The only place on earth with two UNESCO World Heritage sites situated side by side, Tropical North Queensland is a unique natural wonder, encompassing the awe-inspiring magnificence of the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
INTRODUCTION
Connect with nature in a place unlike anywhere else across the planet as you step into the remarkable world of Tropical North Queensland, one of the most diversely beautiful and powerful Australian tourism stories.
Q&A WITH TOURISM TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025 and continues to thrive as the regional tourism organisation. We speak to Mark Olsen, CEO, about how TTNQ brings together the industry and community to drive the value of the visitor economy through destination marketing.
Firstly, can you talk us through the origins of TTNQ and its initial vision?
Mark Olsen, CEO (MO): The origins of TTNQ stretch back to the 1960s when a group of Cairns business owners formed a development bureau to attract investment to the region. The organisation was formally registered on 12th September 1975 as the Far North Queensland Development Bureau Limited.
Recognising tourism as the region’s greatest economic opportunity, the bureau changed its name in August 1978 to the Far North Queensland Promotion Bureau Limited. In 1998, the organisation underwent another transformation to TTNQ, aligning with the evolving destination brand of Tropical North Queensland.
The early vision was to attract visitors to the region, create new business opportunities, and grow the visitor economy. This ambition helped Cairns secure a locally owned international airport, which was the catalyst for the growth in international tourism, transforming Tropical North Queensland into one of Australia’s key global destinations.
What are your organisation’s current set of priorities and goals that you are aiming to achieve?
MO: Our mission is for every visitor to leave as a custodian of Tropical North Queensland and its stories, sharing their experience globally to drive future visitation.
As a destination marketing organisation (DMO), we are proud to promote the only place on earth with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites side by side. Working with industry, science, and Traditional Owners, we also play a role as a custodian of the Great Barrier Reef and one of the world’s oldest rainforests. That is why it’s so important this philosophy is reflected in our marketing.
Our overarching vision is for the destination to be a global leader in nature-based ecotourism, driving visitor spend.
How are you currently marketing Tropical North Queensland as a destination and what, for you, represents the essence of the location?
MO: Tropical North Queensland is a year-round, tropical nature-based destination with distinct seasons that bring different experiences.
Winter has long been a favourite with Australian travellers looking for a tropical escape from the colder southern climate.
Additionally, summer marks a period of regeneration, beginning with the annual coral spawning in November.
Mangoes are in season, the wildlife becomes active, and the warm rain greens the rainforest and outback, whilst topping up the waterfalls and swimming holes.
Can you tell us more about the launch of the Lifetime of Greatness project?
MO: The Great Barrier Reef drives international visitation to Australia and needs visitors to ensure it is well cared for by the science community and the tourism industry, who monitor it every day and undertake stewardship activities to protect its health.
Every visitor contributes financially to the management of the Great Barrier Reef, and once they have seen this diverse ecosystem, they understand its resilience and want to play a role in its future.
TTNQ launched the Lifetime of Greatness project in April 2025 alongside Traditional Owners, marine biologists, the tourism industry, and reef guardian schools to show the profound impact the Great Barrier Reef has on both the environment and the people who visit it.
The world’s largest living organism is the beating heart of the ocean, supporting more than 9,000 different species and forming one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
It inspires people every day, bringing individuals together through sustainable initiatives, shaping cultures and communities across generations.
The campaign invited the world to recognise the reef’s extraordinary contribution by nominating it for the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Lifetime Achievement in the Champions of the Earth Awards.
More than 1.3 million people across the globe signed in support, which is a remarkable show of advocacy and love for the Great Barrier Reef.
Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Tropical North Queensland and what should be their top priorities?
MO: Tropical North Queensland has the greatest access to the Great Barrier Reef and the bonus of one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests alongside it.
These extraordinary natural landscapes can be experienced with the world’s two oldest living cultures – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – whose ancient wisdom has been preserving the environment long before it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Visitors have the unique opportunity to walk with a Traditional Owner to discover how the rainforest is their supermarket, pharmacy, and hardware store and join a Master Reef Guide to discover what is so special about the only living structure that can be seen from the moon.
What are some of the region’s most unique landmarks you would like to highlight?
