Tropical North Region Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

Train buffs take note. The Savannahlander is one of tropical North Queensland's unusual rail journeys.

It runs from Cairns to Forsayth overnighting in Almaden. It traces an important railway system that was developed by John Moffat as part of his vast mining empire in the late 1800s. By 1910, the Cairns to Chillagoe line was connected to the Etheridge gold fields so the private rail link from Forsayth-Almaden became an important rail junction. Imagine the treasure trove of riches uncovered in this mineral-rich land during those times.

Gold at Etheridge and Hodgkinson, copper at Mt Garnet and Mt Molloy, tin at Irvinebank and Stannary Hills, tin and silver at Emuford, silver and wolfram at Petford and coal at Mt Mulligan fuelling the Chillagoe smelter.

Australia truly was - and is - the lucky country. With these riches beneath the ground, it was sitting at the end of the rainbow. Almaden is a small community with some homes following the rail link. While some travellers head to Chillagoe's limestone cave tours by bus, others take the time to overnight at Almaden.

A slower pace does bring its own rewards. The Railway Hotel is a classic outback hotel, well maintained and presented. There's simple but comfortable accommodation, meals and takeaways and Nan is renowned for her pies. What more could you ask - every Aussie's wish.

Walk to the back of the hotel to see Nan's other passion - gardening. There is a micro tropical environment with lush palms, epiphytes and lawns. Locals refer to the community as Cow Town as cattle often camp along the streets in unfenced areas.

Atherton is the 'capital' of the lovely Tropical Tablelands, a land of beautiful lakes, waterfalls, rich red soil and tropical rainforest. Here the temperature is cooler, the pace is slower and there is a feeling of relaxation in the air.

The rich Tableland area is famous for producing peanuts, maize and potatoes. The area also has a number of natural attractions such as the Curtain Fig Tree, Millaa Millaa Falls, crater lakes and amazing rock formations.

Atherton is ideally situated as a base to explore most places of interest in the Tablelands area. Accommodation varies from old Queensland style hotels to bed and breakfasts, rainforest retreats, caravan parks and backpacker hostels.

Atherton is about an hour and twenty minutes' drive south-west of Cairns.

Aurukun is a local authority, one of two Aboriginal communities in Queensland which is not governed by a Deed of Grant in Trust. The key reason to visit Aurukun, apart from supplies, is the wonderful Art Centre which supplies galleries all over Australia.

Have a look at the white board where orders are waiting to be filled - you will be impressed. Aurukun art work is well represented in Brisbane's Queensland Art Gallery with the Cape York collection. On site here you can see traditional carvers and basket weavers. You can talk to artists and get an up-close dose of culture. The air-conditioned exhibition area has pieces on display.

You must plan a journey to Aurukun so you can be out before sundown so you don't contravene the Council's 'no camping' policy.

The access road into Arukun community is a main road but all other roads are Council roads which require permission to access. While Aurukun has a shop, fuel outlet, medical centre and police station, do not expect to visit the Gulf of Carpentaria. There is no public access to the ocean.

The community's site close to the Ward, Archer and Watson Rivers offers future tourism potential. Three Rivers Tavern is subject to rules of an alcohol management plan as is the carrying of alcohol into the community. Please carefully abide by these rules before entering Aurukun.

Ayton is a good spot to revive your spirits. Strategically placed on the Cooktown to Cape Tribulation road known as The Bloomfield Track there's a store, cafe, takeaway, campground and accommodation.

Head down to the beautiful hidden treasure of Weary Bay beach your worries will be washed away. Hire a dinghy or use a boatman to take you to secluded Cedar Bay National Park for isolated camping.

Yachts anchor on the wide river, an irregular air service flies to Pepper Bloomfield Lodge across the Bay. Ayton was originally established as a service centre for a burgeoning sugar plantation in 1882.

Northern Queensland's first sugar mill was built and a narrow gauged rail line linked old Ayton wharf. Provisions were transported by far north Queensland's first locomotive for export by sea.

At one time hundreds of workers were employed English, Chinese, Italian and Japanese and local Kuku Yalanji people. Ayton thrived, selections were taken up by entrepreneurial families and Torres Strait trepang and trochus hunters settled here. But by 1897 it came crashing down because of high costs. Operations were sold and moved to Bundaberg.

Determined to squeeze money from the land, 'red gold' or Red Cedar was the next industry. Cutting began in 1890 with horse teams dragging logs to a riverbank chute. Rafts were floated downstream and taken by vessel to Townsville. The wood ended up at the gold rich city of Charters Towers, lining the floors of wealthy miner mansions.

The small blue timber building on the corner of Bruce Highway and Monro Street clearly indicates that this community is serious about tourism. This is the official tourist information centre and its location is designed to catch your attention when you enter town.

Many years ago this building was the local police station and was used to dispense local law enforcement. Now it dispenses helpful information on the town and region's many attractions.

This includes the Babinda Boulders, 7 kilometres west of Babinda. Unfortunately they can be very dangerous after heavy rain because the waters become a deadly narrow shute downstream at Devil's Falls.

Closer in, the town itself has many examples of early Queensland architecture in the main street, including the Babinda State Hotel and Post Office. A neat and tidy town, the median strip contains colourful flowerbeds.

Babinda is also known as 'The Umbrella Town' because of the rainfall it receives each year and it proudly displays a sign that acknowledges Babinda winning the 'Friendliest Town' category in the 2001 Tidy Towns Competition.

For a classic example of early Queensland railway architecture, take the time to point your camera at the Babinda railway station building when you are exploring this area.

Just off the Tropical North Queensland coast, midway between Townsville and Cairns lies Bedarra Island - a part of the Family Group of Islands. Bedarra Island offers unspoilt rainforests and palm-fringed beaches, where the clear blue waters of the Coral Sea meet pristine white sand.

Bedarra is Australia’s most exclusive island - boasting a resort designed to blend in with the beauty of the natural surroundings and accommodating a maximum of 32 guests at a time. When it comes to relaxing in glorious seclusion, Bedarra Island is the perfect retreat. Guests rarely encounter their fellow escapees as they explore the pristine rainforest and bask in the sun on the secluded beaches.

This private island retreat provides many leisure activities that take advantage of the natural setting and is perfectly positioned close to the Great Barrier Reef. Guests can board a fast catamaran for a day trip to explore the wonders of the reefs, or charter yachts for sailing expeditions around the picturesque waters, visiting neighbouring islands including Dunk and Timana.

One of the most romantic ways to spend the day on Bedarra is to take a delicious gourmet picnic, complete with chilled champagne, and venture off in a motorised dinghy to find a private beach – and there are so many to choose from.

The Gulf Savannah is an interesting region to visit all year. However during the monsoon season, transportation methods must be carefully considered, as some parts of the Gulf Savannah region suffer from a lack of road infrastructure.

Burketown sits on the Albert River and on the east-west dividing line between the wetlands to the north and the beginning of the savannah grass plains (Plains of Promise) to the south, some 25 kilometres from the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Albert River is tidal and the Gulf is accessible from Burketown by boat.

Surrounding environs include flat, grassy plains to the south and immense salt flats and wetlands to the north. The Nicholson River is some 17 kilometres to the west and is fresh water and perennial. The wetlands are breeding grounds for crocodiles, barramundi and prawns and a vast amount of bird species which are prolific during the summer months.

The grasslands to the south are the habitat of a great array of wildlife including emus, kangaroos and birdlife.

Burketown is 425 kilometres north of Mt Isa.

As the heart of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest, Cairns pulses with energy. More than 600 tours a day make the most of the year-round outdoor lifestyle while world-class sporting events and festivals embrace the cosmopolitan city's vibrant tropical culture.

Energised by nature, Cairns is the place to soak up the tropical lifestyle. Discover an exciting city that takes pride in its cultural heritage and where time seems to last a little longer. Swim at the Esplanade lagoon, sample local produce at a farmer's market, enjoy free entertainment, shop for a summer wardrobe or cruise around the marina.

Take a tip from the locals for a cool dip at a secluded freshwater swimming hole, jump on a bike for a sightseeing tour along the city's network of cycle paths, marvel at tropical plants in the Botanic Gardens, browse the galleries or catch an act in a unique rainforest venue.

After dark choose a lively bar for drinks, taste local seafood at an award-winning restaurant, party on a dance floor, discover treasures at the markets or watch a local cultural show.

Choose from a wide range of accommodation including five-star international hotels, luxurious resorts, waterfront apartments, family-friendly motels and fun backpacker hostels.

The compact city is easy to get around and has the reef, rainforest and outback on its doorstep. With the Cairns International and Domestic airports only 10 minutes from the Central Business District, Cairns is the ideal entry point for a Tropical North Queensland adventure.

Travel from the city's Reef Fleet Terminal to the Great Barrier Reef and its islands, raft the white water rapids in the rainforest, step back in time with a train ride to Kuranda or treat your tastebuds to one of the many food and wine trails on the Atherton Tablelands.

