Top Spots to Explore North of Cairns
The epicentre of Fair North Queensland is, without a doubt, Cairns. The Local Trail in Far North Queensland has you based here for the next few days, so settle in and make yourself comfortable. The biggest city in the area, and the most popular jumping-off point for all things Great Barrier Reef, there is no shortage of activities to fill your days in Cairns.
Day 1
Palm Cove QLD
Let us begin with a drive north of Cairns to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to learn about where Australia truly begins. There are a number of interactive experiences that provide insight into Aboriginal culture and history.
As you continue north, make your way to Palm Cove, a relaxing village by the Coral Sea. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the beachside bliss that is Far North Queensland. Take a stroll through the town dotted with shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Palm Cove is a cute, sophisticated resort town that exudes relaxation and serious holiday vibes.
Once you’ve blissed out in Palm Cove, hop in the car and drive north about 43 km to Port Douglas. This coastal town is a bit bigger than Palm Cove, but has an equally chilled out atmosphere and offers boutique shops, great food, picturesque beaches and lovely coastal bushwalking tracks. If you’ve got a bit of time up your sleeve, there are plenty or organised tours and activities to enjoy, such as fishing trips, mountain biking tours, kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and crocodile adventure tours.
The drive from Port Douglas back to your Cairns accommodation is about 67 km, so you’ll have just over an hour to work up an appetite for your delicious dinner at your homebase: Nightcap at Balaclava Hotel. Enjoy a meal in the Bistro, followed by a relaxing and restful sleep in your King Koil bed (standard in all Nightcap Hotels, if you haven’t picked up on that already).
Day 2
Daintree Rainforest QLD
On your second day in Cairns, we’re taking you up to the beautiful, tropical Daintree National Park. Now, not to brag or anything, but you could really spend a number of days exploring the Daintree. But if you’re short for time, we’re sure you’ll be fully sated after a full day in the Daintree. Top spots to hit in the rainforest are Mossman Gorge, Daintree Discovery Centre and Cape Tribulation. Several operators offer boat cruises on the Daintree River, Aboriginal Kuku Yalanji people of the Daintree region offer guided walking tours, and Janbal Gallery is an Aboriginal art centre in Daintree Village.
Top it off with Nightcap!
You’ll be ready to kick off your shoes after a day trekking through the rainforest. And we know you will rest easy tonight in the crisp and comfortable accommodation rooms at Nightcap at Balaclava Hotel. The friendly Bar and Bistro offer a warm welcome back as you settle in for the night. Rest up, you’ve got another day of adventure tomorrow!
Where to stay?
