How to see the best of two World Heritage sites from Cairns

Sir David Attenborough described the Wet Tropics as “the most extraordinary place on earth”, and you'll quickly discover why. Not only is it enormous, covering 894,420 hectares, it’s also the oldest and most biologically diverse tropical rainforest in the world. A living, breathing book of Earth’s history, with 700 endemic plant species flourishing across its timeline of 150 million years, it's got the unique wildlife to match. This includes one-third of Australia’s 315 mammal species, plus hundreds of different species of birds, reptiles and amphibians.

The Wet Tropics is so huge that it's actually made up of five separate precincts. Three of these are in the Cairns region: the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns & Central Coast, and the Northern Wet Tropics, which is home to our most famous resident: the Daintree.

Naturally, there are countless ways to experience this special place.

The best ways to explore the Wet Tropics

An hour's drive from Cairns, Mossman Gorge is one of the most renowned spots in the Wet Tropics, where the Mossman River tumbles over huge granite boulders into clear, freshwater swimming holes hidden in the rainforest. It's a serene place to wander the boardwalk and stop at lookouts before a swim to take it all in. But it's even better appreciated if you take a Dreamtime Walk with an Indigenous guide to learn all about Queensland's ancient culture and traditions.

You're on Kuku Yalanji country here in the Wet Tropics, so there are many incredible ways to connect with culture while guided through the World Heritage site by a Traditional Owner. Join Aboriginal-owned Walkabout Cultural Adventures for a day to how to spearfish, forage for pipis, and decode bush medicine as you explore the most significant cultural sites in the Daintree Rainforest.

Or journey deep into the wild of the Cape York Peninsula to see Quinkan Rock Art, regarded by UNESCO as one of the ten most significant rock art sites in the world. It can only be accessed via a 4WD overnight camping tour or helicopter. While there, hear first-hand the ancient stories of the Kuku Yalanji people during a guided tour by Traditional Owners.

Want to see the most iconic Daintree Rainforest sights in one day? Daintree Tours, Daintree Safaris and Billy Tea Safaris all offer action-packed small-group tours that include croc-spotting on a river cruise, rainforest walks, a trip to a beach where the rainforest meets the reef - and even a stop off for locally-made ice cream. 

Closer to Cairns, Kuranda offers so much to do, from a scenic cable car ride over the rainforest and Barron Falls, to wildlife experiences and nature parks. 

Have a few days up your sleeve? Here's a four day itinerary to get you started. 

Where to stay

Base yourself in Cairns and you'll have easy access to the best of the Wet Tropics. Stay in the heart of the action at the best Cairns hotels where your adventure-packed day can wind down with a soak in the pool or a toast at the rooftop bar. 

Fully immerse yourself in the Daintree Rainforest - but in total luxury - by sleeping among the trees at Silky Oaks Lodge or Daintree Ecolodge. Both blend casual and contemporary design in a romantic setting where your only neighbour is the rainforest. For more of an “off the grid” rainforest stay, lay down in your eco-cabin at the Daintree Wilderness Lodge and take in those canopies from the viewing sunroof above your head.

If the beach is calling your name, book a few nights at eco and wildlife retreat Thala Beach. The only beachfront nature reserve between Cairns and Port Douglas, start your days with a morning stroll on the private 2km stretch of sand before taking advantage of complimentary activities like bird and butterfly walks through the 145-acre property, and culture talks with elders from the local Aboriginal community.

There are also plenty of spots to stay in Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef. Check out Wildwood, Mist at Cape Tribulation, Cape Trib Beach House or Cape Trib Farm. 

Where to eat

It's not often that a World Heritage site is also known for its food. But the Wet Tropics rainforest boasts more than just walking trails: it's home to two food trails in the Atherton Tablelands and Daintree that are well worth tasting your way through.

Set within the Daintree, Flames of the Forest is a dining experience that’s as unique as it is elegant. The six-course tropical tasting menu, with matched wines to boot, is perfect for honeymooners, birthdays or anyone on a mission to spoil themselves. The included transfers from Cairns are icing on the cake for the ultimate switch-off, stress-free night.

Staying in Cairns? Check out these top restaurants and cafes in Cairns.

