No trip to Tropical North Queensland is complete without a trip to the astonishing natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef. Jump on a day cruise or sail the waters by yacht or tall ship.
Tour the Daintree Rainforest’s World Heritage gorges, croc-infested waters, canopy walkways and beaches. Stick around to watch the jungle come alive after dark with a guided night walk.
From the rainforest to the reef, you can look some of Australia’s most exotic wildlife in the eye, whether it’s underwater, on land or overhead. Queensland is one of the few states in Australia that allows you to actually hug a koala, and there are plenty of opportunities (both planned and unplanned) to get up close and personal with the many other unique birds, beasts and reptiles that call the Sunshine State home.
Get a taste of Australia’s Indigenous culture, art and bush tucker on a tour or at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Didgeridoos, dance, the Dreamtime, boomerangs, bush food and medicine – it’s all here.
From budget beginners to premium Pro Dive courses, there are few places better to learn to dive than Cairns, especially with the reef’s amazing underwater world providing up-close encounters of an aqua kind. Ask about YHA member discounts or check out YHA’s scuba diving packages.
Get your adrenalin pumping with a white-knuckle, white water rafting trip on the mighty Tully River or take to the waves for a full-day ocean rafting.
If you have a head for heights there are loads of sky high adventures along the coast. Head high in a hot air balloon, try a rainforest bungy jump, enjoy a scenic flight, parasailing, or skydive above the reef and beaches. Mission Beach is where to head to.
Visit the charming artsy retreat of Kuranda Village high in the mountains. Getting there is half the fun when you combine it with the Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail Rainforest Cabelway.
Head inland and you can witness the endless stretches of outback red dirt highway, steering through cattle stations and gold mining towns.
You might have heard of Whitehaven Beach, one of the world’s best beaches with pure white sand? That’s right, you can’t go to Tropical North Queensland and not get out on the water around the Whitsundays. Base yourself in Airlie Beach and pick your choice of sailing and tour options.