Gorgeous ocean blues and rainforest greens are the familiar colours of Tropical North Queensland, with big splashes of Outback red added to the palette for those interested in more in-depth, backroads touring. We recommend you stay on the coast north of Cairns and combine doing very little on the beach with day trips or overnight escapes to see the region’s other parts.

Port Douglas

A lively town whose main street is packed with boutiques, cafés and restaurants while the marina is a hub for trips out to the Reef. There’s also a wide choice of accommodation, from spa resorts to luxury apartments and private beach houses. Our particular favourites include the Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments, very Aussie in style with lots of bright colours and just a walk from all the action; Sea Temple, a luxury apartment resort complex;  Peninsula Boutique Hotel, a charming small hotel located right behind the beach with contemporary studio style rooms; and the newest addition to the stock of luxury accommodation, Coconut Grove luxury apartments, some with private pool, right on the main street, great for two couples travelling together or families.

Price 5 nights at Mandalay Beachfront Apartments from £640 high season (Apr to Oct) and £499 low season (Nov to Mar excluding Christmas and New Year), including breakfast and private transfers.

Palm Cove

20 minutes north of Cairns, quieter than Port Douglas and arguably with more charm, this small town stretches along the beach with a pedestrian esplanade and quiet road in between the sea and the accommodation. Our recommendation is Angsana, a classic Queenslander style property with white shutters, warm colours and a great spa – and it enjoys full beach frontage.

Price 5 nights from £452 per person including breakfast and private airport transfers. We also recommend Palm Cove’s Sea Temple or Sebel Reef House, a traditional style hotel with great restaurant and spa, and The Sanctuary, a complex of modern, spacious apartments offering high standards at great value.

During your time in Port Douglas or Palm Cove you can either flop and drop or pack your days full of activities....our recommendations include:

Great Barrier Reef Cruises

There’s a choice of vessels, from sailing catamarans with just 12 guests to specialist dive boats, and from helicopter hops to Quicksilver, which parks at a pontoon for glass bottom boating as well as gentle snorkeling. From £117.  Or if you have a little extra time join a Coral Princess Cruise to Lizard Island and spend 4 nights on the Great Barrier Reef.

Hot Air Ballooning

Head inland to the Atherton Tablelands for a balloon trip followed by champagne breakfast. The company also offers a luxury option with just four to a basket, limo transfers from your hotel and a very fancy breakfast. From £118 (luxury option from £269).

Rainforest Day Tours

Head up to Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation on a small group 4WD tour that includes a cruise on the Daintree River, deserted beaches where the rainforest meets the sea and a visit to an exotic fruit orchard. From £148.

Aboriginal Tours

Spend two hours with the Kubirri Warra brothers on one of their beach, mudflats and mangrove walks. Learn how to throw a spear, follow tracks and gain an insight into ancient Aboriginal culture from £22. Or combine with a full day tour of the Daintree. From £104.

Suggested add ons to your North Queensland stay

You could combine your stay in Port Douglas or Palm Cove with a trip further afield, exploring some of the remote regions of the tropical north in more depth than a day trip.

• Rainforest Retreats

Stay at Silky Oaks in the heart of the Daintree, engulfed by the rich vegetation of Mossman Gorge, in one of 50 free standing tree or river houses. Silky also has its own Healing Waters Spa; from £428 for two nights including breakfast and return transfers. Or in the smaller Cockatoo Hill. a boutique hideaway with just four thatched timber tree lodges that enjoy views over the rainforest to the Coral Sea beyond; two nights B&B from £312. Both include 3 days’ car hire.

• Atherton Tablelands

Head to the highlands inland from Cairns and spend two nights in a treehouse (sleeping up to six, and children are welcome) in the award winning, eco-wilderness retreat  Rose Gums, surrounded by the wildlife rich pristine wilderness of the Atherton Tablelands. Two nights from £239 including breakfast and 3 days’ car hire.

• Mareeba Wetlands

Situated in the Atherton Tablelands, the Mareeba Wetlands sanctuary is one of the richest in Australia for birdlife, being home to more than 200 species including many rare and elusive breeds, plus animals such as kangaroos, wallabies and emus. Accommodation is at Jabiru Safari Lodge in safari-style, en-suite tents. Two nights from £298 including all meals and activities and three days’ car hire. Jabiru Safari Lodge is also easily combined with a stay  at nearby Rose Gums.

• Cooktown, Rock Art and Rainforest

Combine, on day one of this guided 4WD tour, a stunning coastal drive with the Daintree Rainforest, the Alexander Range, Cape Tribulation and a walk to Bloomfield Falls with the Walker sisters who will share their knowledge of bush tucker and medicines. Included on the second day is a visit to the Palmer Goldfields, bird watching and the Little Annan Falls. Accommodation is at  Mungumby Lodge just south of Cooktown for two nights from £728, including breakfast and lunch, touring and flights back to Cairns.

• Cape York 

Africa holds no monopoly when it comes to safaris. In Far North Queensland, a remote, wilderness region of rainforests, vestiges of ancient culture – including Aboriginal rock art - and amazing landscapes, we offer a classic off piste adventure which taps a rich cultural and environmental seam. Our 7 day guided 4WD adventure (there’s a 5 day option too), explores crystal clear spring-fed creeks, huge termite mounds, a vast and amazing variety of natural landscapes, including Iron Range National Park, UNESCO World Heritage listed rainforest and gold fields. Price from £1082 for 7 days (or from £835 for 5 days) including most meals and flights between Cairns and Cape York.