Our family is drawn towards warm climates and tends to opt for sun-drenched beaches over snowfields any day. That said, since having the kids we’ve only ever holidayed on the Gold Coast, Darwin or Bali.
That’s why when the good folk at Tourism Tropical North Queensland invited us to explore the magic of Cairns and Palm Cove, it was a no-brainer! After all, we’d never ventured THAT far up into sunny Queensland for a family holiday so this was going to be a treat!
Let’s face it, we love living in Adelaide, however, the weather in July was cold, wet and pretty dreary. Weather in Cairns? A nice warm and sunny 28! So we dragged out the summer clothes, grabbed our beachwear and headed off on our tropical adventure.
We had a very limited 4 days for these adventures, however we certainly made the most of it. What we did discover is that Tropical North Queensland is the perfect holiday destination for families young and old, and drove me to compile this list of 8 fabulous reasons you should be putting this piece of paradise on top of your next holiday checklist!
1. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
After picking up our hire car at the Cairns airport, we promptly headed to our first stop – Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures! Regarded as one of Australia’s premier Crocodile parks, this place really lived up to its reputation! From the moment we walked in we were in awe!
Tour Guide Matt took us on our own VIP tour through the park (highly recommended!!) and took us to a private area to pat the kangaroos and wombats! The boys loved it (especially Alex our resident animal lover and ‘cuddler’ of all things fluffy!)
Next up we headed around to the reptile house for a little ‘snake handling!’ Funnily enough on the way over, Matt asked me if I had any fears. My number one is snakes, it’s like he knew! 😉 Anyway, we had no idea where we were going until we got there and while we were busy ‘oooohing and aaaahing’ at the various snakes on display, Matt sneaks out with this monster!!
Needless to say I may have let out a ‘small’ squeal/shriek/scream and shuddered somewhat! The boys stepped right up and made me feel like a sook so I decided there’s no better way to beat your fears than to face them head-on (or around your neck?!) right?
Next stop – the bird sanctuary! There were so many beautiful breeds in the bird section and tour guide Matt had the goods. He whipped some mealworms out of (not sure where ?!) and we were soon the most popular people in the pen had had a bunch of eyes staring at us in hope we’d throw the worms their way!
Next up was the “Crocodile Attack Show” where they have live croc feeding and education sessions in the arena. Let’s just say it was VERY educational, and gave you a new found respect for these giant and mysterious creatures!
The boys were in awe and the sound the crocs make when they chomp their jaws together was insanely LOUD! Check it out below!
Straight after we met tour guide Matt again where he whisked us off again to get a little more up close and personal with the crocs. He was armed with a bucket full of raw chicken heads, wings and pieces which only meant one thing – FEEDING TIME!
Now this is where the VIP tour sets you apart from the rest! We got to feed the crocs and I tell you it was a HOOT! Even Alex got a chance to hold the bamboo pole and entice the big croc to lurch out of the water after his dinner!
Finally, we finished our adventures with a flat-bottom boat cruise around their man-made lagoon. It took them 8 years to construct and let me tell you it’s truly amazing!
Here we got to see all the crocs in their natural habitat. The pond was covered with duckweed which is only temporary but really gave the Crocs a great veil of secrecy!
One last feeding session before we headed back and we really got to get up close and personal with the crocs in their own habitat!
Overall we highly recommend Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures as a ‘must see’ when you’re heading to Cairns as it was truly a magical experience and many memories (slithering and all) will stay with us for a long time to come!
2. Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Did someone say luxury?! After being greeted with a glass of icy cold champagne on arrival (and a freshly squeezed juice for the kids), we took 5 to relax in the hanging chairs at Alamanda Palm Cove‘s reception and it was a true tropical hideaway!
We checked into what was one of the most gorgeous beachfront suites and compared to a typical hotel room or apartment, this is pure heaven! Join me as I take you on your personal guided tour – it was amazing!
The three-bedroom suite featured a large lounge, dining and fully equipped kitchen, separate laundry with washer and dryer, three great bedrooms, balcony front and rear and of course all the mod cons! Did I say kingsize bed?! 😉
Being right on the beachfront, the sunrises were spectacular too (as master seven found out on our second day!) The hammock was a nice touch too … perfect for curling up with a great book and letting the world pass you by!
The resort features 3 pools – one’s a deep lap pool and a second with a waterfall and play area for the kids and the third one on the beachfront is ADULTS ONLY for the purely indulgent beachfront experience!
