Hero Image Credit: Mission Beach, via tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
Tropical Far North Queensland (TFNQ) is famous not only for its proximity to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, its year-round warm, tropical weather, its delicious cuisine and laidback lifestyle, it is also one of the most beautiful places in Australia and the world with regards to stunning tropical beaches and islands, backed by lush rainforest vegetation. In fact, in Tropical Far North Queensland, you can find the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, the magnificent Daintree Rainforest, home to some of the most amazing flora and fauna found anywhere on earth.
When you combine the magic and diversity of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, it is no wonder Tropical Far North Queensland is high on the bucket list of keen travellers from all over Australia and around the globe. In fact, Cape Tribulation, located a few hours north of Cairns by road, is the only place on the planet where two World Heritage-Listed sites (the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest) meet. Pretty awesome, huh!
When you combine the lush rainforest vegetation Tropical Far North Queensland is famous for, with some of the most outstanding beaches found anywhere in Australia, you get some of the most jaw-dropping tropical beaches you shall ever lay eyes upon.
If you’re planning a trip to Tropical Far North Queensland (such as the Cairns region, the “capital” of TFNQ), you should definitely consider visiting the following incredible rainforest beaches. You won’t be disappointed!
Image Credit: jungletours.com.au
Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island
First up on the list is stunning Fitzroy Island, one of the most famous tropical islands located off the coast of Tropical Far North Queensland, situated right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Fitzroy Island is an exquisite tropical island paradise, located just 45 minutes from Cairns and is easily accessed by taking the island’s Fast Cat from the Cairns Marina. It is a fabulous place for local visitors, those with little time up their sleeve (i.e. day-trippers), as well as people looking to stay on the island (at Fitzroy Island Resort) and soak up all there is to enjoy. Fitzroy Island has accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, from camping all the way up to a penthouse suite.
Fitzroy Island is 97% National Park, and home to the number one beach as voted in Australia’s Top 101 Beaches for 2018, Nudey Beach. Framed by giant granite boulders and lush tropical rainforest vegetation, the exquisite white coral sand of Nudey Beach meets warm, inviting, turquoise ocean water. In fact, what makes Nudey Beach (and neighbouring Welcome Bay beach) even more incredible, is that you can snorkel straight from the shore out onto the Great Barrier Reef! Gear hire is available at the resort’s Fitzroy Island Sports Hub.
In addition to snorkelling (and diving, if you’re keen), you can choose to take part in a number of fun adventure activities on the island, including sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, taking a glass bottom boat tour, walking/hiking the island’s numerous beautiful trails, visiting the island’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and bouncing on the island’s very own giant ocean trampoline!
Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is a totally unspoilt tropical paradise, and the only place on the planet where two World Heritage-Listed sites collide – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. There was no missing this one from the list!
Cape Tribulation (township and beach) is located at the very end of a winding sealed road that begins at the Daintree River Crossing. It is the most northern point along the coastal road of Tropical Far North Queensland that can be travelled with a normal vehicle; beyond Cape Tribulation (heading towards Australia’s most northern point, Cape York), a 4WD is required. This makes Cape Tribulation a wonderfully relaxed, chilled out place to visit.
Numerous secluded and stunning beaches backed by lush rainforest vegetation can be found nearby to the main township, and at low tide, you may elect to snorkel and explore the fringing coral reefs. With regards to exploring the neighbouring rainforest, you might like to wander some self-guided walking trails or join a group tour with a local tour company, to learn all about the magic of the area. A number of accommodation and dining options are available in the main township.
Image Credit: queensland.com
Mission Beach
Situated an hour south of the city of Cairns and 2.5 hours north of Townsville, stunning palm-fringed, blue ocean Mission Beach is a quaint and relaxed beachside locality. Mission Beach can be further broken down into four main townships: Wongaling Beach, South Mission Beach, Mission Beach and Bingil Bay.
Mission Beach has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all sorts of travellers. With very affordable options such as shared accommodation (hostels) and camping, to luxury resorts among the tropical rainforest, there is something to suit everyone.
Though rainforest vegetation-lined Mission Beach itself is absolutely gorgeous, Mission Beach is also a launching point for exploring nearby Dunk and/or Bedarra Islands. Choose to take a day trip or stay a little longer at either location, with the opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef via swimming and snorkelling.