MO: The Daintree Rainforest, which is part of the Wet Tropics Rainforest, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised globally as one of the world’s oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforests.
It is home to living dinosaurs such as the southern cassowary and the saltwater crocodile and boasts a mind-boggling number of species – 40 percent of Australia’s bird species, 35 percent of mammal species, 65 percent of fern species – the list goes on.
The Daintree Rainforest is a living museum and home to the Kuku Yalanji people. Is it any wonder that Sir David Attenborough regards Tropical North Queensland as his favourite place to visit? To quote the great man, “It has, for a naturalist, everything. It has an amazing rainforest which is quite unlike any other rainforest in the world. Not only does it have that, but down on the coast it has the Great Barrier Reef.”
The Ribbon Reefs, north of Port Douglas, are extraordinary. They are on the edge of the continental shelf, but still accessible and home to spectacular coral formations and marine life.
They are famous for being the only place in the world where you are permitted to swim with dwarf minke whales. These curious and friendly whales visit the reef in June and July and only a handful of vessels have permits to swim with them, making it a very exclusive experience.
Similarly, what is one of the most underrated landmarks or attractions that you would like to showcase?
MO: I have a deep personal connection with the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Many people assume this is the Daintree Rainforest alone, but it is just one of the 29 national parks that make up this stunning landscape that stretches north, south, and west of Cairns.
My wife’s family is from Babinda, south of Cairns, where you will find the serene beauty of the Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls, popular spots for locals to cool off.
I spend my Sundays at the family property where we are revegetating former farmland back to its natural state and am privileged to see the resident cassowary family enjoying the fruits of our labour most weekends.
What current trends are transforming the tourism industry in Tropical North Queensland and how are you utilising and responding to them?
MO: Thoughtful travellers are seeking transformational experiences where they can tread lightly, give back to the environment and community they are visiting, and leave knowing that their visit has made a difference.
Tropical North Queensland is where you can not only see great, but you can also leave greater. Our region’s tourism industry is highly engaged with the environment their business operates in. The natural beauty and ecological values of Tropical North Queensland is why we are here. We love it and want the world to appreciate it the way we do.
Travel to the Great Barrier Reef knowing that your visit has directly contributed to its conservation and supported a business that is investing in its health. Take it a step further and participate in a citizen science programme helping marine biologists to monitor the diverse species on the reef.
Explore the rainforest with a Traditional Owner, as supporting their business allows our First Nations people to retain their connection to country, care for the environment that has nurtured their family for generations, and share their ancient culture with the world, creating employment for the next generation.
“Tropical North Queensland has what the world wants – transformational experiences in a stunningly beautiful, biodiverse environment”
Mark Olsen, CEO, Tourism Tropical North Queensland
What challenges does the tourist industry in Tropical North Queensland face and how will these be overcome?
MO: Public perception is often our greatest challenge. Australia, like many other countries, has been impacted by significant weather events that attract global media coverage. The impact of these events can be immediately devastating to a community, but they are isolated and should not impact travel to nearby communities that are unaffected.
Call your accommodation direct to ask if there is an impact in the area you are visiting and continue with your travel plans if they say it is safe. If they are affected, ask if you can delay your travel until it is safe. Often, the impact of cancellations on a community is worse than the disaster itself.
Reports on the health of the Great Barrier Reef can become quite skewed by the time they reach the other side of the world, with confusing statistics misreported or taken out of context.
Our oceans are warming, and this is impacting marine environments with more frequent setbacks. However, the Great Barrier Reef is resilient and areas that have been impacted in the past by events such as bleaching have recovered. Scientists and the tourism industry have been working together to look at how recovery can be encouraged in areas that have been heavily hit.
There is no simple solution, but the Great Barrier Reef continues to give birth each year with the annual coral spawning – surely the greatest sign that this biodiverse ecosystem is resilient. Visit for yourself to understand why we have such high hopes for the Great Barrier Reef.
Could you talk about the organisation’s 50-year anniversary and what this significant milestone represents?
MO: Chalking up half a century of attracting visitors to a destination is a significant milestone. TTNQ’s founders – Chairman, George Chapman and General Manager, Bill Cummings – had extraordinary vision and are still active in the industry into their 80s.
They recognised the opportunity that growing road and aviation connectivity offered the destination and built a culture of working together for the betterment of the industry, the environment, and the community.
