A few years ago, Constance went to Cairns for a month-long travel writing course, and fell in love with Tropical North Queensland. Since then, she’s returned for many more adventures, but this is the story of how her love affair began.

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To be honest, it’s a bit stressful booking a course online, especially for a month. What if it’s boring or bad? What if I don’t connect with anyone there? There’s so much left to the unknown, but I did know one thing.

For me, a good travel writing program should involve a bit of writing and a heck of a lot of travel.

 

Definitely doing the travel part | Photo by Zoe Parsons

 

I didn’t want to be stuck behind a desk for hours upon hours, I wanted to get out there and explore, get my feet dirty, plunge into waterfalls, spot cassowaries – you know, normal bucket list things.

Luckily, this was a good course. I had plenty of time up my sleeve for day trips and weekend getaways.

 

Make a Day of It

I typically had class for a few hours a day, so when class wrapped up at 11am, this meant one thing – adventure time. I found a great gang right off the bat (who would’ve thought people attending the same course would indeed have a lot in common?).

Of all the places we visited, these were my favourites for a morning or afternoon trip. Ideally, I’d spend a whole day there, but beggars (writers) can’t be choosers.

1. Behana Gorge

Location: Wooroonooran National Park

After the 30-minute drive from Cairns, it was time to stretch my legs. I strapped on my Tevas and set out for the 45-minute walk to the end of the line on the Behana Gorge Trail: Clamshell Falls. The trail itself is approachable – the path is sealed, there’s tree coverage, and while there are a few hills, it’s pretty cruisy.

Read more: Waterfall & Swimming Hole Safety

 

Peaceful place for a dip

 

I don’t mind a hill or two because a cold plunge feels that wee bit better after a slog. I spent all afternoon with my friends embracing the sights and serenity. We lounged on rocks, feasted on a picnic, and competed to see who could stay under the waterfall for the longest (not me, unfortunately).

The watering hole is pretty large so there’s plenty of room for you, your crew, or whoever else might be exploring that day.

Read more: Wild Swimming at Behana Gorge and Clamshell Falls

2. Davies Creek Falls

Location: Davies Creek National Park, Atherton Tablelands

Sometimes, nature makes me emotional (I’m a sap, sue me). I went to Davies Creek in the late afternoon. When we arrived, we walked the few hundred metres from the car park to the creek (we had to take an unsealed road to get there, but you’ll make it in your 2WD). We had it all to ourselves.

The creek is very high up overlooking Dinden National Park. And it was so quiet; I couldn’t believe we were only an hour’s drive from Cairns.

There was something about the stillness of the place, only the water moving, that made all of us quiet too.

 

Supplied by TTNQ

 

No one decided this, it just was. We wandered, we read. When golden hour hit, our silence dispersed, and we frolicked in the swimming hole. Word to the wise, it’s very cold, so be prepared with warm gear for when you get out.

We huddled on the rocks, legs draping off the sheer cliff into nowhere, and fell into silence again. This is one of those days I won’t forget anytime soon – Davies Creek Falls is a very special place.

Read more: An Infinity Pool, Granite Massif & Bulwai Rock Art – Camping in Davies Creek National Park

3. Lake Eacham

Location: Yidyam or Wiinggina/Lake Eacham, Atherton Tablelands

It’s hard to believe that Lake Eacham is a former volcanic crater. After a morning of writing, my crew piled into the car and an hour later found ourselves at the blue-green lake haven. At first, I was taken aback by the tranquillity of the place, the colour of the water, and how protected I felt surrounded by rainforest.

And when the dust settled, I grew excited with the joys that Lake Eacham had to offer.

Swimming, check (and all year round too!); snorkelling, check (shout out to the fish and turtles); walking, check (there’s a 3km trail enclosing the lake; birdwatching, check with 180 species to spot).

Plus, if you’ve got the gear – aka you’ve come from home, not a hostel room – it’s ideal for kayaking.

Read more: Lake Eacham – Hike, Paddle, Swim & Picnic an Hour From Cairns

Nearby Accommodation

4. Palm Cove

Location: Palm Cove, north of Cairns

Palm Cove is only an hour from Cairns by bus, or if I was relying on the generosity of others that day (cough cough, mooching), a 30-minute drive. This was my haunt for complete relaxation: no hard yakka, just chilling.

 

The tiny town is great for slowing down

 

I established a ritual. I’d grab some lunch from anywhere on Williams Esplanade, and then, with an ice cream from Numi in hand, I’d amble along the esplanade plotting where to set up for a few hours of sunshine. The palm trees (get it? … Palm Cove) transported me immediately into holiday mode.

