The Ultimate Guide to Tropical North Queensland: Cairns & Surrounds
- adelefox4
- Nov 13, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 10, 2022
I spent 2 weeks in Far North Queensland, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying all that Port Douglas, Palm Cove and the Daintree have to offer. With the perfect mix of adventuring and relaxing, my time away was exactly what I needed after a long couple of years without a meaningful break from my work and home life.
Now it's your turn, and this guide is your ultimate companion for planning your next visit.
Stop 1: Palm Cove
Located just under 30 minutes drive from Cairns Airport is Palm Cove, a stunning introduction to the beauty of the Coral Coast
Often considered tropical Queensland's most glamorous beach village, Palm Cove is a must-visit location for anyone travelling to the Great Barrier Reef region. With a quaint strip of shops and restaurants overlooking the Coral Sea and the various islands and reefs within it, Palm Cove is an easy town to navigate and enjoy all that FNQ has to offer.
What we'd recommend:
A walk along the scenic waterfront and along the pier (bonus points if you catch the sunset)
Dinner and cocktails at Vivo, a gorgeous terraced restaurant on the esplanade.
Dip your toes in the water from the safety of a kayak or paddle board (there are plenty to hire along the beachfront)
Fish and chips on the beach at the end of a day of exploring
Where we stayed:
The Palms at Palm Cove.
We chose a 1 bedroom apartment. With a small kitchen and large bedroom, this accommodation was extremely comfortable and beautifully bright.
The shared pool and sun loungers provided the perfect spot for us to adjust to the hot sun and the slow lifestyle we would quickly become accustomed to.
What I read:
Twisted Love by Ana Huang & Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Stop 2: The Daintree Rainforst (Rocky Point)
A winding 55 minute drive north of Palm Cove brings you to the isolated scenic Rocky Point. The perfect place to immerse yourself in the quiet of the oldest rainforest in the world.
Now, if you don't know about the wonder of the Daintree Rainforest then you must have been living under a rock, because it's creeping vines and emerald canopy have been growing for over 185 million years!
The Daintree extends all the way up the coral coast, with towns 'north of the river' such as Cape Tribulation often heralded as the best spot to experience all that the forest has on offer. Unfortunately, we didn't make the 2.5 hour drive further north from Palm Cove, so instead we uncovered a more local beauty in Rocky Point.
Where we stayed:
A hidden gem on Airbnb, Gunnadoo Holiday Hut has the most beautiful ocean views and a back deck with private spa.
The hut is equipped with an outdoor kitchen, cosy bedroom and spacious bathroom. It had all that we needed for a memorable 3 days in the rainforest.
Highlights of our stay included watching the sunrise over the ocean in the morning, keeping an ear and eye out for local wildlife, a walk (and swing) on the isolated beach, and of course a glass of wine in the spa.
What I read:
Exiles by Jane Harper
Stop 3: Palm Cove
Driving south for 30 minutes brought us to one of the most well-known towns on the Coral Coast, Port Douglas.
A chic and relaxed seaside village, Port Douglas is the hub of the extended Cairns area and a perfect place to base yourself if you don't want to be moving around your whole holiday. Full of resorts to suit the needs of any traveller, as well as an abundance of restaurants, unique stores, and places to explore - Port Douglas is definitely a one-stop shop.
Flanked by Four-Mile Beach and Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, the seas and sands of FNQ are at your beckoning call.
What we'd recommend:
A walk along Four Mile Beach
Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef with Wavelength Reef Cruises
Dinner at The Mexican
Shopping on Macrossan Street
A walk and swim at Mossman Gorge (10 min drive)
Coffee and cake at Whileaway Book Shop & Cafe
Catch a game on the big screen at The Central Hotel or N17 Burger Co
Soak up the sunshine at a poolside bar
Acai bowls at Nectar
Where we stayed:
We selected a Superior Studio apartment and enjoyed the space and benefits of a fully equipped kitchen and large balcony. The hotel has 3 pools on site, but the lagoon is the show-stopper, flanked by lounges and a swim-up bar, it was the only place I needed to be throughout each afternoon.
What I read:
Love on the Brain, Ali Hazelwood
All That's Left Unsaid, Tracey Lien
When in Rome, Sarah Adams
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