TNQ Writer
Finding the perfect travel destination is a bit like finding the perfect partner; it should fit seamlessly with your personality and excite you in all the right ways. Not sure which of Tropical North Queensland’s twelve eligible regions are for you? Swipe right (read: click on the link) when you find your holiday soulmate.
We hear you’ve booked your flights to Tropical North Queensland but are unsure what to do once you’ve left the airport’s sliding doors.
With so many regions and so little annual leave, it pays to have a matchmaker pick the location based on your personality and to-do list.
Read on to find love at first sight with these regions, before falling deeper in love with their distinctive activities and quirky characteristics.
For foodies searching for a delicious escape: Atherton Tablelands
Hot air ballon cairns
Hot air ballon cairns
Skybury Coffee Plantation
Skybury Coffee Plantation
Millaa Millaa Falls
Millaa Millaa Falls
Distance from Cairns CBD: 80km, 1 hour 30 minutes
This is the go-to for travellers wanting the best views and chews. Soar above it all in a hot air balloon or stay grounded and chase waterfalls through forests, keeping an eye out for the 220 bird species of the region as you wander.
Hungry for an iconic paddock-to-plate experience? Sit down at Skybury Coffee Plantation Café, where you can taste the tropics with coffee and papaya grown on site at Australia’s oldest coffee plantation and largest papaya’s exporter.
Rest your legs at Hitching Rail Retreat for a wholesome glamping experience where creature comfort meets outdoor oasis. If rainforest relaxation is more your vibe, spend the night at Canopy Treehouses for a secluded stay nestled among greenery.
For those wanting to dine and dance in the tropics: Cairns & Northern Beaches
Tanks Art Centre
Tanks Art Centre
Bad Fishy
Bad Fishy
Man bungee jumping at Skypark Cairns
Man bungee jumping at Skypark Cairns
Distance from Cairns CBD: None, you’re here!
Seek an urban jungle amidst lush rainforests to find Tropical North Queensland’s “Big Smoke”. This region is a culture-focused traveller’s best friend, complete with a bustling nightlife, music scene, and comedy performances. Check out events at Tanks Arts Centre to see what’s on while you’re in town.
Chasing city thrills? Buckle up at Cairns Kart Hire, jump into jet boating with Bad Fishy, or take the bungy plunge at SkyPark Cairns by AJ Hackett.
As the sun sets, head to Rocco or Oak and Vine for sips under starlight before unwinding at Crystalbrook Flynn, the perfect springboard for your next day of city sightseeing.
For explorers ready to take a step off the beaten track: Cooktown & Cape York
Jarramali Rock Art Tours
Jarramali Rock Art Tours
Riverbend Sunset Tour
Riverbend Sunset Tour
Distance from Cairns CBD: 325km, 4 hours
Perfect for explorers looking to escape the usual tropical tourists, this region is a haven for anyone wanting to pitch a tent or cast a rod – with the dreamlike backdrop of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land).
Spend the days unveiling ancient history with Jarramali Rock Art Tours, scrambling up 4WD tracks, and sailing into the sunset on a Riverbend Tour, before heading back to chat over a coldie at the Lion’s Den Hotel.
Settle in for the night at Bramwell Station to stay at the most northerly cattle station in Australia complete with campsites, cabins, bar, and live entertainment.
For ecotourists looking for a natural wonderland: Daintree & Cape Tribulation
Silky Oaks Lodge
Silky Oaks Lodge
Treetops adventure cape tribulation
Treetops adventure cape tribulation
Solar whisper cruises
Solar whisper cruises
Distance from Cairns CBD: 140km, 2 hours 50 minutes
Are you an eco-tourist wanting to learn about local flora and fauna along expert-guided tours? This region should top your itinerary.
Join Solar Whisper to experience crocodiles in the wild or explore World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest from the canopies with Treetops Adventure.
Snorkel alongside sea turtles with Ocean Safari, launching from the iconic Turtle Rock Café. Make sure to dig into their Aussie menu headlining local delicacies for a pre-safari fuel up.
