Explore Australia

Flecker Botanic Gardens Established in 1886 as a recreational reserve, they are now the only wet tropical botanic gardens in Australia. The gardens display tropical plants from around the world, including a number of endangered species and over 200 species of palm. Follow the boardwalks through remnant lowland swamp to adjacent Centenary Lakes to see turtles and mangrove birds. Access gardens via Collins Ave; Edge Hill. Mount Whitfield Conservation Park: 2 major walking tracks through forested mountain range to summit for views of Cairns and Coral Sea; behind botanic gardens; access via Collins Ave, Edge Hill. McLeod Street Pioneer Cemetery: honours local pioneers. Tanks Art Centre: multipurpose centre in revamped WW II oil storage tanks, including gallery with local art; call for event listings; 46 Collins Ave, Edge Hill; (07) 4032 6600. Cairns Regional Gallery: local artists exhibit in this National Trust-classified building; Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 1pm–5pm; cnr Shields and Abbott Sts; (07) 4046 4800. Cairns Museum: displays of Aboriginal, gold-rush, timber and sugarcane history; open 10am–4pm Mon–Sat; cnr Lake and Shields sts. Bulk Sugar Terminal: guided tours by arrangement during crushing season (June–Dec); Cook St; (07) 4051 3533. Foreshore Promenade: landscaped area with safe swimming lagoon; foreshore; pool closed Wed mornings. Kuranda Scenic Railway: daily trips through Barron Gorge to rainforest village of Kuranda; leaves Cairns Railway Station in Bunda St; (07) 4036 9333; see also Kuranda. Game fishing: contact visitor centre for details. Dive schools: contact visitor centre for details.

Great Barrier Reef Take a tour, charter a boat or fly to see some of the spectacular sights just offshore. Michaelmas and Upolo cays to the north-east are important sites for ground-nesting seabirds. The surrounding waters are excellent for reef swimming. You can also take a trip to the outer Barrier Reef, which is known for its spectacular underwater scenes and huge variety of marine life. For tours contact visitor centre.

Fitzroy Island A low-key destination with a national park, white coral beaches and magnificent flora and fauna for bushwalking, diving and snorkelling. To the east are impressive snorkelling sites at Welcome and Sharkfin bays. Cabins and hostel-style accommodation (maximum 160 people) and camping (maximum 20 people) are available; 23 km E.

Green Island To the north-east is a true coral cay covered with thick, tropical vegetation. The surrounding reef is home to magnificent tropical fish; they can be seen from a glass-bottom boat, in the underwater observatory or by snorkelling or helmet diving. This popular daytrip destination has a small resort (maximum 90 people); 27 km NE.

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park: The group began as an Aboriginal dance company in 1987, but the demand for more cultural information prompted the move to this large park. Four theatres, both live and film, illustrate the history and culture of the rainforest people of Tropical North Queensland. Learn skills such as bush medicine and spear throwing on a day tour or experience the theatre of an Aboriginal ceremony in the ‘Tjapukai By Night’ experience; open daily 9am–5pm, evening shows 7pm–10pm; Cairns Western Arterial Rd, Caravonica; (07) 4042 9999; 11 km NW.

Beaches: incredible 26 km of beaches extending from Machans Beach on north bank of Barron River, 9 km N, north to Ellis Beach. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: spectacular gondola ride through rainforest to Kuranda; open daily; cnr Cook Hwy and Cairns Western Arterial Rd, Smithfield, (07) 4038 1555; 11 km N. Bungee jumping: choose from a variety of jumps and other thrills in the rainforest; daily 10am–5pm; 5 McGregor Rd, Smithfield, or free transport from Cairns; (07) 4057 7188;13 km N. Crystal Cascades: walks by cascades and a secluded freshwater swimming hole; end of Redlynch Valley; 18 km SW. Lake Morris and Copperlode Dam: walking tracks; 19 km SW. Barron and Freshwater valleys: bushwalking, hiking, whitewater rafting and camping to the west and north-west of Cairns; contact visitor centre for details. Safaris: 4WD to Cape York and the Gulf Country; contact visitor centre for details.

