Visit Far North Queensland
Few places on earth can boast such unique natural attractions as the Great Barrier Reef and the superb tropical rainforests of the Daintree within easy reach. This is typical Far North Queelsland. You can spend your time relaxing on tropical beaches, diving on the best reef system in the world, or immersing yourself in the beauty that is the Daintree Rainforest.
Cairns is your gateway to this vibrant region. You'll find the warm climate reflected in a friendly welcome. You can choose from more than 650 tours and see for yourself why Cairns has been voted Australia's most liveable regional city. Use Cairns as your base to explore lush tropical rainforest and access tropical islands and the Great Barrier Reef.
 Great Barrier Reef & Islands
Why is the Great Barrier Reef lauded as one of the world's most magnificent diving locations? Where else can you view delicate soft corals or iridescent fish through a wide array of learn-to-dive courses or extended trips for experienced divers.
 Snorkelling offers you a wonderful way to see this amazing biosphere and most reef tours include transfers and lunch. You can view the reef by semi-submersible craft, from an underwater observatory or from the air with a helicopter scenic flight. Cairns and Port Douglas are cruising bases, so you can choose a cruise to fit your requirements.
There are a range of idyllic islands scattered off the coast of Far North Queensland. Some are rainforest jewels. Others are large natural islands made for exploration, while some are secluded coral atolls. Lizard Island and Bedarra Island are definately at the luxury end of the market, while close to Cairns, Green Island is a picturesque tropical coral cay harbouring reef gardens. Fitzroy Island's fringing reefs are popular with snorkellers.
 Try to glimpse the turquoise Ulyssess butterfly on Dunk Island, an idyllic rainforest isle. Other islands include Hinchinbrook, the world's largest island national park and home to the famous Thorsborne walking trail; and Orpheus, the region's most southern island. For something different, try camping on a deserted national park island such as the Frankland Group.
Mission Beach
To the south of Cairns, Mission Beach draws together four villages which link 14km of golden, perfect beaches. White water rafting adventures offer plenty of action in the rainforest reaches of the Tully River. The aptly named Cassowary Coast links Cardwell to Cairns. Drive along this stretch to see rainforests and mighty rivers or enjoy the Great Green Way.
 Port Douglas, The Daintree and Cape Tribulation
Port Douglas has developed into one of Far North Queensland's most sophisticated, stylish seaside villages while still retaining a relaxed atmosphere. This is your ideal base for reef trips and rainforest tours.
Australia's most important lowland rainforest, The Daintree harbours lush tropical vegetation. Head north to Cape Tribulation to explore this superb region of national parks and wilderness. Mossman Gorge is a good point to access the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park. A huge range of operators offer tours to this region. There are river cruises, guided nocturnal walks and adventurous 4WD safaris which make this once-remote area highly accessible.
 Kuranda & The Tropical Tableland
Comprising an area greater than Tasmania, "The Tableland" encompasses cool tropical highlands, mountain retreats, lakes, waterfalls and villages. Be refreshed in this region which is set on rolling plateaux around 700m above sea level. Choose from three scenic journeys - by train, road or scenic cableway above the trees. Yungaburra is the central location to cool crater lakes ideal for swimming, canoeing and bushwalking. From Atherton, head to Lake Tinaroo with more than 200km of shoreline or visit Mareeba and Ravenshoe.
 Gulf Savannah and
Cape York Peninsula
Get a sense of the last frontier in the Gulf Savannah, a place of adventure with untouched bushlands, golden savannah plains and fossil sites. An area rich in minerals and semi-precious stones, World-Heritage Listed fossil fields give an insight a time long past. Head to the caves of Chillagoe or the Undara Lava tubes. Discover the rainforest oasis of Lawn Hill National Park. Hailed as the fossil find of the century, Riversleigh's limestone field has yielded world-class exhibits. Train buffs can journey on two historic trains The Savannahlander and The Gulflander and for fishing enthusiasts, the region offers you legendary opportunities.
 The Cape York Peninsula is one of the world's last accessible wilderness areas and it is also where you can stand on the very tip of the continent. Much of Cape York's rugged mountains, grasslands, and rivers are protected by large national parks. The fishing is outstanding and the scenery magnificent. You can visit ancient Aboriginal cultural sites, head to premier sportsfishing grounds or go on a 4WD adventure you won't forget past towering termite nests, fast-flowing rivers and remote camping and wilderness lodges. Off the northern tip of Queensland see the Torres Strait Islands, a place of interesting culture and history. You will be captivated by the sheer quality, professionalism and enthusiasm exhibited by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders of the Far North.
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