After a day of relishing in natural wonderlands, retreat to Silky Oaks Lodge, overlooking the Mossman River. If you’d rather reef views than rainforest, book into Cape Trib Beach House to unwind on a private beachfront and spend sunsets along the sand.
For campers taking on authentic outback experiences: Gulf Savannah & Outback
Undara lava tubes
Undara lava tubes
Cobbold Gorge stand up paddle
Cobbold Gorge stand up paddle
Mount Mulligan Lodge
Mount Mulligan Lodge
Distance from Cairns CBD: 260km, 3 hours 40 minutes
For those looking to make memories along the road less travelled, set your GPS to Gulf Savannah and the Outback.
During the day, dip below the Earth’s surface to explore the ancient Undara Lava Tubes – tunnels formed from lava over 190,000 years ago – or head to Talaroo Hot Springs and soak in the surreal pools and terraces with water temperatures naturally reaching up to 68 degrees Celsius.
Get up close and personal with the transcendent Cobbold Gorge along a calming boat cruise in between giant rock crevices.
Round off your outback exploration with a stretch of stargazing outside your glamping tent at Mt Mulligan Lodge, far from the light pollution of bigger cities.
For creative travellers on the path to reconnecting with nature and culture: Kuranda
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Kuranda Markets
Kuranda Markets
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Distance from Cairns CBD: 30km, 40 minutes
Travellers wanting to reconnect with nature and culture, the mystical escape of Kuranda is calling your name. Answer the call to find a ethereal rainforest village with an expressive arts and crafts scene. While in town, make sure to pick out some tarot cards to be read by a local expert. If you want to learn about your divine life-path, it may as well be in Tropical North Queensland’s spiritual capital.
Wander through the Kuranda Original Rainforest Market and give back to the local community (any excuse for shopping!) by picking up some handcrafted wares, natural remedies, authentic crystals, and fresh local produce along the way.
Continue the laid-back vibes into your nature exploration and soak up the rainforest scenery without breaking a sweat via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, the Kuranda Scenic Railway, or on board a boat tour in Rainforestation Nature Park.
For all-rounders wanting to relax and explore in one stop: Mission Beach & Cassowary Coast
Raging Thunder Adventures
Raging Thunder Adventures
Cassowary
Cassowary
Mena Creek Falls at Paronella Park
Mena Creek Falls at Paronella Park
Distance from Cairns CBD: 140km, 1 hour 50 minutes
As much as each region has its own personality to share with its visitors, the Mission Beach and Cassowary Coast region embodies the all-rounder attitude with every activity under the sun from skydiving and river rafting to natural spa pools and hot rock massages at Castaways beachfront resort.
Spend the days spotting cassowaries (if you’re lucky), relaxing on pristine beaches, day-tripping to nearby islands, or walking above the clouds along Mamu Tropical Skywalk.
Once you’ve ticked all the activities off the list, settle into your cabin at Paronella Park; a fairytale-like rainforest paradise, complete with its own restored 1930s castle structure.
For travellers prioritising quiet luxury over adventure: Islands
Fitzroy island resort
Fitzroy island resort
manta ray at frankland islands
manta ray at frankland islands
Frankland Islands
Frankland Islands
Escape to Fitzroy Island Resort – the only resort on this exclusive island – to enjoy days under the sun with a swim-up pool bar and beachside restaurant to fuel your hassle free-holiday.
Flop and drop into a world of relaxation and spend your getaway in various reclining positions, whether it be in your suite looking over the reef or on a poolside sun lounge.
Step up the seclusion and step off the beaten track at Dunk Island or Frankland Islands. These islands have no residents, making it the perfect – literal – escape for those wanting to disconnect. Want to spend the night in an almost completely private stay? You may have just stumbled upon your dreamscape with Dunk Island’s limited camping spaces – or glamping for those wanting to keep the packing effort to a minimum.
