Cairns is the gateway to some of the most unique and incredible natural attractions found in the world and provides a fantastic base to enjoy the huge range of activities and experiences that this region offers. A youthful and buzzing city, Cairns offers a wide range of accommodation, dining and entertainment options (an ex “I’m a celebrity” contestant, Peter Andre, owns a nightclub here and his brother owns a restaurant too in fact!). Heading north from Cairns you can also discover the popular ‘boutique’ resort towns of Palm Cove and Port Douglas, or smaller beach resorts like Trinity beach, popular hangouts for celebrities and ‘mere mortals’ alike! You can certainly live like a celebrity at one of the many opulent rainforest and beach resorts and spas, book your own private beach or rainforest villa or get back to nature in a simple rainforest bungalow.

Wherever you choose to base yourself, you’ll need to allow ample time to enjoy the huge diversity of experiences on offer and ensure you build in some chill out time too, relaxing by the pool or beach or sampling one of the stunning spa resorts perhaps

*the above video features footage from the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region and throughout Queensland

Your choices are endless...

Explore ancient tropical rainforests in a 4WD safari, head out to the reef and snorkel or dive in the aqua blue waters teeming with colourful fish. This region is also the only place in the world where two World Heritage areas meet - the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s most ancient rainforest, the Daintree.

Enjoy hot air ballooning with an incredible view… spot kangaroos as the sun comes up and then enjoy a delicious champagne breakfast.

Take a ride on the famous Kuranda Railway and board an old steam train which winds up mountain ranges, past waterfalls and through rainforest to the quaint mountain village of Kuranda. From here you can wander through markets or head out even further to explore the hidden waterfalls and mountain villages of the Atherton Tablelands. For a truly scenic way to head back to Cairns, a journey onboard the Kuranda Scenic Skyrail provides a stunning way to travel over rainforest canopies and waterfalls, and down the side of the mountain range with views out to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

The drive north from Cairns takes you on one of Australia’s most scenic drives with the beach and reef literally right on the side of the road. Once you’ve reached the rainforest you can choose to see where rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation, experience the cooling tranquility of Mossman Gorge or take a croc spotting tour along the Daintree River.

This region stretches right to the tip of Australia, to Cape York, where you will find a vast remote region rich in authentic indigenous culture and wildlife aplenty. Listen to the ancient dreamtime stories of the local aboriginal peoples, learn about bush foods and medicine or give back to nature and help rescue stranded baby turtles on the Cape York Peninsular.

And you might be surprised, but this region also has Outback to discover. Within a 3 hours drive from Cairns you can be having your real Aussie Outback experience, chatting with friendly locals in a historic pub, fossicking for all kinds of precious gems, exploring hidden Outback oasis’s and exploring underground lava tubes.

Whether you’re looking for an indulgent break or a life changing adventure, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience!