Temperate weather year-round, pristine white-sand beaches fringed by towering palm trees, an inviting turquoise ocean with vibrant coral reefs, ancient Indigenous culture, unspoiled tropical island escapes dotted along the coastline and a lush landscape steeped in history. This is standard Far North Queensland. Add two World Heritage-listed sites, a bustling food and wine scene, vibrant weekend markets and an abundance of attractions and you have the goods for a perfect holiday on the Northern Beaches.
It’s where the World Heritage-Listed Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage-Listed Daintree Rainforest meet and create a place unlike anywhere else in the world. Stretching from Mission Beach up to Torres Strait with many picturesque and relaxing destinations in between. Cairns is considered the gateway to this region and easily reachable with daily flights to and from Cairns Airport, the wonderful Spirit of Queensland rail journey between Brisbane and Cairns or by car on a spectacularly scenic road trip. Port Douglas is another popular base thanks to its abundance of accommodation and luxury resorts. Enjoy a relaxing meal at one of the many eateries such as Little Larder, Salsas and Melaleuca or try Hemingway’s Brewery on the wharf or Barbados bar for amazing cocktails. Plus, if you love a good market then don’t miss the iconic Port Douglas Sunday Market for fresh produce, food and shopping overlooking the ocean.
Palm Cove is a fantastic peaceful and picturesque base, perfectly nestled between Cairns and Port Douglas, 30 minutes either way by car, meaning you have a myriad of touring opportunities available, including hotel pick-ups, and every attraction of the region easily accessible.
Located right on the beachfront, overlooking the stunning Coral Sea, is Villa Beach Palm Cove – a perfect accommodation solution to suit all visitors, be it families, couples or friend groups. Relax and unwind as soon as you arrive in your beautifully appointed 1, 2 or 3 bedroom spacious villa, with hints of the South Pacific throughout. Boasting both ocean views and rain forest views from the abundant windows, the large balcony or terrace is perfect for a lazy day platter and drinks or all important morning coffee as you take in the picture perfect views surrounding you. All spacious suites also have a full size gourmet kitchen, convenient in-room laundry, terrace BBQ, in-room Netflix and WiFi, beach towels, air-conditioning and tropical ceiling fans. Included in your stay is free access to bikes, scooters (including helmets), kayak, pool and beach equipment, beach chairs, sunshades, mini eskies and much more to enjoy at the stunning golden sand beach and azure ocean right on the doorstep or the property’s own tropical swimming pool and spa.
Local dining and shopping are only a short walk away from Villa Beach, with a great variety of cafes to choose from, including Nu Nu beachfront restaurant, Vivo, Il Forno and El Greko to get you started. Many also offer convenient meal delivery for minimal contact or just those days you just don’t want to move. For a great evening like nothing else, head to the Beach Shack at Kewarra Beach Resort for white tables on the beach, food trucks and a bar together with local live music. It’s held seasonally on Friday and Sunday evenings (depending on weather) from 4pm and is very popular so get there early.
There is so much to see and do in Tropical North Queensland including a must-do Great Barrier Reef experience either by a glass bottom boat, snorkelling, diving or by air. Visit Cairns Aquarium for an interactive marine adventure and rainforest animal discovery and while you are here, stop by the Cairns Esplanade Swimming Lagoon – a man made, large saltwater swimming sanctuary (patrolled by lifeguards) surrounded by a lush grassed area perfect for lunch or early dinner with ample public barbecues, nearby dining options and picnic tables.
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway is definitely one to add to your touring list. This is such a unique and immersive exploration through the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. Board the cable car for sky high views over the ancient World Heritage-listed rainforest beneath with stops along the way at Red Peak and Barron Falls for further exploring and photos. Time is allocated to spend in the small tourist town of Kuranda to wander the main street’s shopping and dining. Then to the historic and charming Kuranda Railway Station for an unforgettable ride along the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. The combination of the two can begin with either the Skyrail or Kuranda Scenic Railway, plus there is the option to just do the Skyrail or Kuranda Scenic Railway. There is free parking or alternatively bus transfers are available from Palm Cove and Cairns city.
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Mossman Gorge is a fantastic day out as you experience the wonders of the Daintree Rainforest National Park along several self-guided rainforest discovery walks, varying in length from 700 metres to 2.5 kilometres or you can join a guided tour for more in depth knowledge. Of course a Daintree Rainforest visit should be on your list to experience a must-do Daintree River cruise to see the wildlife up close, bird watch and spot crocodiles as you pass through the densely populated mangroves and unbelievable scenery. While you are here visit the Daintree Ice Cream Company for possibly the most unique and picturesque ice cream stop you’ll have and then work it off with a leisurely beach walk along the Kulki Boardwalk to the Cape Tribulation Lookout for absolutely breathtaking views!
Far North Queensland is the holiday to do everything or blissfully nothing. If you haven’t experienced this stunning part of Australia yet, book it in!
Click here for our Far North Queensland holidays or contact one of our friendly Holidays of Australia & the World team on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au to create your perfect tropical getaway.
Image credit: Tourism & Events Queensland, Andrew Watson, Sarah Stevens