Cairns 2 km

Many international game anglers regard Cairns as the game fish capital of the world, with plenty of big black marlin – the Holy Grail of gamefishing. Granders or Julies, call them what you will, these huge female... Find out more

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Trinity Inlet 5 km

The Cairns region offers more than gamefishing. South of the city are rivers like the Russell and Mulgrave; to the north are the Daintree and Mowbray Rivers. Anglers heading inland will find opportunities like the famous... Find out more

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Lake Tinaroo 35 km

Lake Tinaroo is built across the Barron River Gorge in the Atherton Tablelands; about two hours’ drive from Cairns via Gordonvale and Yungaburra. The lake was the first of Queensland’s impoundments stocked... Find out more

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Russell Heads 40 km

Russell Heads is the junction and estuary system of the Russell and Mulgrave Rivers, south of Cairns. I was fishing with Kieran Livingstone who had a Cairns Custom Craft aluminium, a solid boat ideal for river and... Find out more

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Julatten 59 km

Fishing is where you find it, and sometimes you find it in unlikely places. Between Mount Molloy and Mossman in the Rex Ranges at a place called Julatten, I came across a couple of people fishing in a pond. I pulled over... Find out more

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Munbah 206 km

It’s predawn and Les Gibson walks down to the creek and stops. He is on his way to push some boats out into deeper water as the tide is falling rapidly. Following Les are three journalists. He stops at the creek,... Find out more

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Wildlife experience - Cairns 18 km

Combine several of the Cairns area’s main wildlife attractions into one seamless day out: the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail, Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Book through... Find out more

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Reef tours 58 km

As with elsewhere on the reef, there is the luxury of choice for diving or snorkelling trips, particularly from Port Douglas. However, remember the reef is not just offshore and involves a boat trip. Among the... Find out more

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Cheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 67 km

In the lush highlands of Millaa Millaa, overlooking Mount Bartle Frere, the certified biodynamic Mungalli Creek Dairy has a superb range of organic cheeses and yoghurts for sale and tastings. You can watch the delectable... Find out more

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Daintree Discovery Centre 84 km

This multi-award-winning ecotourism centre is a great place to learn about the legendary Daintree rainforest. There are elevated boardwalks, an aerial walkway, a canopy tower and a large interpretive display centre with... Find out more

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Bushwalking around the Daintree and Cape Tribulation 88 km

Join a guided day or night bushwalk in the privately owned Cooper Creek Wilderness, to discover the incredible natural riches of this area. Back Country Bliss Adventures also runs gentle, guided half-day bushwalks to... Find out more

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Chillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodges 135 km

Join a guided tour of the heavens, with closeup views of nebulas and star clusters from two large telescopes. There is camping and cabin accommodation here as well.... Find out more

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Bushwalking around Townsville and Cairns 151 km

This entire region offers great delights to bushwalkers, although you are likely to get damp, either from the humidity or from a tropical shower (it is not called ‘rainforest’ for nothing). The Rainforest and... Find out more

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Hiking the Thorsborne Trail 167 km

The 32-kilometre Thorsborne Trail is a classic tropical bushwalk that weaves along the east coast of the 393-square-kilometre Hinchinbrook Island National Park. There is a maximum of 40 people allowed on the track at a... Find out more

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Indigenous tours - Cooktown to Cape York 170 km

Guurrbi Tours offers an award-winning tour with Willie Gordon, Nugal-warra elder, Guugu Yimithirr speaker and author, on which you will visit a series of sacred rock-art sites that you otherwise cannot see. There are... Find out more

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Birdwatching - Townsville to Cairns 195 km

You do not need to be a bird nerd to appreciate Tyto Wetlands near Ingham. It is a beautiful, peaceful spot for a picnic, a pleasant walk or a pre-dinner drink. But if you stop at one of the benches or bird hides and... Find out more