That philosophy of working together for the greater good has been the backbone of our destination marketing organisation for five decades.
TTNQ is the oldest regional DMO in Australia and the largest, supported by an enthusiastic membership base.
Our success in establishing Tropical North Queensland as an international Australian destination is the direct result of our ability to hunt as a pack.
Our industry works together to promote Tropical North Queensland as a destination, and we remain resilient and grasp every setback as an opportunity to innovate, making sure that the rest of the world loves our backyard as much as we do.
“Our industry works together to promote Tropical North Queensland as a destination, and we remain resilient and grasp every setback as an opportunity to innovate, making sure that the rest of the world loves our backyard as much as we do”
Mark Olsen, CEO, Tourism Tropical North Queensland
To date, what are you most proud of regarding the tourist board’s body of work?
MO: TTNQ has been a leader in the sustainability space for decades, helping our industry to grow in a way that benefits our community, people, environment, and economy.
We have achieved many firsts in this space to bring our members along on the journey, such as introducing an accessibility hub and a sustainability hub to our destination website, developing a First Nations Tourism Action Plan in collaboration with our Indigenous operators, launching a Sustainability Leaders Network, and completing our annual Sustainability Report.
Tropical North Queensland has the most certified tourism operators of any region in Australia, and we continue to innovate in this space. Meanwhile, Tropic Wings is Australia’s first tour operator with an electric fleet, and the Quicksilver Cruises Group has converted all its marine engines ready for the new generation of sustainable fuels.
Finally, are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry for Tropical North Queensland?
MO: Yes! Tropical North Queensland has what the world wants – transformational experiences in a stunningly beautiful, biodiverse environment. Our community embraces tourism as a benefit, so visitors are guaranteed a warm welcome, and we are caring for our environment to ensure that it is here for the pleasure of generations to come.
OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS
Eat:
FOR AN ICONIC WATERFRONT VENUE…
Salt House is Cairns’ most notorious and glorious spot to indulge in a true taste of luxury. With impressive views spanning the waterfront and Marina Point, it’s the perfect destination to enjoy and embrace the location whilst indulging in signature cocktails and perusing the extensive wine and champagne menus.
Spend a leisurely-paced afternoon sipping into the sunset with one of Salt House’s signature cocktails or grab a light bite to share with friends and bask in the beauty of your surroundings.
Aside from its extensive cocktail list, Salt House has one of the largest backyard bars in Cairns with dedicated gin, vodka, tequila, mezcal, rum, and whisky menus.
Seating up to 20 guests, the private dining room is perfect for intimate family dinners, board and business meetings, or exclusive events.
From canapés to food stations and sit-down meals, let your vision come to life with unsurpassed views of the Cairns Marina and Trinity Inlet.
Salt House continually supports and seeks out local growers and producers to champion its menu, highlighting the incredible produce that Tropical North Queensland has to offer. The kitchen is centred around a custom-built Argentinian wood-fired grill, with local seafood also playing its part.
Additionally, Salt House Pizzeria is the newest addition, located at the front of the venue, boasting traditional Italian pizzas and tapas baked in an authentic brick pizza oven.
The Salt House experience is one that is truly unique.
Do:
FOR A JOURNEY TO DISCOVER NATURAL CRYSTALS AND PREHISTORIC FOSSILS…
FOR A TRUE ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCE…
FOR UNFORGETTABLE ECO-ADVENTURES…
Back Country Bliss Adventures has been creating unforgettable eco-adventures in Tropical North Queensland since 2004.
The incredible tours promise to immerse explorers in the beauty of the Mossman River and Daintree Rainforest, blending adventure with a deep respect for nature and sustainability.
The signature river drift experience, a first-of-its-kind in Australia, takes you on a diverse journey through the rainforest.
FOR CAIRNS’ PREMIER GREAT BARRIER REEF AND ISLAND TOURS…
Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom represent two highly guest-focused, small group, eco-accredited snorkel and scuba dive reef tours locally owned and passionately operated by Perry Jones and Taryn Agius and their wonderful team.
Ocean Freedom gives guests six unrushed hours to explore two stunning reef destinations, whilst Ocean Free offers a magical sail, reef, and island experience.
