Discover a world away from the ordinary with a trip to Tropical North Queensland where you can connect with nature unlike anywhere else. This stunning region is made up of twelve distinct destinations and is home to two of Australia’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest. There are hundreds of places to visit and countless experience to enjoy during a trip to Tropical North Queensland. From snorkelling through the world famous Great Barrier Reef to learning about the region’s rich indigenous culture, this is a place where magical and life changing experiences await.
Read on to find out more about this stunning region.
Home to a rich cultural background and the only region with distinct Indigenous culture (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander), it is no surprise that Tropical North Queensland offers an array of cultural immersion experiences. Learn about the rainforest during a bush tucker walk, discover hunting techniques at Cooya Beach near Port Douglas, or uncover ancient artforms with Jarramali Rock Art Tours. If you are in Queensland during the Carins Indigenous Art Fair then a visit to this iconic event is a must for anyone wanting to discover this area’s culture. This unique week-long event celebrates the depth of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture with thousands of Queensland Indigenous artists, academics, designers, models and performers taking part.
Tropical North Queensland boasts incredibly diverse eco-systems, home to 3000 different plant species, more than 400 types of birds and more than 100 mammals, with many of these being found nowhere else in the world. This regions exotic wildlife cannot be missed during your visit, with something as simple as strolling along the Cairns Esplanade you will see a rich range of waterbirds which call this place home. Those wanting to get up close to the wildlife can head to Granite Gorge Nature park to hand feed rare and endangered rock wallabies in their natural habitat, or visit Kuranda Koala Gardens to interact with one of Australia’s most well known animals, the Koala. Indeed, one of the most famous North Queensland locals is the saltwater crocodile. Marvel at the size and strength of this reptile at one of the wildlife parks or admire them in their natural habitat on an informative boat tour.
Of course, no trip to Queensland would be complete without a trip to its most famous attraction – the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef. This reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and is made up of 3,000 separate reefs and more than 900 continental islands and coral cays as well as being home to countless types of marine life including whales, turtles, manta rays and clownfish. Snorkelling and scuba-diving enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice for excursions on the reef, but there are also plenty of options for those who would rather not get in the water. Glass bottom boat tours are the perfect way to see the reef while staying dry or, alternatively, for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the reef take to the skies in a heli or fixed wing aircraft. No matter how you choose to experience the reef we are sure you will not be disappointed.