National GeographicSep 1, 2026
From Reef to Rainforest—the Ultimate Guide to Queensland’s Tropical North
With the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea and 1,000-year-old kauri trees as its backdrop, Australia’s north has plenty of natural wonders to explore.
22 things in this story
- Nu Nu RestaurantRestaurantEnjoy absolute beachfront dining at Nu Nu Restaurant Palm Cove.
- Elsewhere
- The Great Barrier ReefSightCairns, AustraliaWorld's largest coral reef system, spanning 1,430 miles.
- Daintree RainforestTrailCairns, AustraliaPart of Wet Tropics Rainforest, standing for over 180 million years.
- Wet Tropics of Queensland Heritage SiteSightCairns, AustraliaHarbours 18% of Australia's birdlife and 30% of reptile/frog species.
- Atherton TablelandsNeighborhoodCairns, AustraliaHome to nearly 2,000 farms growing seasonal produce.
- Yungaburra MarketsMarketAtherton Tablelands, AustraliaTry fresh fruits, locally grown coffee, tea and more.
- Rusty’s MarketsMarketCairns, AustraliaStalls selling everything from just-ripe mangoes to spicy samosas.
- Epicurean Port DouglasRestaurantPort Douglas, AustraliaExperience the finest French Provincial food and wine at Epicurean in Port Douglas.
- Passions of ParadisePlaceCairns, AustraliaOffers 'Be a Marine Biologist for a Day' package.
- Reef MagicPlaceCairns, AustraliaPontoon tours offer Reef Restoration Days.
- Mossman RiverSightMossman Gorge, AustraliaDrift along on an inflatable raft tour.
- Back Country BlissPlaceMossman Gorge, AustraliaOffers inflatable raft tours on the Mossman River.
- Walkabout Cultural AdventuresPlacePort Douglas, AustraliaTeaches about bush medicines and seasonal bush tucker.
- Laura BasinNeighborhoodLaura, AustraliaHikes to caves with secret rock art galleries.
- Jarramali Rock Art ToursPlaceLaura, AustraliaHikes to caves with 2,000-year-old paintings.
- Torres StraitNeighborhoodThursday Island, AustraliaCollection of 274 islands between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
- Island StarsPlaceThursday Island, AustraliaOffers dance and storytelling performances.
- Torres Strait ToursPlaceHorn Island, AustraliaLead guided walks in the footsteps of the Indigenous Battalion.
- Badu Art CentreSightBadu Island, AustraliaEngage with local artists.
- BoiguNeighborhoodBoigu Island, AustraliaAustralia's northernmost inhabited island.
- Strait ExperiencePlaceThursday Island, AustraliaExplore Torres Strait alongside Indigenous guides.
- Cairns Marlin MarinaSightCairns, Australia