6 Places the Locals Like to Go in Tropical North Queensland

With its proximity to wild swimming spots, epic hikes, and tropical beaches, it’s no wonder that Cairns has earned its reputation as the jewelled gateway to Tropical North Queensland.

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

‘But where on earth do I start?’ I hear you. It’s easy to become afflicted with the dreaded traveller’s decision fatigue with so many treasures to explore. Luckily, I’m a local and I’ve rustled up some dreamy spots that are easily reachable from Cairns.

From vibrant colours, exotic wildlife, aquamarine reefs, and ancient rainforests, there’s a beauty to this point on the globe that you truly cannot find elsewhere. Having grown up here, I’m used to spending afternoons hiking in tropical rainforests, taking a wild swim after work, and strolling along the palm-lined beaches – which look like they’re straight out of a destination magazine, seriously.

Read more: Waterfall & Swimming Hole Safety

Nothing beats a Cairns sunset

There’s an intensity and lushness to this environment that keeps you coming back for seconds and no shortage of adventure activities to keep you entertained. I’ve created a list of my six favourite day trips from Cairns, plus a few extra nuggets so that you’ll leave the golden entrance to the Savannah Way in awe.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

1. Stoney Creek

Duration: 20 minutes from Cairns CBD

This local gem is found in Barron Gorge National Park and is my all-time favourite spot for a refreshing dip. With crystal-clear waters and verdant rainforest, you feel truly far from the hustle and bustle, yet you’re only 20 minutes from the CBD.

From the base of the car park, follow the rocky track which winds its way up through the rainforest. There are multiple waterholes to stop off at along the way and a spectacular waterfall at the top.

All the locals have their favourite spot; mine is a deep pool surrounded by flat rocks and a natural plunge-like spa next to it!

Nature’s spa!

An ideal day is to stop at Redlynch Shopping Centre and grab goodies for a picnic before heading to the creek with a book in hand. If you fancy a hike, after crossing the small bridge at the base of the rainforest track, you can veer right up to Glacier Rock.

This is a moderately intense hike with unparalleled views over Cairns.

Read more: Trek to Stoney Creek Falls in Cairns

2. Earl Hill and Trinity Beach

Duration: 25-minute drive from Cairns CBD

For me, there’s no better way to spend a Sunday morning than getting up early and walking Earl Hill. This is a gorgeous, dog-friendly hike, which starts at the base of Trinity Park and works its way up through eucalyptus forest. Once you start the track, it isn’t long before you start catching glimpses of sweeping ocean vistas.

You can follow the track right to the tippy-top of the hill or, alternatively, turn right and head along the ridge to Half Moon Bay. This is my favourite edition of the walk as the views over the less-visited Half Moon Bay are truly spectacular.

After getting your heart pumping and breathing in the fresh sea air, head to Trinity Beach for a coffee on the sand, or walk to the rocks for some turtle watching.

3. The Arrows

Duration: 10-minute drive from Cairns CBD

Keeping fit in Cairns is easy, and you don’t need a gym membership to do it – there are so many wonderful spots to exercise in nature! The arrow circuits, which start from Edgehill and come in red, green, blue, and yellow, are very popular with Cairns locals and offer varying levels of intensity.

Start your walk from the Cairns Botanic Gardens, where you can stroll through tropical foliage, boardwalks, and visit the butterfly gardens.

A must-visit in Cairns

From here, you can locate the rainforest arrow trails. Through a mixture of cardio-pumping stairs and pathways, these circuits all have something in common: their impressive views over Cairns and surrounds.

On the way, you’re bound to get close to some Tropical North Queensland wildlife – wallabies grazing in the foliage, bush turkeys going about their business, and even goannas basking in the sun. I’d recommend beginning or ending your walk at one of the trendy, bustling cafes of Edgehill.

4. Babinda Boulders

Duration: 55-minute drive from Cairns CBD

One of my favourite day trips from Cairns is to head south to Babinda Boulders. Just wind down the windows, turn up your music, and pass by seas of sugarcane to get there. With smooth, polished stones and clear-flowing water, Babinda Boulders is 100% worth a visit. Take note of the safe spots to swim.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

After exploring The Boulders spend some time mooching around the quaint sugar town of Babinda. If you have extra time, head to Behana Gorge, another local gem with a steep hike to a refreshing gorge and waterfall.

Read more: Wild Swimming at Behana Gorge and Clamshell Falls

5. Kuranda

Duration: 40-minute drive from Cairns CBD

Escape to the hills and spend a day in Kuranda, an iconic Tropical North Queensland village set amidst ancient tropical rainforest. Getting to Kuranda can be made into an experience itself. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway serves as the perfect means to glide over the Barron Gorge National Park without leaving a trace.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is another fantastic way to get to the village and the journey takes approximately two hours.

How often do you get to ride through the rainforest on a train?

It’s an informative trip where passengers can get up close to the rainforest and learn about the thriving culture of the Djabugay people, Kuranda’s original inhabitants.

Both the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway make trips to and from Kuranda, so you can do both on the same day. Once you’re there, there’s no shortage of things to do.

You can spend the day browsing the colourful market stalls, visiting the wildlife sanctuaries, taking a walk to the Barron Gorge viewing platform, and even doing a boat tour along the river – you might see a croc lounging along the banks!

The falls are truly impressive

6. Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit

Duration: 1 hour and 40-minute drive from Cairns CBD

The waterfall circuit is a magical day trip which gets you up close to some of Tropical North Queensland’s most photogenic spots. I’m going to cover my favourite stop-offs, which make for a well-rounded day out.

Starting from Cairns, wind your way up the Gillies Highway to your first stop: Lake Barrine.

The on-site teahouse is perfect to unwind by the water

This water-filled crater has been left behind after a volcanic eruption approximately 10,000 years ago! It’s a top-notch place for a swim and a walk. No trip to the lake is complete without indulging in one of The Teahouses’ infamous Devonshire teas.

With a full belly and a full heart, head to the next stop: The Curtain Fig Tree National Park. Follow the boardwalk to this majestic tree which is sure to take your breath away; the tree’s ancient aerial roots have uniquely grown to form a curtain along its side over 500 years old.

Now, time for waterfalls, here is the notorious trio:

Millaa Millaa Falls

This 18m high single-drop waterfall has – by no surprise – become Australia’s most photographed cascade. After absorbing the tropical scenery, take a refreshing dip in the pool underneath the falls.

Zillie Falls

Another beauty to behold, take in the tumbling waters of Zillie Falls from the viewing platform. This spot is the perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch as it has a well-equipped BBQ area located in the car park.

Ellinjaa Falls

Cascading over a series of lava columns is the last, but certainly not least, of the famous waterfall trio. Follow the walkway along to the base of Ellinjaa falls where you can witness freshwater turtles, and even the occasional wild platypus playing in its depths.

If you’re not waterfalled-out by now, Mungalli Falls is another for the bucket list. This World Heritage-listed waterfall is privately owned and is a whopping 90m from the top to the bottom. Follow the steep track down to the base of the falls and take a dip in the clear waters.

Top off your waterfall chase with Mungalli Falls

Tropical North Queensland is paradise on earth, and there’s so much more on offer than meets the eye. Add these beautiful local gems to your travel bucket-list and you’ll leave the region in wonder.

There’s Plenty More Around Cairns to Explore

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• 8 of the Best Bike Trails Around Cairns
• Top 8 Hikes Around Cairns
• An Infinity Pool, Granite Massif & Bulwai Rock Art – Camping in Davies Creek National Park
• Great Barrier Reef Drive – The Road Trip From Cairns That Has It All