Things to do in Tropical North Queensland

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Magnetic Island showing general coastal views, jet skiing and a sandy beach
Palm Cove Beach which includes a sunset, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Maritime Museum of Townsville featuring a lighthouse
Cairns which includes coral, landscape views and tropical scenes
Magnetic Island National Park which includes rugged coastline and general coastal views

Tropical North Queensland Attractions

Find out what makes Tropical North Queensland tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Scroll through our {167 fun activities in Tropical North Queensland fun activities in Tropical North Queensland}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.



Tropical North Queensland must see attractions

1. Cairns Esplanade

The Cairns Esplanade is the tree-lined boardwalk along the foreshore in the city of Cairns. It overlooks the Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea on one side, and is lined with restaurants and gardens on the other. It has bike paths and walking trails, playgrounds, barbecues, exercise areas and a salt-water lagoon.
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Cairns Esplanade which includes a pool, swimming and a luxury hotel or resort

2. Cairns Marlin Marina

The Cairns Marlin Marina is where all your Great Barrier Reef adventures start, with tour boats coming and going throughout the day. Enjoy shopping, entertainment and dining along the waterfront promenade.
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Cairns Marlin Marina which includes sailing, mountains and a marina

3. Palm Cove Beach

Experience the stunning beaches, resorts and scenery where the rainforest hugs the shores of the Great Barrier Reef at Palm Cove Beach. Swim or sunbathe beneath the warm Tropical North Queensland sun. Explore the waters on a kayak or sailboat and take in the views of forested hills rising up behind the beach’s string of swaying palm trees.
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Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views

4. Four Mile Beach

Four Mile Beach is the main beach in Port Douglas and, as its name suggests, the sandy stretch runs for about four miles (6.5 kilometers). At the southern end of this pristine beach is a mangrove forest and the northern end features a hill with a lookout point, a great place to see the sunrise over the Coral Sea.
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Four Mile Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views

5. Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

The Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal is the main entry and exit point for Magnetic Island, Townsville’s enchanting outpost in the Coral Sea. Regular ferries connect the island to the mainland, just 5 miles (8 kilometers) away.
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Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal featuring a ferry as well as a small group of people

6. Esplanade Lagoon

The Esplanade Lagoon is a water feature in Cairns where you can relax, cool off and socialise with other travellers. The lagoon is on the waterfront on the Cairns Esplanade and is surrounded by tropical gardens. Spend an entire day relaxing by the water, join a fitness class or cool off in the midday heat.
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Esplanade Lagoon featuring a coastal town and a hotel

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What to do in Tropical North Queensland

Free Things to Do in Tropical North Queensland

There's no need to run your credit card hot in Tropical North Queensland. The following won't cost a penny.

The Cairns Museum - Stroll around and admire the captivating exhibits and well-curated collections at this respected museum.

Muddy's Playground - Give the kids a good time or release your own inner child — this place just oozes fun.

Cairns Marlin Marina - Hang out for a while in this bustling spot and imagine life as a local.

Esplanade Lagoon - Find a nice spot to sit and savor the feeling of calm that goes hand in hand with being near the water.

Cairns Night Markets - Well known among those who live here, this site is worth dropping by.

St Monica's Cathedral - Get an understanding of the local faith at this holy sanctuary.

Red Arrow Walk - Take your camera and let nature awaken awe and wonder in you.

Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens - Whether you know your geraniums from gerberas, you're certain to find beauty in this picturesque display.

Things to Do in Tropical North Queensland with Kids

Tropical North Queensland is a wonderful place for a family getaway. Take the little ones along and enjoy these popular family friendly experiences together:


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Tropical North Queensland

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Tropical North Queensland

Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

Palm Cove

Relax on sandy beaches and swim in turquoise waters at a resort town between the Great Barrier Reef and the rain forests of tropical Far North Queensland.

Palm Cove
Cairns which includes a city

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(264 area reviews)

Come to an exciting downtown area with much to explore, from waterfront parkland to an indoor rainforest with high-ropes courses.

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach showing landscape views, tropical scenes and a beach

Trinity Beach

Unwind on this tranquil stretch of golden beach, relax under the shade of swaying palm trees and explore Tropical North Queensland at your leisure.

Trinity Beach
Cairns Esplanade which includes a luxury hotel or resort, swimming and a pool

Cairns North

Beaches and abundant dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.

Cairns North
Clifton Beach featuring mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

For a pleasant beach vacation without a crush of tourists, this Queensland town serves nicely, with sun, sand and the right amount of surf.

Clifton Beach
The Strand which includes hiking or walking, a sunset and general coastal views

The Strand

Go for a swim, enjoy a meal with a view, take a Jet Ski tour or just stroll beneath the palm trees on Townsville’s scenic waterfront.

The Strand

 

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Popular day trips from Tropical North Queensland

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Tropical North Queensland on a sunny day?
What to do in Tropical North Queensland on a rainy day?
What is Tropical North Queensland famous for?
Get a family happy snap at Great Barrier Reef — it's a well-known local attraction.
What should I not miss in Tropical North Queensland?
You'll want to put these attractions high on your to-do list to make the most of your trip:

  • Esplanade Lagoon
  • Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
  • Mount Whitfield Conservation Park
  • Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens

Are there cheap things to do in Tropical North Queensland?
Keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket with these fun and thrifty experiences:


What can you do in Tropical North Queensland for free?
You could store your wallet in the hotel safe for the day, because these terrific attractions can be seen for nothing:

  • Esplanade Lagoon
  • Mount Whitfield Conservation Park
  • Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens
  • Cairns Esplanade