NEW IN THE REGION
The Ultimate Bucket List
There’s a new way to tick off your Tropical North Queensland bucket list.
In partnership with Cairns Adventure Group and Treetops Adventure, Ocean Safari has launched a brand-new overnight stay adventure which invites guests to take part in the most adventurous experiences the region has to offer. What this includes:
• Cruise with crocodiles on the Daintree River
• Ziplining through the rainforest canopy
• Sleeping in the world’s oldest living rainforest
• Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef
• Connecting with Traditional Owners at Mossman Gorge
The Daintree Delight package is designed to make Cape Tribulation more accessible than ever combining the beauty of the region with culture. Departures are available from Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Port Douglas.
For more on the Daintree Delight package, read here.
Driving into the future
Marking a sustainability milestone, Tropic Wings introduced 13 fully electric vehicles for Private Exclusive Tours, marking the first of its kind to be used for day touring in TNQ.
The vehicles deliver zero-emissions meaning guests can now travel in a stylish and environmentally friendly way, strengthening Tropic Wings’ commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Tropic Wings General Manager Colin Anderson said the launch represents the next step in an ongoing strategy to electrify the company’s operations.
“Over recent years we’ve been working hard to grow our electric fleet, with the long-term goal of operating 80% of our vehicles on electric by 2028,” said Mr Anderson.
Tropics at Twilight
Pure Snorkelling has introduced a new way to explore the waters of Tropical North Queensland. Twilight Cruise is a 90-minute experience, embarking on a tour set to Cairns’ stunning golden hour. Ticket selection includes standard tours, with the option to experience a gourmet range of curated canapes or smaller grazing plates.
If day-time tours are better suited to holiday plans, Pure Snorkelling recently launched Cairns’ only pre-departure marine biology presentation, giving passengers deeper insights before embarking on their adventure.
Hosted by lead marine biologist Kiara Brown, the interactive talk is held at 10.30am each day. The 40-seat vessel departs at midday for a fast one-hour afternoon trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef.
“Our talk also helps guests to understand the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem and the importance of reef conservation before they join the marine biologist snorkelling on the Reef,” said Brown.
ESCAPES
Holiday in Style
Some say the best way to fully experience a scenic destination is from the air.
Mt Mulligan has curated the ultimate luxury experience for those seeking an elevated holiday, in partnership with Nautilus Aviation.
After a scenic 35-minute helicopter flight over the Tablelands, guests are welcomed to Mt Mulligan Lodge with a glass of champagne before sitting down to a gourmet multi-course set lunch menu sourced from seasonal local produce from the region.
Mt Mulligan Lodge is nestled among the mountainous ranges of Mount Mulligan, 160 kilometers north-west of Cairns and was recently recognized in Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.
With the exclusive space welcoming only 28 guests at a time, the intimate environment combines the best of the outback and the tropics into unforgettable scenery.
Reset for the mind, body, and soul
For travellers who prefer a slower pace, The Reef House has announced an exclusive new Wellness Retreat package that will be available in February 2026.
Daily led yoga, nourishing cuisine to renew mind and soul, and creating a personalized loose leaf tea-blend are a small selection of the 28 signature inclusions available to guests.
The Reef House Adults Retreat Director Malcom Bean said it was the first time the adults-only retreat had offered a dedicated Wellness package for guests.
“We have drawn on the expertise of The Reef House’s activity hosts to develop classes exclusively for the Wellness Retreat,” said Bean.
DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT
Do go chasing waterfalls
Summer time in the tropics can bring with it seasonal rains, which welcomes its own source of life into the tropical environment. There’s no better way to see the changes that rain can bring than at one of nature’s finest natural features: waterfalls.
Located in Barron Gorge National Park, hidden amongst the elevated ranges of the Atherton Tablelands, the Barrons Falls (Din Din) are one of the most famous waterfalls in the region. Standing 250 meters tall, the falls shine during the summer months after large rainfalls.
With an easy 1.2km return track running across the rainforest floor guiding hikers to a lookout, the waterfall showcases the extreme environmental diversity of the tropics.
For those looking to elevate the Barron Falls experience, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway carries visitors up above the tree canopy to overlook the rainforest. The Edge Lookout, a glass walkway with open views of Barron Falls below, allows guests to watch the rapid waters from 160 meters in the sky.
If ground level is more your style, there are many day tour operators to let visitors sit back and relax to fully experience the natural wonders of the rainforest. Tours are available with Tropic Wings Tours, Down Under Tours and Brett’s Kuranda Day Tours.
A ‘Slower’ mention
Aussies are chasing smaller towns, fewer crowds, and more connection while on holiday.
Wotif Unpack 26 Travel Trends highlighted the best ‘Slow Down Towns’ in Australia – featuring Tropical North Queensland location Trinity Beach.
A town just north of Cairns, Trinity Beach’s charm lies in its coastal calm. With quaint cafes and eclectic stores, the spot is the perfect location for holidays who are chasing a laid-back stay.
REGIONAL EVENTS CALENDAR
November
Saturday 29 – Cairns Twilight Christmas Markets
December
Sunday 7 – Palm Cove Markets
Sunday 14 – Cairns Carols in the Park
