Welcome to the tropics
Here you can learn all about Tropical North Queensland, including where to go, things to do and what’s on while you’re visiting. Plus find out how you can work with us to promote the region.
We can’t wait to have you here, but until then, start exploring below 👇
While you’re here
There’s a few things you might want to know about Tropical North Queensland

Uncovering Cairns’ Colourful LGBTQIA+ Scene
A warm welcome is Tropical North Queensland’s trademark, and not just because of the year-round sunshine. This Pride Month (1 June – 30 June), come for pristine beaches and tropical rainforests and stay for the laidback lifestyle and inclusive communities.

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.

Accessible Travel in Cairns & Palm Cove
As a region, Tropical North Queensland offers an array of experiences that will engage your senses and immerse you in its natural wonders. From the rainforest to the reef, you’re sure to find an abundance of accessible adventures for all tastes.

Everything you need to know about crocodiles in Tropical North Queensland
They say to never smile at a crocodile, but there’s plenty more to know about this ancient reptile species before you set foot in Tropical North Queensland.

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.

Why you should visit the tropics in summer
From cosy rainforest retreats to once-in-a-lifetime Great Barrier Reef reef events, epic waterfalls to spectacular outback scenery, this is why you should put the green light on your summer holiday.

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.

Everything you need to know about the Cardwell Spa Pool
Cardwell Spa Pool is a naturally-fed, seasonal creek that shot to stardom on social media in 2016. Ever since, people have been adding it to their holiday itinerary but there are a few things you might not know about this idyllic swimming spot.

Swim with dwarf minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the only place in the world that you can swim with dwarf minke whales: an experience so exclusive it only happens for two months of the year and only in Tropical North Queensland.

Things to do in Port Douglas
Don’t let its flop and drop reputation fool you, there are many things to do in Port Douglas. From hunting with Traditional Owners & exploring the Great Barrier Reef, to river floats & wildlife parks. Here’s how to spend your time in Port Douglas.

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.

Eat your way through these Palm Cove Restaurants
Taste the flavours of the north in the seaside village of Palm Cove, where restaurants take pride in local produce, fresh flavours and providing a warm tropical welcome served with an icy-cold drink.

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.

Everything you need to know about cassowaries
There’s plenty of reasons to visit Cairns & Great Barrier Reef in summer – balmy weather, crystal clear reef visibility and pumping waterfalls – but what you might not know is it’s also the best time of year to spot Australia’s living dinosaurs and their chicks, cassowaries.

10 waterfalls to chase on the Atherton Tablelands
Hit the famous waterfall circuit, uncover those lesser known or stretch a little further and take a dip in Australia’s widest, single-drop waterfall on the Atherton Tablelands.
Explore itineraries
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cairns
Refresh and Recharge: 3-Day Itinerary to Clear Your Mind
Wellness comes naturally to the top end as warm tropical weather, lush rainforests, long stretches of beaches and an abundance of fresh food set the scene for healthy habits.
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cairns northern beaches
A Green Weekend in Cairns
Cairns
Let’s embark on a journey that not only fills our souls with awe-inspiring nature, but also leaves a positive mark on the environment. Get ready to explore Cairns and its surrounding areas with these exciting recommendations for sustainable travel.
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eat drink
10 Day Luxury Escape in Paradise
Cairns to Lizard Island
Use this as a guide for planning your luxury sojourn to Tropical North Queensland. Exploring the premium side of iconic landscapes including reef, rainforest, city and outback, this itinerary is perfect for honeymooners, anniversaries and special occasions, or simply those who like to live in the lap of luxury.
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accessible
Daintree & Cape Tribulation Accessible Itinerary
Cairns – Cape Tribulation
Enjoy an accessible adventure in the Daintree & Cape Tribulation with this two day itinerary.
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Recent posts
A day in the life of a Master Reef Guide 🐢🌊 on the #GreatBarrierReef. Not your average 9 to 5… career change, anyone?
📸 @tahn_miller
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID A Master Reef Guide swims through jellyfish blooms and coral gardens on the Great Barrier Reef. Wearing a yellow shirt and snorkel gear, they glide past marine life and reef restoration projects in crystal-clear water under the tropical sun.

Came for the scenery, stayed for the party. In #TropicalNorthQueensland, the backdrop might be world heritage-worthy but the real show? That’s on the streets, the stages and even the sand 🏝️.
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @portdouglasdaintree #cairnsfestival #portdouglascarnivale @savannahintheround #tasteportdouglas #shineongimuy @cairnsfashionweek @pdcarnivale @cairnsfests
ID This video opens with a woman standing on a hotel balcony with the title ‘Stay’, before transitioning to festival scenes with ‘Play’ flashing on screen. It cuts to a street parade with dancers, food shots from Taste Port Douglas, and crowds dancing at Savannah in the Round. The video ends with traditional Indigenous dancing at Shine on Gimuy.