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Paradise Palms Country Club 18 km

‘Paradise’ is appropriately named. Situated 25 minutes north of Cairns, and just off the Captain Cook Highway, this is a beautiful golf course. The rainforest-covered Great Dividing Range dominates the... Find out more

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Sea Temple Golf & Country Club 54 km

Technological advancements in agronomy and construction equipment have opened up new frontiers and landscapes for golf course designers during the past 40 years. One course designer who has never shirked a tough... Find out more

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Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant

After spending two years at Sheraton Nusa Dua, owner Klaus Ullrich has been on a personal mission to introduce more Australians to exotic Balinese food. Here he combines the cuisine’s wonderful use of spices with... Find out more

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Blue Sky Brewery

Hearty meals for hungry folks here include seafood, pasta, steak, burgers and salads. Plus, naturally, you’ll find foods cooked in beer, from mussels sautéed in Woody ale to True Blue Stout beer sorbets. The... Find out more

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Bushfire Flame Grill

It’s certainly an international menu here at the Pacific International Hotel’s restaurant. Entrées and desserts are delicious, many of them using regional ingredients from the Cairns highlands, such as... Find out more

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Food Trail Tours

Take a food tour to discover the tastes of Queensland. The Highlander Trail tour visits both the wet and dry tropics and the towns of Mareeba, Tolga and Yungaburra. The Mareeba Food Trail concentrates more on the... Find out more

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Blue Sky Brewery 1 km

After a significant period between drinks, Cairns once again has a working brewery with the opening of Blue Sky Brewery in 2008. Located in the heart of the city, the microbrewery, bar and restaurant complex has six... Find out more

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Speewah Campground 15 km

This campground is in the conservation park adjacent to Barron Gorge National Park’s western boundary. It is reached from the Kennedy Hwy, 10 km west of Kuranda, then a further 6 km east to the site. You can also... Find out more

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Dinden camping area (bush camping) 21 km

A 4WD is advisable for accessing these 6 bush campsites, 5 km along Davies Creek Rd from Davies Creek National Park. It is preferable to visit in the dry season (Apr–Oct); bring your own everything and treat water... Find out more

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Davies Creek camping area 23 km

Camp beside the creek at this clearing 6 km from the Kennedy Hwy, accessible with conventional vehicles. There are 8 sites with space for 10 campers per site. Bring firewood for the allocated fireplaces and all... Find out more

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School Point camping and day-use area 30 km

School Point has 8 numbered campsites with a gravel surface, reached by 2WD or boat. To get there, turn off the Danbulla forest drive 16 km from the western entrance, or 12 km from the eastern entrance and follow the... Find out more

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Kauri Creek camping area 30 km

A great spot for swimming and canoeing, Kauri Creek is 9 km from the western entrance and 19 km from the eastern entrance of the Danbulla forest drive. Open fires are allowed in fire rings; generators are not permitted.... Find out more

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Downfall Creek camping area 31 km

This campground is 7 km from the western entrance and 21 km from the eastern entrance of the Danbulla forest drive. Campers can take the 2.4 km walk through the forest to Kauri Creek. Note: open fires are permitted in... Find out more

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Fong-On Bay camping area 32 km

A favourite with waterskiers, this campground is divided into 2 sections with good water access: Bulmba and Gungul. To get there, turn off the Danbulla forest drive 16.5 km from the western entrance, or 11.5 km from the... Find out more

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Platypus camping and day-use area 34 km

Platypus campground, 4 km from the western entrance, has 18 numbered sites for small tents, large tents and vans. Open fires are allowed here in the provided fire rings and barbecues (except when fire bands apply); bring... Find out more

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Discovery Holiday Parks Lake Tinaroo 36 km

Just 150 m from Lake Tinaroo, this caravan park has an excellent range of facilities for a comfortable stay after a day of boating or waterskiing on the lake. Other activities include fishing for barramundi or sooty... Find out more

