Where to go
In Tropical North Queensland, there’s an island for everyone – from experienced divers to novice snorkellers, from flop-and-drop sunbakers to avid hikers, from those looking for luxury to those who want to rough it. For families and first-timers, Green Island is the place to test the waters. It’s one of only three true coral cays in the Great Barrier Reef and there’s sheltered snorkelling right off the beach. Fitzroy Island is another local favourite and its rainforest-covered hills are threaded with hiking trails, including the picturesque Secret Garden track. There are resorts on both islands, but they are also easily accessible as a day-trip from Cairns.
There are five islands in the uninhabited Frankland Islands group, about 45km south of Cairns. Only one tourist boat visits each day with a maximum of 100 passengers, making for a genuine “castaway” experience. The islands are surrounded by spectacular fringing reefs, home to majestic green turtles and manta rays.
Low Isles is a good reef option, just 15km off the coast from Port Douglas. The protected lagoon waters are ideal for beginners who shouldn’t be surprised if a marine turtle floats by.
Just off the coast from Mission Beach, Dunk Island is a rainforest-covered paradise fringed with palm trees and golden sand beaches. More than half the island is a national park, with plenty of walking and hiking trails. The resort is currently closed, however there are camping facilities and a small cafe (but be sure to bring your own supplies).
Luxury travellers will fall in love with Lizard and Bedarra islands. Lizard Island, off the coast of Cape York, is a 1000ha national park with 24 beaches and one ultra-luxe resort, the most northerly in the Great Barrier Reef. Bedarra Island is a small, rainforest-covered gem just offshore from Mission Beach and home to one exclusive resort and a handful of holiday villas.
Mackay Cay off Cape Tribulation offers excellent snorkelling in its impossibly clear water; while Hinchinbrook – the largest island national park in the country – is home to the 32km Thorsborne Trail, the ideal way to discover the island’s untouched beauty and bountiful wildlife.
If you’re planning to camp on one of the islands, make sure you book your permit early. There are only limited spaces and they can fill up quickly, especially during school holidays. Remember that you can only camp in designated areas.
Most of the islands in Tropical North Queensland are close to shore, so can be easily reached for a day-trip. If you plan to visit a few, you can stay on the mainland and venture out each day.
Find the best islands for snorkelling, diving, hiking and watersports, plus accommodation to suit every style and budget.
Surrounded by pristine turquoise waters that will make you question whether you’re in a dream, discover the true meaning of tropical oasis at the exclusive and ultra-luxurious, Lizard Island.
If you want proof not all Great Barrier Reef islands are born equal, pay a visit to the supermodel of the island world, Fitzroy Island.
The Sunshine State might have 900 tropical islands off its coastline, but there’s one stretch of coast that’s overrepresented when it comes to idyllic island-oasis. Enter Southern Cairns and the Cassowary Coast, whose offshore attractions are as much of a drawcard as its mainland namesake.
Feel grounded the moment you arrive at a private sand cay on the Great Barrier Reef.
Discover the Indigenous stories, legends and traditions of Wunyami (Green Island) from the Gungganji and Yidinji people as you join them on a guided island tour and learn about their cultural, ceremony and life with Wunyami Tours.
Rest your head easy on a visit to Tropical North Queensland. From sleeping on a luxury island to pitching a tent on the beach, here’s your guide to an unforgettable stay in the tropics.
We’ve all seen those gorgeous wisps of whiteness poking out from an azure sea on Great Barrier Reef. But what are they? More importantly, where are they? And how can we get a piece of sand cay action? We’re here to reveal all.
The Great Barrier Reef is a thriving, living marine environment. It inspires all who visit, even those who see it every day, like marine biologist and owner of Marine Discoveries, Gareth Phillips.
Unleash your inner Robinson Crusoe by camping on the Great Barrier Reef! Have you ever dreamed of escaping from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives? Where life is simple, revolving around the rising sun and falling tide? Yep, so have we! Here’s Eight island campsites where you can unleash your inner Robinson Crusoe.
Escape to luxe island hideaways, indulgent outback retreats or tranquil ancient rainforests. Kick off your shoes, take some much needed R&R and discover the unique landscape of Tropical North Queensland.
Helicopter transfers are available between Cairns, Green Island and Bedarra Island. Private charter services operate between Cairns and Lizard Island for guests of Lizard Island Resort and liveaboard vessels; Mike Ball Dive Expeditions and Spirit of Freedom. Daily touring options are available to Lizard Island with Daintree Air Services.
Boats depart daily with ferry transfers services to Dunk Island, Bedarra Island, Green Island, Fitzroy Island, Frankland Islands and Low Isles. Private charters or liveaboard dive vessels offer a unique journey to Lizard Island.
Enjoy a little resort living on the Great Barrier Reef.
