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 breakfast's (B&B's), rainforest retreats, caravan parks and backpacker hostels.

Distance from Brisbane (State Capital): 1,869 kilometres.

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.

Located just off the 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 just 32 guests at any one 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 taking 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 coral reefs or charter yachts are also available for sailing expeditions around the picturesque waters, visiting neighbouring islands including Dunk and Timana.

Other activities include tennis, bush-walking, snorkelling, fishing, paddle-skiing, catamaran sailing and massage are also on offer. 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 monsoonal 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 - flat, grass 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 of 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.

Distance From Brisbane (State Capital): 2,661 kilometres.

Cairns is the heart of Tropical North Queensland and Australia’s primary gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is a vibrant, eclectic city framed by the spectacular twin backdrops of rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea. The World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef and the Outback are all within easy reach.

The Cairns Esplanade is the city’s main attraction with a lovely oceanfront promenade, saltwater swimming lagoon and beach. You’ll find numerous restaurants, bars and hotels lining the Esplanade…all offering beautiful waterfront views. Thousands of visitors flock to the Esplanade to enjoy the alfresco dining and relax in the beautiful surroundings of this modern city.

Almost a century of architecture is reflected in the city streets - a comfortable blend of traditional Queensland style and contemporary designs. Make sure to visit the Reef Casino to view its unique rainforest simulation and wander through the Cairns Regional Gallery to see exceptional art and exhibitions that focus on Indigenous works. There’s also the Flecker Botanic Gardens with its Gondawanan Evolutionary Trail that offers a glimpse into the ancient history of the rainforest plants.

Cairns is an adventure-lovers paradise with numerous tours and adrenalin activities on offer. From white water rafting to bungee jumping and skydiving, you’ll find the perfect activity to suit your penchant. And with hundreds tours visiting the Great Barrier Reef each year, you’re sure to find one, or a couple, to try.

Arrival in Cairns is simple, with several domestic and international flights arriving each day. And once you’re in Cairns, stop by the Gateway Discovery Centre on the Cairns Esplanade. The centre will help you find plan your ideal, tropical holiday.

Cape York and the Gulf Savannah in Tropical North Queensland are truly the last Australian frontier. Located on the northernmost tip of Australia, Cape York Peninsula is a wild and sparsely populated wilderness area that is only accessible during the dry months from April to December.
Cape York’s rugged coastline points towards Papua New Guinea while the eastern side of Cape York is fringed by the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef.

The seemingly undeveloped land of Cape York will surprise and delight. The dusty tracks contrast dramatically with the abundant rivers, crystal clear creeks and spectacular waterfalls. This is a vast area of unexplored wilderness, magnificent national parks, sacred Aboriginal sites, unexplored rainforest, rugged mountains and swampy marshlands. This is a land of climatic extremes where the creeks run dry or ten feet high.

If you love bushwalking, four-wheel driving, wildlife, fishing, birdwatching or camping then Cape York is the place for you. The Cape York region is one of the largest wilderness areas in the world that remains relatively untouched, maintaining its original beauty and diversity.

You'll be amazed by the 40,000 year old tradition and culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders - Australia's Indigenous people. See the unique wildlife including kangaroos and the unusual dugongs. With all this untamed beauty the area offers an escape from the manmade pressures of the city.

You can discover Cape York in a variety of ways. Travel by 4WD to the very tip of Australia or cruise the blue waters of the Torres Strait. Trek to ancient Aboriginal Rock Art sites at Quinkan Rock Art Reserve, where thousands of years of Aboriginal culture have been recorded in ochre and clay paintings.
and clay paintings.

Cardwell, heart of the Great Green Way and gateway to magnificent 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, 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 to enjoy and historical places to visit. The Cardwell Rainforest and Reef Visitor Information Centre has a magnificent interpretative display capturing flora and fauna native to the area. Staff at the Centre provide expert advice on points of interest in the area along with information on the region’s history. Cardwell also offers a wide range of accommodation.

Cardwell’s Port Hinchinbrook provides 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 and a 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.