Whether you want to flirt with adventure or be enchanted by exotic experiences, Cairns has it all.

Stepping straight on to the beach from the rainforest is a very special experience at Cape Tribulation. This extraordinarily pretty stretch of the Daintree National Park is where you can climb aboard a fast boat to explore the Great Barrier Reef or take a kayak to nearby islands.

Marvel at empty beaches where driftwood and shells wash up to form natural sculptures, feel the wind in your hair as you ride a horse from the beach to the rainforest or pitch your tent so you can gaze at the ocean as soon as you wake. Taste exotic tropical fruits on a farm tour, try them in a locally made ice cream, refresh in a swimming hole or soar through the rainforest canopy on a flying fox.

Cape Tribulation is a bushwalking paradise with many short walks taking in the beaches or rainforest. The experienced can spend a day hiking to admire spectacular views from Mount Sorrow. Guided walks on private properties show you animals and plants you may otherwise miss or join a night tour to see nocturnal animals.

Australia's richest diversity of flora and fauna is found in this region, so a guided tour will explain the intricacies of this ancient environment and introduce you to the likes of the peppermint stick insect or the Boyd's forest dragon.

Cape Tribulation is popular with backpackers who enjoy the jungle setting and party atmosphere of the hostels. Accommodation options vary from camping grounds to resorts, bed and breakfasts and holiday houses.

Just 35 kilometres north of the Daintree River, Cape Tribulation is where the bitumen ends and a Four Wheel Drive is needed to venture further north.

Rich with Aboriginal culture and Australian pioneering history, Cape York is an untamed wilderness area waiting to be explored. The journey through Cape York Peninsula to the top of Australia is an epic adventure taking in memorable pubs, ancient rock art and spectacular natural scenery.

Drive along red outback roads, explore wetlands brimming with birds and fish, discover gold town ruins, try your luck at isolated fishing spots and cool off in a pristine waterfall. Watch for a flash of red as a palm cockatoo takes flight, admire Aboriginal artists at work or join a helicopter muster. Magnificent national parks, Aboriginal and Islander communities, cattle stations and tiny towns can be visited, each with its own story of adventure to tell.

This region is renowned as the site of the world's largest body of prehistoric rock art and is rated by UNESCO in the top 10 rare rock art sites in the world. Take a self-guided tour or join an Indigenous guide for a unique cultural insight.

Bushwalking, four-wheel driving, wildlife watching, fishing, bird watching and camping are the things to do in Cape York, a unique wilderness area that remains relatively untouched, maintaining its original beauty and diversity.

Cardwell lies in the heart of the Great Green Way driving route, and is the gateway to Hinchinbrook Island – the largest Island National Park in Australia. Made up of a diverse range of landscapes, Cardwell is the perfect place to relax or be adventurous.

Settled in 1864, Cardwell was the first settlement north of Bowen and is the only town in the world where two world heritage listed areas adjoin. The first being the wet tropics world heritage area, starting north of Townsville and finishing south of Cooktown. And the second - the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park world heritage area.

Cardwell offers a range of attractions, site seeing, annual events and historical places to visit. The Cardwell Rainforest and Reef Visitor Information Centre has a magnificent interpretative display capturing all the flora and fauna native to the area. Staff at the Centre provide expert advice on points of interest, along with information on the region's history. Cardwell also offers a wide range of accommodation.

Cardwell's Port Hinchinbrook provides a state of the art Marina, public boat ramp and repairs and maintenance facilities for anglers and boaties. It is widely acknowledged that Cardwell is ranked second to none when it comes to all-weather and all-tide boating and fishing in the north. The public boat ramp is free of charge. With 22 islands off the coast and the spectacular Hinchinbrook channel offering 45 kilometres of fully protected boating and fishing- it's a boaties paradise.

Cardwell lies about an hour's drive south of Mission Beach.

140 kilometres west of Mareeba, the former mining town of Chillagoe is one of the favoured haunts of mining buffs tracing the heady days of the 1870’s to the 1920’s mining boom. The town is a stunning mix of outback landscape, mining heritage, aboriginal art sites and fantastic limestone caves.

The old township is still dominated by the Chillagoe smelters, which were built at the turn of the century by miners and speculators convinced the region was set to become the next Broken Hill. The rail link followed and the town grew to 10,000 inhabitants. The region however failed to live up to its promise and millions were lost in the inevitable bust. The smelter staggered on until the 1940s when it was abandoned.

Today the town is based on tourism. If it’s the mining history that brought you out, head for the museum. Wander through well interpreted sites and don’t forget to include the town cemetery in your walks.

Mining is not the only option, and it would a shame to leave without sampling some of the other Chillagoe attractions. Chief amongst them are the substantial systems of limestone caves at the Chillagoe-Montana National Park, about one kilometre from the town. The caves feature spectacular formations of stalactites and stalagmites. They can only be entered as part of a tour, which are well managed and very informative. From the caves there’s a walking track to the nearby Balancing Rock formation and some Aboriginal rock art.

If you have transport, head west out of town for 14 kilometres and you’ll find The Archways, another stunning limestone feature.

The best source of up to date information about tours, sites and walks is The Hub in Chillagoe.

There's plenty of life in the old mining community of Coen. Originally the town was created around a repeater station in the Overland Telegraph Line to the Tip of Cape York Peninsula. Camp on the town's outskirts in a bush camping ground at The Bend on Coen river - you will appreciate the beauty of access to a toilet facility if you have been going rough.

Coen lies in the centre of the Cape York Peninsula, part of the large Cook Shire Council. It is a hub of government services with facilities including two shops with fuel outlets, a cafe and takeaway, medical centre, hotel, camping and guesthouse.

Cape York House sits solidly in the main street, a community project where the town's history is presented within a building made from recycled materials from the now-demolished Mein telegraph repeater station. This original Mein station was situated north of the current Archer River Roadhouse. You will find the historic house easily accessible - just grab the key to the building (and toilet facility) from Clark's Cash Store next to the hotel. It's an honour basis a pleasant atmosphere of trust in these globally troubled times.

There are no alcohol consumption restrictions in the community. You will find police and a post office based within Coen. There is also a very active Aboriginal corporation which co-ordinates services for local indigenous people.

Historic Cooktown became a thriving port during the gold rush era after it was discovered by Captain James Cook when the HMS Endeavour hit a reef in 1770. Hardened, pioneering characters and years of geographic isolation have added to the frontier town's unique character which continues to charm adventurers today.

Indigenous, European and Chinese history come together in this once-bustling town where there is still plenty of evidence of Cooktown's prosperity from the gold mining days. Wide streets with impressive handmade stone guttering, quaint buildings that were once the hub of commercial activity, and graceful, well-preserved Queenslander architecture give a hint of days gone by.

Monuments and museums with carefully preserved relics are reminders of the town's rich history, while the well-maintained cemetery bears testament to the hardships endured more than a century ago. History is even evident in Cooktown's Botanic Gardens which were gazetted in 1878 and feature 62 hectares of native and exotic plants.

Indigenous culture thrives in this part of Tropical North Queensland. Join an Aboriginal family for a yarn and a meal at their home, tour the arts and cultural centre at a nearby Indigenous community or take a guided tour of the rock art sites high in the hills.

Each June, the landing of Captain Cook and his interaction with the Indigenous Guugu Yimithirr people is marked with a re-enactment ceremony as part of the three-day Cooktown Discovery Festival.

It's bitumen all the way if you travel the 330 kilometres inland along the Mulligan Highway from Cairns, or take a Four Wheel Drive for a fun adventure along the coastal route crossing rivers and creeks through World Heritage-listed rainforest and join the highway at the mysterious pile of rocks known as Black Mountain.

Cooktown has a regional airport with regular flights and a range of accommodation from camping to four-star hotels.

Cow Bay is the perfect gateway to the Cape Tribulation area, the World-Heritage listed Daintree National Park, the Great Barrier Reef and Cooktown in Tropical North Queensland - only two hours drive north of Cairns.

Stay the night or drop in for a traditional counter lunch at the Cow Bay Pub where the charismatic locals will only be too happy to give you their 'must see' list on what to see and experience in this tropical wonderland.

Boasting the only pub this side of the Daintree River, Cow Bay also has a couple of cafes and restaurants, gallery and boutique hotels, the Daintree Discovery Centre and loads of opportunities to get up close and personal with the wildlife!

The Gulflander is an historic railway link established in the 1800s to service Croydon, which was then a booming gold town (it boasted 19 hotels in its heyday - of which only one remains). The rail link connects with Normanton - which was the area's port before to the establishment of Karumba. Croydon Historic Village is now an historic precinct under a restoration plan.

In the surrounding environs you'll find savannah grasslands, low rolling hills which are rich in the historic remains of early gold mining activity.

The Gulf Savannah is an interesting region to visit all year, however, during the monsoon season, transportation methods must be carefully considered, as some parts of the Gulf Savannah region suffer from a lack of road infrastructure.

