Hungry for adventure? Explore these national parks near Cairns

It’s where the rainforest meets the reef. Step into the oldest surviving rainforest in the world, and you’ll be walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs.

There’s dense green rainforest to explore in popular Mossman Gorge, with flora and fauna you won’t find anywhere else on earth. Clear waters cascade over giant boulders along the river, and you can see it all up close along elevated walking tracks that start at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. But immersing yourself in the culture of the Kuku Yalanji is a must do, so set out on the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk to discover their stories and legends.

A further 30kilometres away you’ll find the palm-fringed beaches of Cape Tribulation. Here you can sink your toes into untouched sand, take in ocean views from Alexandra Lookout, spot crocodiles in the river, see the forest from floor to canopy, and learn about the region’s deep indigenous roots with Walkabout Cultural Adventures.

Here’s how to spend four days exploring this incredible part of Queensland, or do so with a touch of luxury.

Frankland Islands National Park

You don’t have to peel yourself too far from the reef when exploring national parks near Cairns after all. To reach this untouched island chain, you won’t be heading out with the other tourist boats from Cairns marina. Instead, make your way an hour south to reach Frankland Islands National Park.

The traditional sea country of the Mandingalby Yindinji and Gungandji Aboriginal peoples, the five islands that make up the national park were part of a coastal mountain range which became separated from the mainland 600 years ago. Accessible with Frankland Island Reef Cruises, swim and snorkel to discover rainbow reefs, fish, turtles and reef sharks. And if you can, it’s worth spending the night on the island. It’s one of the Sunshine’s States most spectacular wild camping spots, and you’ll witness nature and the Milky Way come alive before your eyes as night falls. How often can you say you’ve camped within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

Wooroonoonan National Park

You’ve probably never heard of this national park near Cairns, but that’s part of its magic. Easily one of Queensland’s most awe-inspiring national parks, it flies under-the-radar but brings the best of nature’s playground. Swim in a watering hole surrounded by lush rainforest at Babinda Boulders, slide down the rocks at Josephine Falls and take in the views from the Johnston River Lookout walk.

Stick to the designated swimming areas (indicated by signage) and do not swim in strong currents or poor weather conditions, especially after heavy rainfall.

Explore above the treetops on the Mamu Tropical Skywalk, or get really above it all and summit Walsh’s Pyramid. This national park is also home to Queensland’s tallest mountain, Mt Bartle Frere. It’s a serious 1-2 day hike to the summit if you’re up for the challenge.

It’s certainly a name to remember now.

Barron Gorge National Park

Misty, rugged and dramatic. It looks like a scene out of Jurassic Park, but Barron Gorge National Park is an easy 40 minute drive from Cairns.  

Lying within the world-heritage listed Wet Tropics, the biggest drawcard here is the impressive Barron Falls, which cascades through the gorge. If you’re here in the summer when the falls rage at their peak, you can feel the roar through your body. At this time, the falls are best viewed from the Din Din Barron Falls Lookout.

There’s an extensive network of walking trails to explore including half day and full day hikes. Take the steep trek to Glacier Rock Lookout; or get a bird’s eye view from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. You can even get the heart racing with a whitewater rafting tour along Barron River (here are a few other adventurous things to do near Cairns).

Millstream Falls National Park

If you’re exploring Atherton Tablelands, head to Millstream Falls National Park. It’s just two hours from Cairns, and as the name suggests, it’s here you’ll find mighty Millstream Falls plunging over a cliff of ancient basalt lava flow, into the pool below.

It’s the widest single-drop waterfall in Australia (and one of our favourites in the Cairns area), so pack a picnic and spend the day exploring. There’s a walking track that leads to the lookout, and you can also take a steep trail to the base of Little Millstream Falls too.

If you have time, stop at Danbulla National Park on the drive back to Cairns. Here you’ll be dwarfed by nature standing beneath the 500 year old Cathedral Fig, while scenic drives and walking trails lead to brilliantly blue crater-Formed Lake Tinaroo.  

Fitzroy Island National Park

Part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, Fitzroy Island has its own designation as a national park thanks to its impressive rainforest, mangroves, marine life diversity, and coral beaches – including one of Queensland’s most beautiful.

This national park comes with white sand beaches to relax on, fringing reef to explore, plenty of walking trails, and a turtle rehabilitation centre which you can visit. It’s also home a resort, so if you want to spend a day or two here exploring you can do so in comfort.

Want to slip further into island time? Coral cay-clad Green Island National Park is another easily accessible island sanctuary worth visiting, and it lies just a 45 minute boat ride from Cairns. 

Travelling to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef? Check out these things to do as you get planning.