If I had a 10 cent coin for every time a reader asked 'oh my gosh, where was this photo taken?' I would be living like a Queen. Filling my readers with wanderlust for my tropical habitat puts a huge smile on my face. After all, I feel so blessed to be living in a dictionary definition of Paradise.
For all the readers who have ever loved looking at my photo shoot locations, I have listened and I am about to deliver: this one's for you! Get ready for a photographic tour of the natural wonder that is Far North Queensland.
Having first visited Cairns and it's surrounding areas as a backpacker in 2012, I quickly found myself falling deeply in love with the area. One evening, after a tour of the pristine Atherton Tablelands, I met my partner, a cairns local and ended up falling in love with him too (Eek- cheese alert much? CRINGE). The rest, as all corny novels say, is history...
All within a driving distance of the Cairns tourist hub, here's ten places you have to visit in Far North Queensland....
1. Millaa Millaa Falls, Atherton Tablelands
Nestled in pristine rain forest in the Cairns Highlands, Millaa Millaa falls makes you feel as if you have walked straight into a fairy tale.
With a 18m plunging cascade that vanishes into a pristine pool, it is easy to see why Millaa Millaa is the most photographed waterfall in Australia.
Made famous by the erm, interesting music video for Peter Andre's 'Mysterious Girl', you can take a dip in this refreshing mountain stream pool and maybe even do a hair flip while you're at it! It's apparently been featured in a Herbal Essences Ad too, and hey; who doesn't want to pretend to be one of those women?
The waterfall is situated on the Atherton Tableland's 'Waterfall Circuit', consisting of Milaa Milaa, Zillie, Ellinjaa and Pepina Falls. So if you have a car and a love for waterfalls: this one's for you!
Get The Look
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2. Daintree- Cape Tribulation
Famously known as the place where the rain forest meets the reef, at Cape Tribulation you can literally see the coral touching the tree-lined shores.
Cape Tribulation is an adventure. Setting off from the Daintree river, take a ferry across the most crocodile-infested river in Queensland and make your way up the winding rain forest path to Cape Tribulation.
A true nature lovers paradise, you can spot Crocodiles basking in the wild by taking a Daintree River Cruise. You may even see an endangered Cassowary on your adventure!
Along the way, take refuge in private swimming spots (check for crocodile signs- PLEASE), visit sandy beaches and take a stroll along boardwalks set high among st the rain forest canopy.
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3. Fitzroy Island, Cairns
If the dictionary had photographs, Fitzroy Island would be next to the word 'paradise'. Situated a mere thirty minute boat ride from the Cairns CBD, Fitzroy Island has a laid back, sunny vibe that will get you hooked.
Whilst on the island, be sure to visit 'Nudey Beach'; don't worry, I've never actually seen anyone there sans clothes! It's white sand beach and crystal turquoise sea is a beach-lovers haven.
Although the coral isn't the best quality off Fitzroy, it's a really wonderful place for a quick dip! There is even a water trampoline off the main beach. Alternatively, you can burn some serious calories by taking on the challenging 'summit track' to the island's highest points. Between June and October, you may even spot a humpback whale!
If you want to chill, the bar and restaurant on the main beach offers the most luscious cocktails.
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4. Granite Gorge, Mareeba
If you are an animal lover like me, go ahead and add Granite Gorge to your must-go list! A wonderful place to visit for a day trip or an overnight camp, Granite Gorge has several varieties of tropical birds, snakes and lizards you can hold and one crazy, head banging, parrot; who is my favorite resident!
The beautiful rocky landscape is home to several colonies of wild rock wallabies, who you can feed and pet. #CuteAlert
The rock-dotted wilderness is joined by luscious fresh-water streams you can cool off in. Take the walking track to the far end of the wildlife reserve and spot 'Whale Rock.'
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5. The Low Isles, Port Douglas
Remember Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter? Just a few kilometers from the Low Isles was the place where the legend took his last few breaths. Don't let that put you off though! The Low Isles is an underwater garden of colorful soft corals.
As you put on your snorkeling gear and glide along the top of the crystal waters, it becomes obvious that you have entered a whole new world. Swim with majestic sea turtles and witness an abundance of colorful, tropical fish!
Not had enough of your tropical fix? Stay tuned for part two!
Rachel
xoxo