Travel to the Daintree Forest, Cairns and Port Douglas
There are more bucket list destinations in Tropical North Queensland than some countries have in their entirety. Few travellers head to Tropical North Queensland without passing through Cairns. The city is welcoming, with a family-friendly swimming lagoon, a beautifully maintained foreshore boardwalk and central marina, where most vessels depart for the Great Barrier Reef. The lesser known is the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest, most complex ecosystems on earth. Unusual in that it grows right to the edge of the region’s sandy coastline, the Daintree contains many endemic species including the rare southern cassowary and the curiously named idiot fruit. Discover the many wonders of Tropical North Queensland from your base at Silky Oaks Lodge near the beautiful Mossman Gorge. Alternatively, stay in cosmopolitan Cairns or glamorous Port Douglas, an upscale seaside hamlet an hour north of Cairns.
There are also sprawling cattle ranches such as Mount Mulligan Lodge, several hours inland, where you can appreciate genuine outback hospitality and the majesty of Tropical North Queensland’s vast outback.
Buy exotic tropical fruit, freshly squeezed juices and handicraft at one of Cairns’ many colourful markets and spot celebrities in stylish Port Douglas. Swim in the crystalline waters of Mossman Gorge and learn about local Aboriginal legends on a Kuku Yalanji cultural tour. Seek out fascinating plants, animal and birdlife in the Daintree Rainforest, or go on a croc-spotting boat safari along the Daintree River. Take part in livestock mustering at a secluded cattle station, wet a line in pristine Crystalbrook Lake and enjoy an afternoon tea of homemade scones on a traditional homestead veranda.
- World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park
- Hundreds of rare, endemic species including the cassowary
- Unique destination, where rainforest meets coral reef
- Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
- Beautiful Mossman Gorge
- Cultural heartland of the Kuku Yalanji people
- Glamorous Port Douglas
- Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park
- Array of land and water-based wilderness activities
- Outback adventure opportunities
Cairns’ marina is the most popular departure point for boat tours to the Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s most enduring icons. Alternatively, you can fly out from Cairns airport to the Whitsundays or Lizard Island, both home to luxury resorts amid the coral cays. The Daintree National Park is just 70 minutes (80 kilometres) drive north of Cairns.
Featured
Itineraries
Discover Queensland’s natural wonders
Daintree RainforestCombine a stay at the newly-rebuilt Silky Oaks Lodge in the renowned Daintree National Park with the beautiful Thala Beach Nature Reserve.
Queensland Reef, Rainforest & Outback
Daintree Rainforest - Great Barrier ReefAn all encompassing 9 night Queensland itinerary. From the pristine reefs and rainforests to the dramatic outback landscape.
Scenic Rim Trail
Brisbane - Scenic RimTake in the tranquillity of Queensland’s Scenic Rim on this moderately challenging 8-day accommodated walking adventure.
Southern Queensland Highlights
Scenic Rim - Sunshine CoastDiscover southern Queensland with Spicers properties, each unique yet individually renowned for their luxury, location and delectable cuisine.
Featured
Accommodation
Thala Beach
A little piece of paradise, Thala Beach is a private nature reserve and eco resort on the doorstep to the Great Barrier Reef.
Mt Mulligan Lodge
With accommodation for just 20 guests at any one time, Mt Mulligan Lodge affords an exclusive and personalised encounter with back-country Far North Queensland.
Daintree Ecolodge
Hidden in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, this boutique eco lodge is the perfect place to rediscover the healing power of nature.
Silky Oaks Lodge
Situated at the edge of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park, Silky Oaks Lodge is Queensland’s most unique rainforest sanctuary.
