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CAIRNS & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

Where rainforest meets reef, there are few places on Earth that can boast such unique natural attractions.

Wild, unspoilt and adventurous by nature, Tropical North Queensland is home to two World Heritage-listed natural wonders (Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest) and enough adventures to tick off the bucket list for even the most seasoned traveller.

The laid-back, tropical centres of Cairns and Port Douglas are major gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, also starting points for expeditions to the Gulf of Savannah and Cape York’s remote wilderness areas.

You’ll love the consistently warm temperatures, friendly people and their outdoor lifestyle. Kick back and relax on the beach, disconnect from the world and pamper yourself at a rainforest eco-resort, perhaps spend a week diving the reef, or race down the rapids of the Barron River, the opportunities are endless.

The natural environment is as diverse as the cultures making up this little slice of paradise.

Other Tropical North Queensland Destinations you may like:
> CAIRNS & ISLANDS     > TRINITY BEACH & PALM COVE     > PORT DOUGLAS



CAIRNS & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF ON SALE




Our best Cairns & Great Barrier Reef packages right now, created by our travel experts to offer you incredible holidays at serious value.
 

 


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Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef holiday planning articles


Are you planning your next trip to Tropical North Queesnland? Want to learn more about this destination? Or looking for ideas and inspiration for your next holiday? Here is where you can find our featured articles on Tropical North Queensland.

 




OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO EXPLORE IN CAIRNS & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF


Cairns © Tourism and Events Queensland
Cairns & Islands

Cairns is much more than the arrival gateway to Tropical North Queensland. In the mornings you can stroll down to the marina to watch the reef boats depart, then head to your favourite spot amidst the eateries, juice bars and ice-cream parlours that line the bustling Esplanade. The whole town has a colourful vibrancy that lasts from the early hours of the morning until late at night. You can share picnic tables and BBQ’s along the waterfront with tourists from all nations, or spend some time in the Esplanade’s 4800 square metre patrolled swimming pool. Cairns is a great embarkation point for the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling, scuba and sailing: it’s all so accessible, you’ll need a few extra days just to recover!

Palm Cove Tourism and Events Queensland 138580-3
Trinity Beach & Palm Cove

If you really want to take time out and enjoy the quiet life, then Trinity Beach is the place for you. It is a quiet, relaxed, beachside suburb just a 20 minute drive from Cairns. Enjoy a BBQ beachside, join the locals for a beer at a hotel with the best water views in town, cast a line from the shore or build a sand castle with the kids. If you feel like getting out and about, the central location makes it perfect for exploring the rest of Tropical North Queensland, you’re just 15 minutes from Palm Cove and 45 minutes from Port Douglas, or venture further to the Atherton Tablelands or Daintree Rainforest and be home in time for dinner.

Port Douglas
Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a relaxed seaside village that also serves as a jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, jetskiing: it’s all so accessible, you’ll need a few extra days in those day spas just to recover. Surprisingly, this little town is home to some world-class restaurants, fashionable boutiques, spas and exclusive accommodation. It’s actually hard to believe this once sleepy fishing village has developed into the cosmopolitan seaside village it is today. Its infectious laid-back charm will lure you back time and time again. Despite its relatively small population of 3000 residents, its attractions mean that at times it’s positively heaving with tourists, all keen to experience the reef and the rainforest.

 



SOME THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN CAIRNS & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF



Great Barrier Reef GREAT BARRIER REEF

One of the seven wonders of the natural world. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the world’s most beautiful sun-soaked golden beaches. You can swim, snorkel, dive and sail this living masterpiece.
Daintree Discovery Centre Tourism and Events Queensland 138808-3 DAINTREE RAINFOREST
 

Home of the world’s oldest surviving rainforest. Watch for the flash of blue that gives away the cassowary moving through the evergreen forest or discover tiny fish in cool freshwater pools. Explore on your own or with an expert guide ancient rainforests, stunning valleys, superb beaches and spectacular forest-clad mountains.
KSR passing Stoney Creek Falls aerial KURANDA
 

Located in the heart of the World Heritage-Listed Wet Tropics, is a relaxed way to experience the rainforest without having to get your shoes too dirty. The Kuranda Scenic railway offers a spectacular journey for those are ready to step into the past and along the pathway of the pioneers of Northern Queensland.
aboriginal-cultural-village2 TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURE PARK
 
Discover where Australia begins at Tjapukai. Explore the rich history of the world’s oldest living culture, dating back over 40,000 years. The perfect way to gain a deeper understanding of Australia’s diverse Aboriginal heritage.
Trinity Beach1 TRINITY BEACH
 

Walk the rocky coastal walk that winds around the southern headland, with gorgeous views back towards Cairns and you may even spot a turtle popping its head up on calmer days.
Four Mile Beach FOUR MILE BEACH

Soak up the sun while the kids enjoy the gentle surf break. Patrolled year round with loads of fun activities on offer.



TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND ACCOMMODATION


Here's a taste of some of our favourite hotels and resorts in Tropical North Queensland
Come in-store or send us an enquiry to help us find the best accommodation for you.

Southern Cross Atrium
Shopping Lovers
SOUTHERN CROSS ATRIUM APARTMENTS
★★★★
Enjoy this fantastic location, right next to the largest shopping mall in Cairns. Built in an atrium style, winding around the three on-site pools, the property has great facilities including BBQ areas, gym and spa. All rooms have a private balcony or courtyard, complete with a full kitchen or kitchenette so you are all set for a relaxing holiday.
Mantra Amphora
Unwind in Beauty
MANTRA AMPHORA
 ★★★★

Across the road from the beach, enjoy an early morning dip in the Coral Sea or bask in the sun beside the swimming lagoon pool with its coves and nooks shaded by trees. All rooms and apartments have balconies with garden or ocean views, giving you the perfect space to kick back and relax as the sun disappears.
Mantra PortSea
Endless Relaxation Spots
MANTRA PORTSEA
 ★★★★

When you first step into the lobby you’ll immediately slip into holiday mode with the timber ceiling fans, white washed buildings and soothing sounds of cascading water. Just 100 metres from the beach, the resort is set around three swimming pools, a waterslide, spas and waterfalls all linked by a central lagoon.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
Beachfront Bliss
SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT PORT DOUGLAS
 ★★★★★
If you want absolute beachfront and upscale luxury, then this recently transformed oasis of luxury is the only option, just a few minutes drive or a stroll along Four Mile Beach from the village of Port Douglas. This haven has two hectares of swimmable lagoon pools, complete with sandy shores all set within 147 hectares of lush tropical garden.






WE'RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU ALONG THE WAY



This is just a taste of the information and advice we have available through our House of Travel consultants.
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