Stunning North Queensland spots that tourists are loving
Sleep out at sea
For something a little left of centre, jump onboard the region's newest 'hotel', the Whitsunday Explorer, and enjoy a two-night cruise stopping at some of the region's 74 island wonders.
Or, camp out under the stars on a pontoon 80km out to sea with ReefSleep.
Get to the Great Barrier Reef
Tourism operators have headed back to the outer Great Barrier Reef, relieved to know that high-value tourism sites are looking as fabulous as ever.
In Port Douglas, operators have recommenced day trips to Opal Reef while team members continue work on the critical coral nurture program in between showing off their underwater spectacle.
Spend time on the water
Tour operator Quicksilver Cruises has reinstated tours filling some boats with curious reef trippers while also turning into a "floating ferry" service transferring travellers between Cairns and Port Douglas for a super scenic journey.
Mission Beach Dive some 90 minutes south of Cairns is taking intrepid snorkellers to beautiful Beaver Cay, where pink, purple and mauve soft corals pop.
Live your best island life
Nothing says summer more than the mix of sunscreen, salty sea spray and sunsets by the beach – and tropical island adventures roll all of this into one.
Luxurious Lizard Island Resort, located 240km north of Cairns, is accessed via scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, while Frankland Islands Cruises deliver day trippers straight to a state of island bliss with tours to the uninhabited Frankland Islands.
Take to the skies for a bird's eye view of the tropics
Nature lovers know that one of the best times to visit the World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics is after the rain, when the region comes to life with stunning greenery and breathtaking waterfalls.
Travellers can once again soar above an ancient canopy and see the spectacular Barron Gorge in its free-flowing glory on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Or go even higher in a hot air balloon
Lovers of the dawn skies shouldn't miss Hot Air Ballooning in the hinterland town of Mareeba floating above the rolling hillside.
Enjoy tropical treats for the tastebuds
Local produce, big flavours and relaxed summer vibes are the key ingredients to a tropical holiday.
Soak up Cairns' outdoor lifestyle at any one of the dozens of restaurants, cafés and bars lining the Esplanade and waterfront. Take a stroll down by the marina and pull up a pew at Ochre Restaurant for mouth-watering waterfront eats or for a more unusual experience, dine at Prawn Star Cairns, where three retired prawn trawlers have found a second lease on life as a floating restaurant.
Further north, feel the cool sea breeze on your skin and breathe in the fresh salty air at Nu Nu Restaurant right on the Palm Cove beachfront.
Relax to the max at a tropical resort
Gift yourself some well-deserved 'me time' at one of the many resorts and hotels dotted throughout the region.
All three Crystalbrook Collection properties in central Cairns, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns on the Esplanade and Oaks Cairns Hotel are prime for a relaxing holiday.
In Palm Cove, the Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa is the perfect spot for a relaxing post-silly season getaway, as is the adults-only The Reef House.
South of Cairns, a stay at Castaways Resort and Spa Mission Beach will wash any worries and stresses away.
Take a journey 60,000 years in the making
Discover the world's oldest living culture through storytelling and performances in the hilltop town of Kuranda with Rainforestation Nature Park's Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience.
Travellers can learn more about the region's Indigenous culture by jumping onboard a Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours half-day guided excursion from Cairns to the traditional country of the Mandingalbay Yidinji People.
Join Kuku Yalanji guide Juan Walker from Walkabout Cultural Adventures to understand the region's rich history and connection to the land.
Sail around Magnetic Island
Slip over to Magnetic Island and stay at the newly-opened glamping site, then explore the island's wild beauty top down in an Isle Hire topless car. Or cruise the fringing reefs and find a hidden cove or two with Pilgrim Sailing.