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High Island camping area 37 km

This campground on the north-west side of High Island has space for 14 self-sufficient campers. Open fires and generators are not permitted so bring a gas/fuel stove.... Find out more

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Cairnsvilla and Leisure Park 3 km

The park is 4 km from the centre of Cairns, set in a quiet area with beautiful tropical surrounds. It has very good facilities including a mini-mart and a TV room. It is an ideal park for a holiday.... Find out more

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Cairns Sunland Leisure Park 3 km

Located in suburban Cairns, this park is easily accessible and is a good base to spend a few days. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort 6 km

Enjoy the excellent facilities of this five-star park, on the southern approach to the city 7 km from the centre of Cairns. There is a cafe, free minigolf, tennis and aqua aerobics, and the list continues. Bookings are... Find out more

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Cool Waters Holiday Park 6 km

Located in the foothills a few kilometers out of Cairns, this is a quality park with very good facilities. Pets are allowed, but small dogs only. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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BIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park 7 km

This good quality park is easily accessible and only about 5 km from the centre of Cairns. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Lake Placid Tourist Park 11 km

This park is about 10 km north-west of Cairns, on the bank of the Barron River. Enjoy the covered barbecue area, and the Skyrail terminal, a major attraction, is nearby. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows 25 km

This small, absolute beachfront park is 30 km north of Cairns. Ellis Beach was voted the cleanest beach in Queensland and has a patrolled swimming area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Discovery Holiday Parks – Lake Tinaroo 36 km

This park is located on Tinaroo Dam, 17 km from Atherton. It is popular with anglers who come year round to catch barramundi from the stocked reservoir. The park has good basic facilities. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more

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Walkamin Central Van Park 43 km

This is a relatively new owner-operated park adjacent to the Kennedy Highway. There are excellent amenities and a large central building with a camp kitchen and large open fireplace. There is not a lot of shade, but we... Find out more

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BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park 51 km

On the outskirts of Atherton, about 2 km from the town centre, this tidy park has large shady trees and makes a good base for a few days while exploring the area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Hides Hotel

There are only a few of these older-style hotels left in bustling and eternally developing Cairns, as high-rises take over the cityscape. Just sit back and relax on the wide verandahs in this heritage pub, where you can... Find out more

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Pacific International Hotel

The first international-level luxury hotel in Cairns, the Pacific is small by today’s standards and that is part of its charm. Rooms are spacious and have marvellous views, and the staff are friendly and helpful.... Find out more

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Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

With 128 rooms, you can expect quality at this hotel, casino and entertainment complex in one. Apart from the usual luxury fittings, rooftop swimming pool and fine restaurants you might expect at such a place, this... Find out more

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Shangri-La Hotel

It always had a great location, right on the marina, and a $35 million redevelopment has raised it to the standards expected of a brand with a worldwide reputation for quality and value. Every one of the 255 rooms and... Find out more

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The Beachfront Hideaway

Location and size are the stars of this small but charming accommodation spot right on Holloways Beach. It has just four beachfront, Balinese-themed apartments, ranging from one bedroom to two bedrooms, or you can book... Find out more

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Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat 43 km

By renting out nine elegant eco-accredited treehouses (near Malanda), the owners have funded a massive weed-clearing and revegetation program – including planting 20 000 trees – on their 92-hectare property,... Find out more

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The Canopy, near Malanda 56 km

Located at Tarzali, this place comprises six beautiful glass and timber treehouses set in 40 hectares of rainforest that has never been logged, with Lumholtz tree-kangaroos creeping around, green ringtail possums,... Find out more

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Kingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge 58 km

Guaranteed to get keen birdwatchers excited, this eco-accredited establishment at Julatten is renowned as one of the best birdwatching spots north of Cairns, with rare endemic species seen around the pool. For six months... Find out more

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Possum Valley Rainforest Cottages 67 km

