We acknowledge the Yirrganydji people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
North Queensland thrives during the summer months (December to March) as the region comes alive after restorative tropical rains. Visitors are lured into the season’s transformative embrace as nature swings into overdrive during the annual restorative season of renewal and rejuvenation.
SUMMER (DEC-FEB) Average Cairns temperatures: 23.6ºC / 31.4ºC
Summer in the tropics is when nature comes alive.
AUTUMN (MAR-MAY) Average Cairns temperatures: 21.6ºC / 29.2ºC
Let summer live on in Autumn in Tropical North Queensland.
SUMMER (DEC-FEB) Average Cairns temperatures: 23.6ºC / 31.4ºC
Summer in the tropics is when nature comes alive.
AUTUMN (MAR-MAY) Average Cairns temperatures: 21.6ºC / 29.2ºC
Let summer live on in Autumn in Tropical North Queensland.
Here are our top 10 reasons to visit Tropical North Queensland during the Rejuvenation Season.
See Barron Falls from the comfort of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Kuranda Scenic Railway or walk along the elevated rainforest boardwalk to the viewing platform at Kuranda. Millaa Millaa, Zillie and Elija Waterfalls are also well-known beautiful falls, but if you want to see the locals’ favourites, visit Mungalli, Nandroya, Windin, Josephine, Tchupala or Hartleys Falls.
Behana Gorge with its mammoth boulders and multi-level rock pools is reached after an easy 3km walk along a bitumen path. Crystal Cascades has rock pools linked by waterfalls alongside a shady grass area perfect for picnics. Stoney Creek and Old Weir Falls are at the start of a walking trail that rises steadily uphill to Glacier Rock where stunning views over Cairns and offshore islands are the reward for your sweat equity.
the absolute best time to savour the sights, sounds and smells of a tropical rainforest is after recent rains when it’s in full restorative mode. The rainforest literally drips with vibrant new life. Walk the boardwalk trails to see elegantly curved buttress roots with flanks the size of a small vehicle, delicate dangling ferns glistening with dew drops and multi-coloured fungi clinging to moss-draped logs, some of which glow iridescent in the shadowy recesses of the forest floor.
Turtles come ashore to lay their eggs between November and January, with hatchlings starting to emerge from nest from mid-January to March. Paddle a kayak to the islet known as Scouts Hat and look for turtles foraging on the reef.
Cassowaries have usually mated by November with young ‘stripey’ chicks staying close to their fathers. Look for cassowaries in the rainforests of Mission Beach, the Atherton Tablelands and the Daintree and on the beach at Etty Bay.
Saltwater crocodiles are mating, with males becoming particularly active as they look for a mate. Mating generally takes place during October and November with nesting occurring from December to April. Saltwater crocodiles are extremely dangerous. The best way to view them safely is at a wildlife park such as Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, wehre the daily Crocodile Attack Show mixes humour with entertainment and education.
Check in for the Signature Spa Ritual and allow two hours of ultimate pampering in tranquil surroundings. Allow the gentle hands of skilled therapists to exfoliate, cleanse, massage and rejuvenate your whole body during a sensory journey that will leave you floating on clouds for days afterwards.
Plantations are laden with fruit, streets are literally carpeted with fallen mangos and produce markets like Rusty’s Market is the place to pick up luscious locally grown mangoes, pineapples, paw paws, avocados, citrus, berries, and melons.
Participate in an Aqua Aerobic class in the Mineral Pool, where the rejuvenating tincture of rain on your skin is a warming elixir for the soul.
Almost 1,000m above sea level and with a noticeably cooler climate than the coastal plain, the Tablelands are all rolling green hills interspersed with dense pockets of ancient rainforest. Hastings and Bromfield Swamps offer exceptional birdwatching opportunities, visit Granite Gorge to see wild rock wallabies and look for platypus in the shallows of Lake Tinaroo near Yungaburra. Taste award-winning gin at Mt Uncle Distillery, fresh-baked scones at Lake Barrine Teahouse and pick up locally grown fruit and vegetables, macadamia nuts, tea, coffee, chocolates and dairy products from Tablelands towns or roadside ‘honesty’ stalls direct from the farmer.
Generally from November to March the trade winds subside and the Coral Sea is often as calm as a lake with mirror-like calm seas that reflect cotton wool cumulous clouds overhead. Underwater visibility is at its best, with exceptional clarity making for superb diving and snorkelling experiences. Early in the season, the largest synchronised coral spawning event in the natural world occurs – creating new life for future generations inhabiting the Great Barrier Reef.
Join a guided walk for an in-depth dive into the lifecycles of extraordinary tropical species, wander the Conservatory where tropical butterflies flutter amidst exotic orchids and the peculiar beauty of phallic-like carnivorous pitcher plants make it hard to look away. Stay for coffee or linger over lunch at the Café to admire oversized ginger and heliconia plants with their extraordinary blooms in hues ranging across sassy scarlets, charred oranges and the vivacity of sunflower yellows.
Join us this Rejuvenation Season and see the tropics come alive – we hope to see you soon.
Simply book an appointment and one of our Escape Planning Specialists will call you to assist with your holiday planning to Tropical North Queensland. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Simply book an appointment and one of our Escape Planning Specialists will call you to assist with your holiday planning to Tropical North Queensland. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