Croydon is about 525 kilometres west of Cairns.

Stretching from Daintree Village across the river, the Daintree encompasses Cape Kimberley, Cow Bay, Thornton's Peak, Cooper Creek, Thornton Beach, Noah Valley, Cape Tribulation and the Bloomfield Track to the north.

This is the home of the world's oldest surviving rainforest with examples of plant species that existed millions of years ago. Be dwarfed by king ferns and giant bull kauri pines, watch for the flash of blue that gives away the cassowary moving through the evergreen forest or discover tiny fish in cool freshwater pools.

Winding for 140 kilometres, the Daintree River is one of the longest rivers on Australia's east coast providing diverse habitats for many species. Cruise along it to spot prehistoric crocodiles and colourful birds or join a fishing charter to haul in a mighty barramundi.

Guided walks, Four Wheel Drive or Eight Wheel Drive tours also give an insight into this special environment. Sir David Attenborough described the Daintree rainforest as extraordinary after a recent visit filming in the area, telling viewers around the world he was particularly impressed with the region's diverse birdlife.

Daintree village has a number of eateries, artists' studios, local souvenir shops and a general store with a post office, bottle shop and information and tour booking centre. It is the last stop-off before the Daintree River Ferry which takes you across the river even deeper into the Daintree rainforest.

Choose to stay in a discreet eco-resort, amazing tree house, join the fun crowd at a backpacker resort or get to know the locals at an intimate bed and breakfast. Venture out at night when the rainforest puts on a spectacular show with mammals emerging for midnight feasts, bush turkeys hosting noisy parties and frogs providing the rainforest chorus.

Dimbulah gives access to the historic Hodgkinson Goldfield. Tyrconnell, Kingsborough and Mt Mulligan were towns which developed around crushing mills along the Hodgkinson River.

By 1880, four years after the discovery of minerals, the population in this area reached nearly 10,000 with settlements also including Thornborough, Beaconsfield and Northcote. Most towns were temporary, settlers did the wheelbarrow act to move to new strikes.

By mid 1901, John Moffatt's mining company completed a private rail link from Mareeba to Chillagoe linking the mining fields to Cairns port. Dimbulah was the junction for rail lines both north and south to the mining areas. A tent camp developed to service the train with water supplies from the permanent waterhole. This permanent Walsh River water source is actually the origin of the town's name - local Barbaram Aboriginal dialect for 'long, permanent waterhole'.

Modern-day Dimbulah still relies on water however it is agriculture which makes the money. The 1950s Tinaroo-Dimbulah irrigation scheme ensured the viability of agricultural industries. Initially tobacco was the crop of choice however in the last 10 years, alternate crops have included ti-tree, mango plantations, native trees and sugarcane.

Dimbulah has a restored rail station for The Savannahlander line between Cairns and Forsayth. You can read interpretive panels here on the town's history.There's an excellent, well-serviced caravan park set in gardens, a supermarket and a butcher plus petrol stations and mechanical repair services. Centuries on Dimbulah still remains a good watering place.

Doomadgee offers a good service point on the Savannah way west of Burketown (138 kilometres from the Northern Territory border).

This community was originally established near Point Parker by the Brethren sect as a mission and later moved south to its present location close to the Nicholson River waterholes.

This is a Deed of Grant in Trust area subject to restrictions on the carriage of alcohol through this area. While the Savannah Way is excluded from the restrictions, visitors turning into this community for fuel or supplies must be aware that restrictions apply. You can top up fuel and supplies with a supermarket, bakery, police and hospital services and a commercial airstrip. There is also a community guesthouse and a post office.

So if you need to call in to Doomadgee, make sure there is no alcohol on board. Do not be caught ducking in for fuel with beers in the back.

Just off the coast of Palm Cove, Double Island is an exclusive island getaway. Privately owned and operated, Double Island can only be hired on a whole-of-island basis. Enjoy the idyllic location close to the Great Barrier Reef and the tranquilly of this tropical paradise. Gather a group of friends together or indulge in a romantic holiday with your loved one, it's all possible here.

The leafy inner city suburb of Edge Hill is one of Cairn’s oldest and most popular suburbs. Beautifully restored Federation and pre-war era homes line the streets, set within established manicured gardens.

The suburb is peppered with chic eateries, gourmet delis, boutiques and shops for browsing.

Edge Hill is home to the beautiful Cairns Botanic Gardens where visitors can learn about the fascinating flora of Tropical North Queensland. An alfresco cafe set amongst the lush tropical surrounds is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. Visitors can also take advantage of the barbecues, picnic shelters and children’s playground provided. A boardwalk connects the Gardens to The Centenary Lakes, home of seabirds and turtles as well as spectacular water lilies.

The Gardens feature an impressive arts centre creatively housed in three huge converted World War Two naval oil storage tanks. Here you can enjoy a production of performance art or wander through an exhibition.

Just behind the Botanic Gardens is the Mt Whitfield Conservation Park, where bushwalkers can enjoy a number of walking tracks through green mountainside forest.

Edge Hill is just minutes from the Cairns City Centre as well as the Cairns Airport. There are many charming bed-and-breakfasts to choose from as well as a resort, motels and unit-style accommodation.

Einasleigh in the 21st century is only a small community - there are no shops however there is a hotel where you can purchase food. You can also top up fuel here or get food from the roadside caravan takeway, under a massive tamarind tree thought to be more than a century old.

This old copper town on the Savannah Way alternate route offers some points of interest. The Copperfield Gorge is a major feature with deep, cool chasms and quiet beaches. Peak your geological interest by counting consecutive lava flows at the Gorge, created from the McBride Volcanic Province.

In the 21st century you reach the community an the alternate route south of Georgetown and Mt Surprise. Once it was the centre of industry. In 1900 base metal prices were high and copper deposits were developed here and at Ortona. The Chillagoe Company established a smelter and created a private rail link from Almaden and then on to Forsayth and Charleston. Einasleigh became a stop on the line when it was completed in 1910. Travel by road or by the Savannahlander rail service to this township.

Fitzroy Island is located near Cairns in Tropical North Queensland and is popular for daytrips due to its proximity to the coast. Fitzroy is a national park island with a small portion occupied by Fitzroy Island Resort.

Fitzroy has a steep mountain and two main walking trails that lead to beautiful lookouts. Sheoak, Indian Beech, Native Nutmeg, Tamarinds and Turpentine as well as native orchids are just a few examples of the exotic flora you'll find on bushwalks through the island.

Try the Secret Garden Walk for a short walk amongst the rainforest, or the Lighthouse & Summit Trail for a steep walk to the lighthouse for expansive views out to Little Fitzroy Island.

Fitzroy is almost completely surrounded by coral reef, making it an excellent place for snorkelling. The most popular spot is Nudey Beach, which is only about one kilometre from the resort.

Sometimes history is more bizarre than fiction. Forsayth was once paved in gold - in a manner of speaking.

Part of the Etheridge Goldfield, this area was known as 'Poor Man's Goldfield' as a prospector did not need expensive equipment to search for gold. Nugget gold was literally found on the ground. Many of the towns within this goldfield rose and fell quickly, strikes were short-lived with always the promise of another fortune. Temporary corrugated iron buildings were pulled down and transported by wagon to the new instant town. The once-private rail link from Chillagoe to Forsayth assured the town's permanency. The historic link is now part of the Savannahlander rail journey.

Forsayth offers a hotel with accommodation, caravan park with cabins, post office, police station, hospital and fuel stop. You can depart the Savannah Way alternate route to Cobbold Gorge and Agate Creek Mineral Reserve.

Situated west of the Newcastle Range, Georgetown is the centre of the Etheridge gold field and of amateur gold prospecting. The surrounding area is covered with rolling hills and wooded savannah grasslands. Georgetown is an intersection point for all roads approaching the Gulf Savannah region from the east with the exception of the Chillagoe to Normanton/Karumba route. The township is well serviced and is a major point for touring circuits to the south and east which direct visitors through spectacular scenic and historic points of interest.

The Gulf Savannah is an interesting region to visit all year round. There is an all weather road from Cairns which is not affected by rain during the monsoon season, however, if travelling by road from the south or west during the wet season, transportation methods must be carefully considered, as some parts of the Gulf Savannah region suffer from a lack of road infrastructure.

Georgetown is about 380 kilometres west of Cairns.

Gordonvale, historically a sugar town, is today a quintessential Australian country town. It has courteous storekeepers, well-preserved streetscapes, historic buildings and a great sense of community. Near Gordonvale stands the highest free-standing mountain peak in the world (not part of a mountain range). The symmetrical Pyramid is 922 metres in height.

From Gordonvale there is access to the Tropical Tablelands via the Gillies Highway, while south the Great Green Way extends south to Mission Beach.

Gordonvale is about 30 minutes' drive south of Cairns.