Near Millaa Millaa, the two secluded bush cabins here, on 62 hectares of bushland and rainforest, can sleep up to eight people each, and are completely powered by solar technology and a small water turbine in Possum... Find out more

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Daintree Rainforest Retreat, near Cow Bay 85 km

When the owners here decided to reduce their carbon footprint by installing 48 solar panels, the generator’s monthly diesel consumption changed from 1600 litres to 200 litres. By revegetating a rainforest on their... Find out more

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Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa 86 km

If you are in need of some pampering, this is the place to go. With strong and proud links to the Aboriginal heritage of the site – a women’s healing place – the Eco Lodge has 15 sumptuous villas set... Find out more

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Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Alexandra Bay 87 km

Set in fan-palm rainforest, the eight bungalows here, accessed by raised boardwalks to protect the forest floor, are partially solar-powered by 20 solar panels, and a biocycle system breaks down all waste on site. As... Find out more

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Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort 150 km

Revolutionary in terms of minimal-impact tourism when it was first established in 1974, this classy resort has no more than a toehold on the 393-square-kilometre Hinchinbrook Island, and you can hardly see the treetop... Find out more

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Hidden Valley Cabins, Hidden Valley 229 km

Acclaimed as being Australia’s first completely solar-powered resort, with a restaurant, pool and room for 31 guests, this serious environmental resort is in secluded dry forest well off the Bruce Highway. It is... Find out more

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Gordonvale Park Area 20 km

33 km N of Babinda (R) or 27 km S of Cairns (L) Large area just off the highway at Mulgrave River. GPS: S17 05.998 E145 47.246 ... Find out more

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The Boulders Camp Area 47 km

T/O into the main street through Babinda Small campground located 6 kilometres west of the highway near a very pleasant picnic area in the rainforest. Good facilities. NOTE: Limited sites available. GPS: S17 20.394... Find out more

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Babinda Rest Area 50 km

T/O opposite the main street into Babinda Large secluded area located 500 metres south-east of the highway on the old road. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S17 20.924 E145 55 541... Find out more

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Bramston Beach Camp Area 55 km

T/O 23 km N of Innisfail (R) or 7 km S of Babinda (L) Idyllic foreshore campground situated 17 kilometres east of the highway on the beach. Good shade and facilities. Store nearby. GPS: S17 21.076 E146 01.262... Find out more

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Fred Drew Rest Area 70 km

4 km N of Innisfail (L) or 26 km S of Babinda (R) Small area just off the road at the junction with the Palmerston Highway. Good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S17 30.897 E145 59.624... Find out more

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Diggers Creek Rest Area 100 km

18 km N of Tully (R) or 34 km S of Innisfail (L) Very small area adjacent to the road. Good shade. GPS: S17 47.441 E146 00.363 ... Find out more

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Tully Gorge Camp Area 101 km

T/O into main street through Tully Pleasant campground located in Tully Gorge State Forest, surrounded by rainforest on the banks of the Tully River, 40 kilometres north-west of town. Good facilities and shade. ... Find out more

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Bingil Bay Camp Area 106 km

T/O 3 km N of Tully (R) or 49 km S of Innisfail (L) Very small campground located 28 kilometres east of the highway among dense vegetation on the foreshore, 4 kilometres north of Mission Beach. Good shade. GPS: S17... Find out more

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Mission Beach Camp Area 110 km

T/O 3 km N of Tully (R) or 49 km S of Innisfail (L) Small campground located 24 kilometres east of the highway on the foreshore at the north end of the village. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S17 51.871 E146... Find out more

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Bilyana Rest Area 133 km

21 km N of Cardwell (L) or 22 km S of Tully (R) Small area just off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S18 07.074 E145 54.437  ... Find out more

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Murray Falls Camp Area 136 km

T/O 22 km N of Cardwell (L) or 15 km S of Tully (R) Large grassed campground located 20 kilometres west of the highway in a pleasant bush setting among numerous small trees near the falls in Murray Falls State Forest.... Find out more

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