Tropical Far North Queensland (TFNQ), encompassing the famous Cairns region and surrounding towns and beaches, is one of the most well-recognised and magnificent regions in all of Australia. Understandably popular not only with tourists from all around the world but also Australians from all over the country, TFNQ is home to not just the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, but also a number of exquisite beaches, incredible cuisine and amazing shopping. Let’s take a look now at some of the best reasons why visiting Tropical Far North Queensland should be on your bucket list!
Great Barrier Reef
The world’s oldest rainforest (the World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest) and the magnificent Great Barrier Reef are the two major drawcards for visitors to the Tropical Far North Queensland region, and it’s not hard to understand why!
Did you know that the Great Barrier Reef is so enormous it is visible from outer space? Yes, that’s right, all the way from outer space! The biggest living structure that exists on the entire planet and consisting of a whopping 2,900 individual coral reefs, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the world.
More than 1600 different types of beautiful tropical fish as well as numerous different species of rays, majestic sea turtles, dolphins and even whales call the Great Barrier Reef home. Additionally, approximately 600 different varieties of coral make up the mesmerising coral reefs that together form the Great Barrier Reef.
With a jaw-dropping two million visitors making their way to explore the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef each year (from all over Australia as well as all corners of the globe), the Great Barrier Reef is often regarded as a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime experience that just cannot be missed!
There are number of different ways by which you can go about exploring the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, including the very popular methods of snorkelling and scuba diving. Other well-loved ways of exploring the reef include from the comfort and safety of a glass bottom boat tour or viewing it from the air via helicopter. Whatever your preference, even if you aren’t a confident swimmer, you are bound to leave the reef with the most magical memories to last a lifetime.
Daintree Rainforest
The exquisite Daintree Rainforest, teaming with breathtaking fauna and flora as far as the eye can see, is more than 100 million years old (exceedingly older than even the infamous Amazon Rainforest). The Daintree Rainforest is 1200 square kilometres in size and heading north from the Daintree River allows visitors to witness the magic of the only location in the entire world where two World Heritage Listed sites meet (i.e. where the tropical rainforest of the Daintree meets the edge of the sea, home to the Great Barrier Reef).
The many and varied landscapes of the Daintree Rainforest (think dense rainforest, walking and hiking tracks, streams, gorges, waterfalls and lush green mountains) make this region a feast not only for the eyes but for the senses in general! The Daintree Rainforest is home to many unique (and endangered) animal species on earth, including spectacular birds, frogs, reptiles, insects and crocodiles, as well as more than 3,000 different plant species. Numerous stunning types of trees, ferns as well as tropical flowers help form the Daintree Rainforest.
The Daintree Rainforest can be accessed and explored from a number of key locations in Tropical Far North Queensland. For more information, please click here.
Image Credit: tiq.qld.gov.au
Stunning Palm-lined Beaches and Tropical Islands
There is certainly no shortage when it comes to coconut palm-lined, exquisite beaches and tropical islands in the Tropical Far North Queensland region.
Numerous palm-lined beaches are waiting to be explored in the region, including Four Mile Beach, located in the popular tourist town of Port Douglas (a favourite of many locals and travellers to the region), in addition to Palm Cove (north of the city of Cairns) and Mission Beach (south of Cairns).
If you are chasing the magic of a tropical island in TFNQ, look no further than Fitzroy Island, located just 45-minutes via Fast Cat ride from neighbouring Cairns. Covered in an astonishing 97% National Park (lush rainforest vegetation), Fitzroy Island is home to Australia’s number one beach (Nudey Beach), as ranked in the Top 101 Beaches in Australia for 2018.
With a backdrop of tropical rainforest vegetation and granite boulders sitting behind white sand and the turquoise sea, Nudey Beach is a spectacular sight. And best of all? The magic of the Great Barrier Reef can be experienced straight from the shore at Fitzroy Island. Grab your snorkelling gear, kayak or stand-up paddle board and prepare for a day of exploring the beauty of the reef, from Nudey Beach or Welcome Bay.
Numerous accommodation options exist at Fitzroy Island Resort (the island’s exclusive resort), with something to suit all budgets and tastes. However, if you’re short on time, you also have the option to visit Fitzroy Island for the day.
Beautiful Tropical Weather and Laidback Lifestyle
The TFNQ region is famous Australia-wide and across the globe for its year-round warm weather… That’s right, even in winter! And with friendly, relaxed, laidback and welcoming locals, the region has a wonderful, friendly, tropical holiday vibe. With numerous natural attractions to explore, places to eat and shop (but also perfect for those solely looking to kick their feet up and relax by the ocean or pool!), make a visit to the Tropical Far North Queensland region your next holiday!
