6 Ways You Can Explore North Queensland
For those of you unfamiliar with Northern Queensland, do a quick Google search. You will see why the veteran broadcaster counts here as one of his all-time favourite spots. Home to the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest rainforest, and connected to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s tropical north is a place of exceptional natural beauty. To experience the magic like Sir David, try these exciting activities that will make you feel like you’re in a BBC wildlife documentary.
Sometimes, it’s hard to believe dinosaurs existed once upon a time. But they did exist. And miraculously, you can still visit one of the places that have been around since the time of these ancient reptiles – the Daintree Rainforest, a place Sir David Attenborough once called the most extraordinary place on earth. On this tour, see endangered animals like the cassowary and cuddle a koala. Cross the Daintree River on a cable ferry. And visit the remote, pristine Cape Tribulation beach, where you can immerse yourself at the exact spot where the rainforest meets the reef.
From creeks and rivers to waterfalls and a volcanic-crater lake, Atherton Tablelands is a stunning paradise for nature lovers. Home to some of the most beautiful locations in tropical North Queensland, and for that matter, Australia, here is the perfect place to get away from it all. Begin your trip at Babinda Boulders, home to a tragic Aboriginal love story. Then stop for a swim at Josephine Falls, where you can slide down a rock. Pay a visit to the 18-metre high Millaa Millaa Falls, surrounded by lush rainforest, before trying your luck at platypus spotting in Yungaburra.
A hippy haven in the 60s and known as the Village in the Rainforest, Kuranda is a mountain retreat with rich indigenous culture. Explore here with a relaxing walk along Barron Falls and visit the “Edge” lookout for uninterrupted vistas through glass panels. The main draw, however, is the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway. At one of Australia’s most beautiful train trips, pass waterfalls and the stunning Barron Gorge for impressive views. End your journey at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a gondola ride over a World Heritage-listed forest.
Try as much as you’d like, but hardly anything beats a chopper ride over the Great Barrier Reef. First, though, explore the outer reef on board an award-winning superyacht called Evolution. Set sail and visit two stunning reef sites where you can spend up to five hours in the water with a snorkelling tour. Crank things up a notch and level up the adventure by scuba diving. Then end your expedition with a spectacular helicopter ride over the reef, and spot manta rays, turtles, and even whales if luck is on your side.
Fitzroy Island is known for its unspoiled rainforests and idyllic beaches, along with the crystal-clear water of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. An easy way to get here and live the island life right away is to take the fast ferry. Once you arrive, explore many of the island’s pristine natural offerings, like snorkelling alongside adorable turtles and the odd blacktip reef shark or just beach bumming it on the powdery white sand. For active folks, trek up to the summit of Fitzroy Island, 265-metres high, for dramatic views of the Coral Sea and Nudey Beach.
2,900 reefs, 900 islands, all making up a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches for over 1,430 miles – the numbers are mind-boggling. Yet nothing beats the experience of swimming in the colourful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef yourself. There’s no question that snorkelling and diving here is a special thing to do and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. To experience the magic of the reef, hop on a cruise that will take you to sites from Hastings to Saxon, and learn about the indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures of the area for a trip to remember.
