Go deeper, tread lighter

Come to Tropical North Queensland for epic nature adventures that leave a small footprint.

Soar over the Wet Tropics rainforest

Gliding a few metres above the treetops in a six-person gondola is the most relaxing way to experience the 130-million-year-old rainforest. Feel the thrill of trees beneath your feet on the 7.5-kilometre-long Skyrail

Rainforest Cableway (skyrail.com.au), which carries visitors from Cairns to Kuranda, stopping off at the fern-filled forest at Red Peak and the spectacular Barron Falls. Take a ranger-guided tour of the rainforest boardwalks or use the interpretive app for additional commentary on the surroundings. Skyrail is a leader in responsible travel, with honours including the coveted EarthCheck Master.

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

Learn about the work being done to restore the magnificent coral reef with Passions of

Paradise (passions.com.au), which has been at the forefront of sustainable reef tourism for 30 years. This business specialises in personalised, small-group tours to two outer-reef locations on a catamaran with a Master Reef Guide onboard to answer guests’ questions. The tours leave Cairns daily for a full day of snorkelling, diving and sailing in waters teeming with colourful fish, turtles and unique corals.

Walk through ancient lava tubes

The Undara Volcano National Park is home to 164 volcanoes, which formed a network of hollow lava tubes 190,000 years ago. Immerse yourself in the magical landscape with highly trained Savannah Guides at Undara

Experience (undara.com.au), which is Advanced Eco Certified by Eco Tourism Australia and offers expert interpretation of this unique environment. Guided walks take visitors through the deep lava tubes, considered to be the oldest in the world. Stay overnight in quirky 100-year-old railway carriages and spend your evenings by a communal campfire under a blanket of stars.

Follow Dreamtime stories

The Wet Tropics is the oldest continually growing rainforest on earth, home to 3000 plant species and some of Australia’s rarest animals, such as Bennett’s tree-kangaroo and the spotted-tail quoll. For a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Kuku Yalanji people, who have lived in the Daintree for 50,000 years, visitors can begin their journey at the Mossman Gorge Centre (mossmangorge.com.au); it has attained Green Travel Leader Status and a certification for Respecting Our Culture (ROC). Follow an Aboriginal guide through the lush rainforest on the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk, where you’ll participate in a traditional smoking ceremony, learn about the Kuku Yalanji culture and natural bush soaps and ochre painting.

Experience nature-based luxury in Australia’s most eco-certified destination at cairnsgreatbarrierreef.com/eco-luxury