1) Wake up to summer fun in the Whitsundays
More than 600km south of Cairns, the gem-toned region of the Whitsundays is the ultimate destination for summer selfies and stress-free stays. Make a beeline for Instagram-famous Whitehaven Beach in a lightning-fast yellow rubber duckie, then get the 'money shot' of the white swirling sands from above on a scenic flight with Ocean Rafting's Fly and Raft package. For something a little left of centre, jump onboard the region's newest 'hotel', the Whitsunday Explorer, and enjoy a two-night cruise stopping at some of the region's 74 island wonders. Or camp out under the stars on a pontoon 80km out to sea with ReefSleep. If that sounds too hard, simply escape to island paradise at Hamilton Island or Hayman Island Resort.
Deal alert: Daydream Island Resort has launched a Summer Sale offering daily breakfast, a $200 food and beverage credit, potential upgrade, welcome bottle of wine, half-price ferry transfers and a kids club session for two this summer. Terms and conditions apply.
Deal alert: Daydream Island Resort has launched a Summer Sale offering daily breakfast, a $200 food and beverage credit, potential upgrade, welcome bottle of wine, half-price ferry transfers and a kids club session for two this summer. Terms and conditions apply.
2) Take to the skies for a bird's eye view of the tropics
Nature lovers know that one of the best times to visit the World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics is after the rain when the region comes to life with stunning greenery and breathtaking waterfalls. Travellers can once again soar above an ancient canopy and see the spectacular Barron Gorge in its free-flowing glory on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Lovers of the dawn skies shouldn't miss Hot Air Ballooning in the hinterland town of Mareeba floating above the rolling hillside.Deal alert: Get a sky high view of Cairns Esplanade and CBD at rooftop venue Rocco by Crystalbrook with 10% off delicious bites and beverages for those signed up to 'Crystalbrook Crowd'. Terms and conditions apply.
3) Let the locals show you around
Make the most of precious holiday time by letting local experts do the heavy lifting with guided tours around Cairns. Uncover the hipster heart of this city of 140,000 people with Cairns Urban Walking Tours or soak up the summer buzz on a Cairns City Sightseeing tour with Cairns Discovery Tours. Leave the urban skyline behind to go chasing waterfalls in the hinterland with Uncle Brian's Tours.Deal alert: The Tour Specialists are leading curators of tour packages around Cairns. Combine two or more tours and stretch your budget further with discounts for tour package combos. Sale ends 27 January 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
4) Take a journey 60,000 years in the making
Discover the world's oldest living culture through storytelling and performances in the hilltop town of Kuranda with Rainforestation Nature Park's Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Travellers can learn more about the region's Indigenous culture should jump onboard a Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours half-day guided excursion from Cairns to the traditional country of the Mandingalbay Yidinji People. Join Kuku Yalanji guide Juan Walker from Walkabout Cultural Adventures to understand the region's rich history and connection to the land.Deal alert: Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel is dropping 10% off Indigenous-led Great Barrier Reef tours with promo code QLD10. Sales end 06 February. Terms and conditions apply.
5) Live your best island life
Nothing says summer more than the mix of sunscreen, salty sea spray and sunsets by the beach – and tropical island adventures roll all of this into one. Luxurious Lizard Island Resort, located 240km north of Cairns, is accessed via scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, while Frankland Islands Cruises deliver day trippers straight to a state of island bliss with tours to the uninhabited Frankland Islands.Deal alert: Fitzroy Island Adventures are offering 10% off Great Barrier Reef tours when promo code QLD10 is applied at time of booking. Sale end 06 February. Terms and conditions apply.
