Ten Of The Best Adventures In North Queensland
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.
Spot 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. Queensland is home to some stunning biodiversity, 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. A few favourites of visitors include the prehistoric-looking cassowary (a large flightless bird), the freshwater (or if you're brave, saltwater) crocodile, and of course everyone's favourite tree limpet, the koala, which is best found in the South East region.
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.