And because I visited in wintertime, in between sun rays I’d enjoy divine dips in the ocean. On a few occasions, when I grew excitable, I’d rent a SUP from a vendor on the beach.

Spend a Weekend Away

5. Wunyami / Green Island

On a day off, I grabbed two friends, and we boarded a ferry to Green Island. Even as struggling, woe-is-us writers, we reckoned the transfer was completely worth the money. Camping isn’t permitted on Green Island but there’s the Green Island Resort. Naturally, I didn’t stay for the weekend (ah-hem struggling artist remember), but boy do I wish I could have!

We were itching to get in the water and see some wildlife, so priority number one was finding snorkelling gear which we easily procured from an island vendor. While there are guided tours available, we were satisfied to explore ourselves. We spent most of the morning in crystal clear water spotting fish, and waving at turtles, whom we creatively named Turt, Kurt, and Burt.

 

Swimming through this blue water

 

This was my first time visiting the Great Barrier Reef and I must admit I was strangely nervous. Would it live up to being one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world? Why, of course, it did. Even so, reef restoration is an ongoing effort, so be mindful to leave no trace, and wear reef-safe sunscreens to keep my friends Turt, Kurt, and Burt and their coral home safe.

Read more: Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef from Wunyami/Green Island

6. Koba / Fitzroy Island

At this point I was a few weeks into sharing a hostel room, so I was busting for a night under the stars. Eight of us rummaged up all the camping gear we could and set off for a weekend on Fitzroy Island, which is a 45-minute boat trip from Cairns.

The campground is located right next to the beach and only a five-minute walk from the jetty so lugging our things was no hassle. And then the real fun began. I was keen to walk the 1.2km from Welcome Bay to the famous Nudey Beach and determine what all the fuss was about. The fuss: snorkelling, white sand, and water the colour of blue Gatorade.

 

Does it get better? | Photo by Zoe Parsons

 

By late afternoon we were a bit sun drunk, so we wandered to Foxy’s Bar for much-needed food and hydration. After watching the sunset over the anchored boats on the water, the girls and I rounded off our day with an after-dark swim. But we weren’t finished there. We woke up before the sun and hiked the Summit Track to marvel at the island’s gorgeous views.

Read more: Find Your Paradise On Fitzroy Island

7. Kaba Kada / Daintree & Kulki / Cape Tribulation

All aboard the Daintree Ferry! We broke up the 1.5 hour drive from Cairns with a dip in Mossman Gorge. Guaranteed refreshment – you heard it here first. And that’s coming from a certified beach girl.

Read more: Connect to Country on a Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Walk

There were plenty of spots to swim, like Mason’s Swimming Hole and Emmagen’s Creek, but instead of being in the vastness of the ocean like I’m used to, I was nestled in rainforest territory.

So, I traded saltwater seas for freshwater and like the rest of the waterfall awakening I’d experienced so far on my Tropical North Queensland tour, these spots were nothing short of divine.

Read more: How To Stay Safe in Croc Country

 

Fun in the sun at Cape Trib | Photo by Zoe Parsons

 

I still wanted a peek of the ocean in all her glory, and the 600m return walk to Kulki Lookout provided the goods with breathtaking views of Cape Tribulation. Naturally, we were all keen to set our eyes on a cassowary, so we followed the Madja Boardwalk.

While we didn’t see the mighty bird then, we sure received a shock on the drive to our home for the night (Noah Beach Camping Area), when a cassowary approached our car window. They really are incredible birds.

Read more: We’ve Officially Purchased Our Block of Land in the Daintree!

8. Manjal Jalunbuy / Port Douglas

Port Douglas’ Four Mile Beach curbed all my beach desires. The name itself is deceptive because the beach actually stretches for closer to four kilometres. All misrepresentations are forgiven however, because of the golden sand and crystal-clear water.

Bring your snorkel or your SUP because this spot is prime for those activities. Plus, the Four Mile Beach Cliff Walk delivers 30 minutes of beautiful views of Port Douglas. Post-walk, I fuelled up on food from The Little Larder for a sophisticated and delicious Aussie brunch. When it comes to dinner recommendations, Port Douglas is known for its abundance of restaurants so have at it, folks.

Read more: Tropical North Queensland Road Trip – 10 Days From Port Douglas to Elim Beach

It’s safe to say, Tropical North Queensland won me over. Forever a beach girl, I was delightfully introduced to freshwater adventures, and I haven’t looked back. I’ll be returning soon, and no doubt I’ll see you there.

 

Feature photo by Zoe Parsons

There Are Way More Tropical North Queensland Adventures to Go On

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