Cape York and Great Barrier Reef

Whether you're snorkeling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef or exploring the luscious Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a great base for you to start your tropical north Queensland adventure. The Cairns esplanade is the main hub with a host of lovely cafes and restaurants, waterfront boardwalks and also a swimming lagoon. A perfect meeting spot if you're catching up with family or friends. Head out on a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef which departs from Cairns. Read more about Cairns, Australia

Experience beautiful scenic cruising through the Island and duty-free purchases whilst on board any Australian departure. Read more about Willis Island, Australia

Lizard Island, named after the numerous large but harmless lizards living there, is a national park in Queensland, Australia. It is situated 90 km north of Cooktown at the northern tip of Australia’s World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. It is also the location of an award-winning and internationally famous resort. Lizard Island itself is fringed with spectacular coral reefs, and 24 powdery white beaches. Read more about Lizard Island, Australia

Restoration Island is a national park in Queensland (Australia), 1928 km northwest of Brisbane a few hundred metres from Cape Weymouth and the Iron Range National Park. On 29 May 1789, after the mutiny on the Bounty, Captain Bligh and the men who remained loyal to him arrived on the island in the ship's boat. This was the first island they came and he named it Restoration Island because the food they found greatly restored their spirits and because that date was the anniversary of the restoration of King Charles II (in 1660). Read more about Restoration Island, Australia

Thursday Island, or 'T.I.' as it's usually known, is the name of the island and the town that is the administrative and commercial centre of the Torres Strait Islands. The island group is off the far north Queensland mainland in Torres Strait, just 39 km north of Cape York Peninsula. The lucrative pearling industry founded in 1885 attracted workers from around Asia, particularly South Pacific Islanders, and this has resulted in a fascinating cultural mosaic. Green Fort Hill provides views over the town of Thursday Island, and provides fascinating insights into the local history that dates back to 1880 when it acted as the defence centre for Australia. Read more about Thursday Island, Australia

Cape York is at the tip of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland, and is at the very northernmost part of the Australian mainland, with New Guinea just north of the island-studded Torres Strait. It was named by James Cook in 1770 after His Royal Highness the Duke of York. Tourists now visit throughout the year, as facilities are surprisingly modern for such an isolated spot, and tours are always available. At all times be aware of the region's requirements for swimming in the tropical waters (hint: sea stingers and crocodiles). Read more about Cape York, Australia

Cooktown, Australia's first European settlement, was charted and settled by Captain Cook and his crew in 1770. It is a small frontier town located on the Endeavour River (named after Captain Cook's ship) in far north tropical Queensland. A century later thousands, including many Chinese, came to Cooktown, the port for the Palmer River gold rush, leaving a fascinating history that can be explored at the James Cook Historical Museum. A visit to Grassy Hill Lookout is a 'must-see' as one can experience 360 degree views of the appealing tropical countryside and pristine beaches. Read more about Cooktown, Australia

Whether you're snorkeling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef or exploring the luscious Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a great base for you to start your tropical north Queensland adventure. The Cairns esplanade is the main hub with a host of lovely cafes and restaurants, waterfront boardwalks and also a swimming lagoon. A perfect meeting spot if you're catching up with family or friends. Head out on a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef which departs from Cairns. Read more about Cairns, Australia