A First-Timers Guide to Tropical North Queensland

If you’re just about to embark on your first visit to Tropical North Queensland or you’re thinking about planning a trip, then you’re probably looking for some of the must-do activities and must-see attractions of this unique holiday destination.

Queensland is known as the Sunshine State – and it’s very clear why. Sunny, blue skies are an almost everyday occurrence. And while the weather is one of the draw cards for people looking for a relaxing holiday, there is a lot more to Queensland than just the beautiful weather.

Today, we’re going to focus on the area of Tropical North Queensland and give you some ideas of the activities and attractions you should see on your first visit. But, before we give away all of our secrets, let’s talk a little more about Tropical North Queensland first.

 

About Tropical North Queensland

Tropical North Queensland, also known as Far North Queensland, is essentially the top area of Queensland, from Cardwell in the South to the Torres Strait at the top tip of the state. It extends West to the border of Queensland and the Northern Territory and covers a vast array of terrain.

While this part of Australia is well known for its rainforests, beaches and of course the Reef, the diversity of the landscape means that there are extraordinary animals, natural landscape attractions and incredible produce grown in the region. This diversity makes for amazing exploration opportunities, and no matter your interests or tastes, you’re bound to find something that you’re going to love.

And just to touch on the weather, in summer the average temperature usually hovers around the 30 degrees Celsius mark, while in winter it drops to the mid-twenties. The summer period is known as the ‘wet season’, with summer rain making the rainforests luscious and the waterfalls aplenty, and even though it’s called the wet season, don’t let that put you off – you can learn more about visiting in the wet season here. In winter, with beautiful warm temperatures and a sun that still shines, this part of Australia is a very popular holiday destination, particularly for people living in other areas of Australia. You can find out some of the best winter activities for the area here.

 

What to do during your first time in TNQ

With gorgeous weather and natural beauty all around you, we wouldn’t blame you if you spent your whole time just basking in the glow of the tropical sun the entire time, but there are certainly some amazing opportunities and experiences at your fingertips. Here are some of the must-dos when you’re in TNQ.

 

Discover the Great Barrier Reef

Easily one of the world’s most well-known natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef should not be missed when you visit Tropical North Queensland.

The Reef stretches from the Cape York Peninsula in the North all the way down to the Bundaberg area in the South. It’s around 2,300km in length and covers an area of 348,700 square kilometres. It also encompasses more than 3,000 individual reefs, 600 continental islands and 300 sand cays, and it is also home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 600 different types of corals, and many different marine animals.

As you can imagine, there is a lot to see when it comes to the Great Barrier Reef, and a lot of different ways that you can see it. You can see it from below the surface of the water, with snorkelling and scuba diving tour options, you can enjoy it from the surface, with glass bottomed boat rides and sailing trips, you can see it from a bird’s eye view with scenic flights and helicopter rides, you can even see it from various tropical islands and animal sanctuaries in the region. So, whether you’re really interested in the wildlife of the Reef, you’re perhaps a thrill seeker, or maybe you want to see the Reef but not actually get wet doing so, there is most certainly an option for you.

You can discover some of the tour options available to you here.

 

Live like the locals

Each of the towns, cities and villages of Tropical North Queensland has something to offer visitors. From delicious locally grown and sourced produce to community activities, just spending your day exploring how the locals live will keep you entertained.

If you’re staying with us here at Reef House in Palm Cove, spending your day in the village not only offers you boutique shopping and delicious meals, but you’re also faced with a picturesque view at all turns. We also have bicycles that guests can use throughout the day to explore the area. And if you’re here on the first Sunday of the month, you can visit the Palm Cove markets held on Williams Esplanade.

Palm Cove is also a very short drive from larger cities like Cairns and Port Douglas which make for great day trips to explore the local area and attractions there too.

 

Immerse yourself in nature

As we touched on earlier, one of the things Tropical North Queensland is known for is the rainforests, and like the Great Barrier Reef, it’s for a very good reason – the rainforests are a spectacular sight to see.

Brimming with unique flora and fauna, the Wet Tropics of Queensland is a World Heritage listed site and is actually the world’s oldest continuous surviving rainforest.

The Wet Tropics has a number of different precincts, each with their own unique landscapes, and covers an area of approximately 894,420 hectares. The Daintree Rainforest, perhaps the most famous rainforest in the world, is also in the Wet Tropics.

There are a variety of ways to explore the rainforest too, from guided tours to solo exploration, you can take 4WD journeys, you can hike and camp throughout, you can swim in freshwater swimming holes, you can marvel at the waterfalls that are spotted throughout, you can even soar above the canopy in a gondola.

The unique natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland is certainly worth taking some time out to explore.

 

Beach Daze

With glorious weather and a coastline that is home to some of the most enviable beaches on Earth, dedicating some time to the beach, even if it is only an afternoon, will not disappoint.

The gentle waters of the Coral Sea lap the shoreline of the region and make for a great place to take a quick dip. In Palm Cove you can enjoy the local beach, which is actually just across the Esplanade and directly in front of our property.

You can take in the postcard perfect scenery, soak in the rays of the sun, and even enjoy a beach picnic packed by the Reef House.

And if you’re keen on beach hopping, we’ve put together some information about some of the beaches nearby Palm Cove.

 

Revel in relaxation

Rejuvenation and relaxation are on the cards in Tropical North Queensland, particularly here in Palm Cove. Dubbed as the ‘Spa Capital” of Australia, our seaside village boasts some of the most spectacular spas that you can enjoy a variety of treatments at.

While you are spoilt for choice in terms of spas to choose from, we think you can’t go past the Reef House Day Spa.

Our award-winning spa provides an array of unique treatments and rituals, each designed with your wellness at the forefront. Our highly experienced spa team members can work with you to create the ideal spa sojourn to suit your needs.

Some of the treatments available include massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures, so whatever you desire can be achieved. We also use Australian-made Waterlily Botanical products and Phytomer Marine products in our treatment – the Reef House Day Spa is the only spa in Queensland to offer Phytomer treatments.

Just make sure you book your treatment ahead of time because the Reef House Day Spa is a popular option.

 

Where to stay?

If you’re travelling to Tropical North Queensland, then we may be a little bit biased, but we suggest coming to stay with us here at the Reef House.

Our beachfront boutique hotel is an adult only holiday destination located halfway between Cairns and Port Douglas. It’s easy to get to with such close proximity to Cairns, but far enough away that you honestly feel like you’re a million miles away.

We offer a variety of tropical escapes and holiday packages, so whether you’re looking for a one-night getaway or a 7-night escape, there is something for you.

You can even plan your ideal trip by talking with our Escape Planning Specialists.

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