Get a good look at the most beautiful places in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

It’s well-known that the northern end of the Sunshine State is rather easy on the eye. But there are some knockouts found within the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region’s congregation of rainforest, reef, and ranges, which are particularly unforgettable. Get a good look at the most beautiful places in Tropical North Queensland with this guide.

Millaa Millaa Falls

There’s no shortage of waterfalls you’ll quickly realise, but that doesn’t mean that they look alike. Millaa Millaa Waterfall is a heritage-listed natural wonder that lies in the Atherton Tablelands which plunges 18.3 metres. Not only is this waterfall particularly photogenic, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Tropical North Queensland, but is swimmable with an adjoining waterhole.

Myall Beach

Stunning waterways seem to be the region’s specialty, with Myall Beach another of the most beautiful places in Tropical North Queensland. Sitting on Cape Tribulation, where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef, this sandy stretch is popular for strolling and horse riding. Cool off with a dip post-walk with the rock pools which form at low tide.

Nudey Beach

Or head further afield for the picturesque Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island. This pristine stretch of white sand and coral sits just a ferry ride away from Cairns, nestled in national park. Don’t forget to bring your swimmers (it’s nudey by name only) - this place is ideal for basking in the sunshine, splashing among the shallows, and enjoying a snorkel in the neighbouring reef.

Daintree National Park

Back on dry land sit more of the most beautiful places in Tropical North Queensland, the Daintree National Park being one of them, a region which encapsulates biodiversity. Forming a part of the ancient Wet Tropics, this protected region is a World Heritage site, with two of its most famous offerings Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. Immerse yourself in the green space with a stay at Daintree Eco Lodge.

Vlasoff Cay

If you’re eager to experience something truly memorable while in the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region drop by the stunning Vlasoff Cay for a picnic. This bucket-list attraction sits off Green Island, nudging Vlasoff Reef, and is accessible only via seaplane.

Barron Gorge

Barron Gorge National Park is another resident of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, snuggled among the Atherton Tablelands. Among this cluster of dense foliage and water holes is the ever-popular tourist attraction Barron Falls, a tiered cascade, which is best viewed from its adjoining lookout. You can also get a great look from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. 

Palm Cove

The picturesque Palm Cove is a favourite among tourists and for good reason. This resort town is not only home to a palm-fringed beach (hence its name) but a cluster of the region’s best restaurants and accommodation options, Vivo included.

Paronella Park

One of the most beautiful places in Tropical North Queensland is undoubtedly Paronella Park, the heritage-listed sanctuary on Mena Creek. This ever-popular tourist attraction was the creation of José Paronella who built his dream castle and grounds for the community to enjoy on five hectares back in the 1920s.

Great Barrier Reef Drive

If you are a fan of feeling the wind in your hair there’s no better bitumen to hit than the Great Barrier Reef Drive. This stunning section of highway reaches from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, hugging the coastline for 140 kilometres, and seeing you cruise your way past heritage-listed rainforest on one side, and reef on the other.

Nu Nu Restaurant

Among Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef’s growing community of revered restaurants is Nu Nu in Palm Cove. Serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the beachfront, this award-winning eatery has garnered quite the reputation for its specialty Australian dishes which integrate tropical ingredients aplenty, like Queensland mudcrab, sugar cane, and hibiscus among more.

Lizard Island

The staggeringly beautiful Lizard Island is another of the most beautiful places in Tropical North Queensland. This designated national park sits on the northernmost part of the Great Barrier Reef and houses both a luxury resort as well as a research station, making it a truly eco-friendly (and memorable) getaway.

Cairns Botanic Gardens

But some of the most beautiful places in Tropical North Queensland can be found amidst the hustle and bustle of Cairns. The Cairns Botanic Gardens has a reputation for one of the best collections of tropical foliage in this country. This community-focused green space is home to a gathering of luscious flora, and divided into four sections - Flecker Gardens, Centenary Lakes, Mt. Whitfield Conservation Park, and Tanks Art Centre.

Cardwell Spa Pool

If you fancy a drive make your way a couple of hours south of Cairns to the coastal town of Cardwell resides and the photogenic Cardwell Spa Pool. Thanks to a chemical reaction, this geological wonder holds water in a striking hue of blue, though to see it at its best you should visit post-wet season, from May to September each year.