Planning the perfect North Queensland holiday

Last year, I finally made it to Tropical North Queensland, and it exceeded all my expectations. I snorkelled on the Great Barrier Reef, wandered along beautiful Four Mile Beach, explored Daintree Rainforest, and hiked to hidden waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands. I also spent time in the laid-back beach cities of Cairns and Port Douglas. The sheer range of landscapes, experiences, and wildlife completely blew my mind.

Wildlife in North Queensland 

The amount of wildlife in North Queensland is astonishing. Home to over 100 species of mammals, over 400 bird species, 111 frog species, and around 40,000 insect species, it’s absolutely crammed with critters. Beneath the waves, the Great Barrier Reef boasts 1625 species of fish, as well as the famous ‘Australian Great Eight’ – giant clams, manta rays, Māori wrasse, sharks of several varieties, clown fish, turtles, potato cod, and migrating humpback and minke whales.

Getting to Queensland 

One of the best ways to get to Cairns is to fly via Singapore. I left London Heathrow on the morning flight and had sufficient connection time in Singapore before my flight to Cairns. Singapore’s Changi Airport has so much to offer with a huge range of shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery. You can enjoy free movie theatres, gaming zones, and comfortable lounges. There’s even a butterfly garden. It’s the perfect airport for a stopover.

When to visit North Queensland 

North Queensland is a tropical region, and the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. I visited in May, which is the very beginning of the dry season, and enjoyed a mixture of rain and sunshine. The rain didn’t prevent me from enjoying any of the tours and activities. As May is a transitional month, the prices haven’t yet switched to full peak rates, making it a wonderfully affordable time to travel.

Visiting North Queensland in the dry season (May to October) 

This is the most popular time to visit, especially during the European school summer holidays. The weather is typically sunny and dry, with lower humidity and temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). 

The dry season is perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving, and exploring the Great Barrier Reef, as well as hiking in the rainforests. It’s also a good time to see a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds and marine life. 

What’s more, several events and festivals occur during this period, including the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in July and the Townsville Cultural Fest in August.

Visiting North Queensland in the wet season (November to April) 

This period sees higher temperatures (often above 30°C/86°F), high humidity, and significant rainfall. Tropical storms and cyclones are more likely, although they aren’t regular. 

While some activities might be limited due to weather conditions, this is a great time for seeing waterfalls and lush rainforest scenery. However, marine stingers (jellyfish) are more prevalent, so you’ll need stinger suits for swimming. 

The wet season is breeding time for many species, so wildlife can be more active. Bird watching can be particularly rewarding.

Choosing when to visit 

If you are particularly interested in seeing certain wildlife or participating in specific activities, please contact us and we can advise the best time of year to visit. If you plan to visit during the middle of the wet season, it's best to allow some extra time, just in case any activities need to be re-scheduled due to rain. There are some amazing accommodation offers during the wetter months and plenty of sunshine too!

Where to stay in North Queensland 

To take full advantage of the variety of areas and activities in Tropical North Queensland, I would advise spending at least 7 days in the region. You can choose to split your time between Cairns and Port Douglas or just use one of these cities as a base. Most of the activities are accessible from both Cairns and Port Douglas, so you’ll be within reach of the main highlights wherever you stay. 

In Cairns, I highly recommend staying at the Crystalbrook Riley, on the northern end of the iconic Esplanade. It has a laid-back resort feel with lots of playful touches and an excellent in-house restaurant specialising in Asian food. 

In Port Douglas, Peppers Beach Club and Resort is a great option, with airy décor and lush tropical gardens. Located a short walk from Four Mile Beach, its position is unbeatable.

For something seriously special, I also recommend splashing out on a stay at Silky Oaks Lodge, one of the beautiful Luxury Lodges of Australia. Sitting above the Mossman River, deeply immersed in the rainforest, it’s home to 40 stunning tree-house style suites. The Treehouse Restaurant offers one of Australia most celebrated dining experiences against an unbelievable rainforest backdrop. It’s somewhere that will stay with you forever.

What to do in Tropical North Queensland 

I recommend booking certain activities in advance, such as sunset sailing trips, snorkelling tours, and Daintree Rainforest experiences. This way, you don’t run the risk of tours being fully booked. There are so many amazing things to do in the region, that it’s best to map out your time before you arrive. You don’t want to miss anything while you’re here! 

