Tropical North Queensland
 In parts of the far north, the rainforest touches the reef, reaching right down to sandy beaches from which you can go snorkelling. The cosmopolitan city of Cairns and the laid-back Port Douglas are the gateway to these natural attractions. If it's beautiful beaches you're after for the perfect family holiday, head north of Cairns.
You'll find 26 kilometres of golden beaches sheltered by the Great Barrier Reef. Visit Yorkeys Knob, Machans, Trinity, Holloways and Ellis beaches, or pristine Palm Cove, which is absolutely charming with its panoramic beachfront, flanked by chic boutiques, colourful galleries and classy coffee shops.
Further north, an hour's drive from Cairns, Port Douglas is a great base for exploring the wonders of this region, with Kuranda, Daintree Village and Cape Tribulation all within reach. This tiny fishing village is a jewel on the east coast - attractive, modern and classy with ritzy shops and top-quality restaurants offering world-class dining.
When to Go - Weather
There are generally only two seasons in tropical north Queensland - the wet and the dry season. The wet season begins around November with frequent monsoonal rains, and ends around May. During this period, 75% to 90% of the annual rainfall is recorded.
Average green season temperatures range from 24 - 33°C and in the dry from 14 - 26°C. Highest temperatures usually occur in January and the lowest in June, July and August. The upland areas are cooler, with average dry season temperatures of 9 - 22°C.
What to Wear
Pack loose, comfortable clothing, walking shoes, swimwear and sunglasses. A wide-brimmed hat and 30+ sunscreen are essential.
Travel Tips
Taking your own snorkelling gear is a good idea. Masks that don’t fit well can be uncomfortable and are prone to leaking. For those not familiar with snorkelling, take a class from a resort or dive shop and get comfortable in a swimming pool before venturing into open water.
During October to June marine stingers and box jellyfish are to be found at beaches. Some beaches have stinger-resistant enclosures.
Things to See & Do
Cairns Rainforest Dome - Right in the heart of Cairns, on the rooftop of the Reef Hotel Casino, is a spectacular rainforest that’s home to 60 species of birds and animals from frogs and turtles to kookaburras and koalas, enclosed by a 20-metre-high glass dome.
Cairns Tropical Zoo - Is 20 minutes north of Cairns on the Captain Cook Highway at Palm Cove. You can cuddle a koala and hand-feed colourful parrots and friendly kangaroos.
There are several educational and entertaining shows on every day including a Snake Show, Crocodile Feeding, Free Flight Bird Show and the chance for kids to participate in a Cane Toad Race.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures - Situated between Palm Cove and Port Douglas, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is one of the best places to see crocodiles and Australian wildlife.
Hartley’s was the first place in Australia to put on crocodile feeding shows for the public. This daring act performed by the brave staff at Hartley’s is sure to have the whole family gasping in awe at these enormous reptiles.
Visitors can enjoy exploring the authentic wildlife habitats on timber boardwalks and walking trails through the wetlands, riverine rainforest and eucalypt woodland, and take a boat ride on Hartley’s Lagoon.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - Is a unique rainforest experience, takes you on an unforgettable journey over Australia's World Heritage Listed Tropical Rainforest and deep into the forest.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park - Tjapukai is dedicated to preserving Aboriginal history and culture and presenting it to visitors with the aid of technology.
Five theatres, a museum, an art gallery and a traditional Aboriginal camp give visitors a complete and meaningful glimpse of Australia’s rich and ancient culture.
Daintree Rainforest - Is a truly incredible World Heritage listed area. The Daintree is the oldest continuously surviving rainforest on earth and home to the largest range of plants and animals anywhere in the world.
Guided tours, hiking trails and campsites offer visitors the chance to experience this wild, untouched tropical rainforest and bordering golden-sand beaches. Wildlife-spotting tours will help you identify some of the 430 species of birds and tropical animals like the goanna, scrub python, giant tree frog, flying fox, spotted cuscus and the rare striped possum.
There are a number of safe swimming holes in the area but NEVER jump in without the advice of a guide as crocodiles are present in some parts of the Daintree. Mossman and Cape Tribulation are excellent bases for trips into the Daintree.
Undara Lava Tubes - The Undara Volcanic National Park is one of Australia's greatest geological wonders. It boasts the best-preserved and largest lava tube system on earth, offering an unforgettable experience that will satisfy the appetites of both adventurer and eco-traveller.
This article is courtesy of Holidays with Kids |