Where the rainforest meets the Reef

Let us introduce you to a place that’s not short on a natural wonder or two. In Tropical North Queensland, you’ll find UNESCO World Heritage sites begging to be explored in between cities like Cairns and towns like Port Douglas. However you choose to spend your time, adventure will be on the itinerary. 

A laid-back yet vibrant city, Cairns is where your holiday will begin. With a specialty in natural beauty, Cairns is a must-visit for nature-lovers. Hit the morning markets, swim in the sparkling Esplanade Lagoon, taste fresh seafood off the back of a fish trawler, or drink in the view from a rooftop bar. But here, connecting with nature goes deeper. Learn about and experience the local Indigenous culture through the guided tours on offer; explore the rainforest with elders at the Daintree Discovery Centre or be guided by Kuku Yalanji locals. 

An hour north of Cairns, you’ll find Port Douglas, known for its sophisticated dining, shopping and sprawling untouched beaches. Recently rewarded a world first Ecotourism Australia ECO Destination Certification, the region has over 80% of its land protected under World Heritage listing. Beyond the rainforest, the locals and tourism operators are working tirelessly to share its beauty with the world, while protecting it at the same time.

Want to see the Great Barrier Reef? There are a variety of reef tours to choose from and if you fancy seeing the reef from the sky, a liveaboard boat or even if you’re keen to sleep on the reef, you can do that too.

If you can tear yourself away from the beaches, restaurants and activities in Tropical North Queensland, it’s worth taking a day trip to explore this stunning region. Head to the car ferry that takes you over the Daintree River towards Cape Tribulation, and spend the day exploring the world’s oldest rainforest, eating local ice-cream, spotting native animals like cassowaries, or sampling local tropical fruits.  
 

Getting there 
 
Think of Cairns as the springboard to adventure in Tropical North Queensland. There are direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast and an international airport, so getting here is easier than you think. 

If you have more time, take the scenic route and road trip your way to Cairns from Brisbane. The journey takes around 18 hours, giving you plenty of opportunity to stop and visit the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach or Townsville. 

Getting around

With the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep, one of the best ways to see Tropical North Queensland is by boat. See the reef and the surrounding islands by booking a ferry transfer or tour which depart from the Cairns and Port Douglas marinas. 

If you’re planning to see as much as possible in your own time, car hire is the way to go. Visit places like Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas and Mission Beach by hiring a four-wheel-drive, which can be organised in Cairns.  

 

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Where natural wonders thrive

In Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, experiencing greatness isn't the exception, it’s the norm. World-famous reefs. Rainforests older than the Amazon. Coastal towns that wrote the book on beachside chill. Here, you can dive into something remarkable before lunch, explore a Natural Wonder Of The World (literally) before dinner, then forge a connection with the world’s two oldest living cultures, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who call the region home. Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is a tropical paradise where ancient rainforests, vibrant coral reefs, and relaxed coastal towns collide.

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Things to see and do in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is the heart of the region and your gateway to holiday adventure. By day, dive into natural beauty - shop the morning markets, cool off in the Cairns Lagoon, or feast on fresh seafood straight off the trawler. By night, soak up the vibrant dining scene or sip a sundowner with sweeping ocean views. Want to connect with the land on a deeper level? Join a guided Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tour and explore the rainforest with the Kuku Yalanji people at Mossman Gorge Centre, just an hour north of Cairns. Further north, Port Douglas brings a touch of sophistication. Think stylish boutiques, delectable dining, and palm-fringed beaches that stretch for miles. 

Want to see one of the world's most famous natural wonders? Take your pick of reef tours. Snorkel, scuba dive, or glide above the reef on a scenic flight. Or for a truly unforgettable experience, sleep under the stars on the reef itself.

When you’ve had your fill of beach lazing (if that’s even possible), swap the sand for the ancient, awe-packed Daintree Rainforest - clocking in at a 180 million years old. Jump on the car ferry, cruise across the Daintree River, and meander your way to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest high-fives the reef. Keep your eyes peeled for cassowaries, snack on weird-and-wonderful tropical fruits, and treat yourself to ice cream so good it should come with a warning.

Looking for more adventures? Check out:

Want more insights on the best things to see and do? Pop into a Visitor Information Centre and chat with a local expert.

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Port Douglas

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Torres Strait

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Mission Beach

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Where to eat and drink

Cairns is where tropical flavours meet laid-back vibes. Grab a fresh seafood feast at a waterfront restaurant or tuck into local delicacies at Rusty’s Market. Whether you’re after a casual bite or something a little more refined, Cairns has it all. Explore some of the best places to eat in Cairns, take the whole family to these cafes or add these dining spots to your itinerary for Port Douglas. To top off your trip, quench your thirst at these favourite bars.

FOOD & DRINK

Treehouse Restaurant at Silky...

Dining at Silky Oaks Lodge celebrates the abundance of fresh ingredients...

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Mareeba Leagues Club

Mareeba Leagues Club is your home away from home, catering for all your...

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Hi-Tide by the beach

Welcome to Hi Tide Cafe-Bar-Restaurant in Port Douglas, where great food and...

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Lagoon House Restaurant

Al fresco dining in Tropical North Queensland takes on a whole new meaning at...

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Ashs at the Point Cafe

Ash's has been looking after visitors and locals for over 35 years - the cafe...

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How to get to Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Getting to Cairns is easy, whether you're driving up the coast or flying in. Just a short 1.5-hour flight from Brisbane, Cairns Airport is well-connected with direct services from cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Townsville. Prefer the road trip? Cruise up the scenic Pacific Coast Way for an unforgettable drive through coastal landscapes. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the Queensland Rail and take in the views on a long-distance train journey to Cairns. Whatever way you choose, getting here is half the fun.

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