Tropical North Queensland is known as a destination that allows you to connect with nature unlike anywhere else. The astounding diversity takes you on a journey from culture and history to spectacular waterfalls and the Great Barrier Reef. We’ve put together our top recommendations on how you can experience the best that Tropical North Queensland has to offer.
ABC Reef Safaris are an eco-certified family-owned and operated company who keep their numbers small to ensure the best experience of the Great Barrier Reef. There are two trips available, one that heads to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, the other is a private charter to a picturesque coral cay, Low Isles, which is surrounded by fringing coral gardens. Departing from Port Douglas, they only allow 12 guests per boat where you can snorkel and explore pristine coral gardens on the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef. Their amazing crew of marine biologists are committed to ensuring you have a memorable day to make sure that you learn and see as much of the Great Barrier Reef as possible.
Explore Kuku Yalanji country with Walkabout Adventure tour guides which is Aboriginal owned and operated. Choose from half-day or full-day experiences as a local Aboriginal tour guide helps you explore Kuku Yalanji country, the only place where two world heritage sites meet; the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Travel along the coastal habitats where you will learn about the environment, different foods and medicines utilised from nature. Sample some bush tucker, collect shellfish and try traditional Aboriginal hunting practices and have a go at spear throwing and if you are lucky, catch a mud crab on your Australian adventure.
Immerse yourself in a rainforest experience like no other for an unforgettable experience. Start the day at Mossman Gorge with a traditional Kuku Yalanji smoking ceremony where you’ll be cleansed of bad spirits and have traditional rainforest body paint applied. This is then followed by the chance to explore the Daintree National Park at an easy pace, as this interpretive walk will leave you with a deeper understanding of this breathtaking rainforest.
After a well-earned lunch, travel to a secret location on the Mossman River for a one-of-a- kind River Drift experience; drifting gently along pristine rainforest waterways searching for turtles, water dragons and the elusive platypus. A Daintree adventure not to be missed!
FNQ Nature Tours provide an unrivalled Australian nature and wildlife encounter in small tour groups and is highly recommended to anyone who has an interest in nature and wildlife. Tour guides have a wealth of knowledge and know the flora and fauna inside out - so animal spotting including platypus and tree kangaroo is almost guaranteed. There is also a totally personalised experience on private tours, and guides will tailor the day to suit your needs and includes a delicious lunch at local spots such as the stunning tea house at Lake Barrine, where you can indulge in some fantastic homemade food!
Discover the rugged outback with a curated mix of history, adventure, and natural beauty. Explore the goldfields on a guided tour, including Australia’s oldest operating gold stamper at Tyrconnell and the abandoned Mount Mulligan coal mine and township. Embark on ATV adventures through ancient landscapes and enjoy chef-prepared gourmet picnic hampers. Spot local wildlife, sip sunset drinks overlooking the escarpment, gaze at the stars, hike the southern face of Mount Mulligan, try your hand at barramundi fishing in the weir and take in the views on a scenic helicopter flight.
At If Only we have itineraries which include the above experiences allowing you the chance to experience the best of Tropical North Queensland for yourself.