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. It’s easy to see why. 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. The region however failed to live up to its promise and millions were lost in the inevitable bust. The smelter staggered on until the 1940’s when it was abandoned.

The town today is based on tourism. If it’s the mining history that brought you out, head for the museum, then it’s a case of wandering through well interpreted sites. Don’t forget to include the town cemetery in your wanders.

Mining is not the only option however 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 main town site. The caves feature spectacular formations of stalactites and stalagmites (which is which!). 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.

Cooktown is a small frontier town located in the far north of Tropical North Queensland. Cooktown boasts a unique character that is evidenced from its years of geographic isolation and hard-living, but it is this local charm that makes it all the more appealing. Add to this the unspoilt natural beauty of the area, and you’ll really feel like you’ve stumbled back in time and across a local secret.

Cooktown is Australia’s first non-indigenous settlement, discovered and settled by Captain Cook and his crew in 1770. Since then, Cooktown has not had it easy. From 1873-83, Cooktown was established as the port for the Palmer River gold rush, which exacerbated race relations between the Europeans, Aboriginals and Chinese. Visit the James Cook Historical Museum to explore Cooktown’s interesting past including the gold rush days and Cook’s voyages.

Another must-see is a visit to Grassy Hill Lookout where you can experience 360 degree views of the countryside and beaches. There is also a walking track from the summit to the nearby beach at Cherry Tree Bay.

Every June the town celebrates Cooktown's status as Australia's first European settlement with the Cooktown Endeavour Festival, which includes a colourful re-enactment of Cook's landing.

In the past, Cooktown could only be accessed by 4WD’s but with the completion of the sealed Cooktown Developmental Road in January 2006, Cooktown is now more accessible to everyone.

As your vehicle leaves the ferry on the northern bank of the Daintree River you know you have arrived at a very special place. This World Heritage-listed region has very strict restrictions on accommodation and other developments. The road winds through thick rainforests and the first commercial centre you arrive at is Cow Bay.

This is one of the oldest established centres of commerce in the Daintree, yet it still only boasts the hotel/motel and airstrip for light aircraft. If you decide to stay in one of the motel rooms for the night or drop in for a counter lunch, be assured the locals will only be too happy to give you advice on what to see and do in this tropical wonderland of nature.

General Information: 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.

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

Surrounding environs - savannah grasslands, low rolling hills which are rich in the historic remains of early gold mining activity.

Distance from Brisbane (State Capital):
Via Mount Isa - 2,463 kilometres : Via Cairns - 2,280 kilometres

Perched on a bend of the Daintree River, just past the Daintree Ferry turn off is the sleepy rainforest town of Daintree. Here you will be enchanted by the size, life and tranquillity of Earth’s oldest surviving rainforests as you wander through these ancient living museums rich with hundreds of plants and species of marsupials, reptiles, birds, and butterflies.

Wildlife of every kind flourishes in the Daintree River. From special birds such as the Double-eyed Fig Parrot and Beach Stone-curlew to the area's most infamous inhabitant; estuarine crocodiles. You can watch crocodiles eating, sunning themselves on the mangrove lined banks, or gliding through the water from the safety of a boat on one of the many available Daintree River tours and cruises.

Or press pause on adventure for a little while and dine on freshly caught barramundi at one of the local restaurants, browse art and craft shops, and soak up the lifestyle and ambience of this laidback village.

The only cable vehicle ferry in tropical Australia, the Daintree Ferry exclusively provides southern access into the lowland Daintree Rainforest. It’s a vehicle ferry operating from 6 a.m. to midnight 7 days a week.

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 close proximity to the Queensland 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 and/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.

The Gulf Savannah is an interesting region to visit all year. There is an all weather road from Cairns which is not affected by rain during the monsoonal 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.

Situated west of the Newcastle Range, Georgetown is the centre of the Etheridge gold field and amateur gold prospecting. The surrounding environ is rolling hills and wooded savannah grass-lands. 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. Georgetown 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.

Distance From Brisbane (State Capital): Via Mount Isa - 2,557 kilometres or via Cairns - 2,187 kilometres.