Green Island is a coral cay northeast of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. The island boasts an unspoilt rainforest, stunning beaches and surrounding reef… so close that you can snorkel directly off the beach.

Green Island is perfect for day-trippers from Cairns, but if you’d like to spend more time there, then you have the option to stay at the luxurious Green Island Resort. Stroll through the lush cool rainforest; laze on white coral sands or lie by the inviting swimming pool.

Whether you spend a half or full day on Green Island, you will experience a great adventure unlike any other.

The old Gregory Downs Hotel holds court as the centre of town society. Originally built to serve passengers on the coach run from Burketown, the hotel is in the historic village of Gregory Downs which accesses the perennially-flowing Gregory River.

At one time it was a Mounted Police post. In World War II, officers at this station won fame when they searched with Doomadgee Aboriginal trackers for the crew of the ditched plane Little Eva. The crew flew out of Iron Range Airport for a bombing run to then-New Guinea and they became disoriented in a tropical storm.

Gregory Downs Station was one of the first cattle runs in the Gulf Savannah. It was one of a range of properties established on Lort Stokes' Plains of Promise, a vast monsoonal savannah stretching from Gregory to the Leichhardt Rivers.

The peaceful waters of The Gregory remain a natural attraction. Here you can canoe year-round the site hosts thousands for the annual May Labour Day weekend canoe race.

While camping has traditionally been in the riverbed, public hygiene has prompted discussions to move away from the river's edge. Rent a canoe or time your visit to coincide with Gregory's racing and rodeo calendar. The Gregory Ball is a not-to-be missed social event.

It may take a while to get here, but you will be guaranteed a load of fun.

Haggerstone Island is located about 600 kilometres north of Cairns alongside the rugged Cape York Peninsula. It is an exclusive island retreat where you can enjoy the beauty of nature. Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef or simply bask in the sun…do as little or as much as you like. The island is privately owned and can be rented on a whole-of-island basis.

If you like painting or using the camera, then visit Herberton for some inspiration. This old tin mining town south-west of Cairns has a wonderful collection of Queensland architecture - large houses with wide verandahs and the rich colours of Jacaranda trees in bloom during winter.

The well-preserved town centre offers interpretive panels highlighting historic facts. Renovated buildings include the butcher's shop, newsagency, cafe, hotel, gift and craft shops. The Interpretive Centre explains the region's extensive mining history including John Moffat's Great Northern Mine.

Stroll down memory lane to Ye Old Camera and Photographic Museum which features a camera collection and photographs using the old methods of hand colouring. The current Gillies Highway roughly follows the Robson Track used by pack horses between Trinity Inlet and Herberton. Years ago, Atherton and Yungaburra were small 'shanties', bark or slab hut eating places which were the forerunners of today's roadhouses. Travellers would eat and rest using the rainforest pockets (eucalypt forests with grasses within the dense rainforest) to spell their horses.

Herberton is still a pleasant place to take a break. The climate is usually cooler than the coast - snow has even been recorded in winter. Wonders never cease! Use Herberton as a base to visit historic Irvinebank to the west or Atherton, a short drive down the Range.There's a caravan park and well-appointed bed and breakfasts in classic buildings but no motel.

Hope Vale Aboriginal community lies 40 kilometres north of Cooktown. Originally established as a Moravian Lutheran Mission on the east coast near Cape Bedford, the community was later moved to its present location.

Go on a tour with a highly-acclaimed Aboriginal guide who can show you rock art sites and other locations on the Deed of Grant in Trust land. What's to see - the arts and craft centre is worth a visit and a private beach house accesses a coloured sands beach. You'll need a Council permit to camp and make arrangements in advance with the beach house. Useful stores include a couple of general outlets, hardware, a butcher and petrol station - but you will need to pay cash here.

Hope Vale is easily accessed from Cooktown on a good dirt road off the Battle Camp Road between Cooktown and Laura. This community is subject to alcohol restrictions through Queensland's Alcohol Management Plan.

Horn Island is part of the Torres Strait Islands group at the tip of Cape York Peninsula, Australia’s northernmost point. Located approximately 150 kilometres off Queensland’s coast and just south of Papua New Guinea, Horn Island offers a truly remarkable island experience.

Horn Island came to prominence during World War II when it suffered eight Japanese air raids. Today the island has a small population of approximately 650 people, with a focus on pearling and fishing. Horn Island is home to the only airport in the Torres Strait Island group, as most of the other inhabited islands only have an airstrip. Make sure to visit the museum and art gallery in the small town of Wasaga. And be sure not to miss some of the historic World War II sites on one of the tours that operate on the island.

Horn Island is a lovely island to experience the exciting fusion of Melanesian and Australian Aboriginal cultures. But make sure to get permission from the Torres Strait Regional Authority if you plan to visit any of the other islands (except for Thursday Island).

Innisfail is a prosperous, colourful town, situated on the North and South Johnstone Rivers, and is surrounded by rich green landscape. Lush sugar plantations flow from the dense rainforest coastline to the thick jungles of the Palmerston National Park to the west.

Sugar has been grown here since the early 1880's. Tea, bananas, pawpaws and other exotic tropical fruits are also grown. Aquaculture also plays an important part in the area's economy ranging from prawn, barramundi and fresh crayfish to crocodile farming.

There's also a variety of cultural festivals, held annually.

Innisfail is about 90 kilometres south of Cairns.

Tap into the healing power of the earth at Innot Hot Springs, a small town west of Ravenshoe.

Here, natural underground water issues at a temperature of 78C (though temperatures vary). Up until 1900, the mineral water was bottled and sent to Europe - mules hauled the water over the Cardwell Range to Townsville for bottling at the Innot Cordial Factory. The spring is still known and recommended by European travellers for its healing qualities. Draw its magic power at swimming pools and soaking houses in the town. You can stay at a hotel and there's a camping ground set close to the hot springs.

Once you have healed the body, heal the spirit with some pleasant day excursions. Once established to service tin mining, there are still riches under the ground. Visit the topaz fossicking field or take binoculars for bird watching. The remains of tin dredges have left plenty of waterholes which, in turn, attract wildlife.

You will reach Innot Hot Springs on the Savannah Way, 166 kilometres from Cairns. En route, feast the eyes on wooded monsoonal savannah grasslands.

Old fig trees line the road into Irvinebank and provide a place of welcome. These hospitable old trees are happy to provide shade and shelter for a picnic or a cool spot of relaxation.

They have also witnessed the activity of this small historic village, west of Herberton on the Atherton Tablelands. Founded in 1882 as Gibbs Camp, mining magnate John Moffat lived here and invested in the town. His house, Loudoun House, is now a museum, reflecting much of the town's historic status.

Walk around town to see architectural styles from the late 1800s with the School of Arts building, the restored Old Police Station and Courthouse, the tramway station for the Stannary Hill line (no longer in existence) and the Queensland National Bank building.

Other historic sites include Mango Cottage and The Free Thinkers Cottage and the old Treatment Works where tin was processed for more than 100 years.

Other facilities include an art gallery in the old post office building, a hotel offering meals and some accommodation and camping. A large water impoundment close to town is always full of water and gives a lakeside ambience.

Julatten is a place where you can have your cake and eat it too - in a manner of speaking. This small community on the road from Mossman to Mt Molloy has large orchards of lychees and mangoes plus a farm which sells Chinese greens and prawns. So you can stock up on some fresh produce and have a lovely pastoral experience.

Head to the aquaculture farm for some freshwater pond fishing or drive around the rolling green hills which once supported dairying. Then, change the pace - head north off the Rex Range Road and drive up to Mt Lewis along an old logging track.

Ironically this track now gives a chance to appreciate the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest. Fortified with fresh country air and wholesome foods, you can hit the sophistication of Port Douglas, only 30 minutes away.

The cool high country of Julatten offers a pleasant contrast to summer heat. More a region than a town, there are not many facilities in the actual community but you will find a tavern on Mt Lewis road, a caravan park, small store and petrol station at Nine Mile on top of the Rex Range and a birdwatchers' lodge at Kingfisher Lodge.

Situated on the mouth of the Norman River, Karumba is already well known as a recreational fishing mecca and birdwatchers paradise. Today however, being so accessible, Karumba is fast becoming a must do destination for travellers looking for an experience with a difference. The rich marine wetlands wind their way inland some 30 kilometres from the Gulf of Carpentaria coastline, this is truly where the savannah outback meets the sea. During the summer, monsoon rains replenish the waterways and attract a multitude of birds in preparation for the popular winter tourist season, when fishing enthusiasts along with many round Australia and overseas travellers descend on Karumba for some of the best wild caught barramundi in Australia. Learn all about the fascinating facts on Barramundi, the marine habitat and Gulf in general at the Barramundi Discovery Centre where you can adopt your very own barramundi or try feeding the big mouth fish yourself.

Set like a jewel between rainforest and reef, Kewarra Beach is prized by locals for being quiet, uncrowded and relaxed. The beach has a glorious aspect and in season, bottle-nosed dolphins and dugongs can be spotted frolicking in the bay nearby.