Not all treasures come with signposts. Hidden deep in Wooroonooran National Park, #WankarooFalls is the kind of place you may only visit once but will never forget.
It’s a 14km rugged rainforest trail with creek crossings and a final steep descent - but the payoff? A dramatic dual-stream waterfall and a deep pool that’s made for a dip. To discover more about the region`s many waterfalls, head to https://bit.ly/3Yu3wqp
📸 @evjocks
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @athertontablelands @cassowarycoastaustralia
ID A misty rainforest scene at Wankaroo Falls in Tropical North Queensland. The waterfall cascades into a calm pool surrounded by thick, green foliage and towering trees, with soft light filtering through the canopy.

ASMR? More like ATSR (Aquatic Turtle Stress Relief)...You’re welcome 😌.
🎥 @puresnorkelling
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID An underwater close-up of a sea turtle gently blowing bubbles in clear blue water. The scene is calm and quiet, with soft bubbling sounds creating a soothing, ASMR-style moment.

Hello #MissionBeach 👋 Where rainforest meets the #greatbarrierreef… and the beaches stretch on forever. 🌴☀️
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @cassowarycoastaustralia
ID A tropical beach scene that shifts from daylight to sunrise. Palm trees line the shore, with soft waves and golden sand. The final images show the sky glowing pink and orange as the sun rises.

Thinking this beats your usual commute? Time to plan your paddle with @babindakayaking.
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @cassowarycoastaustralia
ID An aerial view of a calm, clear creek. Five colourful kayaks are pulled up on a white sandy bank, with people lying back and relaxing nearby. The creek is shallow with a visible sandy bottom, and surrounded by thick green vegetation.
📸 @babindakayaking

Just two locals cruising the coastline… 🐢🦈 These coastal shallows along the #DaintreeRainforest are vital feeding grounds, nurseries and rest stops for countless marine species. Incredible don`t you think?
🎥 @josephine.wrt
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia @portdouglasdaintree
ID An aerial view of a calm, clear stretch of ocean along the Daintree Rainforest coastline. A green sea turtle and reef shark glide peacefully in shallow turquoise waters near the shore, surrounded by fringing reef and sea grass beds.

When was the last time you truly paused to take it all in? Sunrise at #FourMileBeach. One of those quiet #PortDouglas moments worth slowing down for.
📸 @amys.camera.lens
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia @portdouglasdaintree
ID Tall palm trees line the sandy edge of Four Mile Beach, silhouetted against a sunrise sky filled with pink, purple and orange hues.

“I distinctly remember telling you to stay out of the bird feeder…” 😆
This cheeky possum clearly didn’t get the memo. Just one of the many curious visitors you might spot at @canopytreehouses – though not all of them are this bold.
🎥 @wanderlustmike
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia @athertontablelands
ID A possum is perched on a hanging bird feeder, using its front paws to grip the edge as it leans forward to eat. The scene captures the possum mid-mischief, appearing curious and unbothered.

UPDATE We are loving all the excitement this post has generated — turns out, everyone wants to sip cocktails in an underwater tiki-themed reef bar. 🐠🍹 While it was just a cheeky April Fools’ joke, the idea clearly struck a chord. Who knows… maybe one day the ‘Coral Club’ will make a splash 😉. Until then, keep dreaming tropical and thanks for playing along.
JUST ANNOUNCED Green Island’s Historic Underwater Observatory to be reborn… as a reef bar 🍹🐠. In a bold fusion of heritage and hospitality, Green Island’s original underwater observatory is set to be reimagined as the world’s first underwater tiki bar — built on the very same historic footprint beneath the jetty.
Originally opened in 1954, the 10-metre chamber was built from a WWII diving vessel with 22 portholes. Though it closed in 2012 and was removed in 2019, its legacy will live on with the aptly named ‘Coral Club’. Opening in 2026, this one-of-a-kind reef bar will offer…
🌊 Panoramic glass views of the Great Barrier Reef’s marine life
🍍 Signature cocktails served in coconuts and pineapples
🥂 Original 1954 portholes restored and featured in the new design
🛥️ Transfers from Cairns Marina via @greatadventurescruises - just $49 return, includes a welcome drink + 11pm return options
🏝️ Or make a night of it and stay at the luxurious @greenislandgbr just steps away.
👇 Tag your reef-loving crew and grab your best tropical shirt because…the #CoralClub is coming.
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#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID A collage of images showing Green Island and its historic underwater observatory. Includes an aerial view of the island, vintage photos of visitors on the jetty, and an artists impression of the new bar. The observatory is pictured on stilts over the water with an Australian flag above. The text announces plans to reopen it in 2026 as an underwater tiki bar.
