Things to see & do in Tropical North Queensland
Tropical North Queensland is both an outdoor adventurers’ delight, a wildlife lovers’ paradise and a relaxing resort haven all in one destination.
This makes it a great place to visit if you want a holiday all about one thing, a little bit of everything or if you are part of a couple, family with kids or group with mixed interests.
1. A reef trip
There are two main kinds of reef trips available, a pontoon trip or a variety of vessel/boat based trips. Alternatively, you have the option of a day trip to an Island with a fringing reef. Check out the tours on Viator around tropical north Queensland or click here to read my short guide to help choose which type of reef trip may be right for you.
Tours open on Viator (owned by Tripadvisor)
2. Island Life
Tropical North Queensland has a few islands that are accessible by regular ferry plus some all-inclusive exclusive options.
But Island life is not just for the wealthy, with the ability to camp on both Fitzroy Island and Dunk Island. Fitzroy is currently the only camping option with a regular ferry, you need a private charter to Dunk (its transfer service is on hold as of Feb 2023).
You can visit both Fitzroy and Green Island for a day trip or stay overnight in the resorts (or the Fitzroy Island Campground).
If you also love to bushwalk head to Fitzroy Island, where you can get the blood pumping up to the Summit, meander the secret garden walk or head over to nudie beach (in name only) to explore. I personally think Fitzroy Island also has one of the best bar views in Australia at its very casual outdoor bar.
3. Chase Waterfalls
Tropical North Queensland has a huge range of waterfalls, from pounding giants to gentle cascades and everything in between.
Popular waterfalls to visit include Barron Falls which can be viewed from a walk to a lookout (particularly impressive after bit wet season rains) and the instagram famous Millaa Millaa falls and also Mena Creek Falls which is viewed in the also insta famous Paronella Park.
There are also plenty of less popular waterfalls hidden away on bushwalks just waiting for you to explore.
4. Spot Wildlife
Famous for crocodiles, cassowaries and all sorts of weird and wonderful birds and mammals, Tropical North Queensland is a wildlife lovers paradise.
- Cruise on an electric boat to spot crocodiles (Viator link) and birds with solar whisper (or plenty of other tours too)
- Get up early and bushwalk to unique wildlife
- Search for elusive tree kangaroos or visit Narada to see the resident wild population just next to the tea house
- Love photography? Book a wildlife photography tour with FNQ nature tours
5. Hunt huge ancient trees
The Giant Fig trees around Tropical North Queensland (such as the Curtain Fig Tree) are one of those natural wonders that make you marvel at the diversity of nature.
To me they have a magical, aviator like quality to them and the trees are hundreds of years old.
6. Go Wild Swimming
Tropical North Queensland is home to mountain streams, swimming holes and rivers up high in the hills.
However, while this sounds dramatic, make sure you follow local government advice and no swimming signs so you don’t get eaten by a crocodile, sucked into a whirlpool or stung by a sea jelly!