9 Sep 2024
Tropical North Queensland for ten!
Tropical North Queensland has long been a top travel destination for Kiwis, and from April 2025 Jetstar will be whisking passengers directly from Christchurch to Cairns. Check out ten top reasons to visit Aussie’s tropical north.
Just how much is there to do in Tropical North Queensland? A heckuva lot more than most people realise. Considering that the region is bigger than all of New Zealand put together, with major cities, natural wonders and the Great Barrier Reef just offshore, there are about ten thousand reasons to visit.
Plus, getting there from Christchurch has never been easier, with Jetstar introducing three direct flights to Cairns every week starting in April 2025. They’ve also upped their general capacity, adding another 180,000 seats to and from Christchurch every year.
More seats, better choice and a seamless connection to the tropical north? Bonza! Convenience is one perfectly legit reason to go. Now let’s take a look at ten more.
Reason #1: Natural wonders
Tropical North Queensland contains three natural World Heritage listed sites – The Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics Rainforest and Riversleigh fossil fields. It’s the only place in the world where two World Heritage sites sit side by side (reef and rainforest), and you can see all of Australia’s ‘classic’ landscapes – reef, rainforest, farmlands and outback – within a few hours’ drive.
Reason #2: Adventure and adrenaline
From tackling rapids in the rainforest, swimming with whales on the Great Barrier Reef, leaping out of a plane, or cruising at altitude in a hot air balloon, you’ll find thrills of every kind waiting for you here. Whether you’re looking for a full-on adrenaline surge or family friendly experience, Australia’s adventure capital delivers excitement in spades.
Reason #3: Outdoor activities
If getting outside is your thing, Tropical North Queensland is your place. Choose from a huge range of walks and hikes, offering breathtaking views of lush rainforests, azure oceans and pristine waterfalls. Fishing enthusiasts are in for a treat too with the full gamut of spear fishing, charters, rivers and jetties all vying to get you hooked. Incredible campsites abound so pack your billy and bedroll, switch off your notifications and tune into an unforgettable experience in nature.
Reason #4: Cultural experiences
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the two ancient cultures of Australia, and both call Tropical North Queensland home. Together they are the world’s oldest continuous living cultures. Connect with 60,000 years of human history as you journey through the region. Choose from an array of experiences led by traditional custodians, including rock art tours, dreamtime walks, dance festivals, eco cultural tours and stargazing. Discover a rich tapestry of ancient wisdom and contemporary stories as you delve deeper into the region.
Reason #5: Luxury and relaxation
For travellers who love luxury resorts or ‘flop and drop’ getaways, Tropical North Queensland may just be your ‘heaven on earth’. Escape to a luxe island hideaway, recharge on an indulgent outback retreat, lose your sense of time at a tranquil rainforest haven, or cruise into the sunset on a superyacht voyage. Step into a world of golden sands, luxury spas and pampering experiences, and watch your stresses fall away.
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Great Barrier Reef
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Hot Air Ballooning
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Girramay National Park
Reason #6: Foodie paradise
Most people don’t realise just how delicious Tropical North Queensland can be. The warm climate is perfect for growing and harvesting an abundance of fresh foods… think mangoes, bananas, sweet sun-ripened pineapples, reef fish and wild-caught prawns (is your mouth watering yet?). Grab a map and design your own food trail or join an organised tour. From 5-star restaurants to local markets, foodies will not go home hungry!
Reason #7: Road trips
Take a drive down the “Great Barrier Reef Drive”, complete “The Waterfall Circuit”, or explore the “Great Green Way”. If any region can inspire wanderlust, this is it. From short trips, long haul roadies or 4WD tracks, driving holidays are part of the lifestyle here. Choose a well-known route or plan your own itinerary as you explore the region’s quirky townships, beautiful beaches, national parks and natural wonders all at your own pace.
Reason #8: Festivals and events
Tropical North Queensland is renowned for world-class events of all sizes and stripes. Whether you’re into sports, music, art, Indigenous culture or food, there’s so much on the go. Highlights include the Port Douglas Gran Fondo, Outback by the Sea Festival, Shine On Gimuy, Savannah in the Round, and Feast of the Senses – and that’s just a handful out of hundreds! Check out the full calendar here (it’s regularly updated with new events).
Reason #9: Wildlife
No, we’re not talking all night parties (although we could be!). The rainforests and grasslands of Tropical North Queensland are incredibly diverse ecosystems, home to approximately 3,000 different plant species, 400-plus birds and 100-plus mammals, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. Crocodiles, cassowaries and tree kangaroos are just a few of the incredible animals that call this place home. Whether you join a wildlife tour or venture on your own, you can expect to encounter some amazing creatures while you’re here.
Reason #10: Friendly locals
One thing you’ll notice about North Queensland is how incredibly friendly the people are. Everyone’s willing to chat, share their wisdom and help make your holiday the best experience it can be. Expect to meet loads of quirky characters as you travel around the region, especially as you head into smaller townships off the beaten path. Soak up the easy-going Aussie vibe and relax into your tropical vacay.
With Jetstar offering more seats, better choice, and a direct connection with Cairns from April 2025, your Tropical North Queensland holiday just got that much closer.
Did you know? Jetstar first took to the skies in 2004 and has since flown more than 350 million customers across an extensive international and domestic network. A leading low-fares airline, Jetstar is committed to offering everyday low fares to enable more people to fly to more places, more often. As one of Asia Pacific’s fastest-growing airline brands, Jetstar was voted by Skytrax as Best Low-Cost Airline in Asia Pacific in 2024 and was recognized for its excellent flight safety records and services when listed as the World's Safest Low-Cost Airline for 2024 by AirlineRatings.com.
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Australian wildlife
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Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park
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World-class festivals
