People will generally visit Cairns or Port Douglas when in FNQ but there are so many more incredible things to do. The best time of year to visit is between May and September for the dry season and weather that is not too hot. December – February is the bulk of the wet season, this is very hot and humid with lots and lots of rain… each to their own!
Things to do:
Cairns
- Esplanade: this is near the water and there is also a pool area for people to swim in. It is very busy and full of people but has a great vibe all day and usually will have activities leading into the night.
- Great Barrier Reef: the main reason people go to Cairns. Incredible sights/snorkelling but get in quick before it all dies off.
- Crystal Cascades: a natural spring that you can swim in, walk around, and play under the waterfalls. It really is stunning but be careful because it can be very slippery.
- Skyrail: this starts in Cairns and takes you over to a really cool hippy town. You could take the train but I really like going over the trees and experiencing something a bit different.
- Kuranda: this is the hippy town I was talking about. It is such a chilled out place where people move to basically live a relaxed lifestyle with very little worries. There is a butterfly enclosure and it sounds silly but its such a cute place and we loved it. You basically just walk around and check out the various small attractions.
Port Douglas
- Beach: the beach in Port Douglas is absolutely stunning and you can even go nearby to get a great view of the whole beach.
- Eating drinking: great restaurants and bars in Port Douglas so just relax and enjoy.
- Mossman Gorge: you must go and check this out, it is a little bit of a drive out but totally worth it. We went white water rafting and it was so much fun. I sat in the spot that people often fall out and yep.. i fell out. It was all worth it though and such a great experience.
Tablelands
- Drive: the drive around the mountains is absolutely stunning…and a little scary.
- Nerada Tea Plantation: if you live tea then you must go here! You can sometimes do a tour of the plantation and see how the whole operation works. You can also have lunch there with a cuppa of course. It is really beautiful.
- Avenue of Honour: dedicated to Australian Soldiers basically in the middle of nowhere! There is a giant lake nearby and a caravan park. It is really an emotional and beautiful tribute to fallen soldiers.
Travel Guide 