Summer Fun in North Queensland
This is summer holiday time so head to Far North Queensland to chill out and have fun – with beaches, reef and rain forest, adventure activities and romantic getaways, there's something for everyone in this beautiful part of Australia.
Beach and reef
Sun drenched white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, turquoise water and a reef wonderland teeming with colourful fish and coral – this is the most accessible tropical paradise in Australia. Laze away the days under a beach umbrella, take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling or scuba diving, or try your luck on a fishing charter. A beachside holiday has never been easier – there's a range of accommodation from luxury resorts to bungalows, apartments and tourist parks all the way from Mission Beach to Port Douglas. Visit www.cityofcairns.com
Take a walk on the wild side
There are about 150 managed walks in the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics, 
ranging from short, popular boardwalks with visitor facilities to longer treks with overnight camping. Experience the magic of the rainforest, enjoy spectacular scenery and cool off in crystal clear waterholes and streams. Learn about the plants and animals that are an integral part of this special landscape. Birdwatchers should make sure they visit Eubenangee National Park, where over 170 bird species have been recorded, or the Mission Beach region, which is the last natural habitat of the beautiful cassowary. For information on Australia's first network of long distance walking trails in a high altitude rainforest environment, go to www.mistymountains.com.au.
Tours and adventures
Beachside holidays are not just about lazing
around – why not take the opportunity to try white water rafting, hot air ballooning or para-sailing? Learn to scuba dive, take a sea kayak expedition or a rainforest canopy jungle tour – there's a range of specialist adventure operators just waiting to help you get that adrenalin rush. Visit www.greatbarrierreef.aus.net.
Go exploring
Take a safari to the wilderness of Cape Tribulation, saddle up or hop on an all terrain vehicle for a tour of the Tablelands, have a real life farm or working cattle station experience, discover the Aboriginal heritage on a cultural tour, or check out the fascinating history of the western mining and pioneering towns. Visit www.queenslandholidays.com
Here are a few suggestions for some fun activities:
- Enjoy an evening or a few days at a Cairns Beaches resort and dine beachside under the stars.
- Dine with a difference on a dinner cruise or in the rainforest.
- Relax at a Daintree rainforest retreat and indulge your senses with a pamper package.
- Take a day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, or stay a few at one of the resort islands – Green Island, Lizard Island, Bedarra Island, Haggerstone Island or Dunk Island. Visit www.queenslandislands.com