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North Queensland

Tropical north Queensland leads the world as a safe holiday destination with awesome natural attractions that are among the world’s leaders in their field. The major city in the region as far as tourism is concerned, is Cairns and there are a number of satellite towns and regions that are of particular interest to the international traveler. Cairns has developed a tourist infrastructure that caters for every ones needs, no matter what the want to see and do.

The Great Barrier Reef is by far the biggest draw card for visitors to north Queensland. It can be accessed from every coastal town in the region and there are many activities you can enjoy that are related to the reef itself. The diving industry in Cairns is one of its largest. There are several companies that provide tuition and many that provide both day tours or extended expeditions to both local and remote diving spots. The day tour market to the Great Barrier Reef is huge with thousands of visitors travelling out every day on a huge variety of charter boats. Some of the larger ones maintain permanent platforms on the reef itself. Tours can be accessed from Palm Cove, Cairns, Townsville and Port Douglas. Cooktown is also famous for its extended trips and fishing charters.

The Daintree rainforest is probably the second biggest tourist attraction in the north Queensland region. It lies north of Port Douglas and south of Cooktown, in the Cape Tribulation region. This is one of the largest remaining virgin rainforests left in the world and the Daintree region has a number of resorts that allow you to stay right in the middle of it and enjoy this unique experience. Port Douglas is the favorite destination for the affluent traveler seeking luxury accommodation and a sophisticated atmosphere. It is close to everything and day tours leave regularly for both the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforests and the Atherton Tablelands. Islands in the region with quality resorts on them include Lizard Island and Dunk island

Cairns, being the largest city in the region, also has the most accommodation on offer and there are dozens of international standard hotels and apartment style resorts to choose from. It also has an international airport and regular flights arrive and depart from Cairns for all corners of the globe. No matter where you are coming from, make this far north Queensland travel guide one of the essential parts of your Australian holiday booking itinerary.