Things to do
Health & Wellbeing
Relax in the Tropics
The climate, geography and natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland actively encourages healthy pursuits – whether it’s a gentle run along the 2.5km Cairns Esplanade, a hike through a remote national park or testing your mettle in a competition like the Great Barrier Reef Marathon or the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival.
And while there’s plenty to excite the adrenaline junkie, there are many more relaxed activities too. From a serene kayak around Dunk Island to joining locals in a free Zumba class on the Cairns Esplanade, greeting the sun with beach yoga or playing a round of golf at one of the region’s five-star golf courses in Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Healthy eating needn’t stay at home on your holiday either.
In addition to the abundant fresh local produce, there are myriad of cafes, restaurants and juice bars all over the region which will cater to all your dietary requirements; from organic to vegan meals, paleo, raw and allergy-free.
Wellness facilities and activities will have you feeling your best, too, whether it’s a simple massage at the markets or indulging at a day spa; spending a few days at a meditation or Ayurvedic retreat, or investing in a getaway focused on stress management. Of course, you can always just put on your swimmers, find a waterfall or swimming hole and let Mother Nature rejuvenate you.
Enjoy free water-aerobics at the Cairns Lagoon
The road to wellville
From five-star spas to paleo cafes … where to look after yourself in the tropics.
Rest, Relax & Rejuvenate: 10 day spas & yoga retreats to add to your itinerary
From three day beach-side yoga retreats, to modern spa treatments in the heart of Cairns City, relax and unwind with these spa and yoga experiences in Tropical North Queensland.
Self-care has a new home, Pullman Cairns International
We’ve got you covered with five reasons that will leave your energy-tank overflowing faster than the bubble bath you’re about to pour.
6 reasons why you need to live the life of Riley
If you’ve been scouring the internet ether for the perfect hotel match, put down your Google search. It’s time for you to meet Riley.
Follow the palm trees to paradise: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Discover a tropical paradise along the Great Barrier Reef Drive between Cairns & Port Douglas at the idyllic coastal eco-retreat, Thala Beach Nature Reserve.
Retreat Hopping on the Atherton Tablelands
Pack the mini-break bag and head for the hills for a long weekend of retreat hopping on the Atherton Tablelands.
48 hours in Palm Cove
A couple of days wasted in Palm Cove is a wonderful way to bring life back to a steady pace.
Guide to the Red Arrow walking trail in Cairns
Throw on your best activewear and prepare to stretch your legs as you venture into the natural playground of Mount Whitfield. You’ll feel worlds away from city life as you delve into the depths of the rainforest, despite being less than ten minutes from Cairns CBD.
Spa-tripping in Port Douglas and the Daintree
Deep tissue massages, vichy showers, hot stone therapies, seaweed wraps and coconut coffee scrubs, here are a few places to bliss out in Tropical North Queensland.
An active traveller’s guide to Cairns
Boasting nature’s ultimate keep-fit playground, nutritious local produce for those post-workout gains, and plenty of idyllic spots for some all-important recovery time, Tropical North Queensland is an active traveller’s dream. Here are our top tips to exploring the region like a top athlete:
Walks in Kuranda
Experience the famous village in the rainforest along a network of easy trails that introduce you to the surrounding Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Accommodating all types of walkers, discover the amazing scenery that exists a stone’s throw from Kuranda’s shopping experience.
Trail running the Goldfield Trail at Babinda Boulders
Trail runners and bushwalkers are spoilt for choice in Tropical North Queensland. It’s hard to put a figure on how many trails there are but trust me, there are hundreds. Situated in lush, heritage-listed rainforest, the Goldfields Trail, between Babinda and Goldsborough Valley, is one the most iconic in the region.
