Also known as Tropical North Queensland, Far North Queensland is the northernmost part of Queensland. It stretches from Cardwell up to the Torres Strait, and it is Queensland’s largest region, covering 20% of the state (about one and a half times the state of Victoria).
A challenging hike to the summit of Mount Bartle Frere, the highest mountain in Queensland at 1,611. The peak has the second-most elevation gain of any summit in Australia.
A partly-easy (along the Bump Track) and partly-hard route in the Mowbray National Park to the Big Mowbray Falls.
A popular Daintree bushwalk, the Mossman Gorge Rainforest Circuit passes a swimming hole on the Mossman River, many giant fig trees and cascades along Rex Creek.
The Archways in the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park is a spectacular network of narrow passages and light-filled caverns. Nearby is the equally impressive Mungana Aboriginal Rock Art Site.
A short walk in the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, exploring two self-guided caves and Balancing Rock, an enormous limestone boulder. Near Balancing Rock is one of two accessible Aboriginal art sites in the Chillagoe Caves area.
The Nandroya Falls Loop bushwalk in the Wooroonooran National Park passes some small cascades, with the destination being a spectacular plunge waterfall and large swimming hole.
The very distinctive Walshs Pyramid is about 30min south of Cairns. The steep climb up the summit rewards with sweeping views over the Atherton Tablelands and surrounding peaks.
A short loop walk in the Dinden National Park (an hour from Cairns), the Davies Creek Falls circuit track combines great views, a waterfall and many idyllic swimming holes.
Well deserving of its reputation as a world-renowned bushwalking trail, the 32km Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island combines lush rainforest, picturesque beaches and idyllic tropical waterholes.