Tropical North Queensland Experiences
Paronella Park Open to the public since 1935, this stunning attraction was the dream and vision of Spaniard, Jose Paronella. Set on five hectares beside Mena Creek in the Atherton Tablelands, it comprises a castle, bridges, a tunnel, over 7500 tropical plants and a picnic area bordered by flowing waterfalls. After a 45 minute guided tour, visitors are invited to enjoy the grounds, café and gardens at leisure, returning in the evening for the spectacular light show powered by the park’s own hydro electric generator.
Exploring the Reef There are so many ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef: the area’s number one attraction. Numerous full and half day trips run from Port Douglas, Cairns and Mission Beach on a variety of vessels featuring activities such a diving, snorkelling and glass bottom boats. Alternatively, try a unique live aboard, overnight experience. For high flyers, there’s no better way to see the reef than on a scenic helicopter flight. Trips can range from 10 to 60 minutes and promise to be an experience of a lifetime.
Daintree Rainforest The Daintree region stretches for 95 kilometres from Mossman Gorge to Cape Tribulation and along the Bloomfield Track towards Cooktown. It’s thought to be one of the oldest rainforests in the world, boasting flora and fauna not found anywhere else. Fortunately, this unique piece of paradise is easily accessible and can be experienced by cruising, zip-lining, walking, horse-riding or just diving. Day tours to this region operate from Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas and there is also accommodation in the rainforest for extended stays.
Kuranda Kuranda is an easy day trip from Cairns, but getting there is half the fun! Take either the Kuranda Scenic Rail or the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to or from Cairns and marvel at one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest along the way. Once in Kuranda, visit the popular markets and pick up a handmade souvenir or two. Nature lovers won’t want to miss the Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary which is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Fans of feathered friends will be thrilled with the selection of native and exotic birds at Kuranda Birdworld.
Dinosaur Stampede Head to Queensland’s Outback and step back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Winton and Lark Quarry offer incredible dinosaur experiences for the whole family. Visit the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument at Lark Quarry and see 93 million year old dinosaur footprints created from a herd of 150 small, two-legged dinosaurs. The centre also offers an animated recreation of the stampede as well as a movie presentation. The Australian Age of Dinosaurs features a museum as well as guided tours of the Collection Room and fossil Preparation Laboratory.
Cassowary Coast The Cassowary Coast lies between Cairns and Townsville and showcases the destinations of Mission Beach and Dunk Island. This region is known for its leisurely pace of life, but rest assured, there is plenty of activity to keep adventure seekers happy. This stretch of coastline is the closest point to the Great Barrier Reef while the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was founded just off the shore from Mission Beach. With this right at your doorstep, it’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage of diving and snorkelling day trips in pristine waters with fewer crowds.
Tablelands Tasting Trail The Atherton Tablelands offer a wonderful and unique gourmet food trail that’s hard to top. This picturesque and fertile ‘food bowel of Queensland’s far north’ is located west of Cairns. Either self-drive or join a day tour to sample cheese, chocolate, coffee, spirits, nuts, fruits and wines. Places to look out for include Gallo Dairyland, Jacques Coffee, Mt Uncle Distillery and the Babinda Bakery serving big, fluffy, decadent cream buns. A number of quaint, country pubs dot the region for when it’s time to wet your whistle.
Indigenous Experiences Make a deeper connection with the land on a cultural, indigenous tour. Traditional custodians will guide you through Mossman Gorge, the Daintree and Cape York with smoking ceremonies, demonstrations and narratives explaining their ties to the land. Cultural performances, including dance, can be experienced at Flames of the Forest and Tjapukai. Head north to the Torres Strait, where each island retains a distinct culture, or drive just an hour north of Cooktown and explore rarely seen rock art galleries with traditional owners.
Wonderful Waterfalls Tucked away just west of Cairns are stunning waterfalls and lakes that are perfect for a quick dip or a great photo opportunity. Nestled with the Atherton Tablelands are Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls with its natural rock slide. Further west are the picturesque Millaa Millaa Falls and Malanda Falls. Continue to Lake Eacham, a superb lake with a volcanic crater, before heading to Lake Barrine. This ‘swimming circuit’ is best attempted from Cairns and is an easy self-drive or better yet, take a guided tour.
Wildlife Encounters Animal lovers will find a number of wildlife parks and sanctuaries housing rare and native birds, mammals and reptiles. Hand feed Cownose rays at the recently opened Cairns Aquarium, which also houses a turtle hospital and a number of interactive displays. You can even swim with reef sharks! Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, just north of Cairns, is set on 25 acres and offers a croc spotting cruise on their very own lagoon as well as their famous croc feeding demonstration. Here, you can feed wallabies and kangaroos or have your photo taken cuddling a koala.
