Luxury Northern
Queensland trips made for you
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Awe-inspiring marine wildlife and stretches of pristine rainforest
The northern reaches of Queensland are incredible sites for those who enjoy vast wilderness. The area plays host to over an incredible 36 national parks and contains three World Heritage Sites within its borders, namely the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Riversleigh fossil site and, most famously of all, the Great Barrier Reef.
Considered one of the great natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is the biggest coral reef system on the planet. Superlatives fail to capture its immensity and beauty, an environment that fosters incredible biodiversity, including 30 species of cetaceans, more than 1500 types of fish and the graceful dugong, strung out across 2300km (1400 miles). Explore this underwater marvel with unmatched snorkelling, diving and wildlife watching boat trips. There are also hundreds of islands and beaches to discover.
Another popular destination is nearby Cairns, a great spot from which to begin an adventure into the tropical jungles of northern Queensland. With great stretches of eucalyptus savannahs and its remote, barely disturbed environment, the Cape York Peninsula is the northernmost point of Australia. Rivers, creeks and streams bubble through mostly flat territory with mangrove swamps, rainforests and amazing, rough trails for real explorers. The town of Laura also harbours some of the oldest rock paintings from the Aboriginal peoples.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
The largest living organism on the planet, viewable from space and spanning over 2,300km of vibrant coral and exquisite marine life. Journey out to Lizard Island, situated right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and walk directly out of your private tropical paradise, onto white sandy beaches and out to the crystal-clear waters of the Reef itself. Explore the 74 islands of the Whitsundays, situated at the southern point of the Great Barrier Reef and relax on the pure white, silica sand of Whitehaven Beach, ranked as Australia’s No.1 beach and commonly ranked in the Top 10 best beaches in the world.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Northern Queensland
There are many incredible places to stay in Northern Queensland. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip Inspiration
Get inspired with our Australia example trips and then get in touch to plan your own trip
15-Day Trip
Australia Coastal and Outback Wildlife Experience
15-Day Trip
Australia Coastal and Outback Wildlife Experience
11-Day Trip
Exploring the Northern Territories
11-Day Trip
Exploring the Northern Territories
12-Day Trip
Western Australia Explorer
12-Day Trip
Western Australia Explorer
Discover more of Australia
Sydney
The city of Sydney on the east coast of Australia is as idyllic is it appears from its instantly recognisable cityscape. It boasts a rich and intriguing history, famous beaches and iconic landmarks, with a diverse and friendly population, all spread around an elaborate shoreline of Port Jackson’s yacht-filled inlets, bays and rivers.
New South Wales
New South Wales is found on the east coast of Australia, boasting the beautiful city of Sydney at its heart. Called the Premier State, it is also the oldest, having been colonised in 1788 when Britain first established the area as a penal colony.
Victoria and Melbourne
One of the most densely-populated regions in Australia, the south-eastern state of Victoria is centred around its capital, the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne.
Tasmania
The island of Tasmania lies of the southern coast of Australia, the state encompassing the central island as well as 334 smaller landmasses that surround it. It is widely known for its vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness, diverse landscapes that range from rugged mountains and highland lakes to rainforests, cascading waterfalls and a dramatic coastline.
Whitsundays
A chain of 74 islands, four of which boast renowned luxury resorts, the Whitsunday Islands are found in the middle of the incomparable Great Barrier Reef just off the coast of Queensland. Surrounded by the natural wonders of this marine paradise, you couldn’t be better placed to explore this natural marvel.
Brisbane
Founded on the banks of its eponymous river, the old city of Brisbane is located between the famous Sunshine and Gold Coast, each a magnet for surfers and beach lovers.
South Australia
South Australia is vast state and contains a portion almost everything that makes Australian so unique and recognisable. From the great stretching vastness of the wild Australian Outback to the charm of wine valleys and beaches of silver sand, your stay will be a memorable one.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is a deceptively large island off the southern coast of Australia, not far from Adelaide, playing host to a magnificent wilderness, with large populations of the country’s beloved wildlife – not just its eponymous marsupial – and large swathes of protected habitats.
Top End
Australia’s Top End contains some of the few remaining expanses of genuinely untouched wilderness in the world, a remote haven that abounds with national parks and rugged beauty. Its general isolation from the rest of the country gives it a unique quality, with deep Aboriginal spiritual significance, a fascinating recent history and ancient landscapes to explore.
Perth and Margaret River
Perth can be found on the far west coast of the country, the capital city of Western Australia state, and while it may appear to be isolated from other major cities, it carries a uniquely laid back and cosmopolitan charm and has been voted as one of the most liveable modern cities, not just in Australia, but in the world.
Uluru and the Outback
The Australian Outback is much more than a vast, arid hinterland within the inner regions of the country down under. There is both an extraordinary physical beauty, exquisite in its isolation, as well as a tangible spiritual energy that binds together the land and the people.
Western Australia
Western Australia is vast – it covers a third of the entire country – yet its population is disproportionately small. Unsurprising for a state of this size, the landscape is incredibly diverse – Western Australia has everything from vibrant cities and quaint vineyards to epic coastline and vast, open plains.
Luxury Rail Travel Australia
In a country the size of Australia, trying to see it all can prove overwhelming. A great way to explore is by luxury train, allowing you to cover vast distances in comfort and style while admiring the epic landscapes pass by. There are also off-train excursions so you can really connect with your surroundings rather than simply pass through.
Meet your Australasia team
When to visit
Due to Australia’s vast size, different regions have different weather throughout the year. The best time to visit Australia depends on which regions you’re interested in visiting.
The best time for the Great Barrier Reef is from April to October, with April and May being slightly quieter shoulder months.
January is Australia’s main summer holiday, so it tends to be extremely busy all around the country.
Great Barrier Reef
April - May
Enjoy the outdoors
June - October
Peak Season
January
Australia Travel Guides
Plan your trip to Australia
Whatever you want from your trip to Australia, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
