Explore Australia

Tully Sugar Mill: informative tours in the crushing season (approximately June–Nov); tickets from the visitor centre. Golden Gumboot: 7.9 m high gumboot erected to celebrate Tully as Australia's wettest town.

Tully Gorge Alcock State Forest This state forest incorporates the Tully Gorge and the raging waters of the Tully River. Visit the Frank Roberts Lookout for gorge views, take the Rainforest Butterfly Walk and visit the Cardstone Weir boardwalk in the afternoons to watch rafters negotiate the rapids. Head to the top reaches of the river for superb scenery and swimming. Visit in dry season only (May–Dec); 40 km W.Alligator's Nest: beautiful rainforest with swimming in stream; 10 km S. Tully Heads: estuary and beachside fishing; separated from Hull Heads by Googorra Beach; 22 km SE. Echo Creek Walking Trail: take this guided trail through rainforest, walking a traditional Aboriginal trading route with Jirrba guides; turn-off after Euramo; 30 km SW. Murray Upper State Forest: rainforest walks to cascades, rockpools and Murray Falls; turn-off 38 km S. Misty Mountains walking trails: day walks or longer (up to 44 km) in Wet Tropics World Heritage Area; details from visitor centre. Whitewater rafting: operators run from Tully to the renowned rapids of the Tully River; details from visitor centre.

Russell Heads 79 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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Lake Tinaroo 92 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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Trinity Inlet 108 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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Cairns 114 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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Julatten 161 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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Bushwalking around Townsville and Cairns 38 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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Cheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 57 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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Hiking the Thorsborne Trail 61 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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Birdwatching - Townsville to Cairns 83 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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Savannahlander 113 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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Swimming around Townsville and Cairns 122 km

Not far from Townsville there are a couple of popular swimming holes: Big Crystal Creek near Mutarnee, the icy Little Crystal Creek on the road to Paluma, and under the Rollingstone Bridge. Near Tully, you can cool off... Find out more

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Wildlife experience - Cairns 127 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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Bushwalking on Magnetic Island 166 km

Magnetic Island has about 25 kilometres of walking tracks, many with outstanding views of the coast, or ending at isolated beaches. Do not miss the 2-kilometre Forts Walk, with a good chance of seeing a koala or two, and... Find out more

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Reef tours 168 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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Chillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodges 172 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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Paradise Palms Country Club 130 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 163 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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Hull Heads recreation area 17 km

Estuary and reef fishing from an all-weather boat ramp and pontoon makes Hull Heads an excellent destination for anglers. The campground is next to the coastguard on Luff St in Hull Heads, 15 km east of the Bruce Hwy.... Find out more

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Dunk Island View Van Park - Campsite 19 km

Located at Mission Beach just 50m from Wongaling beach, this caravan park is set on a well-shaded 2.2 hectare property with views across to Dunk Island. The park is close to shops, restaurants and cafes and the on-site... Find out more

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Mission Beach Caravan Park 21 km

This caravan park with laundry facilities is on Porters Promenade in Mission Beach, about 2 hrs drive from Cairns or 3 hrs from Townsville. Known for its 14 km stretch of sandy beaches, the town is a jumping-off point to... Find out more

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Bingil Bay Campground 22 km

This campground is about 3 km north of Mission Beach on Bingil Bay Rd. There is no power available here. Mission Beach is 2 hrs drive from Cairns or 3 hrs from Townsville, and is known for its 14 km stretch of sandy... Find out more

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Dunk Island Spit camping area 25 km

This campground is on the west coast of Dunk Island, with 9 designated sites provided; bookings are essential. Dunk has 13 km of scenic walking tracks; you can trek through rainforests, complete a circuit of the island,... Find out more

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Kurrimine Beach Caravan Park 25 km

This very basic council campground is on Robert Johnson Pde in Kurrimine Beach, about 9 km east of the Bruce Hwy, accessed from Silkwood. The closest major town is Innisfail, about 30 km north of Kurrimine. The nearby... Find out more

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Murray Falls camping area 26 km

Campers here can enjoy the 930 m walk through a rainforest gully that leads into open forest and finishes with amazing views over the falls and Murray Valley. The first 75 m section of the boardwalk at the top end of the... Find out more

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Wheeler Island 28 km

Located 12 km east of Tully Heads, Wheeler Island is accessed by private boat from Mission Beach. The campground’s only facilities are pit toilets and picnic tables, so campers will need to bring all... Find out more

