Travel guide Far North Queensland

Few destinations in the world can boast one World Heritage List attraction, let alone two. Getting on UNESCO’s World Heritage List is extremely difficult and reserved for those places that the World Heritage Committee deems to have “outstanding universal value.” But Cape Tribulation boasts both the Daintree – a World Heritage-listed rainforest, and The Great Barrier Reef - a World Heritage Listed natural wonder which has also found itself on the Seven Natural Wonders of the World list. In fact, Cape Tribulation is the only place in the world to have two World Heritage-listed wonders side by side. Clearly – this makes Cape Tribulation a must-see destination. Whether you love the ocean or prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, there is plenty for everyone ... Read more

12 Barang Street Kuranda QLD 4881 This fully equipped, clean, bright, charming property is located a stone’s throw from the main street of the lovely rainforest village of Kuranda, 40 minutes out of Cairns. The villa comes with everything you need for a relaxing holiday. The easy access parking (for unloading the car) means that you feel relaxed from the moment you arrive. Each of the self-contained villas features an outdoor seating and barbecue area, the optimum way to enjoy the small lush garden. The charming owner, Melissa, greets you with a smile on arrival and helps you settle in. Overall rating?    Great    What makes Kuranda Villas different? The proximity to the main street of the village and the little extras  (champagne, coff... Read more

Meridien at Trinity 26-30 Moore Street Trinity Beach, Far North Queensland   Self-contained apartments with all you could ask for, including a tranquil beachside location and close to all the delights of Cairns and beyond.      Overall rating? Excellent   What makes Meridien at Trinity different? The wonderful on-site managers are there to ensure that you have a wonderful stay.  They are there when you need them, but unobtrusive.  The quality of the accommodation and facilities was first class, and it was only a very short walk to great restaurants, shops and amenities.  The apartments are large and spacious with wonderful balconies overlooking the beach.   Accommodation overview  There is a choice of 1, 2, or 3 bedroom... Read more

77 Sims Esplanade Yorkeys Knob Beach, QLD   The apartment was perfect for our needs and has a peaceful ambience.  Close to the beach and with good eateries just down the road … all you need to get away from it all.   Overall rating?             Excellent     What makes Mediterranean Beachfront Apartments different? These luxury apartments are large and well furnished and the location just over the road from the beach is really convenient.  Also just 15 minutes north of Cairns and a great base for exploring the wonders of the region.  Having an onsite manager means any problems are quickly sorted out and it is easy to get some ‘local knowledge’ to help you make ... Read more

Cairns is the gateway to the tropical north and provides myriad activities for those who go there to sail, swim, surf, dive or explore the amazing shops, restaurants and cafes and the even more amazing hinterland.  Cairns truly has it all… the Great Barrier Reef, primeval rainforests and the modern luxuries of any major city.  No wonder it is a ‘must see’ destination for so many sailors. Cairns Seaport is Australia’s busiest cruise port with over 200 international and domestic cruise ship visits every year, and it is also home to Australia’s largest fishing fleet.  Its location virtually in the heart of the city is one of its many attractions.  When entering Cairns Shipping Channel, contact Cairns Harbour Control on VHF Channel 16, with ... Read more

It’s so massive, astronauts can see it quite clearly from space, however the Great Barrier Reef is much more impressive down low and up close. The largest reef system on earth is so huge (bigger than Italy!), you could dive, snorkel and sail around it for a lifetime without seeing everything. And you’d never lose your sense of wonder, as vast displays of coral, colourful fish, various shell shapes and designs fill three dimensions of ever-changing beauty.  Extending 2000 km and covering an area of 35 million hectares, 2800 living reefs combine to make The Great Barrier Reef, which today remains the largest-ever World Heritage Area. These reefs form an extensive eco-system teaming with around 1500 species of fish, 4000 species of molluscs, 400 varieties of sponge and count... Read more

Allawah Retreat, Atherton Tablelands, Far North QLD   This award winning retreat is located on 150 acres of Australian native bush, high on a mountain ridge overlooking the Atherton Tablelands, in the Cairns Highlands, and only one hour's scenic drive to the Cairns International Airport and Great Barrier Reef departure terminals. Allawah is an aboriginal word meaning: "sit, stay here and rest awhile". What makes Allawah Retreat different?  At Allawah you are assured of peace, privacy and tranquillity as the retreat is located at the end of a quiet country road - no cars, no neighbours, no barking dogs… just the sounds of nature. The spacious lodges are designed just for one couple and each is individual in design, features and character. A comment from... Read more

What makes Billabong B&B different? Billabong B&B is set on an island surrounded by a natural billabong stocked with fish and waterlilies.  This is a unique spot, only 10 minutes from downtown Cairns yet it feels like you are in the middle of Cape York at a secluded and pristine billabong in the middle of nowhere.  The birdlife is incredible and very diverse and ever changing.  The entire B&B is surrounded by the billabong and it has the feel of being on a secluded island surrounded by majestic paperbark (melaleuca) trees.  The operators have also created a small organic orchard with delicious tropical fruits. Only a stones throw from all the fabulous tourist spots Cairns and Port Douglas has to offer, The Great Barrier Reef, D... Read more

The Atherton Tableland has a solid reputation as the ideal getaway, with it's rural communities encompassing a less stressed lifestyle filled withalluring nostalgia in country town atmospheres. The country towns of yesteryear have beds of blooming flowers, comfy benches in the main streets and shop owners that know their customers by first name. The Atherton Tableland got it's name from the many different plateaus or levels. It's covered with undulating mountains, valleys, lakes, streams, waterfalls and thick rainforest. Because of the high altitude - from 400 to 1100 metres above sea level - it's a tropical haven and doesn't have the humidity of the coast. You will be spoiled for choice of things to see and do with Barramundi fishing, canoeing and waterskiing at Lake Tinaroo, exploring ... Read more

Daintree, Far North Queensland Daintree Views is a holiday retreat set in absolutely stunning, lush rainforest gardens. It is positioned up high to take in 180 degree views of the Daintree Valley. The best thing about Daintree Views is “waking up every morning to the sounds of the birds in the rainforest and taking in the spectacular views”, says reviewer Ron Love. Overall rating: Outstanding, with excellent facilities and helpful hosts. What makes Daintree Views property different? Daintree Views Rainforest Retreat is located on a 20 acre property, offering guests total seclusion. The lush rainforest setting is complete with an outside heated spa that looks out over the valley, and there is plenty of outdoor seating to have drinks and nibbles whilst watching the sunset or... Read more