A world of untouched luxury is calling

Tropical North Queensland is a hidden gem with sweeping rainforests, seascapes and magical cultural experiences – all of which are just waiting to be discovered.

An outer reef tour with Sailaway.

As travel-starved Australians turn to domestic destinations to curb their wanderlust cravings, there’s one corner of the country still left virtually untouched. And, if you want our opinion it’s one of Australia’s best kept secrets.

Having one of the most diverse networks of tourism, Tropical North Queensland will quench the most outlandish of tourism desires, especially for those looking to travel responsibly.

Tapping into Australia’s rich Indigenous history while protecting traditional communities and pristine environment, local tourism operators have created conscious-travel options that don’t skimp out on luxury.

Instead, they promise cultural experiences unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

Not many people know that Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef are home to some of the biggest movers and shakers of eco-travel who have built world-class eco resort options most Australian’s have never considered before.

Offering experiences both on land and sea, the activities are designed to help guests unlock the region’s unique magic.

Passions of Paradise hosts snorkelling, scuba, cruises & ecotours.

Travellers interested in ‘voluntourism’ – a form of tourism in which travellers participate in voluntary work, often for a charity – have the ability to become part of the Passions of Paradise team at the Coral Nurturing Program. Guests involved with the program will have the chance to participate in the stewardship initiatives at reef sites in the area.

The team at luxury sailing company, Sailaway Port Douglas, share a passion for marine conservation which will entice anyone concerned about the fragile ecosystem that lies beneath the surface. Guided by a team of qualified marine biologists, visitors will be submerged into a world of knowledge of the marine life they encounter. As a bonus, every trip with the company is 100 per cent carbon offset as Sailaway invests into a local sustainable reforestation project called Eco Shambala.

Cruises on smaller vessels are also on offer through Coral Expeditions, where interpretative and interactive programs tailored to the chosen destination are conducted by guest lecturers, marine biologists and expedition leaders. Sustainability is a focus of the program, which involves initiatives like Eye on the Reef, the Fitzroy Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and the Lizard Island research station, a major island-based research facility on the Great Barrier Reef.

The 'Sun Deck Bar' on Coral Discoverer, a luxury cruise line that operates out of Cairns.

For those wanting to jump back on land, Mandingalbay Eco Cultural Tours will take you on a discovery of ancient lands where you will be part of an unforgettable immersion into indigenous traditions. Exploring Kuku Yalanji country, where world heritage listed sites the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef meet, is made possible with the guides from Walkabout Cultural Adventureswhere guests can sample seasonal bush food while appreciating the region’s rich Aboriginal history.

Nearby is the award-winning Daintree Discovery Centre which has access to every level of the Daintree Rainforest. Located two-hours north of Cairns, the centre is the perfect introduction to the expansive forest, all the while remaining leader in eco-tourism and environmental conservation.

Hunting for bush tucker in the mangroves with Walkabout Cultural Adventures, one of Tropical North Queensland's sublime tourism experiences.

But the most powerful souvenir one can take from exploring Tropical North Queensland is feeling like a custodian of it, which feels as unshakeable as any other belief, and will leave you wanting to come back for more.