Tropical North Queensland, Queensland

Central to Tropical North Queensland is the city of Cairns, which is vibrant and lively, and has a distinct appeal to tourists from all over. It has a number of remarkable natural attractions as well as a myriad of interesting activities right at its doorsteps. Cairns lies in the heart of the region such that it is an ideal base from which one can explore and easily access the most amazing attractions in the region. There are over 600 amazing tour options that are available each day in this city alone. Among the most interesting recreational activities in Cairns include cooling off in the saltwater lagoon of the Esplanade, taking a leisurely stroll through one of its many galleries and pretty streets, or shopping around in boutiques.

One of the most important attractions that must be visited when in Tropical North Queensland is the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. It is a great spot for scuba diving and is considered to be a diver's haven. Visitors can also enjoy the reef from the sky in an exhilarating scenic flight, as one plummets or sky-dives, or watch from a safe glass-bottomed boat. Tourists also love taking advantage of the seas by sailing the islands in the region and visiting the northern beach communities found in Port Douglas or Palm Cove. There are a number of accommodation options in the city and in nearby towns which range from the most exclusive to the most rustic - from the most sophisticated to the cheapest quality ones. Those in for a relaxing retreat can try one of the luxurious resorts or enjoy a spa treatment.

A little north from the reef is the Daintree National Park, which is equally famous as a tourist destination. One can explore the magnificent Mossman Gorge or simply enjoy the unmatched beauty of Cape Tribulation. Cape Tribulation is home to a beautiful and unspoilt wilderness area which is well visited by nature lovers. It is one of the few rainforests in the world which drains right down to the water. Nature-based activities can be enjoyed in the area, including horse back riding, touring the pristine forest or taking on reef cruises.

Further north lies what is considered as the last frontier of Australia - the Cape York Peninsula with its vast and breath taking landscape. Other attractions worthwhile to visit include Outback and the Savannah Gulf, both of which cover the most remote lands to the west, from the Great Dividing Range to the wondrous Gulf of Carpenaria.

Inland from Cairns is the town of Kuranda, which encompasses a wide range of natural views from the rainforest to the dry scrub lands. The diversity and the enchantment that this area brings can be most appreciated by taking the Kuranda Skyrail gondola rain at one of the rainforest treetops. One can also take a very historic train ride on the popular Kuranda Scenic Railways and enjoy the stunning scenes of the Barron Gorge.

Tropical North Queensland offers only the best of the Australian tropics where the modern and the natural are blended together to form a wondrous paradise that can not be found elsewhere.