Australia

5 Days of Fun in Captivating Tropical North Queensland

Looking out over a hilly rainforest vista with text overlay that says 5 days in Tropical North Queensland.

People visit Tropical North Queensland for many reasons, but are usually drawn by the magic of the lush rainforest and stunning Great Barrier Reef.

Five days in Tropical North Queensland allows you to cover a number of popular area highlights as a family. You’ll also be able to pick out any shining stars you’d love to revisit for longer one day. Don’t be surprised if there are!

Also referred to as Far North Queensland, this region is a paradise of shades of green, exotic flora and fauna, saltwater crocs and tropical birds, magnificent beaches, and the renown Great Barrier Reef.

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Tips & Advice

  • To cover the most ground with the least amount of travel, divide your accommodations between two locations. We stayed in Port Douglas at the Lazy Lizard Motor Lodge to explore the Daintree Rainforest, and moved to a fantastic apartment at Vue Apartments Trinity Beach as our base for Cairns and area. Three nights in each location compliments this itinerary best.
  • Make sure to plan your time strategically in Kuranda. The Kuranda Heritage Markets, for example, are not open on certain days and close by late afternoon on others.
  • In Cairns, park at the Southern Esplanade Carpark to access Marlin Marina as well as the Cairns Esplanade & Lagoon.
  • It’s a good idea to prebook your Daintree River cruise, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and the ferry to Fitzroy Island.
  • If you venture onto certain beaches, please remember to keep your distance from the coastline. As enticing as it may be, saltwater crocodiles may be lurking nearby.

Itinerary

Day 1: Morning – Mossman Gorge/Afternoon – Daintree River Cruise/Evening – Port Douglas
Day 2: Full day exploring the Daintree Rainforest
Day 3: Morning – Mini road trip from Port Douglas & Williams Esplanade Palm Cove/Afternoon – Cairns Aquarium or Cairns Botanical Gardens/Evening – Cairns Night Market
Day 4: Morning & Afternoon – Kuranda & Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park (Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience)/Evening – Trinity Beach
Day 5: Morning – Fitzroy Island Half Day Trip/Afternoon – Lunch at Muddy’s Cafe & Playground + a swim at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon/Evening – Your Choice

DAY ONE

Start your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland from Port Douglas. We booked a hotel here for three nights as our base. For an in depth explanation of day one, jump over to read Two Days in the Daintree Rainforest.

Mossman Gorge

After a night in Port Douglas, start your first morning at Mossman Gorge. We spent just under two hours here and were able to enjoy the Baral Marrjanga track, Mossman River Lookout, Rex Creek Suspension Bridge, as well as the Manjal Dimbi (Mount Demi) Lookout.

Looking across a suspension bridge in the rainforest.
Looking up at mountainous jungle vista.
Elevated walkway with rainforest on either side.
Swimmers cooling off in the Mossman River, a stop on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip.

Daintree River Cruise

An early afternoon cruise on a crocodile-populated river? Why not? Take a Daintree River cruise from the south side of the Daintree Ferry. I highly recommend choosing Solar Whisper Wildlife and Crocodile Cruises for your tour.

Entrance with sign to a crocodile cruise business.
Boat of sightseers taking a cruise on the Daintree River, an activity that can be done on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip.
Crocodile half submerged in murky river water next to mangrove shoreline.

Port Douglas

A lovely way to close the day out is to bring a picnic (or pizza) to Rex Smeal Park. Kids can play at the playground or run about the grassy field, while other tourists and locals alike also share a meal, play music, and gather. Enjoy a captivating sunset as the sun descends beneath the horizon.

People gathered in seaside park lined with tall palm trees to watch the sunset in Port Douglas, a must do on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip.

“Saltwater kisses and sunset wishes.” – Unknown

DAY TWO

Rise early on day two because today will be long but sensational! Again, for a more comprehensive overview, you’ll want to read how to spend Two Days in the Daintree Rainforest.

Daintree Rainforest

Today will be busy – start by crossing the Daintree River on the ferry, and then be ready for a full day of exploration. Learn about the rainforest at the Daintree Discovery Center, wander along jungle boardwalks like the spellbinding Dubuji Boardwalk, and stop to see one of the stunning area beaches such as Cow Bay Beach.

Entrance to the Daintree Rainforest, not be missed if visiting for 5 days in Tropical North Queensland.
Entrance to the Daintree Discovery Center.
Wooden boardwalk descending into thick jungle.
Container with three scoops of different flavoured tropical ice cream, a must try on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip..
Boardwalk snaking through rainforest jungle.
Wide golden beach with rainforest covered hills in background.
Looking up at the canopy of a forest of fan palm trees, one of the most incredible sights to see on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip.
Dense rainforest and tall palm trees lining the edge of a beach.
Boardwalk leading into thick rainforest.