The hotel had a great family-friendly vibe, with extra features such as a games room with table tennis, pool table, air hockey table and Playstation gaming hub There were also board games available for guests to play which made for a great Monopoly challenge at sunset, however, Master 7 clearly made easy work of that!! #HeThrashedUs
By far Alamanda Palm Cove was one of the highlights of our trip to Tropical North Queensland. The service was impeccable, location absolutely stunning and the standard and amenities of the entire hotel were second to none. We highly recommend Alamanda Palm Cove to any families looking to relax, spoil themselves and enjoy all that Palm Cove has to offer
3. Palm Cove
Our first two nights we stayed in Palm Cove, about 30 minutes north of Cairns. With a population of just under 2,000, it’s a truly a magical haven with long sandy beaches and palm trees as far as the eye can see. Sounds cliché but it really is! Check it out:
Life in Palm Cove is laid back, quiet and idyllic. From sun-drenched days to warm balmy nights, this place is pure paradise!
Sunrise Day 3: WOW!
From our hotel to the jetty was only about a 1km walk so a really nice stroll each morning and a great way to stretch your legs, take in the gorgeous sea air and soak up the local hospitality!
In fact, the entire town is so picturesque and everything’s within easy walking distance.
There is no shortage of great places to eat or shop while in Palm Cove! All a short walking distance away from your hotel.
Simply stunning…you could be on any tropical island right?!
Did I mention the sunsets were just as spectacular as the sunrises?
EATING OUT: There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to make your stay really enjoyable. We recommend Café Vivo for breakfast and Jack and Shanan’s for dinner – delish!
We totally rated Palm Cove and would be sure to stop by again next time we are up here. It’s close enough to all the action of Port Douglas and Cairns yet tucked away and spoilt for the peace and quiet of the magical surrounds.
4. The Great Barrier Reef
Not having ever been out onto the Great Barrier Reef before, our day out with Quicksilver Cruises couldn’t come soon enough!
We were picked up at our hotel first by a luxury coach which took us to Port Douglas to meet our catamaran.
Soon after boarding we were on our way and had a 90-minute trip ahead of us to the Outer Reef where we were going to be spending our day.
The boat had four decks, a galley selling snacks and drinks, loads of inside and outside seating and a sundeck. Ticket price includes morning tea, a buffet lunch and afternoon tea so we were really looked after all day.
We opted for the top deck to enjoy the fresh air blowing through our hair and soaking up the gorgeous sunshine (cliche I know … however we reminded ourselves we were truly in heaven as it was hailing back in Adelaide that day!)
Soon enough we arrived at the Outer Reef as the boat pulled up to moor alongside the large pontoon. This was to be our floating home away from home for the day and the perfect place to snorkel, dive and explore the gorgeous reef around us for the day.
It didn’t take too long for the boys to get into their lycra suits (optional but protective for the sun and stingers (precautionary) and they were ready! They provided all the life jackets, pool noodles, flippers, snorkels, masks and everything else you could need – all you need to bring is your bathers and a towel!
Plus, don’t fear that you’ll be unsafe! Trained lifesavers are watching over the entire snorkelling area constantly PLUS it’s a roped-off area so there’s no risk of you ending up in the middle of nowhere – you’re all safe and protected thanks to the fab team at Quicksilver Cruises.
If you don’t want to get in the water, don’t despair! You can stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of the Quicksilver semi-submersible sub. Sit just one metre underwater and experience a diver’s view of the reef as you glide slowly through the reef lagoons and colourful coral gardens in air-conditioned comfort.
You can also watch the fish feed and all of the activity in the water directly from an underwater viewing platform on the Quicksilver pontoon. Especially popular with young kids and those who don’t want to enter the water, there’s no way you’ll miss out on all the action!
I had put my name down for an introductory scuba dive as it’s been on my bucket list since forever and I was thrilled for the chance to get up close and discover the magic of what lies beneath the surface!
We had a very comprehensive briefing/training session on the boat on the way across to the island (a great way to kill 45 minutes travel time!) and so by the time we donned our wetsuits we were up to speed on the theory – now it was time to put it all into practice!
Before I knew it my dive time had arrived! I was nervous and excited all in one and ready to explore the magical world underneath!
What I will say I have done a lot of fun things in my life (bungee jumping, skydiving, parasailing,jet boating, white water rafting etc) however OH MY GOODNESS, IT’S ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING THINGS I’VE EVER DONE IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!
All up the dive went for about 40 minutes (or so) and without saying too much, I’ll let the below video do the talking. Enjoy your sneak peek of life under the surface on the Great Barrier Reef, oh and I’m the one with the green flippers! 😉
As if that wasn’t amazing enough, next up we took part in a 10-minute Great Barrier Reef helicopter flight with GBR Helicopters. Master 4 had never been in a helicopter before (although Master 6 had!) so let’s just say there was a lot of energy and anticipation in the air! A quick snap before we jumped onboard and we were off!
The views from the helicopter were simply stunning! Huge expanses of coral, and as we flew down lower, we could see the detail (and even the turtles) – truly incredible! Do you think they liked it? 😉
Before long it was time to board the Catamaran and head back for the mainland. Wow what an incredible day … so full of amazing wonder and a whole lot of firsts!!
The boys had a blast, and quite honestly, so did we!
