What to do in Tropical North Queensland

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Tropical North Queensland

Types of activities

Where to stay

Tropical North Queensland travel guide

Magnetic Island showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and jet skiing

Maritime Museum of Townsville featuring a lighthouse

Magnetic Island National Park showing rocky coastline and general coastal views

Places to Visit in Tropical North Queensland

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Tropical North Queensland, Queensland while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Tropical North Queensland attractions from NZ$18, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Tropical North Queensland tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 144 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Tropical North Queensland. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Cairns Esplanade

The Cairns Esplanade is a focal point for the city’s social life. With restaurants and gardens on one side, and overlooking the Trinity Inlet and Coral Sea on the other, this area celebrates the best of Cairns. Along the tree-lined walkway you’ll find playgrounds, barbecue sites, dedicated exercise areas and also a salt-water lagoon.

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Cairns Esplanade which includes a luxury hotel or resort, a pool and swimming

2. Four Mile Beach

Four Mile Beach is the central beach in Port Douglas. At the northern end there is a small hill with a lookout, a prime place to watch the sunrise over the Coral Sea, and at the southern end is a mangrove forest.

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3. Palm Cove Beach

Experience the stunning beaches, resorts and scenery where the rainforest hugs the shores of the Great Barrier Reef at Palm Cove Beach. Swim or sunbathe beneath the warm Tropical North Queensland sun. Explore the waters on a kayak or sailboat and take in the views of forested hills rising up behind the beach’s string of swaying palm trees.

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Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views

4. Cairns Marlin Marina

The Cairns Marlin Marina is where all your Great Barrier Reef adventures start, with tour boats coming and going throughout the day. Enjoy shopping, entertainment and dining along the waterfront promenade.

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Cairns Marlin Marina showing a sunset and a bay or harbor

5. Esplanade Lagoon

The Esplanade Lagoon is a water feature in Cairns where you can relax, cool off and socialise with other travellers. The lagoon is on the waterfront on the Cairns Esplanade and is surrounded by tropical gardens. Spend an entire day relaxing by the water, join a fitness class or cool off in the midday heat.

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Esplanade Lagoon featuring general coastal views, swimming and a pool

6. Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

The Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal is the main entry and exit point for Magnetic Island, Townsville’s enchanting outpost in the Coral Sea. Regular ferries connect the island to the mainland, just 5 miles (8 kilometers) away.

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Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal featuring a ferry as well as a small group of people

Recommended things to do in Tropical North Queensland

Number of things to do	144
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Skip the Line: Cairns Museum Single Admission Ticket: NZ$18
Top 5 things to do	Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise Fitzroy Island Adventures - Full Day or Half Day Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Half-day tours	Fitzroy Island Adventures - Full Day or Half Day Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Admission Cairns Aquarium General Admission and Turtle Hospital Tour Cairns: Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour Cairns: Sunset River Cruise with Snack and Drinks
With kids	Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise Fitzroy Island Adventures - Full Day or Half Day Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest

What to do in Tropical North Queensland

Discover the most popular places to visit in Tropical North Queensland

Cairns Esplanade

Soak up the city’s relaxed atmosphere and admire the sunset over the Coral Sea as you wander along this popular walkway.

Four Mile Beach

One of Australia’s most photographed beaches has clear-blue water, pristine white sand, swaying palm trees and brilliant views of the ocean.

Port Douglas showing tropical scenes, a sunset and general coastal views

Macrossan Street

During your visit to Port Douglas, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Macrossan Street. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the local tours.

Palm Cove Beach

Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.

Cairns Marlin Marina

Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

Esplanade Lagoon

Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

This easy-to-navigate and very scenic transport hub is the gateway to the beaches, bush walks and wildlife of one of Queensland’s most idyllic islands.

Cairns Night Markets

During your trip to Tropical North Waterfront, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.

Magnetic Island National Park

Take in panoramic views, spot koalas in eucalyptus trees, clamber over granite boulders and stroll along a golden-sand beach in this idyllic nature reserve.

Explore areas of Tropical North Queensland

Palm Cove

Relax and rejuvenate at this beachside village, known as Queensland’s spa capital and enjoy the tropical north in style.

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(1,474 area reviews)

Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.

Trinity Beach

Unwind on this tranquil stretch of golden beach, relax under the shade of swaying palm trees and explore Tropical North Queensland at your leisure.

Yorkeys Knob

Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.

Queens Gardens showing a park and forests

North Ward

North Ward is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Strand Waterpark and The Strand Beach while you're in town.

South Townsville

Visitors highly recommend South Townsville for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Maritime Museum of Townsville while you're in town.

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