Take a break for ice cream in local flavours at the Daintree Ice Cream Company & Tropical Fruit Farm, and wrap up the day by stepping onto the magnificent Cape Tribulation Beach.

Looking across a wide beach towards hills covered in green jungle with whisps of clouds obscuring the hilltops.

Unsure where to go next? Read 12 Months 12 Countries: What’s On Your Travel Bucket List?

DAY THREE

After two unforgettable days in the rainforest, pack up and head south. With just 5 days in Tropical North Queensland, it’s time to continue your road trip along the Great Barrier Reef Drive. We chose to stay in Trinity Beach for our final three nights, but Palm Cove is a trendy and popular option, too.

Mini Road Trip From Port Douglas

Take this morning to sleep in before checking out of your accommodations to hit the road. Along the 50 kilometers between Port Douglas and Trinity Beach on the Captain Cook Hwy you’ll find many pull out areas where you can pause to soak up the scenic coastline.

A must stop is the coconut plantation at the Thala Beach Nature Reserve. Marvel at the nearly 700 palm trees! Then travel a few minutes down the road to see the famous Balancing Rocks at Rex Lookout.

White sign for Thala Beach Nature Reserve in ground with palm trees in background, a stop on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip.
Palm tree grove beneath a cloudy sky.
Rock memorial sign for Rex Lookout on beach, a short stop on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip.
Children stacking rocks into sculptures on beach next to sea.

Williams Esplanade Palm Cove

While waiting to check in to your new accommodations, wander the beachfront Williams Esplanade in charming Palm Cove. Choose from a variety of cuisines at one of the many restaurants for lunch, or peruse the village boutiques, art galleries, and opal shops.

Sign warning of crocodiles and dangerous sealife next to tree overlooking beach.
Brick walkway next to paved street beneath large trees.
Cement steps leading up to small shops in Palm Cove, a place to visit on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip.
Beach next to sea with the Palm Cove Jetty stretching over water in distance, a stop on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip.
Walkway winding through palm trees next to beach.
Beach and palm trees beneath cloudy skies.
Sunset from a jetty looking back at beach and green hills beyond.

Tip: If possible, return to catch a sunset one evening from the Palm Cove Jetty.

Cairns Aquarium, Cairns Botanic Gardens & Cairns Night Markets

Leave your luggage at your lodging and head for the tropical city of Cairns. The Cairns Aquarium is the perfect place to avoid the afternoon heat, especially if you’re traveling with kids. You might also want to visit the lush Cairns Botanical Gardens. From here, you can spend the evening at the Cairns Night Markets, discovering trinkets in the shops and sampling a diverse array of food.

Tunnel through the Cairn's Aquarium lit in blue light, a stop on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip.
Turtle with red underbelly swimming upwards inside of a large aquarium.
Large ceiling height glass window looking into aquarium with blue light.

DAY FOUR

Although Kuranda isn’t far from Cairns, plan to drive patiently at low speed with caution on the mountain road that snakes through the jungle-packed Kuranda range. It’s a breathtaking drive, but not an easy one for anyone prone to motion sickness.

Kuranda

Tucked within the mountains, there’s plenty to entertain families and other travellers in the small town of Kuranda. If you don’t want to drive, try taking the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda Scenic Railway instead. It’s an experience in itself! Once you arrive, look for local crafts at the Kuranda Heritage Markets, hand-feed birds at Birdworld Kuranda, or spend time with other Aussie wildlife at Kuranda Koala Gardens.

Sign on side of the road with thick rainforest in background.
Large overhead sign indicating the Kuranda Market, a spot to visit during 5 days in Tropical North Queensland.
Colorful clothes hanging on lined-up racks on display.

Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience

The highlight of our visit to the village area was attending the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience at the Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park. I cannot speak to the rest of the park, but it was so special to take a look into the local aboriginal culture.

Roadside billboard sign for Rainforestation Nature Park, somewhere you should visit on 5 days in Tropical North Queensland.
Building for nature park with tall palm trees and green flora and fauna around it.

This experience begins with a fantastic dance performance in the open air Rainforest Amphitheatre, followed by a Dreamtime Walk that includes a how-to-throw-a-boomerang session, didgeridoo presentation, and spear throwing demonstration.