This idyllic tropical beach is protected from the southerly swell by a rocky headland and during the summer months, stinger nets provide further protection. It’s a great place to escape the heat with a refreshing dip in the pristine waters of the Coral Sea.

The beach itself is very clean and wide with picnic tables and children’s play equipment provided along the fringe.

Spend a little time in the area and you’ll find yourself strolling past luxurious beachfront mansions with panoramic ocean views. The rocky headland is a great place to explore and keen anglers will find the conditions excellent for fishing.

A walk up the beach will take you to exclusive Palm Cove where you can soak up the sights and sounds of this fashionable hot spot. Enjoy fine dining at a trendy beachside restaurant, browse through the shops, and treat yourself to an indulgent day spa.

Located just 20 minutes drive north of the city of Cairns, the main accommodation available at Kewarra Beach is offered by a beachside resort.

Kewarra Beach is just 10 minutes drive from the Cairns airport.

The Kowanyama community has a Deed of Grant in Trust over land originally set aside as a reserve for Aboriginal people. Once an Anglican Mission, this remote community now services travellers and is well-known as an excellent fishing location as it lies 50 kilometres inland but on the mouth of the Mitchell River.

While the fish are generally biting, be aware there are bag limits. Dogs, guns and hunting are not allowed. An extension of the Kowanyama Community Council - the Land and Natural Resource Unit - has established locations for camping.

Topsy Creek offers beach and river camping. There are no facilities and numbers and vehicle limits per campsite apply. That just means you get more to yourself.

Within the community there is a motel-style guesthouse and basic services such as a butcher, laundromat, supermarket with petrol and diesel supplies, a tavern, medical centre and police. Regional airlines connect with Cairns.

Arrange a permit for bush camping from the Land and Natural Resource Unit and be aware there is an alcohol management plan in the community - check whether you can bring in alcohol with the Community Council.

Visit Kowanyama via the main road access from Dunbar on the Chillagoe-Karumba road, a Savannah Way alternate route. There is a four-wheel-drive only bush track north to Pormpuraaw across the Mitchell River.

Colourful, quirky Kuranda in the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest has daily markets and a quaint main street lined with shops and galleries as well as wildlife experiences perfect for close encounters.

The village in the rainforest has earned a reputation as the arts and crafts nexus of Tropical North Queensland and is a popular destination in conjunction with journeys on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Kuranda's cool, tropical mountain climate makes it ideal for rainforest walks along the Barron River, or around the village itself where majestic fig trees are home to yellow fig birds and colourful parrots. Follow a tunnel of green rainforest along Barron Falls Road to see the spectacular Barron Gorge and its mighty waterfall which powers a hydro-electric station.

Experience the culture of Kuranda's Djabugay Aboriginal people by visiting a gallery with local Indigenous art or learning to play the didgeridoo.

Surround yourself with colourful butterflies, listen to a noisy chorus of birds, cuddle a koala, get up close to Australia's unique creatures or hang about with a bat at one of the wildlife exhibits in the heart of Kuranda.

See the rainforest from a different perspective with an army duck tour that takes you on water and land to see snakes, birds and an array of Australian wildlife.

Kuranda has a range of accommodation including secluded bed and breakfasts, self-contained villas and a caravan park with cabins and camping. It is a 30 minute drive from Cairns.

Lakeland is a relatively recent settlement, built to service the agricultural activities in Laura Valley. Lying at the junction of the Mulligan Way to Cooktown and the Peninsula Development Road, the business community caters for passing traffic with two petrol outlets. One is situated at the intersection with a large roadhouse where you can buy food. The other is at a coffee shop behind the hotel which has accommodation.

If you visit the coffee shop, have a cappuccino and stock up on ground coffee or beans grown locally at Lakeland coffee plantation. There are also limited groceries, maps and books specialising in Cape York history. Other accommodation options include the caravan park.

Lakeland's name does not relate to the terrain. The settlement was named after Billy Lakeland who first marked trails to Coen and Batavia (Wenlock). Not a bad chap to know - he found gold and wolfram on the Peninsula as well.

Laura is a small town, with a population around 100 people on the Cape York Peninsula in Tropical North Queensland. the township boasts the largest collection of prehistoric rock art in the world. The area around Laura is known for Quinkans, giant figures who according to Aboriginal legend, were spirits that lived in the crevices of rocks. They would emerge from the cracks to frighten people into properly. Basically the Quinkan spirits were 'boogie men' of the Laura area.

The Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre is the first stop for all travellers to Laura. The Quinkan Centre showcases all aspects of Quinkan Country including Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage and the natural environment.

Laura lies about 300 kilometres north of Cairns.

Every year, thousands of visitors are drawn to Lawn Hill National Park to experience the true Outback. Encompassing the spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge with its imposing sandstone cliffs, and cool pristine waterways, the area is most famous for the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh fossil fields.

An oasis of green set in a landscape of dry semi-arid countryside, Lawn Hill National Park is a popular spot for campers exploring the vast Gulf country of Outback Queensland. The waterways, fed by numerous freshwater springs, can be explored by canoe, or on foot along one of six walking tracks. These tracks will lead you through lush vegetation to tranquil waterholes and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The local Waanyi Aboriginal people have a long and sacred history with the area, evident in the aboriginal rock art found at the Wild Dog Dreaming Art Shelter. Take the bridge across the gorge, and enjoy this ancient art gallery for yourself.

Crocodiles can be spied lazing in the waters of the lower gorge, but further up are rock pools and cascade spas where swimming is not only safe, but delightfully refreshing on a hot day.

Boodjamulla National Park is located approximately three and a half hours’ drive north-west of Mt Isa and a little over two hours’ drive south-west of Burketown.

Camping facilities are available at the Park however the campground is not suitable for caravans, buses, motorhomes or camper trailers over four metres.

Lizard Island is a ruggedly beautiful island on the northern Great Barrier Reef in Tropical North Queensland. Lizard boasts 24 pristine beaches that range from white sand to rocky escarpments and easy access to some of the best diving in the Great Barrier Reef.

Lizard Island is renowned for its scuba diving and snorkelling and is surrounded by coral reefs, ribbon and lagoon reefs. But its Lizard Island’s close proximity to one of the best known diving sites in the Great Barrier Reef, Cod Hole, that distinguishes it from many other reef islands.

Lizard Island can also be recognised as being home to one of Australia’s most premier resorts: Lizard Island. It's one of Australia’s northernmost island resorts, where design works in harmony with the island's spectacular natural beauty. This premium property caters for a maximum of just 80 guests.

There is also a campground at the national park at the northern end of Watson Bay.

And when you have the chance, make sure to take one of the many magnificent walks on the island. On at least one you can expect to glimpse a Monitor, the lizard after which Lizard Island was originally named.

Lockhart River was originally an Anglican Mission, relocated from 'Old Site' south of Cape Direction, to its present location on Quintell Beach. This community is most famous for the Lockhart River Art Gang, a group of artists working from a small studio here.

Contemporary Aboriginal artwork is sold internationally for many thousands of dollars. Visit the studio and see the work assembled for exhibition to the US and other parts of Australia. You can even try to buy works before they are shipped south - or overseas. Look out for artists who are making a name on the international scene - Rosella Namok, Silas Hobson and Fiona Omeenyo.

Lockhart River is a coastal community with a barge ramp on Quintell Beach serviced by supply vessels regularly. While the community has a well-stocked supermarket and there's both petrol and diesel available, you'd be wise to not let the days slip away from you when travelling. Fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products are limited to the arrival of the supply vessel. And the shop shuts at midday Saturday. If you forget this, then you'll get no fuel or supplies until it reopens on Monday morning.

A National Park Ranger station is on the outskirts of Lockhart River Deed of Grant in Trust area. Within the community you'll find medical facilities and a police station.

There's a canteen but this is run in very strict rules under the alcohol management plan.

Situated 15 kilometres north-east of Port Douglas, the Low Isles comprise a four acre coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of reef. The reefs are very close to the island, which makes snorkelling an easy and enjoyable experience. The two small islands are separate but share the common reef.

The larger of the two, Woody Island, is uninhabited except for a large bird population. It is a vital habitat for many species.

The smaller of the Low Isles is a coral cay with a lighthouse that has been operating since 1878. Weather data has been gathered from the island since 1887, and scientific associations date back to 1928 when it was the base for a year-long scientific survey that examined the structure and ecology of the surrounding reef. This was the first scientific study of a coral reef anywhere in the world, and many current theories of coral reef ecology are based on the findings of this expedition.

There are 150 different species of hard corals in the waters surrounding Low Isles, although these are dominated by 15 species of soft corals. If you look closely, the feathery tentacles of soft corals can often be seen collecting tiny food particles from the water around them. Living amongst the corals is a large variety of fish, molluscs, sea cucumbers and other animals. Colourful blue, green and purple parrotfish are a common sight as well as angelfish, damselfish, anenomefish or clownfish, trevally, rabbitfish, sweetlip, moon wrasse and fusilleers, just to name a few! Plus, you might run into the resident turtles.

