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Departing daily on scheduled services or private charters from Cairns, there are a variety of tours to the Great Barrier Reef available offering diving, snorkelling, sailing, cruising and island-hopping, all showcasing one of the world’s greatest natural treasures. Escape to a secluded tropical island in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef and explore a colourful underwater world, dine with the Coral Sea lapping at your toes, or discover varied and unique wildlife with an experienced marine biologist.The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from space, but for those wanting to stay a little closer to the ground, scenic helicopter tours will leave you with a breathtaking view you will never forget. For those who prefer to stay dry, semi-submersible and glass-bottom boats provide an ideal introduction to the Great Barrier Reef, while helmet dives and motorised underwater scooters are a fun way to view the colourful coral and marine line without getting your hair wet. Dive with minke whales for an unforgettable adventure, parrasail from an island for an adrenaline rush or spy on baby turtles making their first dash for the freedom of the Coral Sea.

Recognised as the oldest tropical rainforest on the planet and the largest in Australia, the Wet Tropics Rainforest offers endless experiences for any group size. Its spectacular scenery, plant diversity and unique wildlife are guaranteed to leave delegates speechless.Cape Tribulation is the only place in the world where two World Heritage areas meet, the reef and the rainforest. Meet the local wildlife, stroll along the deserted palm fringed beach or get back to basics with a four-wheel drive tour through creeks and rugged gorges. Not far from Cape Tribulation, a Daintree River cruise with a local guide explaining the evolution of crocodiles in the region takes you out of your comfort zone or stay overnight at one of the boutique eco-lodges in the heart of the rainforest.

Just north of Port Douglas at Mossman Gorge Centre, learn about the traditions of the Kuku Yalanji tribe and immerse yourself in the ancient secrets of the rainforest. A gondola ride above the canopy aboard Skyrail Rainforest Cableway just north of Cairns, provides an appreciation of the diversity this ecosystem offers. With stops along the way to explore the rainforest and enjoy guided boardwalk tours, you'll be exposed to the rainforest from above and below. On the Cassowary Coast, you’ll find Mamu Tropical Skywalk; allowing visitors to explore the rainforest from the forest floor to the canopy, in comfort and safety. The Skywalk passes through one of the largest remaining continuous stands of complex vine forest on basalt soils in the Wet Tropics. Enjoy close-up views of rainforest plants, insects and birds, and take in sweeping vistas. Information signs tell of the rainforest’s complex web of life and the rich culture and history of the area.

Venture into the rainforest and enter a world steeped in ancient Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with spirits and legends recorded in rock art and song. Take an Indigenous cultural tour to learn about ancient ancestral pasts and the secrets of bush medicine, camp on top of an open escarpment above untouched rock art sites or try your hand at spear and boomerang throwing. Have a go playing the didgeridoo or settle in for a traditional dance and musical performance and feel the rhythm move you.

WONDERFUL WILDLIFE

Witness some of Australia’s most precious and beautiful birds in their natural habitat, encounter the elusive cassowary or spot a platypus in a freshwater stream. On the reef, dive with turtles, swim with minke whales or spy Nemo amongst the corals. Get up close and personal with the popular local residents of one of the region’s many world-class wildlife parks by cuddling a koala, hand-feeding kangaroos, pole-feeding a crocodile and, for the more daring, pose for a photo with a python.

TROPICAL LIFESTYLE

Reconnect with your inner self and indulge in a pampering session at one of the region’s many award-winning spas. Shop ‘til you drop at the many exclusive boutiques dotting the main streets of Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Kuranda, or unwind on the beach with a book and the gentle seabreeze. A morning sunrise yoga class will kick your day off on the right (or left) foot and leave you revitalised and relaxed. For a more active venture, take part in the many free fitness classes offered at the Cairns Esplanade and start the day on an energetic note.

FOOD TRAILS

The region offers a smorgasbord of flavours with something to tantalise everyone’s taste buds. Enjoy a unique food and wine experience travelling from Cairns to the lush Atherton Tablelands. Visit a tropical fruit winery, an award-winning distillery, a cheese and chocolate factory or coffee and macadamia plantations. Venture off the beaten track, onto small family farms and hear the stories behind regional fare and how it travels from paddock-to-plate all the while savouring the mouth-watering flavours of the tropics.

ARTISTIC FLAIR

A great way to immerse yourself in the regional culture is to visit the many art galleries and boutiques in Cairns, Port Douglas and Kuranda. Discover a variety of art forms on show from oil on canvas, ceramics,glassware, sculpture and photography. Learn about Indigenous artwork with historical exhibitions and get acquainted with the various Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from this region. For a lasting memento, treat yourself to a piece from one of the galleries or even directly from the artists themselves.

To find out more about all the tours available in the region, use the link below to be diverted to the Tropical North Queensland website which offers plenty of ideas for pre and post touring, a trip planner and special deals.

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