Conquering Cape York is one of the quintessential Aussie adventures, but while this remote and largely untouched peninsula continues to draw holidaymakers in ever-increasing numbers, there are many other tropical Queensland treasures to enjoy.

Far North Queensland conjures images of endless sun-bleached beaches lapped gently by crystal, azure waters. Swaying palms and steaming rainforest, lolling beneath a blazing hot sun. Coral wonderlands and abundant wildlife – paradise, for travellers and locals alike. But it’s also a land of contrast. Move inland and the dense foliage makes way for the bush, and then the vast, dry savannah that stretches across the bottom of the Cape to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Fortunately, if the northernmost tip of Australia beckons, your route will invariably take you within striking distance of many of the Sunshine State’s other gems. So if you’re hauling your camper up the map until the land runs out, take your time. The region around Cairns, in particular, is an Aladdin’s cave of natural splendour, while heading into the outback reveals myriad other surprises. So, for a few appetisers before you tackle Cape York’s famed Telegraph Track, here are just a few of CTA’s favourite tropical Queensland temptations…

Cairns to Karumba

Once you’ve had your fill of cosmopolitan Cairns, a westward escape to Karumba via the Gulf Development Road reveals the majesty of the Gulf Savannah in all its glory. This is timeless country – a landscape largely untouched by human hands.

However, while the endless horizons and huge skies are a major drawcard, there are several historic towns along this 750km route that are worthy of investigation.

The Undara Volcanic National Park, with its famous lava tubes, provides a snapshot of the landscape’s birth. Mount Surprise provides a handy base – not just for Undara but for the Savannahlander
train, too.

Further west lies the old gold mining town of Georgetown, while next you’ll reach Croydon – another historic centre with plenty of things to see and do.

Normanton also holds plenty of interest for history buffs and is home to the Gulflander train, which is well worth a visit.

At your journey’s end lies Karumba; a fisho’s paradise on the Gulf of Carpentaria, where the spectacular sunsets are a fitting finale to your Gulf Savannah adventure.

Cairns to Karumba Fast Facts

Bedrock Village Caravan Park and Tours, Mount Surprise QLD 4871, phone (07) 4062 3193.

Croydon Caravan Park, Croydon QLD 4871, phone (07) 4745 6238.

Gulf Country Caravan Park, Karumba QLD 4891, phone (07) 4745 9148.

Babinda Boulders

Just 60km south of Cairns, on the Bruce Highway, lies the small hamlet of Babinda, and just 6km off the highway itself you’ll find one of the Cairns region’s hidden jewels – the Babinda Boulders.

When temperatures are rising in the steaming wet season, a visit to the Babinda Boulders offers a cooling respite from the heat and humidity. Near the car park you’ll find a grassy picnic area with BBQs and tables, while a circuit walk through the rainforest takes you past a number of stunning swimming holes, where kids’ squeals of delight have rung through the trees for years.

However, there’s a darker side to this all this beauty. Just downstream from the car park, the gentle currents make way for a swirling cauldron of canyons and underwater caves. Nine people have lost their lives here since 1959, so it’s essential you stick to the track

Treat the Babinda Boulders with respect, and enjoy them in all their majesty.

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Babinda Boulders Fast Facts

Camping is not permitted at the Boulders, but a small Cairns Council-run campground (five sites, one shower, one toilet, no power) is located just back up the road from the car park. There’s also the Babinda Creek Camping Area, on the old highway on the eastern side of town. For more information phone the Babinda Information Centre on (07) 4067 1008.

Atherton Tablelands

With gorgeous scenery, an idyllic climate and attractions aplenty, the Atherton Tablelands, found in a compact region less than an hour west of Cairns, has much to offer.

The verdant countryside owes its fertile nature to a volcanic past, while the higher altitude means summers lack the usual far north Queensland sting – a good thing given the wide range of nature walks that dot the region. Then, after you’ve given your legs a workout, you can soak you aching limbs at the Innot Hot Springs Leisure and Health Park at Ravenshoe, Queensland’s highest town – where, for your enjoyment, the 72-degree waters are cooled to a more palatable 43.

You can do worse than to spend an hour cruising picturesque Lake Barrine, while nature lovers can meet the Mareeba rock wallaby population at the Granite Gorge Nature Park.

Still not satisfied? There’s still the Chinese heritage of Atherton, the World Heritage-listed rainforest, Kuranda’s scenic railway, and much, much more – you won’t leave the Atherton Tablelands disappointed…

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Atherton Tablelands Fast Facts

Innot Hot Springs Leisure and Health Park, Kenney Highway, Innot Hot Springs QLD 4872, phone (07) 4097 0136.

Riverside Caravan Park, 13 Egan Street, Mareeba QLD 4880, phone (07) 4092 2309.

Malanda Falls Caravan Park, 38 Park Avenue, Malanda QLD 4885, phone (07) 4096 5314.

Daintree National Park

No trip to the Cairns region would be complete without a visit to the sublime Daintree National Park. Located 110km north of Cairns and accessed by a sealed highway, it’s famed the world over for its World Heritage-listed rainforest, which is home to many rare plant and animal species.

A guided tour of the park is a must, and should you take a cruise down the Daintree River it shouldn’t be long before you come face to snout with some of its famed reptilian residents. While the crocs may grab the limelight, there is abundant life of all manner of description here – nature lovers will be in seventh heaven!

Other ‘must sees’ in the area include Mossman Gorge – more spectacular rainforest and a swing suspension bridge – the tourist hot-spot of Port Douglas (with its many fine restaurants), and the wild beauty of Cape Tribulation. Try to hit the car ferry to the latter before 9.00am (it gets busy), and allow a full day to explore and do the many nature walks.

Tourism has boomed in this part of Queensland over the last 15 or so years, but nevertheless, this region’s wonders are still a privilege to behold. N

Daintree Fast Facts

The Pinnacle Village Holiday Park is a four-star rated Top Tourist park located at Vixies Road, Wonga Beach QLD 4873, phone (07) 4098 7566 or 1800 222 728.

Simply Daintree Tours, phone 1800 658 833 or book through the Pinnacle Village Holiday Park.

As featured in Camper Trailer Australia, issue 28.