Things To See And Do

Here in Tropical North Queensland, we like to say we live in Nature’s Theme Park, and the activities and attractions here are renowned the world over. From the spectacular Great Barrier Reef to World Heritage-listed rainforests and all in between, your holiday can be as active or as relaxing as you wish.

Do ask us when you arrive about special interests and preferred activities, however here are some ideas to get you started:

Kuranda Village, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway And Kuranda Scenic Railway
One of the ‘must-do’ visitor attractions is this great day trip. Skyrail, the world’s most beautiful rainforest experience, is located very close to Yorkeys Knob. A 7km cablecar ride, Skyrail transfers you to Kuranda, the village in the rainforest where you’ll discover many attractions, cafes, shops and markets. Transfer back down the range with the picture postcard Kuranda Scenic Railway on antique railway carriages, as you watch views stretching across the canefields to the Coral Sea.

Hot Air Ballooning
The perfect weather conditions in the Highlands behind Cairns make it an ideal location for hot air ballooning. The landscape at sunrise is stunning, as you drift quietly across the patchwork of agricultural land and forests. Come back to earth and relive the experience with your fellow travellers as you tuck in to a breakfast of orange juice, champagne, eggs and bacon, tropical fruits and more. Have an early night beforehand – ballooning tours depart early at 4.30am!

The Atherton Tablelands
The Highlands or Tablelands are an elevated, naturally air-conditioned plateaux about an hours’ drive away. Nature and lifestyle have combined to produce an intoxicating mix up here. The Tablelands are rainforests, national parks, rivers, lakes and waterfalls, plus delightfully charming townships and attractions to stop and marvel at. Highlights include Millstream Falls, the extinct volcano crater lakes of Barrine and Eacham, Bromfield Swamp and the Mareeba Wetlands (a must for birdwatchers) and the Hypipamee National Park with its bottomless crater near Herberton.

Port Douglas, Daintree And Cape Tribulation
Another not-to-be-missed day trip from Yorkeys Knob. Your adventure begins on the highway – a coastal drive rated as one of Australia’s most scenic. The mountains meet the sea, and the drive is dotted with palm fringed tropical beaches, hidden coves and rugged headlands. Experience Port Douglas, the international resort village beside the sea, then continue on to the Daintree rainforest through the old sugar town of Mossman with its beautiful refreshing Mossman Gorge swimming area. Drive on through the enchanted Daintree rainforest to Cape Tribulation to see this spectacular sweep of beach. All the roads are sealed all the way to Cape Tribulation.

Paronella Park And The Innisfail Region
The drive south of Cairns is equally beautiful. Lush cane fields and high, rainforest covered peaks are the landmarks here. After stopping at the seaside town of Innisfail, don’t miss a trip to Paronella Park, an attraction that is both historic and cultural. One man’s dream, Paronella Park is a Spanish Castle ruin from the early 1900s beside a beautiful river and waterfall. The exotic and extensive gardens planted by the originator, Jose Paronella, are included in the tours here.

The Great Barrier Reef
Exploring the reef is both exhilarating and wonderfully easy. You can snorkel or scuba dive, with all equipment provided on the cruises that depart daily to the reef, view the reef without getting wet from an underwater observatory or a semi submersible cruise through the coral gardens, or take a scenic flight on a helicopter or fixed wing aircraft. Either way, its simply spectacular! All tour operators offer pick ups and drop offs from The York Apartments.

Kite Surfing At Yorkeys Knob
Kite surfing, one of the newest sports to take off in Australia, has really hit the beach of Yorkeys Knob. Under ideally perfect conditions, the kite surfers are here on the beach most afternoons and watching their colourful sails skim across the blue waters as the riders seek the next gust of wind is mesmerising. Both experienced kite surfers and novices are catered for with onsite tuition. Have a go!

For these and more great tours and cruises, please visit our online tour desk.