Tropical North Queensland is known for many things, like it’s pristine beaches, idyllic weather, and being of the best holiday destinations in Australia. It’s also known as the home to two of the world’s most stunning natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics, which means that there are certain experiences that you can only do in this part of the world.
Today, we’re going to talk about some of these amazing unique experiences you can have at these World Heritage listed sites, but before we do, here’s some background information about the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest.
What you need to know about the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics
If there is one thing that Far North Queensland is known for, it’s the natural beauty of the region and the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics are a large part of this.
The Wet Tropics rainforests covers an area of almost 9,000 square kilometres in the northeast of Queensland and is made up of some of the most unique and diverse landscapes and plant species. The Wet Tropics is also home to one of the world’s most famous rainforests, the Daintree, as well as various plants and animals that date back to the time of the dinosaurs. As you can imagine, with it covering an area so large, there are a lot of things to see and lots of different ways to do so.
The Great Barrier Reef is arguably Australia’s most popular tourist destination, with millions of people visiting it each year. It covers an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres and can be seen from outer space. It’s also home to hundreds of species of fish, coral, and all kinds of sea life. Like the Wet Tropics, the things to see and do are almost endless at the Great Barrier Reef.
Unique Ways to Experience These Natural Attractions
If you’ve ever wanted to see either the Wet Tropics or the Great Barrier Reef, there are so many ways that you can do so – from relaxing jaunts to adrenaline fuelled adventures, no matter your taste, there is always something to suit your style. Here are some unique things you can experience at these World Heritage Listed sites.
The Wet Tropics
Take a Dreamtime walk in the world’s oldest rainforest
Far North Queensland has a rich indigenous history with the Kuku Yalanji people being the traditional landowners. You can learn about their lives and culture in various ways, including by taking a Dreamtime walk with an Indigenous Tour Guide at Mossman Gorge. Mossman Gorge is known as being the gateway to the Daintree rainforest and offers visitors an easy way to get a glimpse of the magical world of the Wet Tropics rainforests. As part of the Dreamtime walk experience, you will be able to take part in a traditional smoking ceremony to ward off bad spirits, as well as learn about the Indigenous connection to the land and even how they use various plants as food and medicines.
Discover a new species of flora or fauna
While you may not discover a brand-new species when you’re in the Wet Tropics, you are more than likely to see a different kind of animal or plant that you won’t have seen before and will not see anywhere else. That’s because the Wet Tropics is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, meaning that there are a lot of different kinds of species of life there, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. This is one of the reasons the site has been Heritage listed. Some of the plants you’ll only find here are the Kuranda quandong, which is a large tree that has pink flowers and edible fruit. A type of animal that can only be found in this part of the world is the Southern Cassowary – an endangered, flightless bird. The Southern Cassowary is important for the Wet Tropics as it helps to disperse the seeds of many of the plants of the forest. Depending on where you decide to venture into the Wet Tropics you might see some of these plants and animals.
Swim in Freshwater Swimming Holes and Waterfalls
If you make your way into the Wet Tropics, you must take some time out to marvel at the majesty of one of the many hundreds of waterfalls in the area. Many of the waterfalls have safe swimming areas and are easily accessible. You can cool off from a day of adventure. Read our guide on the best waterfalls and swimming holes of the region here.
The Great Barrier Reef
Learn to scuba dive in the world’s largest coral reef
Why not try scuba diving for the first time in one of the most spectacular underwater places in the world? In Tropical North Queensland, there are a number of different tour companies and options available for people with all kinds of experience with scuba diving. From first timers to pros, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most sought-after dive locations in the world. You can also opt for short tours or scuba trips over a few days.
Spend a day on a sand cay in the middle of the ocean
If you want to swim, dive, snorkel and just relax in the gorgeous tropical environment of the Coral Sea, then a day trip to a sand cay is the way to go. You can take a luxury catamaran to some of the most secluded coral cays and spend your day exploring the waters, relaxing in the sun, and just enjoying paradise. Learn more about these sand cay experiences here.
Meet and greet sea turtles
If you’re an animal lover and a lover of the water, then a visit to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Fitzroy Island might be on the cards. A great day trip from Palm Cove, you can take a ferry out to the island and visit the Turtle Rehab centre, where you can learn about the amazing work done at the centre as well as meet the turtles who are patients at the moment. The centre has been set up to provide a place for sick and injured sea turtles to recover, with the aim being to release them back into their natural habitat when back to full health. A rewarding and insightful experience.
Enjoy a unique stay at the Reef House in Palm Cove
If you’re visiting Tropical North Queensland, you’re going to need somewhere to stay, especially if you’re planning on visiting the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics. The Reef House is the ideal place to stay. Located in Palm Cove, which sits halfway between Port Douglas and Cairns, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this seaside village while also being in very close proximity to both the Reef and the rainforests.
Our adults only boutique hotel offers luxurious accommodations and arrange of signature experiences that you cannot have anywhere else. We can even help you plan your activities and experiences in the region. Learn more about what you can do when you stay at the Reef House here.