The Great Barrier Reef

Perhaps Australia's most famous resident, the Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage site that cannot be missed on a holiday to Cairns. 

Running parallel to the Wet Tropics, the reef stretches over 2,300kms—from Bundaberg to Cape York at the top of Queensland’s coast. Not only is the Great Barrier Reef listed as one of the World Heritage sites thanks to its on-going ecological and biological evolution, but also – quite simply – because of its exceptional natural beauty.

Every inch is stunning, with a rainbow of coral reefs, brilliant blue waters and ethereal marine life. More than 30 species of whales and dolphins, thousands of species of fish, hundreds of species of sharks and rays, and hard and soft coral call this wondrous water-world home - and its doors are always open for those who want to explore.

The best ways to explore The Great Barrier Reef

There are so many ways to access the Great Barrier Reef from either Cairns or Port Douglas - whether you're looking for a day trip or a multi-night dive adventure to the reef's far reaches.

One of the very best ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef is with our Master Reef Guides. You'll probably come across this term when choosing your tour: Master Reef Guides are recognised as the best reef guides, interpreters and storytellers, and if you take a tour led by one you can expect to learn a lot while you're here, from its marine residents to how it formed, to how we can all play a role in protecting the reef.

You’re spoilt for choice when planning a snorkelling or diving trip here. Cairns-based Passions of Paradise makes a day on the water like the most exciting classroom you've been in. The eco-certified operator takes small groups out in their speedy 30-metre catamaran to two reefs, and you'll get to take part in real reef research and health surveys as part of the Eye on the Reef program. 

Step back into the reef's Dreamtime with Indigenous sea rangers on a day tour to the outer reef: not only will you get five hours of water time to snorkel, dive or take in the views from a glass bottom boat, you'll get a unique look into our culture and traditions along the way. Jump onboard with Sunlover Reef Cruises and you can even be a marine biologist for the day while you explore.

Be one of the few each day who get to explore the more remote Frankland Islands. Or get on island time with a day trip to Green Island to go snorkelling, diving, helmet diving and a host of other water activities at your fingertips, plus plenty of rainforest to explore if you need to walk off your sealegs. 

Want to know what it feels like to have an island to yourself, even if it’s only for one day? Sailaway Port Douglas has exclusive access to the Mackay and Undine coral cays.

Those with more experience under their dive-belt should book a liveaboard trip with Pro Dive Cairns or Mike Ball Dive, where you can log incredible dives by day and night, and sleep in style on board. This is also how you can get up close and personal with one of the most unique species of whales – the dwarf minke.

Before heading out to the reef, gain a proper understanding of the marine life that call it home. Reef Teach is a Marine Education Centre in Cairns that showcases the Great Barrier Reef, where you can learn about the coral and fish species found on the reef and how to identify them. It's one of the many ways you can help the reef while you're here. 

We’ve only scratched the surface on the things to see and do on the Great Barrier Reef. For more ideas on how to experience this World Heritage site from Cairns, check out this guide.

Where to stay

Islands are in no short supply in the Great Barrier Reef, and there are plenty that you can stay on. A short cruise from Cairns, you'll find paradise on the coral cay known as Green Island, home to an eco-resort, covered in rainforest with national-park status and surrounded by 710 hectares of reef. Nearby, Fitzroy Island offers both a resort and camping opportunities alongside fringing reef, award-winning beaches and a turtle rehabiliation centre.

At the northernmost tip of the reef, Lizard Island is a secluded getaway where there’s always an empty beach to call your own (there are 24 private beaches in total). Getting there is half the fun: it’s only accessible via a one-hour scenic seaplane flight from Cairns Airport.

Off the coast of Mission Beach, luxurious Bedarra Island is even more deserted, with no more than 32 guests at any one time. Step right off the beach and snorkel or kayak your own patch of the Reef, or charter a boat to see even more pockets of the Great Barrier Reef.

Want to stay in Cairns and take a day trip to the reef instead? Check out this Cairns hotel guide along with our first-timers’ guide to Cairns.

Where to eat

Unsurprisingly, fresh seafood is a menu staple on the Great Barrier Reef. In Cairns, Prawn Star keeps it casual and Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront is a local institution.

Seeking something extra special? Try these unforgettable dining experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.