Explore Australia

Scenic Railway and Skyrail The Scenic Railway is an engineering feat over 100 years old with tunnels, bridges and incredible views of Barron Falls. It begins in Cairns and ends 34 km later in the lush garden setting of Kuranda Station. Travel by rail on the way up and take the Skyrail on the way back (or vice versa), a journey via gondola across the treetops (ends at Caravonica Lakes, 11 km N of Cairns). (07) 4038 1555.Butterfly Sanctuary: large enclosure, home to over 1500 tropical butterflies, including the blue Ulysses and the Australian birdwing, the country's largest butterfly; Rod Veivers Dr. Birdworld: over 50 species of birds, including the flightless cassowary and some endangered species; close to the heritage markets. Koala Gardens: Australian animals in a natural setting; close to the heritage markets. The Aviary: birds, frogs, snakes and crocodiles; Thongon St. Arts and crafts shops: including Kuranda Arts Cooperative, next to Butterfly Sanctuary, and Doongal Aboriginal Arts and Crafts on Coondoo St. Emu Ridge Gallery and Museum: unique dinosaur skeleton, fossil and gemstone museum; Therwine St. Australian Venom Zoo: visit the most venomous snakes and spiders in the world; Coondoo St. World Famous Honey House: free tastings and live bee displays; open 9am–3pm; Therwine St. River cruises: depart daily from the riverside landing below the railway station.

Barron Gorge National Park Most people experience this park via the Scenic Railway or Skyrail, but those who want to get away from the crowds could set out on one of the park's bushwalking tracks leading into pockets of World Heritage wilderness. Perhaps you'll spot a Ulysses butterfly, cassowary or tree kangaroo. If you haven't already seen Barron Falls from the train or Skyrail, make your way to Barron Falls lookout 3 km from Kuranda. The falls are spectacular after rain. Access to the national park is via Cairns or Kuranda; (07) 4046 6600.Kuranda Nature Park: wildlife, canoeing, swimming and rainforest tours aboard 4WD Hummers; 2 km W. Rainforestation Nature Park: rainforest tours, tropical fruit orchard, Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance troupe, Dreamtime walk, and a koala and wildlife park; 35 km E. Carrowong Wildlife Eco-tours: tours to see nocturnal, rare and endangered rainforest creatures; (07) 4093 7287.

Cairns 19 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

---

Trinity Inlet 23 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

---

Lake Tinaroo 40 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

---

Julatten 41 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

---

Russell Heads 57 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

---

Munbah 191 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

---

Wildlife experience - Cairns

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

---

Savannahlander 18 km

This small two- or three-carriage train heads out across the savannah country from Cairns to Forsayth on a four-day round trip, allowing you to get off at towns and see key places, such as Undara, along the way. You can... Find out more

---

Reef tours 41 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

---

Daintree Discovery Centre 68 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

---

Bushwalking around the Daintree and Cape Tribulation 72 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

---

Cheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 77 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

---

Chillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodges 124 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

---

Indigenous tours - Cooktown to Cape York 155 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

---

Bushwalking around Townsville and Cairns 165 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

---

Hiking the Thorsborne Trail 183 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

---

Paradise Palms Country Club 5 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

---

Sea Temple Golf & Country Club 37 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

---

Cedar Park Rainforest 
Resort

Two top chefs and the rainforest location make this a special place to dine. Eat outdoors on the deck overlooking the rainforest by a mountain stream, or enjoy a drink at the bar or beside a fire on cool nights. The menu... Find out more

---

Blue Sky Brewery 19 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

---

Speewah Campground 7 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

---

Davies Creek camping area 22 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

---

Dinden camping area (bush camping) 24 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

---

Kauri Creek camping area 36 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

---

Granite Gorge camping area 36 km

Formed millions of years ago by ancient volcanoes, the boulders at Granite Gorge are a natural wonder well worth checking out. Some, allegedly, are shaped like animals. Safari tent accommodation is available and... Find out more

---

School Point camping and day-use area 36 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

---

Downfall Creek camping area 37 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

---

Fong-On Bay camping area 38 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

---

Platypus camping and day-use area 39 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

---

Discovery Holiday Parks Lake Tinaroo 40 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

---

Lake Placid Tourist Park 7 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

---

Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows 10 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

---

Cool Waters Holiday Park 12 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

---

BIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park 13 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

---

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park 15 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

---

Cairnsvilla and Leisure Park 16 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

---

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort 20 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

---

BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park 34 km

The park is located in a peaceful location about 10 km south of Port Douglas off the Captain Cook Highway. It is a nice park, tucked away from the busy centre of this popular tourist destination. Bookings are required in... Find out more

---

Discovery Holiday Parks – Lake Tinaroo 40 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

---

Pandanus Van Park 41 km

This park is just 2 km from the centre of Port Douglas, on the main road into town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

---

Cedar Park Rainforest 
Resort

An elegant, almost European-style resort in the tropics, Cedar Park has six individually decorated rooms in a lovely rainforest setting. Features include verandahs with views, ensuites, free use of the spa, a fully... Find out more

---

Kuranda Rainforest Accommodation Park

Accommodation here ranges from caravan and tent sites with a camp kitchen to a lodge with shared facilities, poolside and garden units or rainforest bungalows. The park is set in 4 hectares of bushland, and offers guided... Find out more

---

Kingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge 40 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

---

Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat 55 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

---

The Canopy, near Malanda 65 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

---

Daintree Rainforest Retreat, near Cow Bay 69 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

---

Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa 70 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

---

Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Alexandra Bay 72 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

---

Possum Valley Rainforest Cottages 74 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

---

Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort 165 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

---

Hidden Valley Cabins, Hidden Valley 243 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

---

Gordonvale Park Area 35 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

---

The Boulders Camp Area 63 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

---

Babinda Rest Area 66 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

---

Bramston Beach Camp Area 72 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

---

Fred Drew Rest Area 86 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

---

Tully Gorge Camp Area 111 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

---

Diggers Creek Rest Area 115 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

---

Bingil Bay Camp Area 122 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

---

Mission Beach Camp Area 126 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

---

Bilyana Rest Area 147 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

---

Murray Falls Camp Area 149 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

---