The lightstation (controlled by Queensland Parks and Wildlife) on the flat low lying western island, was completed and exhibited in 1878. The 18 metre tower was originally constructed on a timber frame with a galvanised sheath in the typical Queensland fashion, however Low Isles was the first to have porthole windows.

Nestled high in the Atherton Tablelands of Tropical North Queensland and surrounded by lush rainforest, the picturesque village of Malanda seems an unlikely place to find a dairy. But find one you will. In fact you’ll find dozens around this small community known as the dairy capital of northern Australia.

Located 10 minutes from the town of Atherton and just under an hour from Cairns, there are many reasons to include Malanda on your holiday itinerary.

Right on the edge of town are the Malanda Falls where you may be lucky enough to spy a platypus, tree-kangaroo, birds, butterflies or dancing Brolga in the surrounding forest. Enjoy a picnic on the bank or go for a refreshing dip in this crocodile-free section of the Johnson River.

In town, be sure to follow the Malanda Art Trail, a series of painstakingly crafted mosaics that takes followers on a journey through the rich history of the area. Pay attention to the intricate detail in the designs and see if you can find the blue butterfly hidden in each mosaic!

Pay a visit to the Dairy Centre and learn more about the industry that put Malanda on the map. Take a stroll through the quaint country town past its many historic buildings, including a huge hotel complete with grand staircase and ballroom. It’s said to be the largest wooden structure in Queensland.

Just 10 minutes from Malanda you’ll find the Mt Hypipamee National Park, home of the beautiful rainforest-shrouded Dinner Falls and a huge water-filled crater created many thousands of years ago by a volcanic explosion.

Accommodation in Malanda includes motels, hotels, lodges, guesthouses, bed-and-breakfasts and camping.

Mareeba, the 'Shire of Diversity', is the second largest Shire in Queensland. It is rich in agriculture, mining, cattle as well as horticulture and offers visitors friendly country hospitality and a wealth of options for exploring this beautiful rugged land.

Expert travel and tourist information can be found at the Mareeba Heritage Museum and Tourist Information Centre in Centenary Park, Mareeba, enhancing an opportunity to explore Mareeba's history and heritage.

Experiences range from the delight of a cableway ride over the top of the Kuranda Rainforest, to the bustle of the famous Kuranda Markets. Hot Air Ballooning at sunrise to camping in the outback, watching a western sunset outline the horizon of this vast country are all within easy reach. The Annual Rodeo in July draws cowboys from all over Australia, and is a truly unique experience.

Mareeba is about an hour's drive west of Cairns.

Millaa Millaa is an Aboriginal word meaning plenty of water or waterfall and this is as true as ever as some of the most beautiful waterfalls are within a few minutes drive of the town. The main one of course is Millaa Millaa but further along Tourist Drive number nine stop in and photograph Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls to name a few.

In the main street is a lovely park with a larger than life statue of Christie Palmerston and one of his Aboriginal guides. The Palmerston Highway is named after this famous explorer.

Coffee shops and the local hotel provide convivial hospitality for visitors and the historical museum is open most mornings from 10.00am to midday.

The main industries of the Millaa Millaa area are dairying and tourism and most of the rainforest is now World Heritage-listed so enjoy your stay.

Mission Beach is a relaxed, yet vibrant beachfront town with over 14 kilometres of magnificent golden sandy beaches. Here two World Heritage areas, The Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, come together to form a tropical paradise. In many places, the rainforest literally fringes stretches of pristine golden beach, giving the destination a reputation as an ideal holiday choice.

The Great Barrier Reef is only 38 kilometres away making Mission Beach the closest mainland access to the Reef, just an hour or so away by boat.

There are four villages that are collectively known as Mission Beach: South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, North Mission Beach and Bingil Bay. Less than 5 kilometres offshore, Dunk Island and Bedarra Island make up an aquatic playground that is renowned along the coast of Queensland.

Fourteen kilometres of palm-fringed beach connect these four small townships, from Kennedy Bay in the south, to Garners Beach in the north, a favourite spot for naturalists. The Edmund Kennedy walking track at the southern end of the beach is part beach, mangrove and rainforest. Several creeks empty their waters at Mission Beach and locals can often be found fishing for barramundi and mangrove jacks.

Good fishing is also to be had at Clump Point jetty and the rock wall at Clump Point boat ramp. And for absolute seclusion, try Brooks Beach or Garners Beach at the northern end. It's quite likely that you'll catch a glimpse of the endangered Southern Cassowary in the rainforest nearby.

At Mission Beach you'll find a tranquil and very friendly tropical holiday township ideally suited to those who desire a true break from everyday life. It lies about 2 hours' drive south of Cairns.

Mossman is a picturesque little township nestled at the foot of the mountains among bright green fields of sugar cane. A friendly town, Mossman invites you to enjoy its genuine Tropical North Queensland hospitality, as you explore the country stores and historic pubs along the wide tree-lined main street.

The region's sugar capital, the Mossman Central Mill throbs and hums its way through the sugar cane crushing season (June – October) when it is possible to do guided tours of the entire process inside the mill. The quaint cane trains rattle back and forth through the town hauling in the harvest. Out in the fields you might chance upon the breathtaking sight of a cane fire in full force.

Five minutes west of Mossman you will discover Mossman Gorge, a very accessible and scenic section of the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park. Here the Mossman River tumbles its way over huge granite boulders that line the gorge, creating cool clear freshwater swimming holes. Awe inspiring tree-clad mountains rise sharply up from the river banks. Walk as far as the suspension bridge across the river or explore the 2.7 kilometre rainforest loop trail.

The Gorge is home to the Kuku Yalanji people, the area's traditional Aboriginal landowners who strive to protect their natural heritage as they share its unique qualities with visitors. Guided bushwalks are available that give a rare insight into the special relationship the local indigenous people have with the rainforest. Traditional dance performances and artifact displays portray their rich cultural heritage.

Mossman lies 75 km north along the coast from Cairns.

Mount Surprise is a railway town on the Cairns to Forsayth Railway and is the first town within the Gulf Savannah encountered by visitors approaching from the east. It is a centre for gem fossicking, with quantities of topaz, quartz, spinel, garnet, cairngorm and aquamarine to be found. Mount Surprise sits on the edge of an immense lava flow from an ancient volcano to the south east. The surrounding country is flat, wooded savannah grasslands, with isolated hills.

The Gulf Savannah is an interesting region to visit all year, however, during the monsoon season, transportation methods must be carefully considered, as some parts of the Gulf Savannah region suffer from a lack of road infrastructure.


By car, Mount Surprise lies about 4 hours' drive south-west of Cairns.

Time to explore Mt Molloy. An interesting historical character is James Venture Mulligan, an explorer and prospector who is buried here. From an Irish Protestant family, he arrived in Melbourne at 23 and spent 13 years working his way north via Glen Innes, Armidale, the Gympie gold fields, on to Ravenswood and then Georgetown on the Etheridge goldfield.

He left Georgetown in June 1873 and returned three months later with 100 ounces of gold. Nine days later he returned to the Palmer River - with 100 enthusiastic miners. It became the largest and richest gold rush in Queensland history leading to the establishment of port, Cooktown. Mulligan later shared the 1000-pound reward with the discovery of the Hodgkinson goldfield in 1875. He used some of the monies to establish a hotel and store at Thornborough, which failed three years later.

Tucked away between glamorous Port Douglas and the vast wilderness of the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park is the sleepy beachside community of Newell Beach.

Newell Beach boasts spectacular views to Port Douglas in the south and the lighthouse on Low Isles to the east. The two and a half kilometre beach is clean and pristine and is bordered to the north and south by estuaries.

Not far to the west you’ll discover the crystal clear rock pools of Mossman Gorge National Park, picturesque Daintree Village, and ancient world of the Daintree Rainforest.

Fishermen are well catered for with boat ramps at the northern end of the beach and at Saltwater Creek. The nearby estuaries are brimming with good eating fish but remember to be on the lookout for crocodiles at all times. Sitting at the mouth of the mighty Daintree River, nearby Snapper Island is a Mecca for local anglers. Barramundi can be found in nearby Daintree River and fishing off the beach can also prove rewarding.

Newell Beach has a convenience store and for groceries, banks, post offices, hairdressers and for anything else, the sugar town of Mossman is just minutes up the road.

On site vans and self contained units can be found at the local caravan park and there are also beachside holiday houses for rent.

Newell Beach is only one and a half hour's drive north of the Cairns International Airport and just 10 minutes from Port Douglas.

The Gulf Savannah region extends from the Great Dividing Range in the east to the Northern Territory border in the west. The region is a safari country of golden savannah grasslands abounding with wildlife. Established on the Norman River by William Landsborough, Normanton was the port for the Croydon Gold Rush and is a terminus of the Normanton Railway Station - whose Victorian architecture has been preserved.

