Tropical North Queensland is a vibrant and captivating region of Australia, boasting an abundance of natural attractions, including the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and incredible beaches along the coast. It’s also the gateway to the Northern Great Barrier Reef, with its vibrant reef systems and tropical islands.
Base yourself in lively Cairns to be right in the heart of the action, tropical Port Douglas for a relaxed stay, or the beachside villages of Palm Cove and Trinity Beach. All are ideally located to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. No trip to Queensland would be complete without stopping at the breathtaking Whitsundays Islands, best accessed from Airlie Beach. The proximity to the Great Barrier Reef means the Whitsundays are a mecca for sailing, diving and snorkelling. There are plenty of opportunities to tick off some bucket-list-worthy activities like swimming with turtles or flying over the famous Whitehaven Beach.
The southern end of the sunshine state also has plenty to offer. From an abundance of wildlife to the unique Fraser Island (K’Gari), as well as being the gateway for the southern Great Barrier Reef Islands. Aside from its natural charm, the state is bursting with vibrant cosmopolitan towns and cities. From the enthusiastic Noosa Heads with its great restaurants and cafés. To the Gold and Sunny Coasts, where endless beaches collide with a laidback urban metropolis. Take a stroll around Surfers Paradise or catch the sunrise at Burleigh Heads. Finally to the state’s capital, Brisbane, a diverse city offering fantastic nightlife, clear blue skies year-round and even Steve Irwin’s very own zoo.
Top Recommendations
- Go snorkelling or scuba diving in the 2300km long Great Barrier Reef
- Sail around the 74 islands that make up the utterly stunning Whitsundays
- Drive a 4×4 around the K’gari (Fraser Island) the world’s largest sand island
- Explore the tropical delights of the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest and home to the prehistoric cassowary
- Hire your own mini open-top car and explore the bays and coves of Magnetic Island
When to Visit
Although you can almost be certain of mild to hot temperatures, the Tropical North is a location with distinct wet and dry seasons. Most prefer the months of May through to October when the weather is dry and not too hot. The Great Barrier Reef also experiences better water clarity during this time. However, the ‘wet’ or ‘green’ season does offer attractive special offers and a fantastic time to see the Daintree Rainforest in its full glory.
The further south you travel, the pattern is more of the same. Although there is less of a distinct wet season. Meaning that while you might get caught up in the odd shower between November and April. They shouldn’t be anything too substantial. Making this part of the country a great destination almost any time of year.
Average monthly high and low temperatures, plus average monthly rainfall and days with rain can be seen below for Cairns & Brisbane.
Everitts Adventures 