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Two World Heritage wonders, side by side. That's what makes Tropical North Queensland one of a kind. One morning you're snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, the next you're standing under a rainforest canopy older than the dinosaurs in the Daintree. Add in tropical islands, wildlife encounters and a coastline that runs from Port Douglas to Magnetic Island, and you've got one of the most rewarding corners of the country to explore. Whether you're local and looking for a reason to get out and about, or planning the trip north you've been putting off, the best way to see it all is with an experience, not just an itinerary. Give someone a story they'll tell for years, not another thing to find room for in the cupboard. RedBalloon makes it easy to turn a trip to Far North Queensland into a handful of moments worth remembering.
Things to Do in Tropical North Queensland
Tropical North Queensland is the only place on earth where two natural World Heritage sites sit side by side, so ticking off the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest is a solid place to start. Whether you're a Queenslander exploring your own backyard or visiting from interstate or overseas, there's no shortage of things to do in Far North Queensland. From snorkelling the reef to scenic flights over the tropics, RedBalloon has the range to match however you like to travel.
Tropical North Queensland Destinations
Here's where to point the map, and a taste of what RedBalloon has waiting in each spot.
Cairns
Cairns is the gateway to it all, the launch pad for reef trips, rainforest days and everything in between. If you only book one thing here, make it the Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight - Cairns - 40 Minutes, a RedBalloon best seller. Green Island, Arlington Reef and the endless blue unfold beneath you, no snorkel required. Explore the whole range of things to do in Cairns for reef tours, Skyrail and plenty more.
Port Douglas
Slower, greener and closer to the outer reef, Port Douglas is where a lot of locals send their own visitors. The Full Day Cruise to Low Isles with Lunch and Snorkelling is a standout, sailing to a postcard-perfect coral cay for a swim, a snorkel and lunch on board. Discover more things to do in Port Douglas from fishing charters to scenic flights.
Daintree Rainforest
The oldest tropical rainforest on the planet deserves more than a drive-through. The Crocodile Express Lower Daintree River Cruise - 60 minutes glides along the river for close encounters with crocodiles, birdlife and mangrove forest, guided by locals who know exactly where to look.
Cape Tribulation
Where the rainforest genuinely meets the reef. The Cape Tribulation Daintree & Mossman Gorge Guided Tour takes you through ancient forest before stepping out into the pristine surrounds of Mossman Gorge.
Palm Cove
A calmer place, just north of Cairns, with the Coral Sea at your doorstep. The Guided Kayak Tour from Palm Cove to Double Island - Adult paddles you across clear shallow water rich with turtles and rays, with Double Island as your reward at the other end.
Kuranda
Up in the hills above Cairns, Kuranda pairs rainforest views with village charm. The Skyrail, Kuranda Village Visit and Scenic Rail - Self Drive glides you above the canopy by cableway and back down by heritage train, with time in the village markets in between.
Barron Gorge
Mountain scenery, rainforest and grade 3 rapids, all within the Cairns region. The White Water Rafting at Barron Gorge - Half Day puts you in the raft under expert guidance for a properly scenic way to get the heart rate up.
Magnetic Island
Just offshore from Townsville, Magnetic Island trades crowds for koalas, hoop pines and some of the clearest water in the region. The 3 Night Magnetic Island Oceanfront Getaway - For 2 is the easiest way to properly slow down and soak it in.
There's plenty more where that came from. Not sure which one to pick? A Gift Voucher lets the lucky recipient choose for themselves, valid across any experience or accommodation package in Tropical North Queensland.
Exploring More of Queensland
Tropical North Queensland is just one corner of the sunshine state. If a bigger Queensland trip is on the cards, here's where to look next:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in TNQ when it rains?
Head somewhere the weather can't reach. Cairns Aquarium Entry puts you face to face with the region's marine and rainforest wildlife entirely under cover, from reef fish to freshwater crocodiles, without needing a clear sky.
What are the best things to do in TNQ without a car?
Plenty of Tropical North Queensland's best experiences build transport into the ticket. The Easy River Tubing Adventure with Transfers and Snacks collects you from Cairns and drops you back, so all you need to do is bring yourself.
What are the best things to do in TNQ?
Reef, rainforest and everything the tropics can throw at you. The Catamaran Sailing and Reef Snorkel Tour is a genuine highlight, sailing out from Cairns for a snorkel on the reef under sail rather than engine noise.
What are the best things to do in TNQ in 3 days?
Three days is enough to cover the essentials. Give one day to the reef, one to the rainforest, and save the third for something with a bit more grit, like the White Water Rafting on the Tully River with Dinner - 12 Hours, which fills a full day with rapids and finishes with dinner included.
What are the best things to do in TNQ for couples?
Slow down and make it about the two of you. The Barramundi Gourmet Farm Tour with Tasting Plate - 1 Hour in Wonga Beach is a relaxed, small-group way to spend an hour together over local produce and a working farm.
What are the best things to do in TNQ for families?
Look for a day that keeps everyone entertained without keeping anyone waiting around. The Fitzroy Island Package with Snorkeling and Glass Bottom Boat covers snorkelling for the confident swimmers and a glass bottom boat for everyone else.
What are the best day trips in Tropical North Queensland?
The Moore Reef & Fitzroy Island Full Day Adventure packs two of the region's best spots into a single day, combining a reef pontoon with an island escape without needing to choose between them.