Gordonvale, historically a sugar town and today a quintessential Australian country town with 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.

Green Island is a coral cay northeast of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. Green Island is 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 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. Far from that 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, it’s 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 within the area. Aquaculture also plays an important part in the area's economy ranging from prawn, barramundi and fresh crayfish to crocodile farming.

Distance from Brisbane (State Capital): 1,719 kilometres.

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.

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.

Karumba is situated on the mouth of the Norman River and is the centre of the Gulf's prawning industry. Surrounding environ is flat wetlands which extend inland for approximately 30 kilometres. Wetlands are a series of meandering saltwater tidal estuaries, habitat for saltwater crocodiles and vast array of bird species, such as pelicans, cyrus cranes, brolgas and black swans.

Distance From Brisbane (State Capital) via Cairns is 2,501 kilometres or via Mount Isa is 2,382 kilometres.

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.

The picturesque mountain retreat of Kuranda Village is just 25 kilometres northwest of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. It is a vibrant little town surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest.

Historic Buildings from the villages past now house a variety of upmarket restaurants, cafes and bars. It is still laid back, but with a style and sophistication that sets it apart from other Cairns Highlands Venues and Attractions.

There is plenty of accommodation to be found, and whether you are looking for a cosy bed and breakfast, a well maintained multi-choice accommodation and camping park, a hotel, a gorgeous resort, or a backpackers hostel, you’ll find something here to suit everyone’s tastes.

Kuranda is well known as a day destination, but to truly enjoy all that this village has to offer, you really have to stay a few nights. Birds, butterflies and native wildlife abound, and there are wonderful walking tracks which meander through magnificent rainforest and along the Barron River. Also don’t miss the famous Barron Falls which are just breathtaking in the wet season, when the falls are in flood.

Over the years, Kuranda has evolved into a great place to shop. Kuranda is also home to its well known markets, coffee shops and restaurants. Take the time to visit some of Kuranda’s many first class nature-based tourist attractions which include koalas, butterflies, native and exotic birds, kangaroos and reptiles. You can also see traditional aboriginal dancers perform, travel on a riverboat on the Barron River or join an Army Duck ride through the rainforest.

You can travel on a Kuranda’s Historic Scenic Railway, Skyrail - the world’s longest rainforest cableway, or self drive, stopping at lookouts for a magnificent view!

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, and 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.

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 scuba 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 the best known diving location 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: Voyages 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 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.

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

Expert 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.

Visitors' experiences can 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. The Annual Rodeo in July draws cowboys from all over Australia, a truly unique experience.

Distance From Brisbane (State Capital): 1,871 kilometres north.

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 reputation as an ideal natural holiday choice.

Less than 5 kilometres offshore, Dunk Island and Bedarra Island make up an aquatic playground that is renowned along the east coast of Queensland. The Great Barrier Reef is only 38 kilometres away making Mission Beach the closest mainland access to the Reef, just an hour or so by boat. This means more time experiencing the wonders of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef when you stay at Mission Beach. There are four villages that are collectively known as Mission Beach: South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, North Mission Beach and Bingil Bay.

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 around Mission Beach.

At Mission Beach, you will find a tranquil and very friendly tropical holiday township ideally suited to those who desire a true break from everyday life.

Mornington Island is an Aboriginal community and permission to land on the Island must be sought from the Mornington Shire Council by mail, six weeks prior to the intended visit. There is no guarantee of permission being granted.

The Gulf Savannah is an interesting area 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.

The mist topped mountains beyond Port Douglas cast a magic spell that lures visitors along the short scenic drive north to Mossman, a picturesque little township nestled at the foot of the mountains among the 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 and 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 and around 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, while traditional dance performances and artifact displays portray their rich cultural heritage.

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.

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.

Distance From Brisbane (State Capital): 2,076 kilometres via Mount Isa and Normanton.

The humble hamburger has been lifted to gourmet status at the Mt Molloy Cafe. Proprietors Rudy and Angela, a native of Mexico, have created their own little piece of global fame - makers of the World's Best Hamburger. The Mietta's Australian Restaurant Guide gave the cafe this accolade but many a diner would add their own five-star rating. Vegetarians are not excluded. Angela makes a great vegetarian burger with fried spinach, onion and garlic. Then there's Chilas Rellonos and Steak Mazablan while Mexican favourites such as enchiladas and tortillas are always on the menu.

