Debunk 6 Myths About Tropical North Queensland

From roaming crocodiles to dying reefs, Queensland is subject to more wild rumours than we can count. As one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations, let’s debunk six outrageous myths about Tropical North Queensland.

Myth 1: The Great Barrier Reef is dying

Let’s get to the bottom of this. The Great Barrier Reef is very much alive and well. The truth is that, while the Great Barrier Reef faces many threats, such as coral bleaching and rising sea temperatures, it remains the best-managed reef system on the planet. In fact, through extensive monitoring, research and conservation efforts, marine scientists are now witnessing remarkable renewal and growth on the reef. Plus, visitors to the Great Barrier Reef play a vital role in conservation. When exploring the reef with a tour operator, part of your ticket includes an Environmental Management Charge, which contributes to the day-to-day management, protection and research of the marine park. During your Queensland holiday, do your part to further prevent reef damage by avoiding direct contact with the coral and wearing reef-safe sunscreen.

Myth 2: It’s too hot to visit Tropical North Queensland

It’s no secret that Tropical North Queensland enjoys an enviable warm climate year-round, making it a popular holiday destination. While Cairns’ summers have a reputation for being sweltering, averaging just over 30 degrees from December to February, the rest of the year is nearly perfect. Expect long sunny days, balmy breezes and temperatures between 20 and 29 degrees. And when the temperatures do spike, there are plenty of lush swimming holes to cool off in.

Myth 3: There’s nothing to do in Tropical North Queensland when it rains

While Cairns is known for its occasional rainy days, don’t let the chance of a little downpour stop you from having an epic Queensland holiday. Trust that there are plenty of things to keep you occupied during a summer storm, from shopping for local handicrafts at Rusty’s Market to soaking in a spa day at Eleme Spa at Crystalbrook Riley to exploring the reef in the comfort of dry clothes at the Cairns Aquarium. If you’re visiting Cairns during the wet season, why not embrace the rain and chase some of Tropical North Queensland’s magical waterfalls? We recommend exploring Barron Falls in Kuranda or Tully Falls in the Atherton Tablelands, both of which are known to transform from a trickle to majestic cascades when it rains. Just make sure to bring along your raincoat!

From coral coasts to ancient canopies, Tropical North Queensland awaits.

Myth 4: You can’t swim anywhere in Tropical North Queensland

Fearlessly make a splash on your Tropical North Queensland holiday – after all, what kind of holiday doesn’t involve a refreshing dip in some of the most beautiful waters in the world? While crocodiles are known to roam this region, they only inhabit certain saltwater climates, meaning there are still plenty of natural and man-made swimming areas to enjoy safely. Some of our favourites include Crystal Cascades, Palm Cove Beach and Cairns Lagoon, all boasting safe and inviting water. It’s best practice to stay stinger-safe while swimming in Tropical North Queensland by wearing a stinger suit if you are visiting during stinger season, November to May. Staying safe is easy with most beaches equipped with stinger-resistant nets and trained lifeguards patrolling with stinger kits in case of an unlikely sting.

Myth 5: You have to scuba dive to see the Great Barrier Reef properly

You don’t have to be a scuba diver to experience the vibrant underwater world. The Great Barrier Reef attracts divers from across the globe, and while it is a great place to learn, thanks to the countless dive schools dotting the area, it’s not necessary.  Simply join a snorkelling tour to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where you can still swim amongst technicolour corals, over 1600 species of fish and unique marine turtle species. If you’d prefer to enjoy the view without getting wet, hop on a glass-bottom boat and sit back, relax and watch nature put on its show.

Myth 6: The Daintree is the only World Heritage rainforest in Tropical North Queensland

We’re sure you’ve heard about the Daintree Rainforest, but did you know that it is only a relatively small section of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest? The oldest continually surviving rainforest on the planet, the Wet Tropics covers 9000 square kilometres and incorporates 30 national parks across five distinct precincts, of which the Daintree Rainforest is just one! As such, it’s no surprise that there’s so much to discover in the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Chase waterfall after waterfall in the Atherton Tablelands, stand where two World Heritage areas meet at Cape Tribulation and connect with the world’s oldest surviving culture during an Indigenous Dreamtime Walk.

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