Cairns is universally regarded as one of Australia's top tourist destinations. Offering a whole host of activities from bungee-jumping to white water rafting to reef trips, though you will have to go a little further north to find beaches. Cairns is the far north Queensland coast "Capital" famous for it's prime position, situated on the Great Barrier Reef. The City attracts people not solely because of the reef but also due to it's wide choice of activities, bars and nightclubs, and laid back attitude.

The Great Barrier Reef, accessible from virtually anywhere on the coast, is the world's largest living organism. Over 2300 kilometres long, it stretches from Bundaberg (Fraser Coast) up to the coast of Papua New Guinea. South of Cairns the Reef extends up to an incredible 325 kilometres out to sea! Visitors can view this phenomenon through glass bottomed boats, or by snorkelling or scuba diving, activities which are abundantly available. The Great Barrier Reef contains over 400 colourful varieties of coral, which in turn attracts an array of wildlife making it Australia's most beautiful tourist attraction.

If you don't like the idea of spending a day at sea in a glass bottomed boat or swimming with the fish, you should visit the Undersea World Aquarium and get a glimpse of the eighth natural wonder of the world. There are also a number of art galleries, cafes and restaurants to while away your days. All of this makes Cairns popular with everyone, from experienced divers to backpackers.

The Town of Port Douglas is about 50kms north of Cairns. Only since the 1980's have tourists been travelling that bit further north to experience a quieter pace than it's southern neighbour. From June through to September, the recluse country town image is shrugged off and tourism takes over.

As well as the seemingly endless coastline being one of the main attractions, Port Douglas is an ideal base from which to explore the Daintree National Park. Take a spectacular river cruise through the rainforest habitat filled with parrots, fruit bats and crocodiles. There is also an opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef without the hustle and bustle of other tourists. With so much to offer and away from the crowds, Port Douglas shouldn't be missed.

Cooktown can be found further north of Port Douglas and is the gateway to Cape York Peninsula. A town steeped in history since the arrival of Captain Cook in 1770 and then a gold rush in the late 1800's.There is now commemorative wharf symbolising the place where Captain Cook grounded the Endeavour and every year in June the event is re-enacted during the Discovery Weekend Festival. Other features of the town include the beautiful Botanic Gardens restored just 20 years ago.

The prosperous town of Innisfail lies due south of Cairns at the junction of the North and South Johnstone rivers. Tourist attractions aren't as abundant as further north, but the town does offer some fantastic architectural sites as well as it's all year round casual labour market. Innisfail attracts many backpackers with the ambition to help in the harvesting of tropical and rare fruit, as well as sugar cane and bananas all of which are grown in the area. It is a naturally attractive place, with several parks and picnic areas.