Best Things To Do In Tropical North Queensland

Daintree – Cape Tribulation

An hour 45 minutes from Cairns or a mere 45 minute drive will get you into the dense Daintree Rainforest. One of the world’s oldest rainforests, here you can explore some of the plants and animals that you can’t find anywhere else in the world! If time permits, head across the Daintree River, keeping an eye out for salt water crocodiles before heading up to Cape Tribulation – where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. With guided tours and cruises, you know that you can explore this ancient forest without missing anything! 

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is probably one of the most well-known locations to visit in Australia, stretching over 2,300km and Tropical North Queensland is a wonderful gateway to visit this wonder of the world. Whether you are a snorkeler, an avid diver, or prefer to see things from the comfort of a boat or semi-submersible there is an option for everyone! The beauty of staying in one of the Tropical North Locations – Cairns, or Port Douglas as an entry point to the reef means that not only do you get to experience a day on the water but you are surrounded by other activities to do around there as well! 

Kuranda

Kuranda is a small mountain town and is located approximately 30 minutes from Cairns but what fun would it be to do a usual drive when there are other options! To get to Kuranda, you can also take a scenic railway which goes through the Barron Gorge National Park and created by the early settler’s way back in the day. Once you’ve taken the train, it’s definitely worthwhile to give yourself a couple of hours to explore the cute little village filled with activities for every age. From river boat cruises, bird and koala gardens, butterfly sanctuary to shopping at the markets you can fill a full day if you really tried! After your hours of fun, you can then head back down on the cableway which offers a different journey to the train with an ocean view ride and heading above the rainforest. Make sure you take your time and enjoy some of the stops to do the walking tracks they have set out!

Atherton Tablelands

When people think of the Atherton Tablelands it is usually associated with coal mining and farming with the beautiful red volcanic soil but the littles towns all around have so much to offer! Chocolate, coffee, wines, wildlife, hikes and crystals are a few of the things you can explore. If you’re a bit of a foodie like myself, I promise you, you will not be disappointed by Brett’s Outback Tasting tour! And if you’re really lucky you might have the opportunity to spot a platypus so keep your eyes peeled. 

Port Douglas

Lastly, if you’re travelling to Tropical North Queensland, I cannot recommend enough to ensure you include a few nights stay in Port Douglas. I am a little biased when I say this as it is where I have spent quite a bit of time but as well as being one of the gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, it also allows you to have less time travelling to the Daintree and the Tablelands. In a small boutique tourist town, the Sunday Markets, the Toad Racing, and the amazing options of food eateries I promise you won’t be disappointed! 

Overview 

Whether you have 3 days, 5 days, 10 days or 15, you will find a way to spend your time in Tropical North Queensland filled with activities, a couple of beach days and a wonderful cultural experience. If that sounds like something that you are interested in or want to know more about any one of the topics, get in touch! 

Feeling inspired to book your getaway? View our most popular Tropical North Queensland Self Drive itineraries here!

At First Light Travel we can plan the perfect self-drive holiday for you. To get started and find ideas you can view our most popular itineraries -  just remember that all of our trips are fully customisable.