FOR TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND’S BEST ATTRACTIONS…
For Cairns and Port Douglas trips and attractions, CaPTA Group operates interactive wildlife parks, tours, and attractions in the stunning Tropical North Queensland region.
Locally owned and operated by the Woodward family, the group comprises several wildlife, nature attractions, and touring companies.
The group is dedicated to sustainable practices that protect and preserve its operating areas, whilst respecting heritage and traditional values to ensure long-term viability for both the group and the surrounding communities.
CaPTA currently employs over 200 staff across the group, which consists of the Rainforestation Nature Park, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Wildlife Habitat, Cairns Koalas & Creatures, and Tropic Wings Cairns Tours & Charters.
FOR AN EPIC ESCAPE FROM THE ORDINARY…
Cape York Motorcycle Adventures invites you to explore a breathtaking terrain of remote country, ranging from tropical rainforest to sandy beaches.
Thrill-seeking off-road motorcyclists will be surprised and delighted by an array of challenging dirt bike trails designed specifically for various skill levels.
Family-owned and operated since 1990, the company has been leading riders through the wild and unforgettable landscapes of Tropical North Queensland for over 35 years.
Founded by Roy and Renae Kunda, and now guided by the next generation, Cape York Motorcycle Adventures combines local knowledge, expert guidance, and true outback hospitality to deliver bucket-list rides like no other – from Cape York to Darwin and everything in between.
With a passionate crew, top-quality bikes, and unmatched access to the Cape, the company is proud to offer safe, unforgettable motorcycle adventures for all.
Cape York is a hub for most of the company’s dirt bike adventure tours. Described as ‘one of the last of the great wild places on Earth’, the peninsula represents a landscape that is as diverse as the people who live on it.
If abundant fishing, epic dirt biking, and warm hospitality is something you like the sound of, this is your chance to experience a real taste of the Outback.
Cape York Motorcycle Adventures was the world’s first motorcycle tour company to be eco-certified in the country through Ecotourism Australia, and the company has maintained certification since 2006.
Its focus is to allow guests to experience the wilderness areas of Cape York and foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation, and conservation.
Sleep:
FOR BEACHFRONT BLISS…
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas is positioned directly on the famous Four Mile Beach and is the perfect stepping-off point to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
Famous for the two hectares (ha) of palm-fringed, lagoon-style pools filled with water from the ocean, guests can float the day away, relax in a private poolside cabana, or swim up to the pool bar.
FOR A PICTURESQUE ESCAPE…
Melaleuca Resort immerses you in beauty and serenity at a boutique beachfront resort surrounded by swaying palms, scintillating scenery, and tropical gardens.
Ideally located in the beachside town of Palm Cove and just steps from the ocean, the self-contained, one-bedroom apartments offer stunning views, relaxed comfort, and everything you could possibly need for the perfect getaway.
FOR AN ESCAPE FROM THE CHAOS…
Rossville Retreat enchants guests to connect with nature, abundant wildlife, and the shining stars above. Situated at the base of the Cape York Peninsula, the retreat is perfectly located on the Bloomfield Track, 70 kilometres (km) north of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest.
Immerse yourself in nature and culture in private, eco-friendly lodges or unpowered camp sites, or participate in an Indigenous-guided bush tour with resident world-renowned bush medicine expert, Mooks.
Set in the bush backing on to the Little Annan Gorge, Rossville Retreat offers a riverside picnic area, private airstrip, and bush walks, all overlooked by magical Black Mountain, only 20 minutes from Cooktown and 2 km from the iconic Lion’s Den Hotel.
Rossville Retreat is an eco-friendly tourism business that uses ecologically sustainable practices in order to be awarded an Ecotourism Australia accreditation.
The 12 lodges are built in the bush alongside their private airstrip and each sit on a raised platform, maximising the sea breeze.
They have environmentally sustainable wastewater management systems and are powered by solar energy, giving the lodges zero carbon energy emissions.
Rossville Retreat has grown into a community hub where people from all different walks of life come together to expand their awareness and acceptance of one another.
The retreat is on a mission to encourage Indigenous skills development, employment, and business creation, which will ensure Indigenous tourism is driven by a workforce that generates sustainable socioeconomic outcomes for First Nations individuals, their families, and their communities.