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Coombe Island 29 km

Fancy staying at your own exclusive, secluded bush campground? This site, about 13 km east of Tully Heads, only permits 1 group at a one time. There are, however, no facilities at the campground so you’ll need to... Find out more

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Stephens Island camping area 33 km

This campground for self-sufficient campers is on the western side of Stephens Island, part of the South Barnard group. There are 3 separate sites, each with a maximum of 4 people. Open fires and generators are not... Find out more

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Googarra Beach Caravan Park 16 km

The park, close to Tully Heads, has a cafe and a well-stocked shop and also sells fuel. This is a convenient overnight stop or a good base for exploring the area. Bookings are required in peak periods. Pets are not... Find out more

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Beachcomber Coconut Caravan Village 18 km

Mission Beach is a dream holiday destination and this park is the perfect place to stay. It is set in a fabulous location just across the road from the beach. The shops are within walking distance. Bookings are required... Find out more

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Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village 21 km

This is an excellent park at the heart of a very popular tourist destination and just a short walk to the beach, the shops or the local restaurants. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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King Reef Resort 25 km

This beachside caravan park is part of a hotel complex. It has good basic facilities and is very popular during holiday periods. Meals and normal hotel services are available. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Cardwell Beachcomber 37 km

The park is centrally located just a short distance from the centre of town and across the road from the beach (ideal for fishing). The park has good facilities and a licensed restaurant/cafe in the attached motel.... Find out more

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Flying Fish Point Tourist Park 51 km

This quality owner-operated place is across the road from the beach in this small community about 7 km from Innisfail. The park puts on cooked dinners on Saturday nights and has happy hour on Wednesday. It also offers... Find out more

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Innot Hot Springs Leisure and Caravan Park 78 km

Located in the centre of the small township, this place has good facilities and the local hotel is just a short walk away. A relaxing dip in the spring-fed pools in the park is most enjoyable at the end of the day.... Find out more

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Wanderers Holiday Village 79 km

Close to the centre of town, this park is a popular holiday destination for those keen on fishing. There are covered barbecues and a boat parking area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park 87 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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Mount Garnet Travellers Park 92 km

This is a spacious park with shade and green grass in a quieter off-highway position. It has good amenities. Bookings required at Easter and long weekends.... Find out more

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Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort 44 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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The Canopy, near Malanda 67 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 68 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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Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat 73 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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Hidden Valley Cabins, Hidden Valley 116 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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Kingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge 161 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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Bungalow Bay Koala Village 165 km

Declared Australia’s best backpacker accommodation, this low-key eco-accredited resort, with pool and family-style restaurant, has 2.8 hectares of camping area and 30 A-frame bungalows, 25 of which are... Find out more

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Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa 195 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 196 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 198 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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Diggers Creek Rest Area 18 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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Bilyana Rest Area 21 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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Mission Beach Camp Area 21 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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Bingil Bay Camp Area 22 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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Murray Falls Camp Area 27 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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Tully Gorge Camp Area 31 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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Cardwell Park Area 39 km

Middle of town Parking area on the foreshore. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S18 16.159 E146 02.051... Find out more

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Five Mile Creek Rest Area 46 km

45 km N of Ingham (L) or 8 km S of Cardwell (R) Secluded area located 700 metres west of the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S18 19.387 E146 02.439... Find out more

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Fred Drew Rest Area 47 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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Babinda Rest Area 65 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 65 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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The Boulders Camp Area 66 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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Frances Creek Rest Area 93 km

100 km N of Townsville (L) or 11 km S of Ingham (R) Large area adjacent to the road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S18 44.533 E146 08.159... Find out more

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Gordonvale Park Area 93 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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Jourama Falls Camp Area 104 km

T/O 88 km N of Townsville (L) or 23 km S of Ingham (R) Small secluded campground situated 6 kilometres east of the highway in the forest of Paluma Range National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Booking... Find out more

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Balgal Beach Camp Area 130 km

T/O 52 km N of Townsville (R) or 59 km S of Ingham (L) Small foreshore campground located 5 kilometres east of the highway at the northern end of the road through the village. Good facilities but only limited shade. ... Find out more

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Rollingstone Rest Area 133 km

53 km N of Townsville (R) or 58 km S of Ingham (L) Large grassed area well off the highway accessed via the service road through Rollingstone. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S19 02.732 E146 23.664... Find out more

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Toomulla Beach Camp Area 140 km

T/O 43 km N of Townsville (R) or 68 km S of Ingham (L) Small grassy camp area located 2 kilometres east of the highway on the foreshore at the south end of the village. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S19 05.0013... Find out more

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