Tropical Queensland

During the winter season, which runs from May to October, many Australians, especially those who live in colder states like Victoria and New South Wales, tend to travel to the northern tropics for a vacation. The temperature during this period is quite comfortable, usually ranging between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius, and there are fewer rainy days as well. The tropics do not have winter or summer seasons; instead, there are only dry or wet seasons. The dry season in Tropical Queensland lasts from May to October.

Cairns is the largest city in the region, and it serves as your link to the area since the airport is located there. Additionally, Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Many operators offer day trips to the reef, where you can snorkel or learn to dive among stunning coral and colourful fish. The day trips are effortless, and the necessary equipment is included in the package. Most tours offer the opportunity to see corals, tropical fish, and turtles from a glass-bottomed boat. When heading out to the Great Barrier Reef, always follow the staff’s instructions.

Cairns is a charming town with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and a shopping centre. Near the waterfront, you can take a dip in the lagoon or stroll along the Esplanade. Every evening, as the sun sets, the Cairns Night Market opens. This is the perfect place to grab souvenirs or indulge in a low-cost dinner at the food stalls.

One of my favourite tropical destinations is Palm Cove, which is around half an hour’s drive from Cairns. Palm Cove is one of the many beaches in Cairns and is an ideal holiday destination. There are numerous restaurants and cafes to choose from, and you can also take day trips from here. The beach is lined with palm trees, and the sea is a beautiful turquoise colour – it’s a perfect dream destination for a relaxing getaway.

If you’re looking for more than just beaches and reefs, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Kuranda. You can start your day by taking the Kuranda Sky Rail cable car, which offers a breathtaking view of the rainforest from above. Along the way to Kuranda, you’ll have the opportunity to make a few stops and take a walk through the rainforest. Once you reach Kuranda village, feel free to spend a couple of hours visiting various local arts and crafts shops and enjoy a nice lunch in the village. In the afternoon, you can continue your journey back towards Cairns by taking the Kuranda Scenic Rail, an iconic train that takes you down the mountain while you enjoy the stunning view of the rainforests and waterfalls.

A popular day trip takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, which is a national park and the oldest living rainforest in the world. During the trip, you will visit Cape Tribulation, which is the only place in the world where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. The tour also includes a boat trip on the Daintree River, where you can see wildlife in their natural habitat. One of the most anticipated sights on the river is the saltwater crocodiles. It’s important to note that all of tropical Queensland is a crocodile habitat, and swimming in the river is strictly prohibited due to the risk of crocodile attacks. While crocodiles are a life-threatening danger, they are a very rare guest on the beaches.

During the period from May to September, it is generally considered safe to swim in the sea as poisonous jellyfish are not commonly found near the shore. However, at other times of the year, swimming is not permitted in unprotected areas unless swimmers are wearing protective suits or if the area is protected by nets. It is only permitted to swim in a controlled area between the red and yellow flags, and it is essential to follow the instructions of the lifeguards at all times.

Author: Asko Meriläinen
Photos: Asko Meriläinen & Tourism and Events Queensland