With the Great Barrier Reef on one side and Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest on the other, Cairns is the gateway to Tropical North Queensland. Most famous for its tropical weather and amazing natural attractions, this is one of the country’s most popular destinations.

You could easily spend your whole Tropical North Queensland break flopped on one of the gorgeous beaches or by your hotel pool, but with so much to see and do you won’t want to miss out on all the incredible things on offer right across the region. If you’re looking to beat the heat, Cairns and its surrounds are home to every kind of tropical watering hole you could imagine. Choose from man-made lagoons, rainforest waterfalls, ocean reefs and island beaches. Trek through the tropics or island-hop, discover hidden rainforest waterfalls, go white-water rafting along raging rivers, or even skydive over the sparkling blue ocean.

No trip to Cairns is complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef, and the ways to experience this natural wonder are endless. Take your pick of glass-bottomed boats, snorkel safaris, diving days out or even helicopter tours that’ll drop you off for a dip.

If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back, there’s everything from food and wine trails, fascinating museums, markets bursting with local produce, and some of the best spas and wellness retreats in the country to keep you busy.