Green turtle swimming over Acropora coral reef, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Why visit Cairns & Far North Queensland
Far North Queensland is a remote tropical adventure where the Great Barrier Reef is tantalisingly close. It's a cliché, but the rainforest really does meet the reef up here. Steamy Cairns is the main traveller base and an obligatory stop on any east-coast itinerary. Divers and snorkellers swarm here – and to more upmarket Port Douglas – for easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. The cooler Atherton Tablelands – with volcanic craters, jungly waterfalls and gourmet food producers – is a short, scenic drive inland.
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Top places to visit in Cairns & Far North Queensland
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Things to Know
Queensland’s far north, once feared by explorers, is now a welcoming land home to coral-fringed coast, hardy outback living and expanses of raw nature.
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Best Road Trips
Queensland’s far north, once feared by explorers, is now a welcoming land home to coral-fringed coast, hardy outback living and expanses of raw nature.
Read full article
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