Eight top family outings
WHO better to turn to for advice on the best adventures and experiences in Far North Queensland than the region’s very own Adventure Mumma.
Cairns-based Kate Richards has built a solid social media following for the popular blog, which promotes her family’s adventures in North Queensland.
The ultimate backyard tourist shares her favourite family-friendly getaways in Far North Queensland.
1. BARRON FALLS
When the rains come, Barron Falls becomes one of Mrs Richards’ favourite spots to visit. She said it was a “pretty impressive” display to show the kids. It can be accessed on the drive to Kuranda via Barron Falls Rd, by train on the
Kuranda Scenic Railway or by air on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
2. BABINDA KAYAKING
Younger kids from age five and above, and even the family dog can take part in this fun activity on Babinda Creek. “This is really good fun and it’s not a huge, flowing stream,” Mrs Richards said. Younger kids will go in the kayak with mum, dad or carer for a gentle paddle, with life vests included. “You can see platypuses if you are really lucky and there are fish and sea eagles flying overhead,” Mrs Richards said. Babinda Kayaking also offers stand-up paddle boarding, which Mrs Richards recommended for kids aged 10-plus.
3. CAIRNS ZOOM AND WILDLIFE DOME
The dome rates highly on Mrs Richard’s list of fun activities in the Far North, for the animals that interact with you on the course, with “birds flying on to the ropes”. She said there were suitable activities for children aged five-plus.
4. DAVIES CREEK AND LAKE EACHAM
Pack the lilo or something similar to float on and get ready for some serious chilling out. Mrs Richards loves spending family time at Lake Eacham or Davies Creek National Park, with both an excellent option to beat hot Far Northern days. She said Davies Creek was worth the trip at the moment, thanks to recent rain. To get there, continue travelling the Kennedy Highway about 21km past Kuranda on the way to Mareeba, then follow the signs. Lake Eacham is about 68km from Cairns on the Gillies Range.
5. FITZROY ISLAND
There are some good deals for locals travelling to Fitzroy Island, with Mrs Richards’ recommended activities including a hike to the lookout, spotting turtles while swimming in the ocean or meeting them at Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation on the island. She advised to always wear stinger suits at this time of the year, and said they could be hired.
6. SMITHFIELD AND ATHERTON MOUNTAIN BIKE TRACKS
You or the kids don’t have a proper mountain bike? No worries, Mrs Richards said a regular road bike will be able to stand up to the demands of Smithfield and Atherton Forest mountain bike tracks. She said the tracks were family friendly, with Smithfield a particularly great option due to its proximity. Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Trail is north of James Cook University on McGregor Rd, Smithfield. Access Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park via the Herberton Range Ridge Rd.
7. PORT DOUGLAS MARKETS
Every Sunday, Market Park, which adjoins ANZAC Park on Wharf St, comes alive from 8am-1.30pm. “It’s fun for the kids with lots of shops and they can harass you for money,” Mrs Richards said. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, Mrs Richards recommended Salsa Bar & Grill on Wharf St and the Port Douglas Surf Club Bar & Bistro near Four Mile Beach.
8. PRAWN STAR
Prawn Star at The Pier, Cairns, offers a novelty for kids who “can get their hands dirty” diving into the world of seafood. Mrs Richards said it may not be suitable for really young children and that a seafood platter for the family was a great option. She said a walk along the boardwalk after, and a visit to the Fig Tree Playground nearby was a great way to wrap up the evening.