Why you should visit North Queensland on a trip to Australia

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At the Cairns airport in Australia, we picked up our luggage while gazing up at a massive billboard showcasing David Attenborough's face and quotes. The locals in this region have a deep admiration for Sir David, and it's evident why. He's proclaimed that tropical North Queensland is his preferred location on the planet.

As per the expert in natural sciences, this place has everything one could possibly desire. There is a mesmerizing rainforest present here which stands out from other rainforests in the world. Additionally, he mentioned that along the coastal region, there is the magnificent Great Barrier Reef.

After giving it some thought, I came to the realization that if this is something that can satisfy a person who travels extensively around the world, then it is definitely adequate for my spouse, our two children, and myself.

We were eager to discover the reef and rainforest, which are two neighboring heritage sites recognized by UNESCO. However, our journey with Attenborough began on the river.

Marc, while taking us up the Daintree River on his solar-powered boat, warned us, "Folks, never even think about entering the water." Our objective was to find Scarface, who was known to be the ruler of all crocs, measuring five meters and having six romantic partners. He was entirely cold-blooded.

All of a sudden, we saw him gliding smoothly through the water with a gentle wave of his enormous tail. He didn't create any disturbance in the water or make any sound. His eyes were very scary. Marc assured us that he didn't mind us being there, but we needed to avoid entering the water.

After hearing those words, we did something unimaginable the following day. We immersed ourselves in the water.

Mossman Gorge is located in the Daintree National Park, situated in the north of Cairns. This place is awe-inspiring, and it's difficult to grasp its beauty and history. It could be up to 180 million years old.

Discover more: The reasons why you should plan a vacation to Ningaloo, the lesser-known reef in Australia.

In the area covered by the leafy roof of the rainforest, butterflies of an intense electric blue tone known as Ulysses fly from one spot to another, while reptiles that blend perfectly with the surroundings, known as Boyd's forest dragon, hold onto the ancient trees' trunks. These trees persist in competing with each other to get closer to the sun that slips through the gaps in the dense foliage.

As we touched the gentle moss and looked up at the red tulip oaks covered in strangler figs, we were amazed. The greenery was vibrant and lush, boasting a vast array of 100 shades of green thanks to recent heavy rainfall. The Daintree holds a whopping 3,000 types of plant life, with 700 being exclusive to the area. Not to mention the numerous species of reptiles, mammals, and birds that call this place home.

However, there aren't any crocodiles present in this cool and shady haven because the water temperature is too chilly for them.

We took a leisurely journey down the river on inflatable rafts that were as strong as an industrial lilo. The sunlight filtered through the trees, creating a beautiful pattern of light and shadow. It was an unforgettable experience. The combination of excitement and calmness made us feel invigorated and relaxed at the same time. We couldn't stop smiling as we were embraced by this magnificent creation of nature.

The Daintree Rainforest extends over 60 miles and eventually transforms into stunning golden beaches and the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. It's so vast that it can be seen from space, spanning across 1,400 miles and comprising of 900 islands and 2,900 distinct reefs.

To continue with our focus on nature, we decided to participate in a day-long program called "be a marine biologist for the day" offered by Passions of Paradise. This is the only tour company owned by locals that takes visitors out to the reef.

Our guide was the ebullient and well-informed Corinda de Mooij, who accompanied us on our voyage to the sea on a remarkable sailing catamaran, along with approximately 70 other tourists. Corinda informed us about how the crew cooperates with the Australian Government's Eye on the Reef initiative: "Scientists team up with travel companies to amass data. The greater the number of individuals who visit the reef and collect information, the more knowledge can be accumulated in order to obtain a more accurate picture of the current state of the reef."

Discover more: Tourists are exploring the hot springs of the Mornington Peninsula in Australia.

Swimming with the diverse range of coral and fish that one can usually only find in an aquarium, is undoubtedly captivating. The array of colors, species and otherworldly ambiance is truly unmatched. Armed with waterproof pens and clipboards, we meticulously jotted down every species we encountered including rainbow fish, clownfish, clams, sea cucumbers, parrotfish and even white-tipped sharks. It's not just a novelty activity as every bit of data we collect on a daily basis, along with numerous other boats, are put into a vast database to better assess and understand the state of this natural wonder that is heavily impacted by climate change.

David Attenborough also declared that apart from North Queensland, he also adores his "home" as a favourite place to be. Upon returning to our own abode and pondering our journey, we came to the same conclusion as him - these are the two ultimate destinations to invest our time in.

Explore the lush greenery of the rainforest and then leisurely float along the Mossman River. Partake in a Kuku Yalanji smoking ceremony, which is a traditional ritual to purify yourself of any negative energy. Prices start at A$270 (£140) for each adult.

Experience the breathtaking Daintree Rainforest from a unique perspective by taking the Sky Rail cable car. You'll be able to enjoy a magnificent bird's eye view, especially if you opt for a glass-bottomed car. Make sure to stop by the charming mountain town of Kuranda, known for its laid-back and free-spirited atmosphere. When you're ready to head back, the Scenic Railway offers a scenic journey down from the mountains. Prices for this unforgettable experience begin at A$68 (£35).

Explore the reef by snorkeling, diving, and sailing with the acclaimed Passions of Paradise. The starting price for this experience is A$260 (£170) and incorporates a superb lunch, beverages and gear.

The Mantra PortSea Resort located in Port Douglas offers excellent worth for money. It is only a short distance away from the seashore and an easy 15-minute walk to the city center.

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We believe that Crystalbrook Bailey, located in the heart of Cairns, would receive a positive review from Sir David. They use wooden key cards and have eco-friendly bathrooms that do not produce any waste. Moreover, they have been certified with an EarthCheck silver level certification.

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According to Sir David, North Queensland offers exceptional wine and food, which is accurate. We enjoyed a spectacular lunch at Silky Oaks Lodge's outdoor restaurant, with a view of the Mossman River, after a drive through the rustling sugarcane fields. This lodge is a luxurious hideaway.

"Tips For Reaching Your Destination"

You can fly to Cairns every day from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Another option is to take the Bruce Highway coastal route from Brisbane to Cairns, which covers a distance of 1,000 miles if you're looking for a thrilling adventure. Various airlines offer flights from the UK to Australia, such as British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, and American Airlines.

Explore further: The ultimate guide to traveling in Australia with all the essential information you need before embarking on your journey.