6) Tropical treats for the tastebuds
Local produce, big flavours and relaxed summer vibes are the key ingredients to a tropical holiday. Soak up Cairns' outdoor lifestyle at any one of the dozens of restaurants, cafés and bars lining the Esplanade and waterfront. Take a stroll down by the marina and pull up a pew at Ochre Restaurant for mouth-watering waterfront eats or for a more unusual experience, dine at Prawn Star Cairns, where three retired prawn trawlers have found a second lease on life as a floating restaurant. Further north, feel the cool sea breeze on your skin and breathe in the fresh salty air at Nu Nu Restaurant right on the Palm Cove beachfront.Deal alert: Guests of Crystalbrook Collection Cairns properties who sign up to 'Crystalbrook Crowd' receive discounts at the Collection's restaurants and bars - such as buzzing Boardwalk Social - with 10% off delicious bites. Terms and conditions apply.
7) Relax to the max at a tropical resort
Gift yourself some well-deserved 'me time' at one of the many resorts and hotels dotted throughout the region. All three Crystalbrook Collection properties in central Cairns, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns on the Esplanade and Oaks Cairns Hotel are rolling out the welcome mat. In Palm Cove the Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa is the perfect spot for a relaxing post-silly season getaway, as is the adults-only The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa. South of Cairns, a stay at Castaways Resort and Spa Mission Beach will wash any worries and stresses away.Deals alert: Stay a little longer for less in heart of Cairns CBD at Mantra Esplanade with up to 15% off five-night stays and up to 30% off seven-night stays. Sale ends 20 March 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
8) Hitch up the van for a big nature getaway
Save even more and camp out at any number of holiday parks that are welcoming visitors these summer holidays. Mission Beach Camping and Caravan Park offers beachfront powered sites within a short stroll to the sandy shoreline, while BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut is a go to for camping, caravanning and cabin accommodation close to Cairns city.Deal alert: Snaffle up NRMA Cairns Holiday Park's seven nights for the price of six. That's one night free! Sale ends on 02 February 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
9) Keep the good times rolling in Townsville
It's business as usual in the thriving beach city of Townsville, some 350km south of Cairns. Get in early and stay at the glamourous and newly opened five-star hotel, Ardo, which opened in December. Slip over to Magnetic Island and stay at the new Magnetic Island Glamping then explore the island's wild beauty top down in a Isle Hire topless car. Or cruise the fringing reefs and find a hidden cove or two with Pilgrim Sailing. Go deeper to discover the magic of the Great Barrier Reef on a day trip to the Museum of Underwater Art, the Southern Hemisphere's first underwater museum with new sculptures installed last year.Deal alert: Want to spend more time on Magnetic Island? Peppers Blue on Blue Resort is taking 10% off five-night stays. Sale ends 20 March 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
10) Get to the Great Barrier Reef
Tourism operators have headed back to the outer Great Barrier Reef relieved to know that high value tourism sites are looking as fabulous as ever. In Port Douglas, Wavelength Reef Cruises recommenced day trips to Opal Reef prior to Christmas while team members continue work on the critical coral nurture program in between showing off their underwater spectacle. Neighbouring tour operator, Quicksilver Cruises, has likewise reinstated tours filling some boats with curious reef trippers while also turning into a “floating ferry” service transferring travellers between Cairns and Port Douglas for a super scenic journey.In Cairns, operators such as Sunlover Reef Cruises, Tusa Reef Tours, Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises and Passions of Paradise are heading out on the water with normal schedules while Mission Beach Dive some 90 minutes south of Cairns is taking intrepid snorkellers to beautiful Beaver Cay, where pink, purple and mauve soft corals pop.
Deal alert: Reef Magic off the coast of Cairns is offering 10% off Great Barrier Reef tours when promo code QLD10 is applied at the time of booking. Sale ends 06 February 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
Want more Queensland holidays ideas? Visit queensland.com to explore dozens of itinerary suggestions, experiences and stays across the tropics. Digging the deals on offer? Visit queensland.com/deals to uncover even more penny-saving holiday bargains.
* Tourism and Events Queensland https://www.queensland.com/
* Jacinta Bonus at Jacinta.Bonus@queensland.com
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