Hidden gems; beaches await in Tropical North Queensland.
As winter approaches, many New Zealanders will be eyeing a second shot at summer and insiders know a tropical escape brimming with adventure, culture, palm-fringed beaches and a world-famous natural wonder lies closer than you think — a mere five-hour flight away.
Enter Tropical North Queensland, one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland says with around “2500 bookable experiences in the region” options in the Tropical North are truly endless.
While largely known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, this sprawling region is peppered with hidden gems and unspoiled landscapes off the well-beaten tourist track. This is a destination that has it all, from beachside luxury in Port Douglas to world-class culture in Cairns.
That’s not to mention Palm Cove, a pocket-sized coastal paradise, or Cape Tribulation, a breathtaking headland where ancient rainforest meets the reef — the only place on earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites exist side-by-side.
But of course, no trip to the Tropical North would be complete without visiting the jewel in its crown – and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. An underwater oasis of coral gardens and abundant marine life, Great Barrier Reef is a snorkeller’s or scuba-diver’s paradise.
You don’t have to be an adventure-sport enthusiast to experience the reef: cruise the crystalline waters from a glass-bottomed boat, kayak from Mission Beach to Dunk Island, relax on pristine white sand, or ferry to one of the many islands, such as Green or Fitzroy. Alternatively, take to the skies in a helicopter for an unparalleled bird’s-eye view.
If you’re staying in Cairns, allocate some time to traverse this small but mighty waterfront metropolis. Immerse yourself in the fascinating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, followed by lively alfresco dining and buzzing nightlife.
There’s also a thriving art scene, from free galleries to the vibrant Cairns Indigenous Art Fair — an annual First Nations-led celebration.
Then, it’s time to rent a car and head north along Great Barrier Reef Drive — a must-do on any itinerary, says Olsen. “From the passenger seat, you can grab some incredible clips heading up Great Barrier Reef Drive; that’s what we call it between Cairns and Port Douglas. It’s one of Australia’s most iconic drives: ancient rainforest draped over the mountains [on one side], the Great Barrier Reef on the other. It’s a stunner.”
From here, cruise into the isthmus that is Port Douglas and explore everything this resort town has to offer. Walk (and eat) your way along Macrossan Street, a hub of high-end dining, nightlife and boutiques, before drinking in the picturesque views from Four Mile Beach.
There’s the Daintree: a stone’s throw from Port Douglas, this lush national park sits within the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. Situated in the vast, prehistoric Wet Tropics, Daintree Rainforest is roughly 10 million years older than the Amazon.
“Go to the Mossman Gorge (which has) so many great swimming holes in the middle of an ancient rainforest,” says Olsen. “Take a Dreamtime walk with an Aboriginal guide and get a sense of what it means to have 65,000 years of connection to one place.”
Drift down Daintree River on a lilo, head to the iconic rope swing at Cow Bay, zipline through the treetops, or stop for a picnic at the crystal-clear Emmagen Creek — and that’s just the Daintree.
There’s also Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, a wildlife haven 25 minutes south of Port Douglas: eat breakfast with koalas, watch a crocodile feeding and get up close and personal with kangaroos and wallabies. Or, venture south from Cairns to Crater Lakes National Park on the Atherton Tablelands for a dip in the volcanic Lake Eacham.
Tailoring your itinerary to your travel style is crucial, says Olsen. Because the region is extensive, he advises travellers to do some research, narrow down must-do experiences based on the areas you plan on visiting and think about pre-booking your favourites ahead of time.
With so many experiences it is hard to do everything in one trip. “You’d probably need around seven days, and depending on the time of year, I’d choose different parts of the region; it’s really a multi-trip destination. For every couple or group of friends, there’s a different way to explore,” Olsen says.
“Many of the locals have got their own little spots, so don’t be afraid to have a yarn. We do keep a few things up our sleeve,” he says.
“There are a lot of hidden gems, so leave time in the itinerary for a bit of magic.”
Getting there
Jetstar offers three direct flights a week from Christchurch to Cairns (5 hours, 45 minutes), year-round. Air New Zealand operates non-stop flights between Auckland and Cairns (5 hours, 35 minutes) seasonally between April and October.
For more information on your next escape visit: cairnsgreatbarrierreef.com