Some 30 kilometres to the south-west of Normanton is camp 119, Burke and Wills' most northerly camp. The wetlands between Normanton and Karumba are also excellent for birdwatching, particularly just after the wet season.

Normanton is 707 kilometres west of Cairns, and 484 kilometres north of Mt Isa.

Relax under a coconut palm, paddle around a Great Barrier Reef island, enjoy a spa treatment or delight in a fusion of tropical delicacies. It is all part of life at Palm Cove, an intimate slice of paradise boasting a plethora of holiday experiences.

With its long sandy beach lapped by the Coral Sea and a backdrop of rainforest-clad mountains, Palm Cove offers ultimate tropical serenity in a postcard setting. It's the perfect place to relax with a book while enjoying the sun or to discover summer fashions after an early morning dip in the ocean.

Dangle your legs over the jetty while the locals hook a fish or stroll along the shady tree-lined paths to experience the welcoming village atmosphere which earned Palm Cove the title of Queensland's Friendliest Beach.

This sophisticated beachside hub boasts award-winning restaurants, peaceful day spas and exceptional resorts along its picturesque esplanade where ancient melaleucas define the relaxing atmosphere. The sheer variety of dining experiences at Palm Cove means your palate can take a trip around the world, discover tropical produce at its best or reminisce with fish and chips by the sea.

Accommodation options are just as varied whether you prefer the luxury of a resort, the convenience of an apartment or want to pitch your tent at the caravan park right on the beach. Palm Cove is a 30 minute drive north of Cairns.

Visitors come from all over Australia to enjoy the excellent fishing at Pormpuraaw, on the west coast of Queensland. Situated between two rivers, Pormpuraaw features terrific estuary fishing for barramundi, threadfin salmon, grunter, bream, and others. The nearby reefs also offer great fishing.

Two groups of Aboriginal people live in Pormpuraaw: the Thaayorre people who are traditionally from Pormpuraaw, and the Mungkan people who are traditionally from the North. Many traditional arts and crafts are still practiced here, such as the weaving of dilly bags, dot painting, spear making and canoe carving. The Cultural centre houses many of these artefacts.

Pormpuraaw has one of the oldest crocodile farms in Australia. Set up in the 1970s when crocodiles were becoming endangered, the Edward River Croc Farm has been responsible for repopulating the local rivers - so there is no swimming in saltwater and some precautions must be taken.

There's good news for birdwatchers: around 170 species of bird inhabit the sea, savannah and wetlands around Pormpuraaw. The bird population changes dramatically with the seasons as migratory birds come and go. Some locals are the crimson finch, star finch, brolga, sea eagle, hawk, and jabiru.

You do not require a permit to visit Pormpuraaw, but you are required to check in at the Council Offices on arrival. As Pormpuraaw is an Aboriginal community the customs of the traditional owners must be adhered to at all times. Alcohol restrictions apply for this area.

Port Douglas is the gateway to the World Heritage wonders of Tropical North Queensland. It is the closest mainland port to the Great Barrier Reef and only a short drive into the heart of the Wet Tropics rainforest at Daintree and Cape Tribulation.

Getting to Port Douglas from Cairns is an hour's drive along one of Australia's most scenic coastal roads with the rainforest on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other.

Favoured by A-list celebrities as the place to get away, Port Douglas is an intimate and relaxed town where food, wine, arts and culture are appreciated. The friendly locals are only too happy to include visitors whether it's sharing their favourite coffee stops and fishing spots or playing 18 holes on a world-class golf course.

Feel the pace slow as you revitalise with lazy days on the beach, or come alive and explore nature's untamed tropical wonders. Swim at beautiful Four Mile Beach, wander down the main street for boutique shopping with a tropical twist, dine with the birds at a wildlife park or dive into the Great Barrier Reef.

Nearby is Mossman Gorge, a spectacular freshwater swimming hole where you can experience local Indigenous culture and explore the Daintree rainforest.

Restaurants are many and varied with delicious interpretations of local produce and tastes from around the world, or relax with a counter meal at a glorious Queenslander pub.

While luxury is definitely a highlight of Port Douglas with magnificent resorts, elegant homes and superb apartments the holiday choice of the well-heeled, backpackers and families are equally well catered for in the relaxed tropical atmosphere of Port.

Ravenshoe, the highest town in Queensland at 930 metres, is a lush region of mountain pastures and unspoiled World Heritage rainforest. Situated five kilometres from Ravenshoe you will find windmills that are 46 metres freestanding and twenty of them together is a spectacular sight to behold and has become a popular tourist attraction. The windmills were built to provide the district with an alternative and environmentally power supply. In 1987 when World Heritage listing of the Wet Tropics occurred Ravenshoe was a timber town producing beautiful furniture timbers as well as veneers. Today, the town still has a timber mill operating using mainly plantation pine.

From Ravenshoe, the Tully Falls Road leads south and becomes an unsealed road 25 kilometres out. At this point you can take a short walk to overlook the impressive 293 metre Tully Falls at Tully Gorge.

After returning to Ravenshoe travel west along the Kennedy Highway to Innot Hot Springs, natural mineral springs that are ideal for reviving travellers. Along the way you can visit the spectacular Millstream Falls, the widest waterfalls in Australia. Little Millstream Falls, on Tully Falls Road, are also well worth a visit.

Distance from Cairns is 147 kilometres.

Seisia is Australia's most northernly community. It is also the jumping off point for a range of marine based activities - day trips with fishing guides, tours to explore the Torres Strait Islands or a walk to the end of the jetty, the social epicentre of the community. You can also do it yourself - there's a boat ramp to launch small vessels while dinghies can be hired from nearby New Mapoon.

There is a popular beachfront camping ground with a budget lodge and excellent seaside self-contained cabins. Take a short stroll from the campground to the jetty, a fishing platform for residents. Give yourself the time for a lazy conversation, an opportunity of sharing moments with the locals. Adjust to northern time, where the day is measured not by the clock but by the flow of people and nature.

Supply vessels unload cargo at this port and vehicles and passengers are taken on board to cruise back to Cairns through the Great Barrier Reef islands. This one-way land, return-sea option offers a comprehensive insight into this part of the world. The Peddells ferry from Thursday Island also docks here, use this service to explore the wonders of Thursday Island.

If you are wondering about the town's name, 'Seisia' is comprised of the first letters of the names of the father and his brothers of the original Saibai Island settlers at Red Island Point, the geographical name of the township.

Seisia has a petrol station with vehicle and boat fuel supplies, hire cars, a taxi service, well-stocked supermarket, mechanical repair shops and an airstrip 17 kilometres to the south.

All towns in this area are only minutes apart, built on the Deed of Grant in Trust structure administered by community councils. Alcohol restrictions apply.

More of a suburb than a separate entity, Smithfield is 4.5 kilometres north of Cairns on the Captain Cook Highway and is part of the growth story of Cairns over recent years. Its centre, like most urban developments, revolves around the large shopping centre with its key anchor tenants and specialty stores.

On the eastern side of the highway, commercial developments have mushroomed as have fast food outlets.

The Palms Golf Course and the beach retreats such as Trinity, Yorkey's Knob, Machans, Holloways and Palm Cove provide recreational pursuits for both visitors and locals alike.Just south of Smithfield is home to two of Tropical North Queensland's biggest and most successful tourist attractions: Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and Skyrail.

With spectacular views across the sparkling blue water to Dunk Island and World Heritage listed Hinchinbrook Island, South Mission Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful areas in Tropical North Queensland.

Whether you’re on it, under it or looking across it, at South Mission Beach it’s all about the water. Kayak to Dunk Island, fish from the beach, hire a boat and explore, go jet skiing or dive through the coral of the Great Barrier Reef.

Adrenalin junkies can go on a tandem skydive over the vast blue ocean and a little inland you can have the thrill of a lifetime on a white water rafting adventure on the Tully River. You can enjoy expansive water views from several lookouts and of course when it all gets too much, you can wind down and relax on a deserted beach.

When it’s time to dry off, explore The Wet Tropics rainforest on the spectacular Kennedy Walk or pay a visit to nearby Mission Beach and browse through the art galleries and shops. On the streets of Mission Beach you’ll find restaurants, cafes, beachside bars and takeaways.

Accommodation in South Mission Beach ranges from camping to luxury resorts. There are a number of holiday house rentals in the area as well as self-contained units and bungalows.

South Mission Beach is just two hours drive south of Cairns. Alternatively a scheduled flight can be taken to nearby Dunk Island followed by a water taxi to the mainland.

The 18 islands of the Torres Strait are Australia’s most northerly region, located 39 kilometres north of the Australian mainland. The administrative and business hub of the Torres Strait Islands is Thursday (Waiben) Island. Visitors to Thursday Island can experience one of Australia’s Indigenous cultures, local art, community markets, relics of the pearling industry, colonial architecture and tours of significant sites from World War Two. In September on Thursday Island, The Torres Strait Cultural Festival and a Music Festival are staged on alternate years.

