Luxury Escapes Guide to Tropical North Queensland
Whether you’ve come for the sun-kissed coast, rugged rainforest or everything in between, there is so much to discover in Tropical North Queensland.
Spanning 1,200km of sun-kissed coastlines, rugged rainforests and rainbow reefs, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef encompasses an array of ecostystems – each as awe-inspiring as the last.
Cairns is the ultimate hub for tropical adventures. Hop on a direct flight from any mainland capital city and you'll soon find yourself cruising the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling kaleidoscopic waters and exploring ancient rainforest – Kuranda’s scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, anyone?
Follow the scenic coastal road from Cairns to Palm Cove, a ‘secret’ haunt for the rich and famous with whitewashed hotels, alfresco restaurants and intimate bars. Then, flock to Port Douglas for seaside rejuvenation along golden Four Mile Beach and magical mouthfuls on iconic Macrossan Street – balanced with a day to Mossman Gorge and swimming in the wild.
Wind your way along the coastline to Cape Tribulation. It’s here the 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest tumbles to meet the Great Barrier Reef in the sparkling waters of the Coral Sea. You can zipline through untouched forest, snorkel the reef, catch glimpses of huge cassowaries and spot crocodiles in their natural habitat. Follow your guide through Kuku Yalanji country in the Daintree, before tracing your way down south and inland to the iconic Atherton Tablelands and into refreshing waterholes, rock pools and rivers along the Waterfall Circuit.
Traverse sweeping landscapes to discover some of the country’s most extraordinary natural attractions that are spectacular all year-round. From sprawling palm-fringed beaches to plunging waterfalls and cosmopolitan towns — Tropical North Queensland gleams with natural splendour.
Please note that due to current restrictions some operators may be temporarily closed. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information.
Things to see and do
Discover the Great Barrier Reef
One of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is a spectacular underwater universe, home to thousands of marine animals, colourful fish and corals. Whether you’re an experienced scuba diver, an enthusiastic learner or just happy snorkelling off a deserted island beach, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonder has an experience to suit you. Cairns, Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation and Mission Beach are the departure points for aquatic adventures: expect everything from advanced dives onboard liveaboard charters to Coral Sea sites, day trips and snorkelling from secluded pontoons.
Not a swimmer? Not a problem. Stay comfortably dry while getting close to all the action the reef visit has to offer on a semi-submersible craft, glass-bottomed boat, catamaran or kayak.
Explore Mossman Gorge
Uncover the cultural significance of the land with the unforgettable opportunity to discover the rich cultures of the area’s First Peoples. Nestled within the 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest the award-winning Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge delves into 50,000 years of the area’s Kuku Yalanji people. Try your hand at mud crab hunting on beautiful Cooya Beach, then cook your catch for lunch. In Kuranda, Rainforestation Nature Park offers insights into the Pamagirri people’s culture with Walkabout Cultural Adventures.
Fall for The Waterfall Circuit
For the ultimate ‘chasing waterfalls’ experience, pack a picnic, your swimmers, and hit the iconic Waterfall Circuit. The trail begins in the Atherton Tablelands, just under two hours from Cairns, at the Instagram-worthy Millaa Millaa, followed by the lesser-known Zillie Falls — the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch.
The final stop takes you down a rainforest staircase to Ellinjaa Falls, where a hidden ledge awaits behind the fall’s spray. Keep an eye out for playful platypuses at the base here.
Spot Local Wildlife
Tropical North Queensland is home to extraordinary wildlife, not all of which is cute and cuddly. Take an apex predator like the saltwater crocodile, which may grow up to a whopping five-metres-plus in length and can weigh more than 1,000kg. Or the southern cassowary, Australia’s second largest bird, which are so elusive that seeing them in the wild is a rare treat. For friendlier animal encounters slip on your snorkel and peek at the technicolour marine life thriving in the shallows – look out for sea turtles, majestic manta rays, reef sharks and clown fish.
Seek seaside indulgence
Warm, crystalline waters gently kiss the golden shores, making Port Douglas’ Four Mile Beach a popular place to swim the day away, get lost in a book or scout marine life. If the vibe you’re going for is ‘off-grid’, Mission Beach is the place for you. A 14km stretch of (largely empty) white sand provides an opportunity to completely disconnect from everyday life.
Top places to eat and drink
Prawn Star, Cairns
Prawn Star is the definition of tropical dining: a fishing trawler that’s evolved into a seafood restaurant, anchored along Cairns’ waterfront. Serving up fresh seafood on the deck of an actual fishing boat, this is one of the city’s favourite spots. Order fresh prawns, mud crabs, oysters and any other tempting catch of the day, pick up an ice-cold beer or some local wine, and indulge in delicious fare as the sun sets on the waters of the Coral Sea.
