Tropical North Queensland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Magnetic Island showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and jet skiing
Tropical North Queensland
Maritime Museum of Townsville featuring a lighthouse
Tropical North Queensland
Magnetic Island National Park showing rocky coastline and general coastal views

Rainforests, reefs, grasslands and outback: this part of Australia is a fascinating place of diverse natural attractions and cultural gems.

Tropical North Queensland is a land of extraordinary natural beauty and diversity. This rich environment has helped shape the indigenous culture, which stretches back more than 40,000 years. Embark on a jungle safari, dive the world's largest coral reef system, witness traditional practices and wander through ancient lava tubes.

The gateway to the tropical wonderland of North Queensland is Cairns, a modern, laid-back city on Australia's east coast. Make a day of it on white-sand beaches or tackle the slides at Sugar World Water Park.

Cairns is also an ideal base for exploring one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. Discover its remarkable biodiversity on a snorkeling or diving trip. Get your heart pumping above the surface with watersports such as parasailing and jet skiing.

Surrounding Cairns is the Wet Tropics Rainforests, thought to be the world’s oldest rainforests. Go on long-distance bushwalks, join crocodile spotting tours and picnic by waterfalls. These rainforests have been home to Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years. Learn about the Pamagirri culture and watch a tribal dance show at the Rainforestation Nature Park.

Located 56 miles (90 kilometers) southwest of Cairns is the Atherton Tablelands, part of the Great Dividing Range. This fertile highland region encompasses rainforests, crater lakes, wetlands and savannah. Enjoy an epic bike ride through Atherton Forest, go on self-drive tours and visit the mountain village of Kuranda. Browse its markets, book a riverboat cruise and see tropical butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

Stop by Atherton town and tour the Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum for insights into the region's Chinese settlers.

Leave enough time to experience more of Tropical North Queensland's environs. Explore the gorges, limestone caves and fossil fields of the Gulf of Savannah, a vast outback region. Venture into a lava tube cave system at Undara Volcanic National Park.

If you are traveling from overseas, fly into Cairns and get ready for a vacation of incredible wildlife encounters, awe-inspiring scenery and fascinating cultural insights.

Where to stay in Tropical North Queensland

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Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Kuranda National Park, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
Cairns which includes a city

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.

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and surfing

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Trinity Beach
Cairns Esplanade featuring a luxury hotel or resort, swimming and a pool

Cairns North

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.

Cairns North
The Strand which includes a sunset, hiking or walking and a garden

The Strand

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to The Strand. A stop by The Strand Beach or Strand Waterpark might round out your trip.

The Strand
Clifton Beach which includes mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$159 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$159
30 June - 1 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Property very comfortable and helpful staff"

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
4 out of 5
209-217 The Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is NZ$248 per night from 20 June to 21 June
NZ$248
20 June - 21 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Room was excellent. Spacious with a large balcony. Great views. Bed was very comfortable. Staff were all friendly. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 13 Jun. 2025

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Pacific Hotel Cairns
4.5 out of 5
Corner Esplanade And Spence Street, Cairns, QLD
The price is NZ$280 per night from 19 June to 20 June
NZ$280
19 June - 20 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Our large double room was very comfortable, had as large bed, good bathroom and shower pressure, good wardrobe - iron and board, safe, fridge and tea & coffee making facilities. Wifi could have been better. The outdoor furniture was a bonus."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

Pacific Hotel Cairns
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Madison Ocean Breeze
Madison Ocean Breeze
3.5 out of 5
81 Mitchell Street, North Ward, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (536 reviews)
"Loved the room and friendly staff and big room, Nice view"

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

Madison Ocean Breeze
Mantra Trilogy
Mantra Trilogy
4 out of 5
101 - 105 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,232 reviews)
"Great Spot"

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

Mantra Trilogy
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
4 out of 5
3-11 Water Street, Cairns, QLD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,542 reviews)
"loved this apartment, had everything i needed for my weeks stay and cooking. microwave, stove and large fridge, toaster and kettle and the balcony is spacious , i had a nice pool view and could enjoy the peaceful sunsets. secure complex with plenty of parking. loved the pool area, 3 pools and multiple ..."

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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