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Ten Of The Best Adventures In North Queensland
From Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays, north to Magnetic Island, Mission Beach, and the reef and rainforest of Cairns and Cape Tribulation, plenty of unforgettable experiences await in Queensland’s tropical north.
Cruise The Great Barrier Reef
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.
Explore The Daintree
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.
Meet Aussie Wildlife
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. Magnetic Island’s Bungalow Bay Koala Village YHA even has an on-site wildlife sanctuary where you can enjoy interactive wildlife talks, hold a koala, crocodile, snakes and lizards.
Discover Aboriginal Culture
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.
Learn To Dive
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 A Rafting Rush
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.
Take To The Skies
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.
Head For The Hinterland
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.
The Great Aussie Outback
Head inland and you can witness the endless stretches of outback red dirt highway, steering through cattle stations and gold mining towns.
Whitsunday Magic
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.
From $29 per night
Airlie Beach YHA, Whitsundays
Airlie Beach YHA hostel is located in the centre of Airlie Beach close to the swimming lagoon, restaurants, cafes and Airlie's thriving nightlife. All rooms are air-conditioned.
From $28 per night
Cairns Central YHA
Cairns Central YHA is located in the heart of town, only a block from the train station and surrounded by cafes, restaurants and pubs. Comfortable common areas, lush swimming pool and social BBQ area make it the perfect spot to relax.
From $29 per night
Magnetic Island YHA
This award-winning YHA hostel has all the facilities of an island resort. Set on beautiful Magnetic Island, this backpackers hostel includes open air bar, onsite wildlife sanctuary and hammocks surrounding the pool.
From $23.5 per night
Mission Beach YHA - Scottys
Located centrally to 14km’s of golden sands, Mission Beach YHA is the adventure capital for those looking to explore, challenge themselves and unwind in the beautiful, lush, tropical setting of Mission Beach.
From $27 per night
Port Douglas YHA
Winner of the 2014 and 2015 Best YHA in Queensland, YHA Port Douglas is more like a travelers resort. Luxurious private and share rooms and just a 5 minute walk to the beach.
YHA is a member of Hostelling International