For visitors seeking indulgence with a side of pampering: Palm Cove
alamanda by lancemore palm cove wellness package
alamanda by lancemore palm cove wellness package
Nu Nu Restaurant Palm Cove
Nu Nu Restaurant Palm Cove
Reef house palm cove
Reef house palm cove
Distance from Cairns CBD: 25 km, 30 minutes
Do you prioritise pampering over venturing? Put the spa capital of Queensland, Palm Cove on your to-do list.
Experience pure bliss at The Reef House with 28 inclusions in every booking such as beachfront yoga and mineral pools. Feeling romantic? Opt for packages with indulgent extras such as seafood platter lunches, wine-paired degustation dinners, and spa treatments just to name a few.
With eight day-spas along Palm Cove’s two-kilometre stretch, it can be hard to choose your location to lay-back. However, nothing screams “indulgence” quite like a session at L.M.SPA at Alamanda Palm Cove. Reset with a massage before strolling to your booking at Nu Nu Restaurant right next door.
For the more refined adventurers: Port Douglas
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge
Four Mile Beach
Four Mile Beach
Distance from Cairns CBD: 65km, 1 hour 10 minutes
When you picture your tropical excursion, do you see a charming town with alfresco dining, beachside markets, and boutique shopping? Port Douglas must be on your mind.
Still need to fulfil your nature fix? With Four Mile Beach a five-minute walk from the centre, reef tours introducing you to offshore wildlife, and the ancient greenery of Mossman Gorge nearby, you can spend days exploring Port Douglas’ lush environment before even glancing towards the shopping scene.
Check into the oasis of upscale villas at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort to stay in the pinnacle of comfort, or book into Thala Beach Nature Reserve for a deluxe forest-stay complete with views of the Coral Sea through the treetops.
For travellers on the lookout for authentic cultural and historical encounters: Torres Strait
Island Stars Dance Troupe performing on the beach at Prince of Wales Island in the Torres Strait
Island Stars Dance Troupe performing on the beach at Prince of Wales Island in the Torres Strait
Roko Island Pearl Farm in the Torres Strait
Roko Island Pearl Farm in the Torres Strait
Green Hill Fort on Thursdy Island, Torres Strait Island
Green Hill Fort on Thursdy Island, Torres Strait Island
Distance from Cairns CBD: 1,020km, 13 hours 40 minutes
Leave your base at Cape York Camping Punsand Bay and head five kilometres north to visit Pajinka (The Tip) with Strait Experience, accompanied by a local guide to share the customs of the area with you as you wander.
Take the one-hour trip on the Torres Magic catamaran to Thursday Island – one of Torres Strait’s 274 – and continue your cultural encounter at Gab Titui Cultural Centre. Find the work of over 100 artists from the region in this magical melting pot of Aboriginal and Melanesian culture.
When leaving the mainland, look out for dugongs – if you’re going to glimpse a majestic sea cow, it’ll most likely be here where their population is thriving.
For families with time to spare for a daytrip: Southern Cairns (Babinda and Gordonvale)
Babinda Boulders
Babinda Boulders
Walshs Pyramid
Walshs Pyramid
Josephine falls rock pools
Josephine falls rock pools
Distance from Cairns CBD: 60km, 50 minutes
Is the fam due a daytrip to a natural playground? Reveal tranquil swimming holes and serene mountains walks under one hours’ drive from Cairns.
Float Babinda Creek at your own pace with Babinda Kayaking hire, finishing at the geological wonders of Babinda Boulders. Chasing waterfalls? Find peaceful paradise at Josephine Falls, 20 minutes further, providing the perfect pit stop for a swim and a snack with the cascading falls as your soundtrack.
You can’t miss the prominent peak of Walsh’s Pyramid in Gordonvale. This pointed mountain is just as awe-striking from afar as the view is from the top. Keep in mind, the summit walk is steep and only recommended for those with high fitness levels.
Have you fallen head over heels for the location-love of your life? Meet the destination of your dreams for an extended stay in paradise.
Still unsure which destination you’re hopelessly devoted to? Speed date the regions with an action-packed itinerary up north.
