Tropical North Queensland is a vast region stretching from reefs and islands, through coastal wetlands to mountains, tablelands and grassland. This region is one of the biggest holiday destinations in Australia with its tropical islands and fascinating scenery as well as warm weather all year round. The areas mostly visited include the cities of Cairns, Port Douglas and the tropical islands of Dunk, Bedarra, Hinchinbrook and Orpheus Islands. Other amazing areas to visit include the Daintree Rainforest and Cape York.

Cairns is the heart of the Tropical North, and provides an ideal base for exploring the rich and varied treasures of this region. The northern beaches of Cairns stretch for 25km along a beautiful coastline. This is an idyllic tropical holiday location with warm seas, water sports and miles of sandy beaches and with a backdrop to of a mountainous rainforest.

Kuranda is midway between Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands. The historic railway train climbs through tunnels, across bridged ravines, past waterfalls and stops at Barron Falls. The Skyrail cableway overlooks superb coast and tableland panoramas. The Atherton Tablelands combine rainforests, national parks, mountains, rivers, lakes and waterfalls with some of Australia's richest agricultural lands.

Port Douglas is a true seaside resort. Port Douglas attracts visitors for its old-fashioned charm, wide tree-lined streets and superb holiday attractions. 70 kilometres north of Cairns, picturesque Port Douglas only has low-rise development. From Port Douglas the Great Barrier Reef is just 15 km offshore. There are over 1,000 islands in the Great Barrier Reef and the best are accessible from mainland Tropical North Queensland. Some have diverse vegetation including rainforest and are encircled by coral reefs.

Green and Fitzroy Islands are the closest to Cairns. Green Island is a small coral cay featuring a low-rise resort, an underwater observatory and a marineland. The natural attractions of nearby Fitzroy Island are the rainforest and guided walks.

Missions Beach comprises of the communities of Tam O'Shanter Point through South Missions, Wongaling, Clump Point to Bingle bay. There are spectacular rainforest walks, pristine beaches and a multitude of water sports. Popular Dunk Island is only 5 minutes from Mission Beach. Beyond Dunk Island are Bedarra, Hinchinbrook and Orpheus Islands.

The Daintree and Cape Tribulation is made up of lush tropical rainforests, deserted white beaches and breathtaking World Heritage areas. The lush vegetation of the Daintree Rainforest is home to some beautiful species of birds, plants and animals. Crocodiles are common in this area, and a cruise on the Daintree River will give you the opportunity to see them. Between the Daintree and Bloomfield Rivers, the forest slopes of Cape Tribulation national Park plunge into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The Cape York Peninsula is one of the world's last accessible wilderness areas. Beginning at Cooktown, the Cape has prolific wildlife living in rugged mountains, eucalypt, mangrove and rainforests, woodlands, grasslands, swamps and mighty rivers. Its 11 million hectares extend 1000 km north of Cairns to the tip of Cape York Peninsula.

The seasonal changes in Queensland are not really the destinct changes of summer and winter. The changes in Queensland are generally the hotter the climate the wetter it is or the cooler the climate the drier it is.

In the northern parts of the state the hot/wet season is between November and May, particularly in January, February and March where daily temperatures reach around 35C to 40C. This time of the year is also the time for cyclones and flooding with Cairns getting around 1300mm of rain during this period. In the southern parts of the state Brisbane and other major cities average around 450mm of rain in the hot/wet season with temperatures rarely dropping into the 20C's.

In the cool/dry season the state still has relatively warm temperatures compared to the rest of Australia during the months of June to October. Temperatures hardly drop below 20C and the nights are still warm as well unless you are in the inland/outback regions of the state where it can be cold during the nights.