Cairns is the tourist centre of this region as it is easy to reach all the attractions in the region. However, the town itself holds some great attractions such as Cairns Regional Art Gallery, Cairns Museum, Trinity Wharf, the Esplanade Walking Trail, Rusty’s Bazaar, Undersea World, Whitfield Range Environmental Park and the Royal Flying Doctors Service Visitors Centre.

Off the coast of Cairns are several spectacular islands, which are a big attraction in this region. The two main islands off the Cairns coast are Green Island and Fitzroy Island and both the islands are great to visit on day trips with great reefs and beaches to explore. Inland from Cairns are the Atherton Tablelands, which holds some beautiful attractions such as the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Kuranda Wildlife Noctarium, Jumrum Creek Environmental Park, Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, Lake Tinaroo, Malanda Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls, Mt Hypipamee National Park and Forty Mile Scrub National Park.

South of Cairns holds its own spectacular scenery and attractions, with the beautiful Mission Beach being the most popular stop over point for tourists. The beautiful Paluma Range National Park is found in this area and this park holds attractions such as Little Crystal Creek, McClelland’s Lookout and Jourama Falls. Off the coast of this area is the majestic Orpheus Island, which is surrounded by reefs and covered mostly by national park with an abundance of wildlife. The beautiful Hinchinbrook Island is also of the coast of this area and holds a spectacular and unspoiled wilderness as well as secluded bays and beaches. Dunk Island can also be reached from this area and is a great day trip from Mission Beach, with spectacular walking tracks and gorgeous beaches.

North of Cairns you will find the towns of Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Cooktown. It is around these towns you will find attractions such as the Freshwater Connection, Crystal Cascades, Trinity Beach, Ellis Beach, Ben Cropp’s Shipwreck Museum, Rainforest Habitat and Reef trips. The Daintree Rainforest is located in this region and it is here where you will find spectacular rainforest scenery, majestic rivers and you can take it all in on special Daintree River Tours. Cape Tribulation is found on the other side of the Daintree River and this area is a beautiful stretch of coast and it is one of the few places in Australia where the rainforest meets the coast.

North of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation area is Cooktown and it is here that Captain Cook beached the Endeavour. The things to see in Cooktown include the James Cook Historical Museum, the Cooktown Museum, School of Arts Gallery and Grassy Hill. Lizard Island is about 100km from Cooktown and is the farthest north of the Barrier Reef Islands. The island is very rocky and mountainous, with great beaches, swimming and snorkelling.

Cape York is the final area in this region and is the tip of Queensland. Cape York holds many national parks such as Lakefield National Park, Mungkan Kandju National Park, Iron Range National Park and Jardine National Park. A place not to miss is Indian Head Falls, which is a very popular camping and swimming spot.