Outdoor adventures in Tropical North Queensland

Just 27 km from the mainland, Green Island Resort offers the ultimate Cairns adventure. Home to a lush rainforest and surrounded by 710 hectares of reef, this was the first island in the state to be declared a National Park.

It is a perfect playground for adults and children alike, so enjoy a half or full-day exploring with Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises. Start with a rainforest walk before taking advantage of some of the best snorkelling in Cairns with a snorkel safari and meet the abundant marine life. Prefer not to get wet? Take a trip on the glass bottom boat instead.

When the Undara Volcano erupted 190,000 years ago, it unleashed an astonishing 23 billion cubic litres of lava shaping the remarkable landscapes you can still explore today. Located 3.5 hours west of Cairns, the Undara Volcanic National Park is truly one of the most unique things to do in Queensland. Walk the 2.5km Kalkani Crater Rim for breathtaking views or follow the lava’s ancient path deep into the Undara Lava Tubes.

For those looking for one of the best outdoor wellness activities to balance out all the walking, Talaroo Hot Springs is just one hour away.

Want to cool off in the tropical summer? The best place to take the plunge is in one of the area’s spectacular waterfalls. From Cape York to Cairns, head down a hiking track and you will often find a cascade waiting, often with butterflies dancing above the water’s surface.

The Atherton Tablelands are home to some of our most magnificent waterfalls including Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls, where the water plunges over a series of lava columns. Closer to Cairns, Josephine Falls comes complete with its very own natural waterslide. For a more exclusive experience, a number of wellness retreats in Queensland’s north have private on-site waterfalls, like Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa.

Make the most of the rainforest surroundings by spending the day in the Daintree with Back Country Bliss.

You’ll start the day with a relaxing float down the Mossman river under the shade of the rainforest canopies before embarking on a cultural experience at nearby Mossman Gorge. Then, as you enter the rainforest for the final journey, feel the stressors of the outside world melt away as you go deeper and deeper into the jungle.

One of the world’s oldest rainforests, the Daintree is a magical place by day but even more alluring by night. You can explore both sides of this natural wonder on FNQ Nature Tours’ Daintree Afternoon and Nocturnal Tour.

Starting in the afternoon with a cruise down the Daintree River, the excursion also includes a visit to Cape Tribulation Beach and a meal in the midst of the rainforest. Finish with a night walk to encounter some of the most unique nocturnal wildlife in Queensland’s rainforests such as echidnas, rufous owls and northern brown bandicoots.

One of the world’s rarest wildlife encounters takes place just once a year on the Great Barrier Reef, when dwarf minke whales migrating along the coast stop to greet swimmers.

The encounter, which takes place in June and July, is the only place in the world where you can reliably interact with these curious creatures – although the name “dwarf” feels inappropriate for an animal that is up to eight metres long and weighs almost six tonnes. Armed with a mask and snorkel and holding onto a rope, you simply float in the water and let the whales come to you.

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Tropical North Queensland with Walkabout Cultural Adventures, who offer a range of immersive experiences led by knowledgeable Indigenous guides. Learn ancient traditions, hear captivating Dreamtime stories, and explore breathtaking landscapes through a unique cultural lens.

From bush tucker tastings to sacred site visits, these tours effortlessly blend natural beauty with authentic storytelling.