The best holiday destination for a tropical getaway in Queensland

With international travel off the table many people are looking to explore the beauty of Australia but with so many wonderful options it can be hard to know where to go.

If you are looking for a trip that will fulfil your tropical holiday needs then look no further than Cairns.

Situated in tropical Far North Queensland, Cairns has just taken out the top spot for online travel site Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year awards.

The awards, in their fourth year, decide on the top 10 ranking Australian destinations based on good affordability, well-rated accommodation and increasing traveller interest over the last 12 months.

Cairns has grown in popularity given its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – the oldest rainforest in the world.

While having access to two world heritage sites is obviously a major drawcard for many travellers, we have also compiled a list of other attractions that could make your stay in Cairns extra special.

FOR THE THRILL SEEKERS

Those that are looking for a bit of extra excitement with their holiday you can’t go past Skypark Cairns – but be warned, this isn’t for the faint hearted.

Situated just 20 minutes north of Cairns City in the heart of the World Heritage Rainforest is Australia’s only bungy jump site.

Those who are brave enough can leap off a platform situation 50 metres above a deep natural lagoon.

If bungy jumping alone isn’t extreme enough for you, there are also 16 different jump styles you can do if you want to ramp up the thrill factor.

After the bungy jump you can head over to the giant swing, which is the only multi-person swing in Australia.

The swing can reach speeds of up to 120km/h in just 3.5 seconds and can accommodate up to three people at a time.

For those looking for something a little less extreme, you can take a walk up to the top of Cairns’ highest viewing platform and take in all the spectacular sights the region has to offer.

FOR A LITTLE BIT OF LUXURY

If your idea of a holiday is sipping cocktails by a pool or relaxing in a spa after receiving a world-class hot stone massage then look no further than Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort.

Riley offers everything you could need for a relaxing holiday, with a pool, restaurants and day spa all within walking distance from your room.

There are three restaurants on site, Rocco, Paper Crane and Greenfields, with each offering a unique dining experience.

Guests can also head down to Eléme Day Spa where you can choose from a range of massages, facials and beauty treatments.

Afterwards you can head down to the 100sqm pool, which also offers a range of poolside food and drinks.

FOR THE ARTSY TYPES

The newly refurbished Court House Gallery is the perfect place to visit for those wanting to inject a bit of culture into their holiday.

The building was officially opened to the public in February following a $8.28 million restoration and refurbishment.

The space is currently hosting three exhibitions from Indigenous artists: From the Ground Up by Yarrabah Ceramics; Justicia by Bonemap; and Lore to Law by UMI Arts.

The Lore to Law exhibition conveys a First Nation’s perspectives of the Court House and serves to articulate stories from the period between 1877 and 1992 that have been passed down through generations.

The exhibition includes a diverse range of artworks and provides an insight into Indigenous perspectives associated with traditional systems of cultural lore and the challenges faced when navigating a new justice system of law.

The From the Ground Up exhibition includes a range of functional and sculptural ceramics.

“The foundation to each story reflects childhood memories of fishing, hunting and collecting from the land and sea,” information from the Cairns Regional Council states.

“An intimate understanding of the environment manifests in abstract and contemporary depictions of food sources, seasonal change, significant places and features of Country.”

The Justicia exhibition is a collaboration of Bonemap, made up of media designer, Russell Milledge and dancer, Rebecca Youdell, and Indigenous artist Zane Saunders.

Together they create performative and photographic works which were shot during the renovation of the Court House.

Large format photographs and footage give audiences a sense of the building as it was prior to restoration, while also exploring the shared social and cultural histories associated with the site.

FOR THE FOODIES

If you are looking for a fantastic meal made with fresh, local ingredients then you can’t go past CC’s Bar and Grill.

The restaurant is famous for its steak, which comes directly from Crystalbrook Station, about three hours from Cairns.

The menu aims to celebrate the best of Australian produce, which is reflected in its hearty, flavoursome dishes.

If steak isn’t your thing, CC’s Bar and Grill also offers a range of other dishes that are sure to satisfy the tastebuds, including local seafood and vegetarian options.

If you are looking for an after-dinner cocktail to round out your evening then you should head down to the Three Wolves.

Hidden down a brick laneway in the heart of Cairns CBD, this bar offers a unique range of cocktails, spirits and beers.

If you get a bit peckish, the Three Wolves also offers a range of dishes, which use fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a menu with a “Spanish flare”.

If you are a gin fan, you can head across the laneway to the Wolf Lane Distillery for a tasting paddle of its award-winning gins.