Things to do in Tropical North Queensland

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Tropical North Queensland Travel Guide

Magnetic Island showing general coastal views, jet skiing and a sandy beach

Palm Cove Beach which includes a sunset, a sandy beach and general coastal views

Maritime Museum of Townsville featuring a lighthouse

Cairns which includes coral, landscape views and tropical scenes

Magnetic Island National Park which includes rugged coastline and general coastal views

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Tropical North Queensland must see attractions

1. Cairns Esplanade

The Cairns Esplanade is the tree-lined boardwalk along the foreshore in the city of Cairns. It overlooks the Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea on one side, and is lined with restaurants and gardens on the other. It has bike paths and walking trails, playgrounds, barbecues, exercise areas and a salt-water lagoon.

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Cairns Esplanade which includes a pool, swimming and a luxury hotel or resort

2. Cairns Marlin Marina

The Cairns Marlin Marina is where all your Great Barrier Reef adventures start, with tour boats coming and going throughout the day. Enjoy shopping, entertainment and dining along the waterfront promenade.

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Cairns Marlin Marina which includes sailing, mountains and a marina

3. Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

The Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal is the main entry and exit point for Magnetic Island, Townsville’s enchanting outpost in the Coral Sea. Regular ferries connect the island to the mainland, just 5 miles (8 kilometers) away.

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Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal featuring a ferry as well as a small group of people

4. Palm Cove Beach

Experience the stunning beaches, resorts and scenery where the rainforest hugs the shores of the Great Barrier Reef at Palm Cove Beach. Swim or sunbathe beneath the warm Tropical North Queensland sun. Explore the waters on a kayak or sailboat and take in the views of forested hills rising up behind the beach’s string of swaying palm trees.

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Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views

5. Four Mile Beach

Four Mile Beach is the main beach in Port Douglas and, as its name suggests, the sandy stretch runs for about four miles (6.5 kilometers). At the southern end of this pristine beach is a mangrove forest and the northern end features a hill with a lookout point, a great place to see the sunrise over the Coral Sea.

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Four Mile Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views

6. Esplanade Lagoon

The Esplanade Lagoon is a water feature in Cairns where you can relax, cool off and socialise with other travellers. The lagoon is on the waterfront on the Cairns Esplanade and is surrounded by tropical gardens. Spend an entire day relaxing by the water, join a fitness class or cool off in the midday heat.

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Esplanade Lagoon featuring a coastal town and a hotel

What to do in Tropical North Queensland

Discover the most popular places to visit in Tropical North Queensland

Cairns Esplanade

4.5/5(253 reviews)

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Cairns Marlin Marina

4.5/5(109 reviews)

Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

4.5/5(18 reviews)

This easy-to-navigate and very scenic transport hub is the gateway to the beaches, bush walks and wildlife of one of Queensland’s most idyllic islands.

Palm Cove Beach

4.5/5(142 reviews)

Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.

Four Mile Beach

4.5/5(92 reviews)

One of the most-photographed stretches of beach in Australia has pristine white sands, waving palm trees, clear blue water and spectacular views across the ocean.

Esplanade Lagoon

4.5/5(104 reviews)

Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.

Port Douglas which includes tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sunset

Macrossan Street

4.5/5(45 reviews)

During your visit to Port Douglas, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Macrossan Street. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the local tours.

Cairns Night Markets

4/5(148 reviews)

During your visit to Cairns, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or seek out the local tours.

Great time at the The Daintree National Park in Port Douglas, AU.,

Daintree Rainforest

4.5/5(30 reviews)

Enjoy the beautiful coral reefs and explore Daintree Rainforest, a lovely green space in Syndicate. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in this relaxing area.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Tropical North Queensland

Palm Cove

Relax on sandy beaches and swim in turquoise waters at a resort town between the Great Barrier Reef and the rain forests of tropical Far North Queensland.

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(264 area reviews)

Cairns Central Business District is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Trinity Beach

Unwind on this tranquil stretch of golden beach, relax under the shade of swaying palm trees and explore Tropical North Queensland at your leisure.

Cairns Esplanade which includes a luxury hotel or resort, swimming and a pool

Cairns North

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Cairns North. A stop by Cairns Esplanade or Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland might round out your trip.