DAINTREE RAINFOREST IN FOCUS
Also standing as the largest rainforest in Australia, the Daintree Rainforest stretches over 1,200 square km and is home to many animal and plant species not found anywhere else in the world.
The diversity, intricacy, and age of plant species here are greater than any other ecosystem in Australia and many places around the globe.
Similar to the plants found in the Daintree Rainforest, it is home to the greatest concentration of rare or near-extinct animal species anywhere on the planet.
One of the most well-known animals living in the area is the estuarine crocodile, a living dinosaur with the most powerful bite of any animal.
These prehistoric reptiles can be safely seen on a Daintree River cruise or at a wildlife park, where you can witness the power of their jaws at feeding time.
There are multiple walks in the Daintree Rainforest showcasing diverse landscapes, from coastal mangroves to the ancient rainforest. Mossman Gorge has guided walks with Indigenous guides and easily accessible boardwalks north of the Daintree River, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.
Alternatively, taking a cruise on the Daintree River, located north of Port Douglas, gives you an intimate mangrove and rainforest experience where you can spot crocodiles, diverse birdlife, and snakes in this UNESCO World Heritage-protected region.
This vast natural wonder cannot possibly be explored in just one day. Fortunately, a variety of accommodation options to suit each visitor’s taste and budget are available to make your stay a truly magical experience.
Accommodation ranges from luxury 4- and 5-star resorts to boutique cabins, luxurious rainforest retreats, self-contained holiday houses, and camping grounds, all featured in a gloriously unique setting.
ATHERTON TABLELANDS IN FOCUS
As Tropical North Queensland’s lush highland plateau, Atherton Tablelands is a vibrant green oasis of dramatic mountains, untouched rainforest, delicious produce, and jaw-dropping waterfalls rising more than 700 metres above sea level.
You’ll find an incredible array of wildlife here, including brightly coloured frogs and elusive platypus. It’s also one of the few places in the country where you might spot the rare Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo.
Birds are an unmissable highlight in the Atherton Tablelands too – 327 of the 430 bird species of the Daintree Rainforest can be found here. Look up and you might be lucky enough to gaze upon golden bowerbirds, king parrots, honeyeaters, crimson rosellas, and masked owls.
Atherton Tableland is also home to fabulous fresh produce, basalt soil, good rainfall, and plenty of sunshine, making it something of a foodie haven.
There are almost 2,000 farms, producing delicious tropical fruit such as mangoes, limes, and bananas. Experience that goodness first-hand at the Yungaburra Markets or Shaylee Strawberry Farm, where you can pick your own berries. Alternatively, you can grab fresh produce from one of the many roadside stalls – just drop the money into the honesty box.
Additionally, the Atherton Tablelands is one of Australia’s two major coffee-growing regions and visitors can track down an espresso here that would rival anything you’ll get in the best Melbourne cafés.
Visit Skybury Coffee and Roastery to walk through the plantation, see beans being processed, and sample the award-winning Arabica blends. For something with a little more punch, drop into Mt Uncle Distillery, which uses Australian botanicals to make delicious, award-winning gin.
For the more adventurous, bushwalking and hiking trails wind through lush rainforest where you can take a short track through Crater Lakes National Park or tackle the challenging Misty Mountains Wilderness Tracks of Wooroonooran National Park, which are also accessed from the coast.
CAIRNS IN FOCUS
Cairns has grown from a ramshackle port town to a stylish modern city – the capital of Tropical North Queensland, with a year-round outdoor lifestyle. Here you can bar-hop, rock-hop, or island-hop all on the same day as Cairns puts the ‘jungle’ in ‘urban jungle’.
Waiting for visitors with opens arms and a cold beer at the ready, Cairns is a welcoming city, and you’ll feel at home right away. It’s also easy to get around and everything in the central business district (CBD) is within walking distance, with the international airport only a 10-minute drive away.
But don’t let that welcoming small-town vibe fool you. With its distinctive multicultural mix, Cairns buzzes with innovative eateries, on-trend bars, stylish boutiques, and art galleries.
The multifaceted city is tucked between two of Tropical North Queensland’s greatest natural treasures – the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, which means adventure is never far away.