Looking at the stage of an outdoor amphitheatre with Australian aboriginals performing.
Australian aboriginal showing a girl how to throw a boomerang, a fun thing to do during 5 days in Tropical North Queensland.
Australian aboriginal demonstrating how to play the didgeridoo, a must experience during 5 days in Tropical North Queensland.
Australian aboriginal demonstrating a long spear in his hand.

Trinity Beach

End the day in seaside Trinity Beach. It may be quieter than Palm Cove, but its picturesque beach offers a lovely place for a relaxed stroll. Check out a restaurant or shop along the Trinity Beach Esplanade as the sun sets.

Sign next to beach with information about Trinity Beach, a suburb of Cairns you can visit during 5 days in Tropical North Queensland.
Storefronts along a street.
Storefronts in building along a paved road.
Ocean lapping onto golden sandy beach with green jungle behind it.

Tip: If, as a travelling mom, you need a moment alone, pop into the Giving & Living Lifestyle Store, which has beautiful Italian linen and silk clothing.

DAY FIVE

Since you only have 5 days in Tropical North Queensland, take today to either do a full day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, or do what we did by combining a half day at Fitzroy Island with more time in Cairns.

Fitzroy Island

If you don’t want to make the long trip to the outer reef, a day trip to Fitzroy Island from Cairns is much easier. Read How to Do a Day Trip to Fitzroy Island From Cairns for more details. We had just enough beach time to enjoy the inner reef at both Nudey Beach and Welcome Bay.

Sign with map of Fitzroy Island National Park, a destination on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip.
Sign indicating the way to Nudey Beach Track, a beautiful beach you can visit on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip.
Large boulders positioned as stairs for path through rainforest.
Concrete steps descending through rainforest path.
White coral on beach in copious amounts.
Sea in jewel colors washing onto empty beach with hilly shoreline in far distance.
Path between sandy beach and a wooden building.
Beach with bright colored kayaks looking towards aqua water and a jetty over the sea.
Looking towards the sea meeting the shoreline with rainforest backdrop.

Muddy’s Cafe

Once you arrive back in Cairns, take a leisurely stroll a kilometer or so down the Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk until you reach the waterfront Muddy’s Cafe. This is the perfect place for lunch with kids, or if you enjoy fresh juice and smoothies. Nestled beside the restaurant is a great playground and splash park. Eat outdoors while the kids play!

Long wooden boardwalk beneath murky water and grass in Cairns, a place for a stroll on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip.
Unique art sculpture in a city setting.
Sign indicating local directions along a boardwalk.
Entrance to playground with boy and girl cutouts displaying a sign with rules.
Adults and children enjoying an outdoor splash park.
An empty outdoor splash park with palm trees in the background.
An outdoor splash park and playground beneath large trees.
Close up of two smoothies sitting on a table.

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Following lunch, retrace your steps down the boardwalk back to the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. This huge saltwater public swimming pool is free for all – so it can be busy! You can take a dip without worrying about encountering crocs or other dangerous sea life.

Swimmers cooling off in a large outdoor pool.
Unique statues shaped like fish standing in the Cairns Lagoon pool that you must visit on your 5 days in Tropical North Queensland trip.

Tip: Use reef-friendly sunscreen to prevent coral bleaching and protect sea life. Look for biodegradable mineral-based sunscreen.  Avoid anything that contains these two main chemicals in particular: oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Additional Things To do

White chapel sitting amongst palm trees in Port Douglas that a tourist may visit during 5 days in Tropical North Queensland.

Port Douglas: 4 Mile Beach, Flagstaff Hill Lookout, Trinity Bay Lookout, St. Mary’s By The Sea, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas

Daintree Rainforest: Madja Boardwalk, Cape Trib Farm Tropical Fruit Tastings Tour, Treetops Adventure Cape Tribulation Zipline Canopy Tour, Ocean Safari Tour

Kuranda: Kuranda Riverboat, Barron Falls, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

Cairns: Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Tour, Green Island, Crystal Cascades Waterfall, Douglas Track

“If man doesn’t learn to treat the oceans and the rainforest with respect, man will become extinct.” – Peter Benchley

Our Favorites

Food: Smoothies from Muddy’s Cafe

Activity: Full Day exploring the Daintree Rainforest

Kids’ Choice: Nudey Beach at Fitzroy Island

5 Days in Tropical North Queensland

You might be tired after your memory-packed 5 days in Tropical North Queensland, but I don’t think you’ll regret it!

From the shores of Cape Trib to the mountainous jungles of Kuranda to the jewel-colored waters of Fitzroy Island – there’s so much to see you won’t want to miss a thing.

And if you do? Oh, well! You’ll just have to come back again one day.

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