Taking on Tropical North Queensland with kids

On the hunt for a holiday in paradise that's easy and family-friendly? Tropical North Queensland is your answer. Activities found here will keep the whole clan inspired, with ziplines and river tubing for the adventurous right through to glass bottom boat rides and a butterfly park for the little explorers. In fact there’s so much to do here that planning the trip can be a little overwhelming. But that’s where we step in. This blog post shares all the best activities for families visiting Tropical North Queensland, as well as links so you can get it booked in a couple of clicks!

Vintage train rides, indigenous walks, coffee plantations, distilleries, colourful markets—the list of things to do is long and wonderful. And we haven't even mentioned the Daintree or Great Barrier Reef.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation or a soulful balance of both, Tropical North Queensland will be everything you're looking for and then some. Here's our round-up of the best things to do in TNQ when travelling as a family.

Your little ones might not be ready for a full scuba dive. But should that stop them experiencing this natural wonder of the world? Nope! Sign up for the day tour from Cairns to Green Island and let all ages enjoy views of this coral reef playground from a glass bottom boat. With up to 7-hours on Green Island, you can get set up and settled to really make the most of the day without any fuss. The catamaran ride to and from Green Island is only 45 minutes, meaning you'll be home in a jiffy at the end when everyone's knackered. Free use of snorkel gear: tick. Kids under four go free: double tick.

Just want the Outer Reef experience? This trip from Cairns gives three full hours on the multi-storey activity platform by Great Adventures, where you can snorkel, take a semi-submersible reef viewing tour or sign up for one of many incredible add-on activities. Departing Cairns at 10.30 am and returning at 5.30 pm, this tour can be easier on young families than some of the 10+ hour reef tours. And as a double bonus kids 0-3 travel free. If you like the sound of this but you're not holidaying in Cairns, have a squiz at this similar tour departing from Port Douglas.

Not content with sitting still in one spot? Satisfy your wiggle worms with a full-day tour that's filled to the brim. Combining three hours at a spacious Outer Reef Activity Platform and two hours on Green Island, this is a day packed with discovery and excitement. Stay dry and see it all with the air-conditioned semi-submersible and underwater observatory, or snorkel straight from the platform to discover what all the hype is about when it comes to the GBR. Complete the day with the included buffet lunch or tack on something more incredible, like an underwater scooter or helicopter flight.

Kuranda is an adventure from start to finish. And with the right Kuranda package, it will be one the whole family remembers forever. Board the vintage Kuranda Scenic Railway and chug past rainforests and around waterfalls, then explore the village's vibrant markets before hitting the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. A lesson in the science of the earth never looked so fun. And hotel transfers are included, making it easier to plan and easier on the wallet!

For families with kids over 12, white water rafting on the Barron River will be the holiday highlight. With experienced instructors on your side, this half-day tour will involve 2-hours of rapids through the beautiful Barron Gorge National Park. These rapids have just the right amount of thrill and take teamwork to navigate—a chance for family bonding disguised as a hit of fun.

Not quite ready for white water rafting but still want the thrill of taking on a river? Tubing is your answer. Available for kids as young as 5, this natural theme park delivers big time. A half-day river tubing experience offers around two hours of joy, with stops for snacks and plenty of chances to admire the surroundings of the Mulgrave River. Drift under sloping trees, woosh down teeny tiny waterfalls and let the current steer you into a day of family fun you'll never forget.

Taking off from Cairns at a manageable 10am, this trip will take you into the valleys of a world heritage-listed rainforest, including Josephine Falls and Babinda Boulders. On a warm day, kids can swim in the natural pools and explore all the forest has to offer. By the banks of a waterfall, you'll all be treated to a tropical picnic lunch made all the more sweet with the beautiful scenery. Kids under two travel free if they can squeeze onto someone's lap.

A visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda is magic—no matter your age. With some 1,500 butterflies calling the sanctuary home, you can expect to see countless colours and species at various stages of their lifecycle. From the electric blue Ulysses to the vibrant Cairns Birdwing, you'll leave appreciating these tiny creatures more than ever before. Kids aged three and under will love this experience, and they get to scoot in the door for free! These entry tickets include a behind-the-scenes tour and a guided aviary tour—winning!

Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas is a place where kids can get hands-on with Australian wildlife. The next best thing to seeing animals in the wild, this interactive zoo allows children to feed kangaroos, interact with tropical birds and even meet a crocodile up close. The park's open spaces include wetlands, rainforests and grasslands, so your little ones can roam free and burn energy. Sign up for breakfast with the birds or a nocturnal tour to take your visit to the next level.

If you like the idea of visiting animals but need a bit more variety from your day out, consider a trip to Rainforestation Nature Park, which combines three great things to do in one easy ticket—Army Duck Rainforest Tours, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and the Koala and Wildlife Park. Expect your day to involve koala spotting, Aboriginal culture with a traditional dance and food gathering, and a trip through a rainforest on a World War II Army Duck. Not a second of boredom on this day.

Like the sound of the last few experiences and can't choose which to splurge on? You don't have to! Package deals allow you to grab a bargain by bundling lots of experiences into one. This combo deal gives you access to Cairns Koalas & Creatures, Kuranda's Rainforestation Nature Park, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, all for one seriously discounted price. The kids will think it's Christmas no matter the time of year!

Some of Tropical North Queensland's icons deserve a full day of exploring. The Daintree Rainforest is 100% one of them. Too big to explore on your own, this ancient setting is best explored with a local guide who can take you to all the best spots and share facts that will leave your kids mesmerised. This tour will give you the chance to take a dip at Mossman Gorge, spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, learn about the indigenous culture and history of the area and stroll the iconic Cape Tribulation beach. You'll feel like old pals with this incredible rainforest when the day is done.

Got a few daredevils in your family? Put them to the test with a ziplining experience through the canopies of Cape Tribulation. Available for anyone over three, this safe experience spans ten ziplines that swing through the Daintree Rainforest. The longest line stretches for 30 metres for full squeals and thrills.

With one of the best sunsets on the East Coast of Australia, Cairns is a great place for dinner activities—even if you're wrestling small kids. Jump aboard a dinner cruiseon a catamaran with Spirit of Cairns and sail the harbour over a mouthwatering buffet. From Marlin Marina, you'll cruise around Trinity Inlet, staying in calm waters for a cruise that's both easy and unforgettable. With children under four years of age travelling free, you're likely to see a few other kids onboard (no need to feel awkward if yours play the role of Captain Ridiculous while onboard). Setting sail 7-days per week, you'll have no trouble lining this one up.