Far North Queensland

Far North Queensland is home to some of the most beautiful natural environments on the planet. Few regions on earth can boast the claim that this is where the rainforest meets the reef. The top end of the state is arguably home to Australia’s A-list of natural attractions.

While the region has several geographical interpretations, indisputably, Far North Queensland takes in Cairns, Port Douglas, Cooktown, up to Cape York in the north and to the border of the Northern Territory in the west.

Many would rightfully claim that Far North Queensland is Australia’s natural playground. With the Great Barrier Reef as the obvious big attraction, the region also boasts the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, Atherton Tableland and Cape York Peninsula among others.

From the city of Cairns, you can ride the rainforest cableway to Kuranda Village and take in the Barron Gorge, the Barron Falls, the world’s largest butterfly sanctuary, Kuranda markets and an aboriginal dance theatre. The Kuranda Scenic Rail tour is one of the oldest railway lines in Queensland and is testimony to the pioneering spirit of Australia.

Most visitors to Far North Queensland would head north from Cairns and take in the awesome natural splendour that is the Great Barrier Reef. As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the reef attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

The other natural wonder of the region is the Daintree Rainforest. Estimated to be over 135 million years old, there are more rare species of animals and plants in this rainforest than anywhere else in the world.

Other popular destinations of Far North Queensland that are worth exploring include Atherton Tablelands with its rainforests, volcano plateau, crater lakes, waterfalls and limestone caves. Cape York Peninsula with it famous cattle stations, aboriginal reserves, rock art and crocodiles are ideal to explore with a four-wheel drive.

The weather in Far North Queensland is warm all year round with the most popular time for visitors being the winter months, which is approximately May to August.