Dive and snorkel among colourful reefs and 1000s of fish at one of the Natural Wonders of the World. Cape York Peninsula was the first part of Australia to be discovered by Europeans. Yet it remains a near-wilderness offering dramatic mountains, eucalypts, mangroves and rainforests, heath lands, grasslands, swamps and rivers to the adventuring traveller. Although it is not advisable to swim on the Peninsula’s beaches due to crocodiles, many deep-flowing creeks provide refreshing waterfalls and swimming holes to revive in. The Peninsula is accessible by plane, four-wheel-drive tour or cruise boat.

Discover Port Douglas
Once a sleepy seaside village, Port Douglas has become a vibrant resort town yet has retained its timeless air. Aside from Four Mile Beach and the reef access, it has fabulous bars, cafes and restaurants.

Exploring islands
The coral waters are dotted with islands. Lush Green and Fitzroy Islands are a day trip from Cairns. Popular Dunk Island is only minutes from Mission Beach, and exclusive Bedarra, Hinchinbrook and Orpheus Islands lie dreamily nearby.

Start at beautiful Cairns
Cairns - the heart of the tropical north – offers great access to reef and islands, and is a perfect base for exploring. Just north are lovely beaches including Yorkeys Knob, Palm Cove and Ellis Beach.