The Best Tropical North Queensland Holiday Destinations
If you want to see the best parts of the Great Barrier Reef, tropical islands, the oldest rainforest in the world and mystical waterfalls, look no further than Tropical North Queensland. It has one of the most amazing landscapes I’ve seen and it’s definitely a trip everyone should do once in their life.
the Whitsundays
The Whitsundays are a group of 74 islands, so this place is basically paradise on earth. There are three major resort islands: Hamilton Island, Daydream Island and Hayman Island. One of the most famous places is Whitehaven Beach – with its pure white silica sand, it is often called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – and once you see it in real life, you’ll understand why. Another famous activity is a flight over the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re sailing between the islands, snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef or taking in the famous view over Whitehaven Beach, this is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype.
Cairns
Cairns is the gateway to Tropical North Queensland and the perfect base for exploring the region. From here, you can head out to the Great Barrier Reef, take a scenic train ride to Kuranda or cool off in the Cairns Lagoon. The town itself has a laid-back, tropical vibe and is full of great cafés, markets and sunset spots. Off the coast of Cairns are Fitzroy Island and Green Island. Both are resort islands but also suitable for a day trip.
As Cairns is quite centrally located, you could also use it as a base for trips to the Atherton Tablelands, Palm Cove, Port Douglas or the Daintree National Park .
Cairns is also home to an international airport if you’re flying in from overseas.
Atherton Tablelands
Just inland from Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands feel like a completely different world. This area is full of rolling green hills, tropical farmland, crater lakes and some of the most magical waterfalls in Australia. Swim in crystal-clear water at Millaa Millaa Falls, spot platypus at Lake Eacham or drive through farmland and rainforest that feels untouched and timeless.
It takes about an hour to get here from Cairns. Depending on your plans I suggest either staying in the Atherton Tablelands or doing a day trip from Cairns, if you don’t want to move accommodations all too often.
One of the best activities is the waterfall circuit which takes about 35 minutes or so. The waterfall circuit combines three waterfalls – Millaa Millaa Falls, Zille Falls, and Ellinjaa Falls – which are all within a 10-minute drive from each other. It’s also an easy walk from the car park to each waterfall, so everyone can enjoy them.
Millaa Millaa Falls was the first waterfall we visited that day and it looks so beautiful! You could also swim in the base of the waterfall. The next one was Zillie Falls which is surrounded my mossy trees. It looks like straight out of a fairytale. The third waterfall on the Cairns waterfall circuit is Ellinjaa falls which is a bit more difficult to visit if you want to get to the base.
Palm Cove
Palm Cove is all about slow mornings, palm-lined beaches and relaxed coastal luxury. It’s a tiny beach town just north of Cairns, lined with palm trees, boutique resorts and dreamy oceanfront restaurants.
It’s a great place for a relaxing holiday but if you’re short on time, I wouldn't base myself here. Palm Cove also makes for a great stop on the drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation as it’s only 40 minutes outside of Cairns.
Port Douglas
Further north is Port Douglas. The drive to Port Douglas itself is a highlight in this area – as soon as you pass Palm Cove, you’re greeted with ocean views on one and rainforest views on the other side. Make sure to stop at Thala Beach Nature Reserve on the way.
With its beautiful Four Mile Beach, cute shops and amazing restaurants, it’s one of the most loved towns in Queensland. What makes it so special is its location: it sits right between two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
Like Cairns, Port Douglas is a great spot to use as a base to explore the surrounding areas. Wortwile day trips include Mossman Gorge, the Daintree Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and Cape Tribulation.
Fitzroy Island
Only a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is a tropical escape you don’t want to miss. The island is covered in rainforest, surrounded by coral reefs and has stunning beaches with crystal-clear water.
You can hike to the summit for panoramic views, snorkel right off the shore or simply spend the day swimming and sunbathing. Our favorite beach was Nudey Beach (voted best beach in Australia in 2018) which is only a short hike from the jetty. It’s the perfect day trip if you want to experience island life without going too far.
Useful tips:
Don’t swim in the beaches from Cairns northwards. Always look for a protected swimming area and for signs if it’s allowed to do so. The further north you go, the more crocodile prone the ocean is. That’s generally a tip if you visit Australia: always check for signs and don’t just assume it’s safe to swim anywhere.
