1. The Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is the tropical rainforest that covers the northern tip of Queensland. The Town of Port Douglas is a great place to base yourself for some exploring of this unique and biodiverse landscape. The rainforest is 10 million years older than any other rainforest in the world! Head out to explore one of the many lush landscapes such as Mossman Gorge or Cape Tribulation and keep an eye out for the impressive yet illusive Cassowary.  

There are so many things to see and do in this wilderness wonderland, you will be taking photos of everything you see and turning your Instagram followers as green as the forest canopy. 

2. The Great Barrier Reef

Head slightly east and into the ocean for a different kind of ecosystem, this time underwater. The most famous of Australia's icons is the Great Barrier Reef. The largest coral reef in the world spreads from the most northern tip of Australia, spanning over an area of 384,000 square kilometres.

There are many places to hop on a boat and head off to explore the underwater wonderland. The outer-barrier reef has some of the most diverse and bright aquatic flora and fauna, with charter boats leaving direct from Cairns daily, get a full snorkel or dive experience as well as lunch and a smooth trip on the open ocean. 

Make sure the GoPro is charged as you swim amongst the turtles, manta rays, bright fish, giant clams and literally millions of other colourful creatures that are sure to awaken the senses.

The Great Barrier Reef | Image credit @Jonny_gaskell

3. Fitzroy Island 

Another place to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef is off the Fitzroy Island coast, which is a 45 minute boat trip from Cairns, and is the next on our list of most instagramable spots in Queensland. This is a perfect day trip from Cairns, or you can stay overnight at campsites or in luxury accommodation on the island, but the limited accommodation books out fast, and you will understand why once you get there!

Take a hike up the Summit Trail, for the best photo ops of the view, then climb back down to cool off on one of the pristine beaches, Nudey Beach was voted #1 best beach in Australia! Hire a snorkel and see an abundance of fish on the beach’s doorstep. If you’re still feeling energetic then embrace your inner child on the giant ocean trampolines or kick back and relax with a cocktail to feature on your highlight reel. 

Fitzroy Island | Image Credit @the_secret_life_o

4. Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit 

Next on your Northern Queensland itinerary, is the option for a day trip Waterfall Circuit out of Cairns, or if you’re continuing to road trip further south, then be sure to add these natural wonders to the itinerary. Collect your hire car and journey into Atherton Tablelands and up into the forest to discover swimming spots under the warm summer rain. 

The top three falls on this loop are Millaa Millaa waterfall for a morning dip, then head to Zillie Falls for your picnic lunch, finishing with Ellinjaa falls to spot some platypuses and turtles and even find a hidden ledge behind the falls to sit and succumb to nature’s glory.


Millaa Millaa Falls | Image Credit @plentyofdust

5. Babinda Boulders

Another great watering hold in the region is Babinda Boulders, incredible rock formations high in the hills. If the rain hasn’t been too heavy take a dip in the clear blue waters, or marvel at these strange smooth textures of the rock pools created by the constantly changing ebb and flow of water. 

The Atherton Tablelands also happens to be rich farmland area, we highly recommend including investigating some delicious foodie venues into your itinerary, and with tropical fruit and a meal with a view, you can add a feed to your Instagram feed. 

Babinda Boulders | Image Credit Tourism Queensland

6. Paronella Park 

If you’re in for the long road trip, then begin your venture south from Cairns towards Airlie beach, with a few stunning pitstops along the way. Paronella Park is voted the #1 must do in Queensland. An hour and a half south from Cairns, Spanish immigrant, Jose Paronella, dreamed to build a castle and commenced construction in 1929 along with the planting of over 7000 trees to create the heritage park and garden paradise the public can enjoy today.


Paronella Park |  Image Credit @Adventurewiththekempsters

7. Wallaman Falls

The Halfway point between Cairns and Airlie Beach, lies the tallest waterfall in Australia Wallaman Falls. The incredible UNESCO heritage site is the highest permanent falls in Australia, a whopping 268-meter drop. The view is spectacular from the top and bottom of the falls, so match your hiking shoes to your swimmers and venture into this dazzling display of nature. 

Wallaman Falls | Image Credit @Mycolourfulworld

8. Anywhere in the Whitsundays

Name a more iconic beach than Whitehaven…we’ll wait.

The final of our favourite Instagram spots, and arguably the most photogenic beach (no bias) in the world, Whitehaven’s pure white sand is actually not sand, its silica, and this is one of the only places in the word where the natural resource occurs. The silica is so white that even on the hottest days it retains no heat, its also so fine that it makes for a great jewellery buffer to shine those rings!

Whitehaven Beach | Image credit @Whitsundaysqld

Boats travel out here daily from Airlie Beach and most offer a package deal to include lunch and snorkels so you can dive in to see more of the Great Barrier Reef at a few of the swim spots chosen by your captain on the day.

Once you get to Whitehaven Beach, there is a relatively easy hike to a lookout that grants you the best view of the inlet, that isn’t by a plane or helicopter. Though if you did want to see this view from the plane, you can book flights which will overview the 74 Whitsunday Islands, and the reef, including the heart shaped reef.

Any one of these islands will not disappoint, and with Hamilton Island being listed as the best luxury escape destination in Australia why not add that to your bucket list.


Whitsunday islands | Image Credit, @passionpassport

Getting there

Spend less time travelling and more time relaxing when you fly direct:

• Fly from Perth to Cairns in just over 4 hours with Virgin Australia

• Find out what to expect when you travel through Cairns Airport

• Book your car hire with Perth Airport

 

All advice, recommendations and use of this blog is subject to Perth Airport Online Services - Terms of Use.