Osprey’s, Port Douglas
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a meal at Osprey’s Restaurant is worth a thousand bites. An open-sided pavilion style restaurant located high among the treetops at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Osprey’s Restaurant is best enjoyed for lunch when forest-clad mountain and Coral Sea views are visible all the way to the horizon. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Hervey Bay scallops, served tartare with native finger lime and crispy guanciale, or the spicy nduja gnocchi with cloudy bay clams.
Farmhouse Cafe, Mungalli Dairy, Atherton Tablelands
This is the original farmhouse café. A must for lovers of fine food, the family-run Mungalli Dairy is a hidden gem just 10 minutes from Milla Milla Waterfall. Here, everything is made, produced and crafted onsite to ensure only the finest paddock-to-plate dining. Pull up a seat on the cafe's verandah overlooking the Johnston River Gorge and Bartle Frere — Queensland's highest mountain — and enjoy the flavours of generations of family recipes, including Dan’s beef and burgundy Pie and Moni’s swiss crepes.
Nu Nu Restaurant, Palm Cove
Beachfront, barefoot, serving bodacious modern Australian cuisine – Palm Cove’s Nu Nu Restaurant is is a sensation that’s both picture and palate-perfect. Framed by swaying palms and overlooking the striking Coral Sea, this local institution balances seasonal and sophisticated with laidback excellence. The restaurant’s humble approach is best displayed in dishes such as “the best fruit we can possibly source,” a cheeky reminder of the region’s incredible produce, and favourites such as the wok-fried north Queensland mudcrab with chilli jam “and all the trimmings”.
Treehouse Restaurant, Mossman
Dine among the forest canopy and celebrate the richness and diversity of TNQ’s food bowl at Treehouse Restaurant. Championing a seasonal menu featuring fresh ingredients, this glamorous restaurant is tucked within Silky Oaks Lodge, and refreshes and dazzles with local seafood, nuts, chocolate and equatorial fruits and vegetables. Treehouse Restaurant also prides itself on its wide range of local craft, small-batch spirits and beers – perfect for those thirsty nights in the great wilderness beyond.
Lux Moments
Glide over the Atherton Tablelands in a hot air balloon
There’s nothing more breathtaking than witnessing the sunrise from a hot air balloon floating high in the sky. With its spectacular scenery of rolling hills, forests enveloped in emerald and spectacular plummeting waterfalls, it is no surprise Atherton Tablelands is the ballooning capital of Australia. Expect a unique five-star experience with Hot Air Balloon, which includes a memorable 40-minute flight over the region followed by celebratory sparkling wine on landing.
Indulge in wellness in the spa capital of Australia, Palm Cove
Australia’s self-styled spa capital, Palm Cove is simply unmissable for its chill vibes and abundance of day spas, including Peppers Beach Club & Spa, Alamanda Spa and Palm Cove Retreat Day Spa. Set your mind to relaxation mode and succumb to absolute pampering in tranquil locations surrounded by tropical greenery and open to the sky for a clothes-optional soul-enriching treatment for body and soul.
White-water rafting in Barron Gorge, Port Douglas
For serious thrill factor, be engulfed in a cloud of mist as thunder falls spectacularly down Barron Gorge with an exhilarating half-day white-water rafting experience. This adrenaline-pumping adventure invites you to tumble endlessly over water-sculpted rocks, through the narrow gorge walls and see the rugged beauty of the rainforest from an utterly unique perspective. If this is your first-time water rafting, you will be well-catered for with roundtrip transfers from Cairns, the services of professional river guides, shoe hire and Barron Gorge National Park entry.
Zipline through World Heritage-listed rainforest, Cape Tribulation
Tropical North Queensland is all about the great outdoors – and what better way to see the depths of the world-heritage Daintree Rainforest than on a zipline speeding above it all? Zoom above the ancient rainforest from a bird's eye view perspective as you soar through the leafy canopy 15m above the forest floor. Ziplining tickets also include an informative local guide and access to the relaxing Treetop Walk, a more sedate yet equally beautiful way to take in the scenery.
Get your sea legs on a private sailing charter
Get up close and personal with the magical marine wildlife of the Great Barrier Reef with a luxury snorkeling sailing cruise. Bathe on the white sandy beaches, snorkel over magnificent coral gardens and swim with turtles all while being guided by an expert marine biologist. Take a trip on the glass-bottom boat or explore coral cays on guided heritage walks. With an experienced skipper and deck hand to take care of all the pesky navigation you can sit back and savour the freedom of being on the open sea in capable hands.
Tailor your escape to Tropical North Queensland
Immerse yourself in Tropical North Queensland with Luxury Escapes’ hand-picked Experiences. We’ve curated a selection of cultural activities, adrenaline thrills, food adventures and luxury add-ons to help you discover your destination. These Experiences are bookable when you purchase your next escape. Simply select your travel dates and number of travellers for any package, and opt to tailor your escape by selecting the available Experiences.