Brb, busy falling for Nandroya Falls 🌴🩵
Found just a 1.5 hour drive from Cairns, this stunning waterfall is one of our favourites (and if you’ve been there, we’re sure you can understand why!) 🙌
📍 To get here, head south from Cairns along the Palmerston Highway. The waterfall lies just a short hike through the rainforest 🤩🌿
🎥 IG/ @isaakschiller
#thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr
[ID: A two-tiered waterfall cascades down with water flowing from a serene upper drop. It’s surrounded by lush greenery.]
![Brb, busy falling for Nandroya Falls 🌴🩵
Found just a 1.5 hour drive from Cairns, this stunning waterfall is one of our favourites (and if you’ve been there, we’re sure you can understand why!) 🙌
📍 To get here, head south from Cairns along the Palmerston Highway. The waterfall lies just a short hike through the rainforest 🤩🌿
🎥 IG/ @isaakschiller
#thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr
[ID: A two-tiered waterfall cascades down with water flowing from a serene upper drop. It’s surrounded by lush greenery.]](https://tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Dive into adventure! 🐠🌊
Grab your snorkel and discover the ocean friends of @tropicalnorthqueensland, home to over 9,000 species! 🫧✨
It’s going to be a turtle-y awesome experience! 🐢💦
🎥 @jadeexplores @thedivingholliday
#thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr #greatbarrierreef
[ID: Video of ocean life on the Great Barrier Reef featuring a turtle swimming towards the camera, colorful coral gardens, and a clownfish moving among the corals.]
If there’s one thing we know, kids love the beach…and so do we! 🙌🏝
Say hello to Mission Beach in the @cassowarycoastaustralia 14km of stunning sandy shores linking 3 beaches & 4 seaside villages, including a few you may never have seen before ⛱ Whether you’re looking for a relaxed hideout or an adventurous getaway, Mission Beach has something for you! ⛵️🌺
📸 @scene.by.us
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #cassowarycoast
[ID: An image of a mother and her two sons standing on a curved palm tree at Mission Beach, with stunning views in the back ground.]
Every road leads to breathtaking views of Walsh’s Pyramid ⛰️
No matter which direction you face, this iconic peak in Tropical North Queensland never ceases to amaze. 🌿
📷 @ourcoastinglife
#explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr
[ID: An image of a woman next to a van, walking towards the towering Walsh`s pyramid surrounded by lush greenery.]
Take it all the way to the top with the dusty, red roads in Cape York 🚘🌴
🎥 @olivethetroopy
#exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #roadtrip #capeyork
[ID: An aerial video of a 4WD driving down a long dirt road with australian bush on either side in Cape York.]
Welcome to the jungle 🍃—aka the Daintree Rainforest, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in @portdouglasdaintree , which is 30 million years older than the Amazon Rainforest! 🦕🌴
📸 @wunez
#thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr #portdouglasdaintree #TropicalNorthQueensland #daintreerainforest
[ID: An aerial image the the Daintree Rainforest, mist through the valley with the sun light beaming onto the landscape.]
🕰️ Travel back 400 million years with a trip to the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves! 🌊⛰️
This ancient wonder was once a shallow sea full of calcareous mud and coral reefs, now tilted into stunning vertical formations. 🦇
Keep an eye out for bats—no superheroes here, just epic nature! 🌿
Only 3hrs from #Cairns on the @athertontablelands 🚙
#thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #chill #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #chillagoe
[ID: A image of a 4WD on a dirt track surrounded by lush grass and termite mounds, with towering limestone rock formations in the background.]
Becoming a Guardian of the Reef means you’re not just a traveller, but a champion for our ocean!🏅🪸
Dive in, explore, and unlock exclusive rewards as you learn about the Great Barrier Reef.
Understanding your impact on the reef, is the first step in acting with greatness 🪸🐠
Become a guardian today! Link in @tropicalnorthqueensland Bio🌴
#greatbarrierreef #australia #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #GOTR #GuardianofTheReef
[ID: The image shows a snorkeler swimming above a vibrant coral reef, surrounded by small fish. The text reads: “Become a Guardian of the Reef]
Welcome to the oh-so-sweet Great Barrier Reef Drive 🚙
Winding between #Cairns and @portdouglasdaintree , this epic drive offers incredible views of two world heritage icons 🌿🐠 Gear up to explore spectacular coastline, secluded beaches, charming holiday towns & ancient rainforest 🦋🐚
🎥 @_kln_ #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #palmcove #portdouglasdaintree [ID: This video showcases drone footage of the Great Barrier Reef Drive, including a palm tree silhouette at sunset, cars traveling along the coastal road between rainforest and ocean, and aerial views of the ocean illuminated by the setting sun.]
Forget slip ’n’ slide in the backyard, get yourself to a natural waterslide at Josephine Falls 🌺💦
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #tropicalnorthqueensland
[ID: The image shows people enjoying the natural water slide at Josephine Falls. The water flows over smooth rocks, surrounded by lush green trees, with a lively and fun atmosphere.]
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