Visitors can get up close with sharks, stingrays and other marine life at Cairns Aquarium. Photo / supplied
Visitors can get up close with sharks, stingrays and other marine life at Cairns Aquarium. Photo / supplied
With tropical rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and temperatures to make you quickly forget it's winter in New Zealand, North Queensland ticks all the boxes.
Natural wonder No visit to this corner of the world is complete without a day out on the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you choose tostay dry on a scenic cruise or head below water, it's a place you don't forget in a hurry. To help protect this natural beauty, each visitor pays an Environmental Management Charge, which contributes to the daily management of the marine park and helps fund the research that improves its long-term resilience.
Exploring the magical Great Barrier Reef. Photo / supplied
Go tropical Lush tropics might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think Australia, but Cairns boasts a World Heritage Rainforest. See the incredible Wet Tropics Rainforest up close with a day tour to Kuranda, a picturesque village amid the greenery. Tours include a visit to the Rainforestation Nature Park, where you can explore the ancient forest aboard a historic World War II army Duck, cuddle a koala, and connect with indigenous culture.
Family fun If you're looking for other activities in between reef cruising and rainforest exploring, Cairns has you covered. There's the popular Cairns Aquarium, and the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, where you can zipline and rope climb alongside stunning Australian wildlife.
For more Cairns travel ideas, visit myqueensland.co.nz
