Travel
10 ways to go troppo in Far North Queensland
Springtime in Far North Queensland is a great time to visit - it’s warm (but not too warm) and usually dry. Here are 10 things to do when you get there.
By Leonie Jarrett
The Aussie phrase ‘go troppo’ refers to the wild and sometimes odd behaviours of those who live in extreme heat and humidity – and Far North Queensland (FNQ) is one of those places.
The Queensland coastline north of the Tropic of Capricorn is dotted with the Great Barrier Reef, swaying palm trees and an ocean that sparkles on clear days and attracts crocodiles and stingers on others.
Every town and regional centre has its own unique style, usually with old-style pubs that once hosted sugar cane cutters, miners or tobacco farmers. Some even host cane toad races, where you can bet on which toad will make it out of the ring first.
Far North Queensland is a tropical region of Australia which stretches from Cairns to the Torres Strait. It is home to natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed tropical rainforests. Here’s how to best spend your time up north.
1. While away some time on a beach
There are golden kilometres of beaches and oodles of palm trees. There are secluded beaches and popular strips. All are stunningly beautiful - but don’t swim at unpatrolled beaches, especially during stinger season (which officially starts on 1 November). The box jellyfish and irukandji stingers can even be deadly.
Palm Cove was named the Best Beach in the World by Condé Nast Traveller in 2024. This little town has it all going on – a beautiful, sandy beach, palm trees, ancient melaleuca trees, boutique shops, accommodation, beachfront yoga, adventure activities, world class cafés and restaurants. It also has a patrolled beach so you can go for a dip if the life savers say it’s safe to do so.
2. Take a boat trip to see the reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and one of the 7 wonders of the natural world. Snorkel or dive amongst an abundance of marine life, individual reef systems and coral cays. If snorkelling or diving is not your thing, try aircraft or helicopter tours, bare boat hire or glass-bottomed boat trips.
Take a day trip to the coral cay of Green Island (or stay overnight at the Green Island Resort). A fast 45 minute ferry ride from Cairns, you can do a range of activities on this beautiful island including: swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing or flightseeing in a helicopter.
Or escape to Fitzroy Island which is a National Park just 45-minutes from Cairns. Spot clownfish and sea turtles and visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre or simply relax on pristine beaches on this tropical paradise. See more on the Tropical North Queensland website.
3. Gaze with awe at the Daintree Rainforest
Tour the Daintree Rainforest, over 135 million years’ old, making it the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and home to unique flora and fauna. There are many ways to immerse yourself in this stunning place, including cruises, hikes, organised tours and self-drives. It’s one of Citro’s top birdwatching spots, too.
Take a walk (guided or self-guided) at Mossman Gorge. If you feel inclined, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by ancient rainforest. Then make sure you go further north to visit Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the reef.
4. Wander around Port Douglas
Spend some time in Port Douglas, a charming coastal town with beautiful beaches (try Four Mile Beach), a thriving Sunday market, a marina, diverse dining, golf courses, plus loads of accommodation, wildlife and adventure activities. There is something for everyone here – don’t miss sunset drinks at Barbados or Hemingway’s.
See more on the Port Douglas tourist information website.
5. Stroll around Cairns
Wander along Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon. The waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the Coral Sea. It is lined with parks, a lifeguard-patrolled swimming lagoon, playgrounds and BBQ areas.
Stroll through the Cairns Botanic Gardens. These are the only Wet Tropics botanic gardens in Australia and are renowned as one of the best exhibitions of tropical plants in Australia.
Then check out the Cairns Aquarium, which is home to more than 16,000 aquatic animals, including freshwater fish, pythons, emerald tree monitors, crocodiles, colourful reef fish, sharks and rays.
You can read more about things to do in Cairns on the Queensland tourism website.
6. Satisfy your inner train geek in Kuranda
Enjoy a day trip to Kuranda. You can take a tour, self-drive, ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda Scenic Railway. The Cableway has you gliding above the treetops in a gondola for panoramic views of the rainforest and the Coral Sea. Alternatively, take the historic train through the rainforest enjoying stunning views. Kuranda is full of markets to explore and the spectacular Barron Falls is only three kilometres away.
7. Get close to crocs (and koalas)
Visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to get up close to native wildlife, like crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, Komodo dragons, snakes and cassowaries. You can also learn all about crocodile farming – yes, it’s a thing.
Next, admire the largest single collection of free-flying birds in Australia at Birdworld and cuddle a koala at the Kuranda Koala Gardens. Then see if you can spy the electric blue Ulysses butterfly at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda, home to over 1,500 free-flying tropical butterflies and moths.
8. Take a look at Cooktown
Soak up the rich history of Cooktown and learn about Indigenous history and this thriving isolated modern town. This former supply port for the goldfields is located about 328 kilometres north of Cairns (all via a sealed road). Cooktown was named after Captain James Cook who beached his ship HMS Endeavour there for repairs in 1770.
9. Catch your dinner
Experience world-class fishing opportunities on one of the many fishing charters available to explore the Great Barrier Reef, rivers and estuaries. Novice or gun fisher, there is a fishing charter for everyone. There are fishing rules and regulations in place (especially in national parks) but a good charter skipper and crew will be able to explain the rules, and maybe even cook your catch for you.
10. Ignite your inner war buff
Visit the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum which is dedicated to collecting, preserving and restoring armoured vehicles and artillery from the 1800s to the present day with a particular focus on World War II. There are over 220 armoured vehicles and artillery pieces on display, many of which are not found anywhere else in Australia.
Whatever you do, enjoy FNQ! You’ll be spoilt for choice and spoilt for beauty.
Feature image: iStock/Gavin Guan
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