THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED AVOID THE TOURIST TRAPS AND DISCOVER THE REGION’S HIDDEN GEMS
WHILE the tourist hubs that immediately surround Cairns — the Atherton Tablelands, Port Douglas and Kuranda — are the ‘hotspots’ for visitors to the region, there are a number of less-explored and rurual localities also brimming with rich and vibrant tropical life that are worth a look.
COOKTOWN
It takes a degree of commitment to get there — a four-hour drive on the inland road and longer along the coast — but incredible views, great fishing and abundant history make the isolated country town well worth the trip. SEE: Sunset/sunrise from Grassy Hill, James Cook Museum, Captain Cook statue at Bicentennial Park.
Enjoy a sundowner at the Lions Den Hotel, walk the Cooktown Heritage and Scenic Rim trail, reel in a barra on a fishing charter.
CAPE TRIBULATION (PICTURED)
Lush tropical rainforests, crystalclear swimming creeks and magnificent sandy beaches with the most inviting blue water, Cape Tribulation is a unique area where the region’s two World Heritage areas meet.
Stunning scenery where oldgrowth rainforest hangs down over deserted, white-sand beaches and breathtaking views at Mount Alexandra Lookout. DO: Zipline through the rainforest at Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours, try exotic fruit you never knew existed at Cape Trib Farm, ride a horse along the beach at sunset.
DAINTREE
Located near a bend on the Daintree River beneath the rainforest mountains of the McDowell Ranges, the little funky village of Daintree is in the heart of a World Heritagelisted national park.
The Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre, Daintree Timber Museum, birds – the Daintree National Park is considered to be one of the best bird-watching environments in the world.
A croc-spotting nature and wildlife cruise along the Daintree River is a must for visitors, as is a natural ice cream from Floravilla Ice Creamery (try their signature Black Sapote and Coconut).
MOSSMAN
Mossman has a distinctly rural feel with the difference being the lush green background of the surrounding vegetation. While there are some fabulous places to visit, most people see Mossman on the way to other areas. SEE: The magic and mystery of Mossman Gorge on a guided tour.
Pick up a delicious tropical wine made from organic fruit grown onsite at Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery.
BABINDA
From the awesome baker in the main street to the crystal clear river at The Boulders, it is a place that truly represents North Queensland. There is wildlife, secluded swimming holes and untouched rainforest.
The view from Queensland’s highest mountain – Mount Bartle Frere – and the town’s heritage-listed hotel.
Picnic and swim at the Babinda Boulders or Josephine Falls and scoff down arguably the region’s best pies and cream buns at Babinda Bakery.
INNISFAIL
Innisfail is a bustling smaller city located at the junction of the North and South Johnstone rivers. It has beautiful botanical gardens and arguably the finest collection of Art Deco buildings in the country.
Take a step back in time and explore Innisfail’s historical architecture on a self-guided town walk (grab a map from the Innisfail visitor information I-VAN, cnr Glady and Edith streets). DO: Spot crocodiles in a glassbottom boat or venture just outside Innisfail and spend the night at Etty Bay or explore Paronella Park – the 1930s Spanish castle in the rainforest.
MISSION BEACH
Postcard-worthy Mission Beach is definitely a place to stop if you’re a coastal person. It has long sandy, palm-lined beaches and impressive Dunk Island sitting off the coast.
Keep your eyes peeled for the flightless Cassowary.
Take a tour at Charley’s Chocolate Factory — Australia’s only cocoa tree to choclate bar experience.
TULLY
This rural centre, much like Babinda, is known for the sheer amount of rain it gets each year — and has a 7.9m monument to prove it.
The Big Golden Gumboot, Tully Sugar Mill (tours available during the crushing season only, June-Nov).
Climb Mount Tyson, take a cool dip in the crystal-clear waters of Alligator’s Nest (despite its name, there are no alligators or crocodiles in this area — swimming is encouraged!) or the gorgeous Murray Falls.