Off the Beaten Track around Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife, but wander off the beaten track and you’ll find something even greater.
Take a stroll through a cave of wonders
René Boissevain spent his life travelling the world to collect natural crystals and prehistoric fossils. You can now take a self-guided visit through his incredible collection in the Crystal Caves. Spread over 300sqm of tunnels and grottos, the caves were built to showcase his rare stones, fossils and crystals, and feature over 600 pieces valued at millions of dollars.
Swim in a volcanic crater at Lake Eacham
Just an hour’s drive from Cairns, in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands, lies dreamy Lake Eacham, a former volcanic crater surrounded by verdant rainforest – the perfect spot for a swim on a hot summer’s day. Want to stay dry? Take a walk along the 3km track through the rainforest (home to over 180 bird species), or soak up the scenery from the viewing platforms.
A once-in-a-lifetime picnic on Vlasoff Cay
Elevate your picnic by taking it to the pristine sands of Vlasoff Cay – a picturesque sand bar on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. A spectacular scenic helicopter ride is the only way to reach this pristine coral cay in the middle of the sea, making this a very memorable picnic.
Get jiggy with the Great Barrier Reef
You are invited to witness the Great Barrier Reef’s biggest event: the yearly mass coral spawning. The whole reef simultaneously releases eggs for fertilisation, creating an otherworldly spectacle – a kind of upside-down, underwater snowfall. This night-time event usually takes place in November; you can be part of it by joining a snorkelling or diving trip from Cairns during the predicted spawning period.
Sleep among the trees in the world’s oldest rainforest
Can you picture yourself falling asleep under the canopy of the oldest surviving rainforest in the world, lulled by the sounds of nature? Scattered through the Daintree you’ll find accommodation to suit every taste: from boutique retreats to tree houses and luxury lodges, you’ll find the perfect choice for a magical night surrounded by nature.