier Reef is calling your name, YOTSPACE Luxury Yacht Charters can get you there in style. Board the luxurious Emerald Lady superyacht for a voyage from Port Douglas to Lizard Island to experience utter bliss. The queenlike vessel offers just four staterooms, catering to a maximum of eight guests, ensuring your individual desires are catered for. An onboard helipad, gourmet chef and a range of superyacht toys ensure your 5 nights on the Great Barrier Reef will exceed everything you ever dreamed of.
Spas & yoga retreats
Eleme by Crystalbrook offers an extensive spa menu
Eleme by Crystalbrook offers an extensive spa menu
Indulge in a yoga retreat with Spiritual Journeys
Indulge in a yoga retreat with Spiritual Journeys
The serene environments of the tropics are synonymous with natural ambience. Think natural rainforest sounds, lulling ocean waves and nourishing tree-fresh fruit. Add a little luxury to your trip by checking into a yoga retreat to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. Slide into śavāsana by the seaside at Mission Beach or breathe into sunrise salutations under swaying palms at Thala Beach Nature Reserve with Spiritual Journeys.
Tropical North Queensland is peppered with award-winning spas, from the beachfront village of Palm Cove to the barefoot paradise of Port Douglas, to utopianly unique offerings in the Daintree and Mission Beach.
Great Barrier Reef tours & charters
Sail in style with Sailaway Port Douglas
Sail in style with Sailaway Port Douglas
Charter a luxury superyacht to explore the reef
Charter a luxury superyacht to explore the reef
Explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of The World in absolute luxury and opt for a small group tour. Join just 11 other guests and explore this underwater wonderland with ABC Snorkel Charters. The custom-built vessel can reach untouched coral gardens in remote reef areas that have seldom sighted another snorkeller. They also offer bespoke private charter experiences.
Sail sustainably in style to an idyllic coral cay with Sailaway Port Douglas. This carbon neutral cruise offers tours to both the Low Isles and Mackay Cay, as well as sunset sailing offering spectacular views of Port Douglas. With just 40 passengers on board and a myriad of inclusions, five-star service is always part of the package. All these sailing options are of course available as private charter for the ultimate experience.
For next-level exclusivity, luxury super yacht charters departing Cairns or Port Douglas are abundant and SuperYacht Group offer an array of luxury vessel charters, including MY Phoenix One, MY Flying Fish, MY Beluga and Atlantic Princess. The charter yachts have incredible features such as luxury staterooms, helipads, tender jet boats and scuba equipment.
For a diverse array of options and a completely personalised tour experience, Coral Sea Dreaming offers private charters tailored specifically to your needs. With exclusive access to 25 moorings across 9 different reef systems, Coral Sea Dreaming can guide you to the most ideal locations based on the weather and your preferences.
Nature & rainforest tours
Explore the rainforest with FNQ Nature Tours
Explore the rainforest with FNQ Nature Tours
Billy Tea Safaris visits spots off the beaten path
Billy Tea Safaris visits spots off the beaten path
Immerse yourself in the world’s oldest surviving rainforest on a small group or bespoke tour. FNQ Nature Tours offers shared experiences with a maximum of 7 guests, and private tours to the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands. Nature aficionados can indulge in a multiday specialist tour, including wildlife photography safaris and birdwatching.
With over 35 years experience in private touring, you can trust Billy Tea Safaris for a luxury tour to wherever you desire in Tropical North Queensland. Join a guide for a full-day eco-certified odyssey in a custom-built 4WD to destinations including the Bloomfield Track and Chillagoe.
Bespoke picnics
Indulge in a picnic on a private sand cay
Indulge in a picnic on a private sand cay
Picnic on the top of a waterfall in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest
Picnic on the top of a waterfall in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest
Although there are a multitude of award-winning restaurants and locally grown delights in the tropics, there’s nothing quite as impressive as a bespoke picnic in nature. With an endless coastline of swaying palms, it should come as no surprise that resorts in Palm Cove offer this alfresco inclusion. The Reef House Adults Retreat offers gourmet picnic hampers to take wherever you wish, while Pullman Palm Cove serves up a sumptuous seafood picnic on the beach.
Treat your beau to the ultimate romantic gesture with a private helicopter ride and picnic. Nibble on gourmet delights on the top of Stewarts Creek Waterfall in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest and toast to the experience of a lifetime or soar across the Coral Sea to Vlassoff or Undine Cay for a gourmet picnic hamper with sparkling wine.
Lizard Island, Cape York & Torres Strait
Visit Lizard Island on a day tour
Visit Lizard Island on a day tour
A Strait Day offers an action packed day of Torres Strait Islander culture
A Strait Day offers an action packed day of Torres Strait Islander culture
Thought the Torres Strait and the Cape York peninsula were out of reach? Treat yourself to a day tour to Lizard Island, Cape York or the Torres Strait. Board Daintree Air Services and be whisked away to Lizard Island, one of Australia’s most exclusive luxury islands, or head to rugged Cape York to set foot on the most northern part of the Australian mainland.
Embrace unique culture, natural beauty and stunning landscapes on a day trip to the Torres Strait Islands with Strait Experiences. A Strait Day departs from Cairns and journeys to Horn Island and Thursday Island for a day of Torres Strait Islander culture, traditional food and WWII history.
