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Cairns

Destination guide

Cairns and Tropical North Queensland

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Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
Boyd’s forest dragon – not only camouflaged; they seldom move.

Forget kangaroos: These charming creatures are Australia’s true animal icons

They’re small, silent and camouflaged, which makes hunting forest dragons in Tropical North Queensland unexpectedly thrilling.

  • by Brian Johnston
Aerial view of Sunlover Reef Cruise moored at Moore Reef pontoon
Destination guide
Tropical North Queensland

Cairns and Tropical North Queensland

Your guide to where to stay, eat and the must-see highlights. From the world’s oldest rainforest to a buzzing culinary scene and natural highlights galore.

The lush Cardwell Spa Pool is seriously enticing.

10 undiscovered Cairns highlights that most visitors miss

From natural rock waterslides to historic castles, this tropical spot’s lesser-known experiences can be as rewarding as the big ticket ones.

  • by Angela Saurine
Swim with turtles or enjoy a waterside picnic at Mossman Gorge.

Cairns must-do highlights in three days

From serene river dips to Zumba on a lagoon, this 72-hour itinerary packs in some surprisingly fun experiences.

  • by Angela Saurine
Where’s the sand? Not in Cairns. You’ll have to go a little further north.

20 things that will surprise first-time visitors to Cairns

As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is one of Australia’s best-known tourist destinations. But there are many misconceptions about this holiday favourite.

  • by Angela Saurine
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The ultra-exclusive Lizard Island Resort is one of Queensland’s, if not Australia’s, most luxurious stays.

The best places to stay in Cairns

A $600 million investment has transformed this Far North Queensland gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

  • by Angela Saurine
Nu Nu is widely regarded as one of the region’s best restaurants.

The best places to eat and drink in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland

The “rainforest to the reef” mantra is one you’ll hear repeatedly during your time in Queensland’s tropical north.

  • by Angela Saurine
Visitors can sample the region’s best culinary delights in winter at Taste Port Douglas.

The best times to visit Cairns and Tropical North Queensland

There’s never a bad time to holiday in this region. But there is one important factor to consider when venturing to this part of the world: stinger season.

  • by Angela Saurine
Cairns Terminal 2 has well-designed layout, which allows for good passenger flow.

Airport review: Cairns T2 Domestic Terminal

Thanks to a $55 million terminal upgrade, Cairn's bright and breezy terminal instantly connects visitors with Tropical North Queensland.

  • by Kerry van der Jagt
The new Hands on Country tour with Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours is a memorable experience.

Cairns Indigenous experience tour: A must-do in Australia's tropical playground

I always try to connect to a place by doing something local and, hopefully, memorable.

  • by Lee Tulloch