Hidden Secrets & Best Things To Do In Northern Queensland

As somebody who has lived and spent time in both North Queensland and major Australian cities, there’s an intriguing preconception that many people who travel to Australia seem to have – that the place is crawling with all sorts of dangerous insects and animals.  

Yes, if you head right up north, you’re more likely to see some pretty wild-looking insects, and it’s a good idea to be wary. Still, this often-misconstrued idea that you’ll be dodging snakes and crocs for the entirety of your trip has been completely overstated on social media over the years. 

North Queensland is such a remarkable part of the world. With so many tourists seeking out Australia as a paradise in its far-reaching corners, we will be looking at the far-reaching corner of Queensland today. 

Filling Your Time

While some tourists will check out outdoor activities such as the River Drift snorkeling tour and the short boat ride over to Double Island for the sunrise, which are two beautiful destinations we have written about in the past, there’s also an overlooked aspect of what to do as you travel the vastness of this coastline. 

Many people who go up and down the east coast of Queensland underestimate just how long this trip takes and how remote it can get the further you go. In fact, you can apply this to most of Australia once you begin to travel outside the main population centers.  

If you start in Brisbane, the most populous city in the state and the third most populous in Australia, one of the most underrated ways to take this trip is by train from Cairns to Brisbane. 

It is much quicker to fly; in fact, if you do fly, it’ll take about 15 hours off your trip, but if you want to see all of the rural towns and train stations that Queensland has to offer, then this is the best way to do it. Before the internet, without a book or two, you’d be twiddling your thumbs for a while. But in the age of digital gaming, the rise of poker games has proven a hit in Australia, no surprise given how large the gambling market is Down Under.  

Those who play mobile poker have watched this market explode in Australia over the last two decades. When you have a lot of time to burn on your trip, this is becoming an increasingly popular way for those looking to kill some time regardless of where they are traveling Down Under. 

Check Out The Hidden Gems

Those with intimate knowledge of the east coast understand just how many hidden spots there are in Australia. Over time, and thanks to the rise of social media, it has become more difficult for the locals to keep these spots a secret, but that would be an overly negative way to frame it. We’re not just talking about places like the Gold Coast, which has been a well-known tourist hub for generations.  

Digital media has been able to broadcast these areas of Queensland all over the world, which has helped turn little crannies, particularly those north of Cairns, into tourist destinations. Snapper Rocks is the obvious one here and is one of the most famous surf beaches in the world.  

It is the jewel in the crown of Queensland surfing, and while it might not have the death-defying waves of Ghost Tree, as you can see in the link below, if you are looking for a Queensland hidden gem, Springs Beach is our pick. 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6Hgj5EJrzTE  

Places like Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, and Port Douglas are amongst the best picks you can find in the far north. Not only do they offer everything you can wish for from a nightlife perspective, but they have locals who will be more than happy to give you the rundown of interesting things to do that are off the beaten path.  

This can be a trip with a local guide through the rainforest, a crocodile tour, or going right up to Cooktown, if you want to go to one of the furthest northern towns in the entire state. 

Conclusion

The beauty of the internet is that you can plan your trip around your own bespoke ideas. If you want to find the best surfing beaches, then social media and communities will be able to give you a long list of beautiful beaches, whether it’s in Port Lookout or one of the more popular beaches as we mentioned before.  

If you want to rent a car and check out these spots as you travel, there are some genuinely incredible spots. I’ve been all over the world, and few places can match the beauty and the scope that Queensland has to offer, but if you home in on the top corner of the state, you’ll need more than a few weeks to do it all properly and while you can be spoilt for choice if you only have a finite amount of time Down Under, the tip of Queensland is well worth your time.