Far North Queensland — She Went Solo

As my instagram advertised, a few weeks ago (by which I mean November), I took a quick trip to Queensland's tropical north in search of cassowaries, Nemo and Dory and a very light tan.

Like most Australian's I often freeze up when someone from overseas asks me about how most famous and beautiful destinations. Cultural, we share a reputation with our Kiwi cousins of being travellers. While that is certainly true most young Australian's are much more likely to backpack around Europe or South America for 6 months then take a short flight to somewhere local. As both a young Australian and the member of a family who isn't into road trips and camping, I am embarrassed to admit that a lot of British backpackers have probably seen more of my homeland then I have.

So, in an effort to fix this a friend and I took a 10-day trip up north to experience the gorgeous Daintree rainforest and sadly critically endangered Great Barrier Reef.

Splitting our time between the areas getaway city, Cairns, the isolated but gorgeous Cape Tribulation and the resort town of Port Douglas we attempted to crame as much as we could possibly could while still leaving time for cocktails and swimming.

First things first: they really don't call it tropical North Queensland for nothing. As an Australian I naively believed that I would easily become ac customised to the weather conditions. Boy was I wrong. As soon as we stepped foot off the plane in Cairns the heat felt like nothing short of an inferno. And it was only 11am. Humid and beyond sunny the weather made it feel like a world away from my hometown and even the places I have visited on the NSW north coast.

(I should note that I did go at the beginning of a summer, partly as a way of avoiding the influx of tourists in the peak period between May and July and partly because we couldn't wait for a holiday)

Once I became slightly used to the tropical conditions (with the help of the abundant air con) and made sure I avoided a major episode of sunburn, the weather did become almost pleasant.

Weather issues aside, I very quickly realised why so many tourists spend 20 plus hours in transit to get this beautiful part of the world.

From the laid back nightlife of Cairns to the isolated tranquillity of Cape Tribulation to out of this world beauty of the reefs, it is place with an atmosphere that makes it hard not to feel relaxed.

I could babbler on all day about the wonders of this special strip of coast and rain forest but to spare your mind and time here is a quick run-down on my best tips for a wonderful and hopefully repeated trip to Queensland tropical north.

To eat and drink:

Sassi Cucina e Bar: Gorgeous little Italian place in Port Douglas with very fresh seafood (obviously) and a great wine list.

2 Fish Restaurant: Another fantastic Port Douglas restaurant which has won numerous awards.

Barbados: Outdoor bar on the Port Douglas Marina with delicious cocktails and giant fans. Bonus fun fact: The Real Housewives of Auckland had a racially charged argument here.

Hemingway's: Another must visit on the Port Douglas Marina this microbrewery, bar and restaurant not only serves there own beers but also locally made spirits.

Lanternfish: A takeaway fish and chip shop that serves lobster bruschetta (seriously)

WHET: A super relaxed (and cheap by Sydney standards) cocktail bar and restaurant in the middle of the Daintree Rainforest.

Masons' Cafe: If you ever wanted to try a crocodile or roadkill burger this is the place to fulfil your adventurous culinary dreams.

Mando: A tiny hole-in-the-wall Korean dumpling bar in Cairns where each little mosule of tastiness is made right in front of you.

Harrisons: Apparently.

Salsa Bar and Grill: Apparently.

To do:

Go Island Hopping: There are literally hundreds of islands along the northern Queensland coast with front row access to the Great Barrier Reef and local wildlife. Quick tip: if you want to avoid the crowds and get a spot on the sand try to avoid the easiest and most family friendly islands like Green Island.

Rusty's Markets: A farmers style market right in heart of Cairns filled with local delicacies (think plenty of tropical fruit) and produce from as far as Papua New Guinea.

Swim at Masons' Watering Hole: Fun fact: as a way as perhaps reaffirming the stereotype that everything in Australia wants to kill you, the beaches around Cape Tribulation are apparently filled with crocodiles. So, if you want to safely cool off head to his not-so-secret swimming hole after hoofing down a crocodile burger.

Rain forest Night Tour: Cause if you are going to get killed by some Australian wildlife why not do it in style?