Going troppo
How to best plan your sun-seeking holidays in the tropical north
Tropical family holidays inspire visions of beautiful rainforests, colourful coral and kids frolicking in resort pools. “The choices are endless when it comes to outdoor activities – tubing down a river, coming face-to-face with native wildlife, and learning about the ancient culture who call the rainforest their home,” says Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen.
But if you don’t plan your trip right, you could end up nursing seasick kids and scratching mozzie bites instead.
Savvy tip 1
Put Cairns back on your radar: Cairns is the gateway to Tropical North Queensland, but it has often been seen as just a stepping stone to other regions. Until now, says Anna Shannon, owner of Travel Agent Finder, which connects travellers with expert agents. “Thanks to Covid, it has become less of a backpacker hotspot and more family-friendly,” Shannon says. Olsen adds: “There’s a plethora of accommodation options in Cairns, from your five-star hotels and serviced apartments to camping-caravan grounds.”
Savvy tip 2
Lock in car hire early: Covid led to massive shortages in car-hire stock, which have not yet been corrected, says Shannon. “I wouldn’t be booking flights and accommodation until I’ve checked car hire,” she says. “You could end up missing out on a car altogether or paying an exorbitant fee per day.”
Savvy tip 3
Pack right: As well as your usual beach holiday essentials, there are a few specific extras you should be packing. Insect repellent is a must, especially in the wet-season months when mozzies and biting midges are at their peak. And seasickness tablets could help if you head to the Outer Great Barrier Reef – the 90-minute boat ride out can be choppy.
Savvy tip 4
Don’t push your luck with young kids: If you are travelling with young kids, consider a snorkelling location closer to the coast, says Shannon. “The Outer Reef is a three-hour round trip, but Green Island is half that and can be done as a half-day tour,” she adds. “You can still snorkel, see fish from glass-bottom boats and swim, but without the travel.”
Savvy tip 5
Look outside the box: While Tropical North Queensland may be the focus of tropical holidays in Australia, don’t discount locations like Darwin. Picnics at the kid-friendly Mindil Beach Sunset Market, and visits to the likes of The Discovery Centre at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, the crocodile- and jellyfish-free Wave Lagoon on the Darwin Waterfront, and, of course, Crocosaurus Cove for all things croc will all keep kids entertained.