5. Cairns
I’d been to Cairns before but it was a fleeting trip on the tail end of a conference in Port Douglas so it felt nice to get out and explore the town for what it’s worth!
We stayed in one of their new Family Rooms at the Rydges Hotel on the Esplanade. Besides being based right on the waterfront (well almost) and boasting great views across the harbour, the family rooms feature a double bed in the main section plus a smallish area for the kids in an alcove area which had bunk beds and a toddler bed, allowing you to sleep up to 5! Oh, and there’s free Wifi too!
There are also 2 x TVs and 2 x X-Box Gaming systems so the kids can play a game and watch a DVD on their level. For my two boys, this was the game changer! hahaha
Muddy’s Playground on the Esplanade in Cairns is amazing for the kids, they had a blast and there is something for kids of all ages! The playground features water play, loads of climbing, an infant/toddler section and bigger climbing adventures for older kids.
The playground features water play, loads of climbing, an infant/toddler section and bigger climbing adventures for older kids.
There’s even a cafe right in the middle so you can refuel, recharge (and maybe even have a little ‘me’ time while you’re there!! Perfect!
6. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & Kuranda Scenic Railway
Skyrail is a unique rainforest experience taking you on an unforgettable journey over and through World Heritage listed Rainforest.
Glide just metres above the canopy in Skyrail’s comfortable six-person gondolas and enjoy spectacular views of the rainforest, Cairns, the Coral Sea and the lush Cairns Highlands.
Two rainforest stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls, provide the opportunity to explore and learn about this ancient environment on Ranger guided boardwalk tours, Djabugay Aboriginal Guided tours and at the Rainforest Interpretation Centre.
Multiple winners of the Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism, Skyrail is The World’s Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience. We had an absolute blast and the boys loved it! It’s about 15 minutes between each station so a really enjoyable adventure for the kids. Be sure to get off at each station and explore the beautiful world around you along each of their boardwalk paths. Truly stunning and very magical!
Upon arriving at Kuranda (the end destination of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, we were greeted by the beautiful sounds of the didgeridoo!
We then had about an hour and a half to explore the magic of the town of Kuranda. The first stop was the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (next page) followed by a hearty lunch at ‘Frogs Restaurant’ and a wander around the various markets in the town.
Eventually made our way back down for the 3.30pm train ride home with Kuranda Scenic Railway. Established in 1891, it was a magnificent feat to build the magnificent railway, we got to learn about the history, see the stunning landscapes and of course experience the joy of a classic train journey.
We were fortunate to be in the Gold Class Carriage which was a nice touch and highly recommended. I got to sip champagne on arrival as we took a seat and eagerly awaited departure as the bustling platform slowly thinned out with everyone onboard.
With a running commentary the whole ride back down to Cairns, it was a really wonderful experience as you learnt about how the railway tracks were built, the man hours that went into building the 15 tunnels you go through along the way and of course the spectacular waterfalls that you see on your way.
The Gold Class ticket includes all drinks and a delicious cheese and fruit platter, showcasing the best the region has to offer! Needless to say, it made for a very relaxing and spectacular ride back.
The ride was stunning and the nostalgia was just amazing! How could you not get caught up in it all?
A video posted by Mum Central (@mumcentral) on
7. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Our first destination once we reached Kuranda was the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. We’d heard it was pretty spectacular and it didn’t disappoint!
The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in the Southern Hemisphere and needs to be seen to be believed.
Home to over 2000 magnificent tropical butterflies, like us, you’ll be enchanted by the aerial dynamics of these elusive wonders of nature as you wander through the aviary’s rainforest gardens. The butterflies include local rainforest species, including the electric blue Ulysses and the majestic green & yellow Cairns Birdwing.
If you stand still long enough (or wear white!) they’ll be drawn to you and land on you, staying long enough to capture some incredible photos like we did. The boys had a blast and so did we. I could have spent ages in there just marvelling at their sheer beauty.
The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is open every day except Christmas Day so be sure to pop it on your ‘to do’ list when you get to Kuranda.
8. THE VERDICT
All in all, we had the most fabulous time in Tropical North Queensland. It lived up to our expectations in more ways than one! The weather was a glorious 28 most days (in the middle of July!), there was sunshine, it wasn’t too humid and we just had such a blast getting back to connecting as a family in the most stunning surroundings.
I think what I loved best is that you can go as hard or as easy as you like, there’s something for families and kids of all ages so really it all depends on what you’re into! Doesn’t matter if you’re into action and adventure or long lazy days by the beach or pool, there’s something for everyone!
The best bit? It’d have to be that you’re doing it surrounded by the most beautiful scenery, be it long sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs or a pristine rainforest.
It’s such a quality holiday and the best bit? You don’t need a passport or even leave our beautiful country. It’s right on our doorstep, and for me, that’s a damn good thing!
This has been a sponsored post for Tourism Tropical North Queensland. The opinions in this story are my own, we truly did have an absolute blast and will be back! #exploretnq
