NORTH QUEENSLAND

is the worlds largest reef is exploring rainforest is learning local cultures is an unforgettable journey

NORTH QUEENSLAND

Far North Queensland is a blissful mix of sun-kissed beaches, friendly locals and two of Australias most famous attractions; The Great Barrier Reef and The Daintree Rainforest.

With a laid-back vibe and plenty of culture to get stuck into, it makes for the perfect long weekend getaway for Aussies and a great look at the best of Australia for our international visitors.

The Indigenous communities in Queensland we work with have helped us to create a tour that goes above and beyond your usual Instagram worthy sights.

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QUEENSLAND: OUR TOURS

From reef to rainforest: an Indigenous immersion

Join us on this five-day experience in Tropical North Queensland. Famous for where the reef meets the rainforest, this Cairns and Port Douglas long weekend combines some of the most incredible natural wonders in Australia with an immersive Indigenous experience. From traditional art workshops to snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, we promise you an in-depth overview of this sun-soaked destination.

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“

Sharing the experience of seeing the Great Barrier Reef – one of the 7 wonders of the World and meeting the Indigenous community in Cairns with my children during the launch tour for Hands on Journeys will definitely be a memory I will cherish. We were touched by the community and their smiles, so open and welcoming and we were sad to wave goodbye on the coach ride home.

– Rowena, Hands on Journeys Operations Manager

QUEENSLAND

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Language

The common language of Australia as we know it is currently Australian English, although we have plenty of our own slang words thrown in for good measure. In Queensland there are over 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and dialects still spoken, and around 20 of these are first languages in day to day use.

Cuisine

Australia is well known for its fresh and local produce with Queensland most famous for its cattle and fresh seafood. With plenty of bush tucker, traditional and native plants and seeds working their way back onto dishes in restaurants of varying size, now is an exciting time to sample the flavours of Australian cuisine.

Local interaction

The location of North Queensland and its proximity to the Torres Strait Islands means various communities now call home to this part of the country. Both Indigenous Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal Australians work together on our immersion day allowing an insight into both cultures. Queensland locals are well known for their laid-back approach and sunny personalities.

Best time

Best time to travel: North Queensland enjoys relatively warm temperatures all year round making it an appealing getaway destination for locals and tourists alike throughout the year. With two distinct seasons, winter between April and September which is slightly cooler and with less rainfall and the balmy summers between October and March bringing hot temperatures and heavy periods of rain.

Shopping

While Cairns and Port Douglas are not main shopping hubs, both offer souvenir stores, traditional artworks and the typical stores you would find in most Australian cities and towns.