Explore

Explore Tropical North Queensland

See great. Leave. Greater

Discover

Unique Nature

And Wildlife

Only place

in the world where

two unesco sites collide

The Great

Barrier

reef

Connect

with the worlds

oldest living cultures

Experience

Everday Luxury

26°C

Average high Temp

Jul-Aug

Tropical North Queensland

Escape to the topics

From reef to rainforest, uncover countless adventures in Tropical North Queensland. Dive into vibrant coral gardens, hike through lush rainforests, and connect with ancient cultures. Unveil the beauty and excitement around every corner. Your dream tropical trip awaits in Tropical North Queensland — a place where you’ll feel great and leave greater.

Discover Cairns, an urban jungle nestled amidst lush rainforests, known as Tropical North Queensland’s “Big Smoke.” Enjoy tropical dining, explore boutique shopping, and experience a bustling nightlife. With the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest at its doorstep, Cairns offers tropical city living at its finest.

Enjoy a short drive just 30 minutes north of Cairns and discover the spa capital of the tropics, Palm Cove. Unwind in one of the many luxurious wellness spas for a much-needed massage, before strolling along the palm-fringed shores of Palm Cove Beach.

Take a day trip to Port Douglas, a charming coastal town boasting a stunning stretch of pristine beaches. With its vibrant atmosphere, enjoy alfresco dining, explore beachside markets, and indulge in local shopping — all set against the backdrop of lush tropical surroundings.

Glide above one of the oldest rainforests in the world via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and discover the mystical rainforest village of Kuranda. Wander through the Kuranda markets, picking up handcrafted homewares, natural remedies, authentic crystals, and fresh local produce along the way. Make your way back to Cairns via the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, passing spectacular waterfalls and weaving through the rainforest on your journey.

Spend the day exploring lush rainforest, tumbling waterfalls and delicious produce in the Atherton Tablelands. Easily accessible from Cairns, this area is full of some of the most diverse landscapes of the region, unique wildlife and delicious produce.

Content by Tourism Tropical North Queensland

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Useful information

cairnsgreatbarrierreef.com

Tropical North Queensland

Things to do

The Great barrier Reef
Dive in and explore one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World.
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Ancient Rainforest
Step into the ancient Wet Tropics Rainforest, a natural wonder that has flourished for 130 million years.
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Culture
Be inspired and connect with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander cultures - the oldest in the world.
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Beaches
From palm-fringed sandy shores to tropical islands, your perfect beach is waiting for you.
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Eat and Drink
Dine under the palms, indulge in food trails and treat your tastebuds to an array of local produce.
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Sightseeing
Discover waterfalls, explore art galleries, visit wildlife parks and join guided tours.
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Wellness
Experience ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation on a tropical getaway.
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Adventure
From Australia's only bungee jump to floating down a river in an ancient rainforest, adventure is yours to choose in the tropics
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PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Translink operates regular public buses in Cairns and surrounding suburbs including the northern beaches and Palm Cove. Please be aware that paper tickets can be bought on the bus and only cash payments are accepted. For information visit Translink for Fares and Zones and the Network Map

The Kuranda Scenic Rail runs inland from Cairns to the scenic town of Kuranda.

COACH TRANSFERS

If you’re planning to travel beyond Cairns, Greyhound Australia offers coach services to various regional and rural destinations. You can choose between a direct journey transfer or a hop-on hop-off ticket. For more information visit Greyhound Australia and check out their Network Map.

 

Tropical North Queensland

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Day Trip to Adelaide

Wednesday 30 July - Departs 9:30 AM / Returns 17:00 PM

The Barossa is in South Australia, about 70km north-east of Adelaide, the state’s capital city.   Your trip will include a visit of the city centre, The State Library of South Australia and lunch at a local wine bar and kitchen. 

The State Library is the information heart of South Australia, located in the North Terrace Cultural Precinct.  You will have the opportunity to explore all three buildings: the award-winning contemporary Catherine Helen Spence Wing with its iconic glass foyer, the Mortlock Wing with its 19th century Victorian splendour, and the 1861 heritage listed Institute Building.

Sweeping stadium views, stylish bar and lounge, premium menu and extensive wine list.  Bespoke Wine Bar & Kitchen is one of Adelaide’s most impressive dining experiences.

Extending across level three of Oval Hotel and into the iconic Adelaide Oval, Bespoke’s unique setting makes a stunning backdrop lunch.

Executive Chef Daniel Simpson’s modern Australian menu brings bold flavours to life through fresh, seasonal produce.  Two drinks are included, and you may choose from house wine, beer or a soft drink.

After lunch you will be transferred to the North Terrace, Adelaide city where you can choose to spend your time either at Rundle Mall, The Art Gallery of South Australia or South Australian Museum.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  We have been advised that the carpet is being replaced in the Mortlock Chamber (section of the library) and we are now unable to conduct tours through this section during July so we will amend the Private tour of the State Library slightly and now include access to the basement (old & rare artifacts storage) which is an area of the library usually inaccessible to the public. 

 

Private 60 minute tour of State Library of South Australia | 30 July 2025 – 11:00am

Guests will have the opportunity to explore one of South Australia’s great institutions and take a look behind the shelves. An expert librarian will take you on a walk sharing stories of how the State Library began. Your experience starts at the historic Adelaide Circulating Library to learn the history of the building. By 1861, the collection of books held there was to became the first public library in South Australia. The Adelaide Circulating Library has been used in the past as a backdrop to several movies including Shine and Gallipoli. Continue your way to the basement to see some of the interesting old & rare artifacts housed in the library. Discover how the state’s most important treasures are maintained in the state-of-the-art storage and how the preservations team cares for the collection. 

Legends that have joined us on previous experiences