After you've been fortified, it is 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 Gulf Savannah 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 Rush and is a terminus of the Victorian architecture preserved in the Normanton Railway Station. 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'.

Distance From Brisbane (State Capital): 2,500 kilometres north

Palm Cove in Tropical North Queensland offers a serene holiday experience. Set amidst an idyllic stretch of beach and luxurious resorts just north of Cairns, Palm Cove is a haven for the indulgent.

Palm Cove offers a variety of activities for you. Spend your days lazing away on the beach or take a stroll along the esplanade through the many boutique shops and cafes. And when evening comes, there’s a plethora of fine-dining restaurants and bars for you to enjoy late into the night. Spoil yourself with a relaxing massage or be more adventurous and participate in one of the tours that visits the Great Barrier Reef and nearby islands.

Accommodation options range from luxurious resorts to boutique villas. So come visit Palm Cove and enjoy all that it has to offer.

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 in Tropical North Queensland is one of Queensland’s premier holiday destinations.

Located just north of Cairns, Port Douglas offers a sophisticated and low-key escape for travellers from around the world. Known as a glamorous hotspot for the famous, Port Douglas still manages to retain an unpretentious and relaxed ambiance: you’ll only find buildings up to three stories high, not much taller than the nearby palm trees, boutique clothing shops and exquisite alfresco dining restaurants.

A visit to Four Mile Beach is essential where you can laze away the day on the pristine sand. Enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes scattered along Macrossan Street or spend the afternoon shopping at the Marina Mirage. The Surf-Life Saving Club is located at the northern end of the beach, and during the summer, is a great spot to take a refreshing dip in the protected waters in front of the club.

Port Douglas is also a popular base from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforests of the Wet Tropics, Daintree and Cape Tribulation. There are numerous tours that embark from Port Douglas, many combining the adventure experiences of the Reef and the Wet Tropics. Accommodation options in Port Douglas offer a unique insight into the splendour of nature. Enjoy a massage to the sounds of the rainforest or the waves crashing on the beach…in Port Douglas it’s all possible.

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.

Distance from Brisbane (state capital) is 1718 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.

Thursday Island is the most developed island in the Torres Strait Islands group. Located just north of Cape York Peninsula, Australia’s most northern point, Thursday Island offers tourists an inviting glimpse into a lovely cultural mosaic. This cultural fusion exists because of the Torres Strait Islands are situated just south of Papua New Guinea and approximately 39 kilometres north of Queensland’s coast.

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. Thursday Island was also important during World War II as a base for Australian and American troops. Today, the main industries on the island are pearling and fishing. The island is only about three square kilometres and is a wonderful destination to enjoy a relaxing holiday.

If you plan on visiting any of the other Torres Strait Islands (except Horn Island), you will need permission from the Torres Strait Regional Authority.

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.

Trinity Beach is a lovely beach town just north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. Trinity Beach boasts a relaxed holiday atmosphere, a beautiful stretch of beach, and several accommodation and dining options where you can enjoy the tropical surroundings.

Trinity Beach, along with Yorkey’s Knob, Kewarra, Clifton, Palm Cove and Ellis beaches all are known as Cairns’ Northen Beaches. Each is a small, separate township with its own distinctive character.

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.

Just inland from Cairns is Kuranda. This area encompasses rainforest to dry scrubland; it’s an area that is as diverse as it is enchanting. Take the Kuranda Skyrail gondola ride at the rainforest treetops or take a historic train ride on Kuranda Scenic Railway with beautiful views of the Barron Gorge.

Tully is a small town about 140 kilometres 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 from Cairns, Yungaburra is the first stop for travellers who’ve completed the spectacular drive up the Gillies Highway from Gordonvale. With it’s fresh air, great cafes and 28 heritage buildings, it’s an enticing introduction to the charm of the 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 sign posted 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.