Thursday Island is rich in history. In 1893, the Green Hill Fort was built in 1893 on fears of a Russian invasion. Also, that same year, the All Souls Quetta Memorial Church was built in memory of the Quetta shipwreck in 1890, which killed 133 people when it struck an unknown reef. The Japanese Pearl Memorial is dedicated to the hundreds of pearl divers who died from decompression sickness.

Within a stone's throw, 13.7 kilometres from its biggest neighbour, Atherton, along the tree-shaded Kennedy Highway, Tolga presents a quaint little town with good examples of early Queensland architecture. These include the Tolga butcher shop and newsagency building.

A centre strip in the main street features a towering fig tree and heritage and timber display consisting of seven carved poles, much like totem poles. These showcase, in creative carving, aspects of the Tableland's rich heritage including Aboriginal culture, animals, plants and threats to the rainforest habitat. With its range of accommodation from caravan parks to a five-star retreat, Tolga is a great town to use as a base to explore the numerous attractions of the Atherton Tableland.

At the very tip of Cape York where the South Pacific Ocean and the Arafura Sea mix their currents are the 274 islands of the Torres Strait, including Thursday and Horn Islands. This unique tropical region is home to the indigenous Torres Strait Islanders whose culture is rich in the arts and whose lifestyle has evolved from the sea and its abundance of wildlife.

This unique tropical location is a melting pot of Melanesian and Indigenous Australian cultures boasting about 20 different communities and offering visitors a rich cultural experience. Step back in time to discover a diverse history spanning World War Two and the pearling industry, vibrant headdresses and colourful dance, ancient carving and modern printmaking, plus a welcoming people who live in paradise.

Thursday Island is the administrative centre of the Torres Strait with modern accommodation, tours and the award-winning Gab Titui Cultural Centre which takes visitors on a journey from the past to the present and into the future showing Torres Strait Islander culture through artefacts, artwork, song, dance and stories.

Virtually untouched, the Torres Strait islands and surrounding Great Barrier Reef are home to some of the world's most stunning blue waters as well as an abundance of marine life including dugongs, dolphins, giant marlin and sea turtles.

With beautiful beaches, awesome fishing and rich indigenous culture, visit the far corner of nature's theme park in the Torres Strait to experience one of Australia's most beautiful, natural hidden gems. Time slows down in the Torres Strait so you, too, can enjoy the peaceful existence of island life.

Thursday Island can be accessed via boat from Bamaga on the mainland and nearby Horn Island where the Torres Strait's airport is located. There are landing strips on some of the smaller islands which can be reached by boat or light aircraft.

Trinity Beach is a relaxed beachside suburb, only a 15-minute drive north of Cairns Airport. Its central location on the Cairns northern beaches makes it an ideal base for a holiday in Tropical North Queensland.

Enjoy a barbecue on the beach, join the locals for a beer at a hotel with the best water views in town, cast a line from the shore or build a sandcastle with the kids. A range of fun activities are nearby, including a tropical zoo, go karts, cable skiing, a world-class golf course, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Hire a car and discover a different self-drive adventure each day. Kuranda is a 20-minute drive away and Port Douglas just 40 minutes, or venture further to the Atherton Tablelands or Daintree rainforest. Return in time for a refreshing ocean dip before dinner at a restaurant serving fresh local produce.

Accommodation options include resorts and self-contained apartments with many overlooking the beach. Dining is just as varied with a choice of restaurants, cafes and take-away shops.

Tropical North Queensland is where life enhancing tropical moments await ... a place combining the natural wonders of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Australia's Tropical Rainforests and accessible Outback.

Cairns is a vibrant and liveable city with a unique, broad appeal for all visitors, with so many remarkable natural attractions and activities at its doorstep. Take advantage of your time in Cairns and cool off in the Esplanade’s saltwater lagoon or take a stroll through one of the many galleries or shopping boutiques.

Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef is essential and on must-do lists of divers from around the world. The reef can also be enjoyed from the sky in a scenic flight, as you plummet to the ground sky-diving or from the safety of a glass-bottomed boat. Sail between the islands of the region, select between exclusive or rustic accommodation, and have a once in a lifetime experience. Be sure to visit the northern beach communities of Palm Cove and Port Douglas for a relaxing retreat filled with spa treatments at luxurious resorts.

Just a little further north you’ll enter into the Daintree National Park where you can experience the stunning Mossman Gorge and the beauty of Cape Tribulation. Further north still is the vast Cape York Peninsula, known as Australia’s last frontier. Then there’s the Outback and Gulf Savannah which covers the remote land to the west from the base of the Great Dividing Range to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Tully is a small town about 140 kilometres (or about two hours' drive) south of Cairns and has the reputation of being one of the wettest towns in Australia. With all that rain, the nearby Tully River is one of the best places in Australia to go white water rafting. The Tully River has excellent rapids that range Grade Three to the more challenging Grade Four.

Tully is also one of Queensland's largest sugar cane and banana producers and is very popular with the backpacker market who work seasonally on the farms. And don't forget to stop by for a photo of the 7.9 metre tall 'Golden Gumboot'!

Weipa is a mining town built by Comalco to house its employees and their families, government workers and support people for its Bauxite and Kaolin operations. Weipa has the largest Bauxite deposit in the world. Fishing enthusiasts flock to Weipa because of its terrific coastal location and abundant marine life.

Distance from Brisbane (State Capital): 2,611 kilometres.

Named after the beautiful Torres Strait pigeon, Wonga Beach is a quiet refuge north of Mossman. Off shore there are views to Snapper Island and it is within easy access to the Daintree River and its rainforest habitat.

This is mainly a residential community with few accommodation or shopping options. Locals love it but it may not be what you are after if you are looking for all the trappings of a tourist beach resort. The few commercial activities include horse riding along the beach and sea kayaking to Snapper Island.

Hidden away behind a headland poking out into the Coral Sea, lies one of Tropical North Queensland’s best kept secrets, Yorkey’s Knob. Just 10 minutes drive north of Cairns Airport, Yorkey’s Knob boasts beaches just as beautiful as its northern neighbours, but without the five star price. The laid-back tropical atmosphere and feeling of ‘seclusion’ is irresistible for those looking to escape, relax and unwind.

The magnificent sweeping deck of the local boat club commands spectacular views of the yachts moored in Half Moon Bay and out to the headland of Trinity Beach. The only view you’ll find more impressive is the panoramic vista from on top of the headland itself – simply breathtaking.

Those looking to wet a line are well catered for with many good fishing spots around the bay, beach and mangroves. Keen anglers can also hire a boat and anchor off the bay for a day of fishing in the open sea.

If you like spoiling a good walk with a game of golf you can’t go past the local golf course nestled on the fringes of Half Moon Bay. Its impressive position, taking in glorious views of the Coral Sea, makes it one of the most popular courses in the Cairns area.

Yorkey’s Knob is just 15 minutes from the Cairns City Centre, just under an hour to Port Douglas and only 10 minutes to the turn-off to Kuranda and the beautiful Atherton Tablelands.

Just over an hour south-west from Cairns, Yungaburra is the first stop for travellers who’ve completed the spectacular drive up the Gillies Highway from Gordonvale. With its fresh air, great cafes and 28 heritage buildings, it’s an enticing introduction to the charm of the Atherton Tablelands. There’s good interpretation of the local streetscape, so take the time to stroll around, pick up the local history and check out the locally made arts and crafts.

The town itself is surrounded by the remnants of volcanic activity. Ask someone to point out the extinct volcanic mounds, the Seven Sisters, and then take a drive to the Crater Lakes of Barrine and Eacham. While they’re often talked about in the same breath, the lakes have quite different characters. Barrine is smaller, with a quiet, almost Scandinavian feel (assisted by a delightful cruise boat and tea house), while Eacham offers large scale picnic facilities and is often very busy on a sunny day. Both however offer well interpreted walks which are worth taking the time to complete. The Barrine track at 6.5 kilometres is too long for many day trippers, so the fit and enthusiastic nature lover has a good chance of a quiet time spotting the local wildlife.

On the way to Lake Eacham, take the Gadgarra turn-off to the Giant Red Cedar tree. Although the tree fell in cyclone Larry and is now lying on the ground, the size of it is still a spectacular site. Imagine the scale of the forests that once would have covered the rich dairy country of the Tablelands. Similar thoughts will no doubt come to mind when viewing another of the great Tablelands trees – the Cathedral Fig. It’s well signposted off the Gillies Highway and has never yet failed to impress.

Yungaburra is also well placed as a base for exploring the considerable expanse of Lake Tinaroo. Boating, swimming, camping, bushwalking and fishing are all available on the dam. Try the 28 kilometres Danbulla Forest Drive around the lake and follow the signs to find the many lookouts, swimming holes and refreshment stops along the way.