Explore Australia

Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary This sanctuary covers an area of 2 ha and is home to over 1600 animals. Walk along the boardwalks through the 4 habitats of North Queensland – rainforest, wetlands, woodlands and grasslands. There are regular guided tours of the sanctuary, and the special daily events of Breakfast with the Birds and Habitat After Dark (runs July–Oct). Cnr Captain Cook Hwy and Port Douglas Rd.Flagstaff Hill: commands excellent views of Four Mile Beach and Low Isles; end of Island Point Rd. Dive schools: details from visitor centre. Great Barrier Reef tours: over 100 operators offer reef tours to outer Great Barrier Reef and Low Isles; details from visitor centre. Cane-toad racing: nightly at 8.15pm; Ironbar pub, 5 Macrossan St.

Tours: horseriding, sea-kayaking, rainforest tours, Lady Douglas paddlewheel cruises, 4WD safaris and coach tours to surrounding areas; details available from visitor centre.

Julatten 18 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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Cairns 59 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 63 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 77 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 98 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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Munbah 151 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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Daintree Discovery Centre 28 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 30 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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Wildlife experience - Cairns 41 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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Savannahlander 58 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

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Indigenous tours - Cooktown to Cape York 115 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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Cheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 115 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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Chillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodges 125 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 206 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 224 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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Sea Temple Golf & Country Club 5 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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Paradise Palms Country Club 40 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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Harrisons

Given chef Spencer Patrick’s stellar career in Michelin-starred restaurants in London, it’s no surprise that the European-style food served here is superb, adjusted just enough to make it a little lighter to... Find out more

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Nautilus Restaurant

Nautilus set the standard more than 50 years ago, when Port Douglas had probably never heard the term ‘gourmet’. In the centre of town, yet somehow re-creating a magical candlelit forest setting, dining here... Find out more

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Port O’Call Bar & Bistro

There’s good value and good food from a regular menu here, as well as a changing blackboard menu. The generous meals, relatively inexpensive alcohol and poolside setting make this a real winner for the budget... Find out more

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Salsa Bar and Grill

Sit behind the timber louvres in this tropical Queensland weatherboard house, gaze across the road to the small St Mary’s by the Sea church and realise why Port Douglas has such a special place in the hearts of... Find out more

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Balé

Food critics have plumbed the depths of their superlatives file for Balé, and come up with words like ‘nirvana’ to describe the restaurant’s food and Balinese-style pavilion setting, opening onto... Find out more

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Zinc

Zinc is casual, chic, fun and foodie heaven, but without the fuss, pretentiousness or over pricing. During the day enjoy anything from tapas and bruchetta to light mains, and children’s meals are served until... Find out more

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West Point camping area 21 km

A favourite with sea kayakers, this sandy campground has space for up to 24 campers. The day-use area on the south-west side of the island has picnic tables and a pit toilet; open fires and generators are not permitted.... Find out more

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Noah Beach camping area 39 km

Noah Beach campground is in a secluded spot just 50 m from the beach, about 8 km south of Cape Tribulation village. Throughout the Cape Tribulation section visitors will find facilities such as picnic areas, boardwalks... Find out more

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Speewah Campground 47 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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Davies Creek camping area 59 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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Granite Gorge camping area 61 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

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Dinden camping area (bush camping) 62 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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Kauri Creek camping area 74 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 75 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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School Point camping and day-use area 75 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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Platypus camping and day-use area 75 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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Pandanus Van Park 1 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

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BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park 8 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

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Pinnacle Village Holiday Park 18 km

This absolute beachfront park is 22 km north of Mossman. There are plenty of shady trees and a great expanse of green lawn. It is a good base from which to explore the local region. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows 33 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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Lake Placid Tourist Park 48 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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Cool Waters Holiday Park 53 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 55 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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Cairns Sunland Leisure Park 56 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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Cairnsvilla and Leisure Park 56 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 Coconut Holiday Resort 61 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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Macrossan House Boutique Holiday Apartments

You will enjoy these comfortable one-bedroom apartments for their closeness to the small but forever buzzing pedestrian centre of Port Douglas, where holiday-makers and locals mingle in the street’s wondrous... Find out more

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Peppers Balé Resort

Appropriate feng shui is built into this pavilion-style resort. If that’s not enough to get your positive Qi in order, then consider that all the one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments have a private plunge... Find out more

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Pink Flamingo Resort

If ever a resort could be described as ‘colourful’, Pink Flamingo suits this adjective to a tee. The resort was originally a caravan park and the villas fill the two rows of old units. There are high gates... Find out more

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Port O’Call Eco Lodge

Budget accommodation at its best, within walking distance of Four Mile Beach and the township, Port O’Call has a range of accommodation from backpacker-style four-bed rooms with shared facilities to motel style... Find out more

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Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort

The late entrepreneur Christopher Skase put Port Douglas on the luxury map with this development, and it has stood the test of time thanks to Sheraton management and an unbeatable location. Set on Four Mile Beach in 130... Find out more

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Thala Beach Lodge

Deluxe bungalows for two set in 60 hectares of wooded headland feature in this privately owned small hotel. They are built on tall timber poles and overlook either forest or parts of the 2 kilometres of secluded beaches... Find out more

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Kingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge 18 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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Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa 28 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 Rainforest Retreat, near Cow Bay 29 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 Wilderness Lodge, Alexandra Bay 31 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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Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat 95 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 103 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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Possum Valley Rainforest Cottages 110 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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Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort 207 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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Gordonvale Park Area 76 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 104 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 108 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 113 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 127 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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Tully Gorge Camp Area 150 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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