When you dream of going to Australia, what is it that you picture in your mind? Obviously koalas and kangaroos. More than likely the Great Barrier Reef, best seen with snorkel or scuba diving gear on. You think off-roading adventures, Australian Indigenous culture, and a gorgeous climate with sunny skies to enjoy the best of the great outdoors in.

In other words, you think about Queensland.

This is the part of Australia that has the bucket list experiences people associate with this continent. Adventure-seeking individuals, families looking for unforgettable experiences, and couples who want to bond over the extraordinary find exactly what they’re looking for across its various regions. 

Obviously, the Great Barrier Reef is the brightest beacon for North Tropical Queensland. The gateway to the biggest, most diverse coral reef system in the entire world, comprised of over 2,900 reefs this UNESCO World Heritage treasure is, for many, the main reason Australia is even on their travel wish list. Over 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish, and 4,000 kinds of mollusks nestle in these reefs, making this the best place to go underwater peeping on the planet. 

And of course, there’s ways to be a part of reef restoration, in addition to snorkeling, scuba diving, and, by Cairn's kitesurfing, too. In fact, with all the ways to experience the reef and enjoy the water many take multiple trips out. 
… But while Cairns is considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, what’s on land is just as deep as what’s in the sea beyond. Taking part in experiences offered here that allow you deeper connection to the dance, music, art, and culture that are preserved throughout the region is a must. One can go to Mossman cultural center and go on a dreamtime walk with an Indigenous guide learning what the land means to them and being a part of a traditional smoking ceremony or choose from tours that will take guests traditional aboriginal fishing or spend the day exploring aboriginal art and culture getting to look into Australia’s creative history.

Back in the wilds, there’s also the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, your best opportunity to see marsupials that include unique green ringtail possums, sugar gliders, and kangaroos in the wild. Singing birds, a quarter of Australia’s frogs, and a third of the country’s freshwater fish also call this area home.

Outside of Cairns, many people opt to stay in laid back Port Douglas to experience the region's coastal charm and proximity to the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest of its kind in existence, and Daintree National Park.

Another UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural attraction, Daintree is over 135 million years old, offering attractions such as the Mossman Gorge, crocodile cruises on the Daintree River, ocean safaris that provide an overview from Cape Tribulation to the Great Barrier Reef, plus trails that let you get close to nature on foot. A boardwalk that wends through mangroves, another that leads to wildlife at Oliver Creek, and the challenging Mount Sorrow Ridge are all possible paths to take to see the best of Daintree. 

Then to the far north, there’s Torres Strait, a tropical archipelago of 274 islands with a stronghold for native culture. Take a day trip or spend several nights out on the two most populated islands, Horn and Thursday Island, enriched with history, culture and tradition, this destination will leave a lasting impression. Then traveling far north, there’s the Cape York Peninsula, the largest wilderness area in all of northern Australia. This is where the outdoorsiest travelers get most excited about, with outdoor opportunities galore, fishing in spades, and chances to get off the beaten path in a four-wheel drive ATV.  Refreshment is available at hidden spots like the croc-free waters of Twin Falls in Apudthama National Park/Jardine River National Park.

Unearth more amazing moments when you add mountain biking, helicopter and seaplane tours, hot air balloons, world-class dining and more to your itinerary. Find yourself staying on site at hotels of all classes; lodges, glamp and camp sites, luxury resorts, eco-luxury concepts, and maybe even a chartered yacht. There’s no question about it – if you don’t at least stop in Queensland, were you even in Australia at all?

Ask your trusted travel advisor to design your tour with Travel Impressions to make sure you don’t miss a thing! Because don’t forget – Travel Advisors Get You There.