Take a stroll Cairns Esplanade 

I recommend starting your trip with a leisurely walk along the Esplanade, a waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the Coral Sea. There are a variety of great restaurants along the way and bars to stop in for a sundowner (or two). A couple of my favourite restaurants were Paper Crane Restaurant at Crystalbrook Riley, and Tamarind Restaurant at Cairns’ Reef Hotel Casino. If you’re after something more informal, there are also some great value options in the Night Market.

Atherton Tablelands 

For a contrast to the coastal scenery, try taking a panoramic day tour up to the Atherton Tablelands. First, you’ll stop in at Lake Barrine to spot wildlife and grab a delicious scone at the Tea House. Next, you’ll set off in search of the elusive platypus at Yungaburra and take a swim at Lake Eacham. Finally, you’ll head to Malanda, where you can see the rare Lumholtz Tree Kangaroos, visit the nearby waterfall, and see an ancient fig tree - a true rainforest survivor.

Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail 

It’s worth making a day trip to the quaint village of Kuranda via the Scenic Railway and return via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for breath taking views over the rainforest canopy. This is one of the most popular activities in the area, and you’ll quickly see why! The scenery is simply astounding. You can also stop at Barron Falls and drink in the view from the gorgeous lookout point.

Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest 

One of the best ways to explore Daintree and Mossman Gorge is by taking a full-day Back Country Bliss nature tour. You’ll start the day at a secret location on the Mossman River for a one-of-a-kind River Drift Experience exploring a private section of rainforest river. You’ll float down the river, soaking up the scenery and keeping your eyes peeled for turtles, water dragons and the elusive platypus. 

After a tasty lunch at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, you’ll enjoy a traditional Kuku Yalanji smoking ceremony, where you’ll be cleansed of bad spirits and be daubed with traditional rainforest body paint. The tour explores the Daintree National Park at an easy pace, ending with an interpretive 1.5hr walk that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the UNESCO World Heritage rainforest.

Four Mile Beach 

A stunning stretch of the Port Douglas coastline, this is one of the most popular beaches in the region. The beach is characterised by its wide expanse of soft golden sand, which is perfect for running, long walks, swimming, or sunbathing. It’s a beautiful spot to spend golden hour or, if you’re an early rise, try taking a sunrise dip.

Sunset Cruise 

If you are staying in Port Douglas, I highly recommend a sunset cruise. Experience an exhilarating twilight sail on board the luxury ‘Lagoon’. Soak up the peace and tranquillity of a tropical Sunset over the Coral Sea with spectacular mountain views whilst enjoying a few drinks and canapes. Afterwards, I headed to Salsa Bar & Grill for dinner, which is very popular with locals and tourists in Port Douglas. The atmosphere is great, and the food is delicious!

The Great Barrier Reef 

Last, but certainly not least, no trip to North Queensland would be complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many different options available, with departures from both Cairns and Port Douglas. You’ll need at least one full day to really enjoy the experience.

 It’s worth including a helicopter flight over the reef so that you can see it from above. The colours are mind-blowing! There are some fantastic options for snorkelling or diving. Anyone who would prefer not to get wet can enjoy the reef from a glass bottom boat or take a submersible tour.

My thoughts about visiting Tropical North Queensland

Northern Queensland offers a hugely diverse landscape that makes it a perfect holiday destination for every type of tourist. Whether you're a honeymooner seeking romantic seclusion or a family looking for adventure, this region has something for everyone. No matter your travel style, you'll find something to fall in love with. 

For couples, the tropical beaches of the Whitsundays provide a romantic setting, where you can explore secluded islands, enjoy private picnics on pristine sands, and dive into colourful coral gardens. 

Families will find endless fun with activities like snorkelling, rainforest walks, and wildlife encounters. The Daintree Rainforest and Kuranda Scenic Railway offer immersive experiences, while Cairns serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures, from reef tours to skydiving. It has everything you could wish for, and more!

Ready to plan your trip to North Queensland? 

We’ve been creating unforgettable multi-centre holidays to Australia for over two decades, so you can trust us to really know our stuff. We’ll help you plan the North Queensland holiday of a lifetime, with unique accommodation, cultural experiences and wonderful wildlife encounters. To get started, simply give us a call on 1273 320 580 or send us a quote request by email. 

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