As such, almost 30 boats leave Cairns every day for the reef, and in less than an hour you could be snorkelling or diving in Australia’s most spectacular underwater paradise.
Inland, hike through sun-dappled forests on to Glacier Rock via Douglas Track, swim in the cascading pools of nearby Crystal Cascades, or glide just metres over the canopies of tropical rainforest on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
If you need a beach day, head for Cairns’ Northern Beaches, a string of sleepy seaside villages just 15 minutes from the city. They are a favourite with locals, and each has its own unique character.
They say that nothing goes down better than a cold beer on a hot day, and what better to sip on in the tropics than a Hemingway’s Brewery 7th Heaven Tropical Ale?
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF IN FOCUS
As temptations go, it’s hard to look past Tropical North Queensland’s extraordinary Great Barrier Reef – dotted with tropical islands where the only sounds are the waves lapping the shore and pristine ocean bordered by boundless expanses of white-sand perfection.
Start your adventure at this amazing underwater universe and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you could easily spend weeks, with its colourful coral gardens and abundant marine life, from tropical fish to turtles, rays, and even multiple species of whales.
There are also plenty of snorkelling and scuba diving excursions to choose from. Don your mask, look beneath the surface, and be mesmerised by the ocean world below. Snorkelling is an easy, safe, and fun way to explore the reef, moving at a slow and gentle pace so you have time to admire the intricate coral gardens or see some of the thousands of marine species going about their day.
Non-swimmers will love the glass-bottomed boats that provide a box office seat for gazing onto the reef, whilst more adrenaline-hunting thrill-seekers might want to try helmet diving – a way to explore the seafloor on foot.
For those who prefer staying above the water, set sail for a day or take a kayaking tour between Mission Beach and Dunk Island or Palm Cove and Double Island. For visual splendour personified, take to the skies in a helicopter for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the reef’s unmatched beauty.
To make the most of every minute of your stay, book into one of the area’s tranquil oceanside retreats. From family-friendly apartments in Trinity Beach, north of Cairns, to a back-to-nature experience sleeping under canvas, or one of Port Douglas’ fabled 5-star resorts, an unforgettable experience awaits all who seek the reef.
LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS
Josephine Falls
Josephine Falls is a scenic waterfall fed by the rain that falls on Queensland’s highest peak, Mount Bartle Frere, which looms above this popular spot. The public amenities allow guests to set up a barbecue and picnic in the purpose-built facilities and relax in this beautiful rainforest environment with family and friends for a day of tranquil bliss.
Wet Tropics Rainforest
The Wet Tropics Rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches along the northeast coast of Australia for some 450 km and includes the world-famous Daintree Rainforest. Encompassing over 894,420 ha of mostly tropical rainforest, this stunningly beautiful area is extremely important for its rich and unique biodiversity. It also presents an unparalleled record of the ecological and evolutionary processes that shaped the flora and fauna of Australia.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Gliding above pristine canopies and exploring the rainforest floor on environmentally sensitive pathways, guests can fully immerse themselves in the rainforest experience without leaving even a footprint behind through the unique Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The attraction enables people of all ages and abilities from across the world to discover the beauty and wonder of this incredible ancient landscape, whilst simultaneously promoting and educating visitors on the importance of the rainforest and its preservation.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
Tropical North Queensland is closer than you think – and it’s really easy to get to.
Cairns International Airport (CNS) is the main aviation gateway, with regular direct flights from international hubs and major Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin. It won’t take you long as most domestic flights are only three to four hours.
A range of domestic and international airlines service CNS, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways, and Singapore Airlines, as well as small local airlines such as SmartLynx Australia, Alliance Airlines, and Air North.
Elsewhere, hop on a bus to Tropical North Queensland, with multiple daily departures from Brisbane to Cairns. Enjoy the 30-hour journey, taking in the ever-changing scenery of the passing countryside.
Alternatively, the Spirit of Queensland train runs from Brisbane to Cairns, a 1,681 km journey that takes 24 hours, departing from Brisbane five times a week.
Take in the stunning Queensland scenery as you travel along the coast, passing rolling farmland and misty mountains. The locomotive makes a number of stops along the way, including in Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Proserpine, Townsville, and Innisfail.
Driving is also a great option, so consider hiring a car or campervan and hitting the road to explore the area yourself.
