Plan Book Travel Australia

Tropical North Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea islands and the Great Barrier Reef to the east and the rainforest mountains that sweep down from the northernmost section of the Great Dividing Range to the west. Inland from the balmy, humid coast, the Atherton Tableland is elevated 600-900m above sea level. Known as the cool tropics, the weather is usually warm and sunny during the day, while nights are cool to cold.

The region offers waterfalls, lush Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed rainforests, idyllic palm-fringed tropical beaches and islands, the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef, extinct volcanoes and crater lakes all waiting to be explored. Home to Queensland's most northerly city, eden-like Cairns, the region attracts millions of tourist dollars each year, taking pride of place as an international holiday destination. The townships of tropical North Queensland feature an eclectic combination of colonial tropical architecture, modern resorts and a laid-back lifestyle. Visitors can choose from an array of outdoor activities from sunbathing to snorkelling.

Crater Lakes: Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham have formed in the craters of extinct volcanoes; volcanic activity ceased on the Tablelands around 20 000 years ago. Lake Eacham was an early settler's camp. Aborigines believed it to be haunted and steered clear of the vicinity calling it, No Man's Land of Devil Devils. The lakes offer enchanting rainforest walks, accommodation, picnicking, swimming and cruises; they are also home to the unique rainbow fish. Lake Euramo, located nearby is a third crater lake filled with swamp.