With modern life ever so busy, it is simple to see why we overlook taking time out to get away, relax and reconnect with the people we love. Between health, family, work, household and social commitments, it is no wonder we can struggle to find time to head away somewhere beautiful to explore and unwind.
Thankfully, a weekend away can do wonders for the soul. If you are feeling worn-out and needing a break, don’t have a lot of spare time or leave from work up your sleeve, and/or are just simply looking for some adventure, a weekend away is the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries and do something a little different!
Cairns, often referred to as the capital of Tropical Far North Queensland, is teeming with a variety of amazing weekend getaway locations. This is no wonder, considering its warm tropical weather, incredible offering of stunning beaches, beautiful ancient tropical rainforest vegetation, superb mountain ranges, welcoming coastal and mountain towns and outstanding fresh produce.
In this article, we’d like to introduce you to four amazing weekend getaway locations near Cairns, whether you are a local to the area or a visitor with some time up your sleeve.
Image Credit: lonelyplanet.com
Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages
Situated near Lake Eacham amongst the Atherton Tablelands you shall find four beautiful, luxury self-contained cottages that together make up Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages accommodation. Just an hour in the car from Cairns, a weekend stay at Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages is a quick and easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and recharge your batteries.
Each of the luxury self-contained cottages at Crater Lakes is individually themed (Bali, Beach Hut, Pioneer and Tuscany), making your weekend stay particularly interesting and memorable. With bordering World-Heritage Listed rainforest and Lake Eacham nearby, you can enjoy a soothing spa while listening to the sound of local birds. Feeding the rainforest wallabies right from the comfort of your very own cottage veranda is another highlight for guests staying at Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages.
Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island located just 45 minutes from Cairns via Fast Cat is one of Tropical Far North Queensland’s ultimate weekend getaway locations. Situated amongst the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef and 97% covered by National Park (a mix of tropical rainforest and coastal woodland vegetation), Fitzroy Island is a feast for the eyes!
Whether you are looking to kick back and relax by the pool or with a massage, or enjoy the array of amazing activities on offer (such as snorkelling, sea kayaking, hiking and stand-up paddle boarding), a weekend spent on Fitzroy Island is bound to leave you feeling refreshed and with amazing, unique memories to last forever.
Did you know that Fitzroy Island’s premier white coral beach, Nudey Beach, took the number one spot in Australia’s Top 101 Beaches Awards for 2018? Nudey Beach is exquisitely beautiful, with its pristine white coral sand, clear turquoise ocean water (including the Great Barrier Reef at your fingertips), lush rainforest vegetation and giant granite boulders, and is undoubtedly one of the most stunning beaches in the world.
Fitzroy Island Resort has a variety of room types on offer to guests staying on the island, including budget-friendly bungalows, all the way up to indulgent suites, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Mt. Quincan Crater Retreat
Also located in the heart of the beautiful Atherton Tablelands is the unique, award-winning Mt. Quincan Crater Retreat (just sixty minutes’ drive from Cairns), which offers incredible views thanks to its awe-inspiring, architecturally designed pole cabins (treehouses).
With just six completely secluded pole cabins on site (reached by an elevated walkway and offering a variety of private, exquisite views), Mt. Quincan Crater Retreat is well-suited for a weekend getaway to relax and rejuvenate.
Each treehouse includes a luxury king size bed, fireplace, cosy sofa and indulgent double spa (as well as a full kitchen). Your stay at Mt. Quincan Crater Retreat includes a delicious, full Tableland country-style breakfast each day. Who knows, if luck is on your side, you might even spot a rare Lumholtz Tree-Climbing Kangaroo while enjoying breakfast on your verandah!
Image Credit: tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa
Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa is located in the heart of the spectacular Daintree Rainforest just 1.5 hours north of Cairns, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa is unique not only because it is the sole boutique accommodation in the most ancient rainforest on Earth, but also because there is no T.V or Wi-Fi access in each of the 15 eco-friendly banyans (rooms) available. This not only makes it much easier to disconnect from the modern world and truly relax, it also encourages you to connect deeply with your partner.
Daintree Wellness Day Spa is located on site and offers a wide variety of truly rejuvenating treatments to its guests. A mind, body and soul experience is offered by means of integrating the natural vitality of the Daintree Rainforest as well as its ancient cultures, spirituality, medicines and healing methods.
