Cairns & Surrounds

So about that tropical rainforest you have heard so much about – it’s called the Daintree Rainforest, and it’s the oldest rainforest in the world. In fact, the wet tropics up here are 80 million years older than the Amazon. Though there’s no dinosaurs, there are some relatives of them which are still breathing, such as the cassowary and crocodiles. The saltwater crocodiles living in the Daintree are the largest known to man, growing up to be 6m hyper-carnivorous beasts.

It’s also home to Cape Tribulation, a gorgeous beach with a tragic past, and the only place in the world where two World Heritage Sites meet – the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef. No trip to the Daintree is complete without see the tropical Cape Tribulation. With so many different mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants this place is the modern day equivalent to the Ark. Attenborough calls it the most extraordinary place on Earth.

Dramatic. Dividing. Jaw dropping. We’re talking about the Atherton Tablelands of course. As part of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland, this area is full of remarkable mountains, jaw dropping views, and luscious waterfalls that are all set 1000m above the Great Barrier Reef. Babinda Boulders and Lake Eacham offers refreshing dips surrounded by luscious nature, and Milla Milla Falls is sure to take your breath away. Amongst the volcanic crater lakes, forests, and wetlands, you can also find an abundance of cuteness and fluffiness. Tree kangaroos, king parrots, and platypus all like to call the tablelands home. With a cooler climate than much of the tropical, why not add some contrast to your trip and check out the Atherton Tablelands.

It’s bigger than the UK. Bigger than Switzerland. It’s bigger than the Netherlands. In fact, the Great Barrier Reef is bigger than all three combined. It’s actually a whopping 2,300km long. To give some context to this, that means it stretches approximately the same length as the coastline from Vancouver to Mexico. You can see why they call it great.

Home to over 400 types of coral, 1600 species of fish, six out of seven turtle species, 30 species of whale and dolphin, and one of the most important dugong populations on the planet, this place has a more complex ecosystem than anywhere else on earth.

We have a bunch of epic tours that take you out to the reef, from chilled snorkelling day tours, first time scuba diving, or liveaboard adventures – we have it all. Check out some of the best ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef below.

One of the last great surprises that exist on the east coast, Mission Beach. Secret swimming holes, dreamy vibes, genuine charm, and voted one of the best skydives in Oceania. Famed for being one of the most scenic jump locations in the world, you’ll be accompanied on your way down with stretches of beach that seem to last forever with lush tablelands and rainforest.

A little bit of Hamptons, a little bit of Florida Keys, but this tropical haven remains undeniably Australian. Nowhere blends cruisy thongs and T-shirt lifestyle with upscale elegance quite like Port Douglas (Diju). One minute, you could be wandering through the Sunday markets sipping a coconut or local cane juice and the next, it’s margaritas and tapas on a breezy verandah as the sun sets over the marina. Situated north of Cairns and acting as a gateway to the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas is the quieter alternative to the city, but has a wide range international flavour to it.

Though it is small, Port Douglas offers heaps to do whether you are looking for a short vacation, extended holiday, or a great spot to bust out your regional work for you 462 visa holders. Walk the length of 4-Mile Beach, head out into nature to neighbouring waterfalls, find yourself a exquisite adult beverage at Barbados for sunset or at Jimmy Rum’s to feel like you are in a back alley bar in a city, take a catamaran sail around the peninsula, or hang out at Rex Smeal Park to check out the fire performers during the evening.