JOURNEY TO PARADISE

Immerse yourself in the splendours of tropical north Queensland

- Stephanie De Nobile

Whether you fancy relaxing beachside with a cocktail in hand or seek the thrill of spotting a cassowary, tropical north Queensland has something for everyone. But if the breathtaking landscapes and balmy weather isn't enough to sway you, a trip down the Cassowary Coast, a lush stretch of coast bordered by the Wet Tropics rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, certainly will.

Meanwhile, don't forget to explore the Atherton Tablelands, just a 90-minute drive from Cairns, and home to some of Australia's most incredible wildlife and waterfalls.

FIRST STOP

Having undergone a complete refurbishment, the Mercure Hotel in Cairns offers spacious rooms with a coastal theme to get you in a beach state of mind. With a prime location just a few blocks away from the bustling esplanade, it's also less than a five-minute walk from Cairns Aquarium, a mustsee for all ages, where you can get up close and personal with aquatic wildlife from North Queensland's World Heritage-listed areas - the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.