Best things to do in Tropical North QLD

Warm and scenic — what more could we ask for? A lot if you're visiting Tropical North Queensland. Delicious meals inspired by the outback and the ocean. Joy rides through old landscapes. More water activities than you could poke a stick at. And a few crazy animal encounters to top things off.

TNQ is even better than it looks, with activities to suit both relaxed and energetic trips. Whether you've been a bunch of times or you're taking your first trip, this list will take the fuss out of planning and booking.

From Kuranda to Cairns and Cape Tribulation. Get excited for your next trip to paradise.

North Queensland trip with no Great Barrier Reef tour? No deal. The region's big draw card is a big must, more wonderful than photos can justify. From Port Douglas, take an outer Great Barrier Reef tour aboard a high-speed catamaran, visiting an underwater observatory and the lively Agincourt Reef from a spacious pontoon. Joined by professional marine biologists, this 6-hour tour goes beneath the surface in every sense.

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns? Grab this one-day tour that covers both the iconic reef and Green Island, giving you a true sense of what's off the coast of TNQ. This trip is great for non-swimmers and those travelling with little ones, as you can view the coral playground from the air-conditioned semi-submersible and underwater observatory.

For visitors wanting a dedicated snorkelling trip, you'll find it in this snorkel cruise that gives five full hours of water time over two brilliant reefs, with a barbecue lunch to keep you fuelled. Experienced, professional dive instructors are on hand to give you a full run-down of diving and snorkelling tuition and safety. With all that swimming, the free snack and glass of wine for the return journey will go down a treat.

Tropical North Queensland is best known for blue water and palm tree islands. But those who think different and head to the mountains are in for a treat. Move inland, and you can explore the quirky market town of Kuranda, ride the 130-year-old Kuranda Scenic Railway and pass tumbling waterfalls on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Best of all, you can do it all with one easy ticket.

A trip to TNQ isn't a trip to TNQ without seeing a croc snap its jaw—an experience that's guaranteed at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. A half-day tour here takes out all the fuss, with return transfers from Port Douglas and more safety than a hopeful search through the wild. Once at the park, you can see these fascinating and frightening creatures up close, taking the wetlands cruise to watch them eat a meal. You can also keep an eye out for water birds, turtles and wallabies to round out the trip.

Step into the lungs of the earth—the ancient Daintree Rainforest. A visit to this part of Tropical North Queensland is unforgettable; a chance to see nature in all her glory. For the best experience, take a full-day tour that includes Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge. This will see you learning about the ecosystem's history and significance while going deep under the green canopy of ancient flora and fauna. A trip to the Alexandra Range Lookout and Cape Tribulation Beach are also on the agenda, as is a BBQ lunch and Indigenous walk. Not a thing will be missed when you visit the world's oldest continually living rainforest with a guide.

No one regrets a sailing trip to the Low Isles. Found just off the coast of Port Douglas, the Low Isles refers to a four-acre protected coral cay positioned in a reef system that is 50 acres big. With both a full-day tour and an afternoon tour available, it's always possible to find time for a Low Isles adventure. Both trips come complete with snorkelling, beach time and marine life viewed from a glass bottom boat (one's completely electric, no less!). Keep your eyes peeled for colourful fish and sea turtles.

Looking for something out of the box? Jump in a basket and experience the Cairns countryside from above. A 40-minute hot air balloon flight is yours to enjoy over the Atherton Tablelands, a patchwork of farms, forests and rivers. A gentle and jaw-dropping way to start a day, complete with a commemorative certificate and a glass of sparkling wine. Holidays are made for stuff like this.

For a bird's-eye view of TNQ's answer to the Amazon, embark on a 40-minute scenic flight over the Daintree Rainforest from Cairns. This tour is the best way to see the diverse landscapes of the region, from the dense rainforest to the sprawling reef systems. Green Island, Arlington Reef and Middle Cay are just some of the spots you'll see from your guaranteed window seat. An ideal experience for those who want to see it all but don't have the luxury of time.

TNQ isn't well-known for its food scene. But the secret will be out soon enough. The muggy climate pairs with the nearby outback to give unique meals you'll need more of. To taste the best of it, jump onto an outback tasting tours. This excursion takes you to all kinds of local farms and producers, offering samples of exotic fruits, cheeses, coffee, chocolates, wine, spirits—the list goes on. A full day out packed with great tastes and agricultural heritage. What's not to love about that?