Where the Rainforest Meets the Reef: Discover North Queensland on a Couples’ Short Break

One of the many wonderful things about Australia as a travel destination is the incredible diversity of landscapes and environments there are to be explored. North Queensland is one of these stunning locales. Here, the rainforest meets the reef, giving couples plenty of options with what they can see and do on a short break – from wandering amongst the whipbirds to discovering magical under and over-water worlds.

Stretching up the eastern side of Australia, this gorgeous part of the world incorporates the beautiful regions of the Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach, the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest as well as Cape York, Port Douglas and Cairns (to name a few!)

People all over the world flock for the rare opportunity to snorkel amongst the schools of fish as well as a host of other marine life in the Great Barrier Reef. There’s no possible way of overstating the beauty of this World Heritage listed site and it’s a rare and special opportunity to be able to share such an awe-inspiring experience with your loved one.

North of Cairns, the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest also awaits you. Couples will love taking a walk observing rare and unusual plant species, fungi and wildlife amongst the misty tracks and pathways. The Daintree also offers couples a huge variety of activities; whether you’re in the mood for bird watching, horse-riding, a scenic flight or fishing or river tour – they’re all here.

Travel even further north for the locations of Cooktown and Cape York and discover Australian Indigenous and pioneering history, learning from one of the world’s oldest cultures on a Maaramaka Walkabout Tour. Enjoy fantastic fishing in a remote region or take the four wheel driving adventure of a lifetime through this unique landscape.

This truly is a wonderful and magical region of Queensland.

Find your perfect luxury accommodation in North Queensland:

For couples who are seeking the ultimate setting for romance, the list of outstanding accommodation options is impressive.

Enjoy a true island escape on Fitzroy Island Resort which offers couples a ‘Romance on the Reef’ package so you can spend more time with your sweetheart and less time planning.

Couples visiting Airlie Beach can make the most of their short break with a stay at Coral Sea Resort, enjoying beachfront accommodation and (why not – you’re on holidays) a couples’ massage. In this little town which is the launching point to many of the amazing Whitsunday Islands and southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find a buzzing nightlife as well as gourmet delights in five star restaurants.

In the Daintree region, a 15 minute drive from Port Douglas, couples looking to get amongst nature might enjoy a stay at Silky Oaks Lodge in riverfront treehouse accommodation. Sit amongst the rainforest canopy sipping a cocktail, or soothe your souls at the Healing Waters Spa in the perfect surrounds for reaching your own personal zen.

Or if the idea of a ‘home away from home’ appeals, couples can indulge themselves at The Beach House on Newell Beach (by Executive Retreats), conveniently situated between Port Douglas, the Daintree, Mossman Gorge and the Great Barrier Reef.

North Queensland is the perfect getaway for couples of all fancies so pack your bags now and be revitalised by this awe-inspiring part of the world.  

Aerial picture of Airlie Beach with a sailboat or yacht over calm blue waters
Airlie Beach
Couple trekking a river in Daintree Rainforest
Daintree Rainforest
Aerial view of Cains with cityscapes and beaches
Cairns
Eliot Falls on the Cape York Peninsula
Eliot Falls on the Cape York Peninsula
A couple of scuba divers surrounded by a school of fish in the Great Barrier Reef
Discovering wonders in the Great Barrier Reef
Heart-shaped reef in the Whitsundays
Heart-shaped reef in the Whitsundays

Related articles: The Whitsundays: A Bounty of Beaches48 Hours in Cairns.

All photos from Tourism and Events Queensland.

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