Cairns: rainforest and reef

Our first trip to tropical northern Queensland. Arriving via air provides the introduction to the reef and its majestic organic shapes, ringed with sand and bright blue water. The crinkled folds of the Great Dividing Range tower against the coast.

Left, the reef from the flight on arrival. Middle, the mountains and coast from the air. Right, mangrove hinterland from the air, 2025.

The rainforest is enchanting, full of trees flora and fauna, in many cases, vastly different to our southern forests. The wet tropics are a designated World Heritage area, containing some of the oldest surviving rainforests in the world.

In Cairns, the dry season weather in July is warm and humid for those of us from south-eastern Australia, where we are used to six seasons including our winter with cold air straight from Antarctica. The forest has evolved with the high rainfall and humidity. The lush green is wonderous and inspired colour images.

The waterfalls are magical, and the walking paths and parks well maintained. There are safety notices well positioned re the risk sudden rises in the water level can pose and the need to follow instructions re not swimming near dangerous rocks or currents.

Photography highlights:

Babinda Boulders 2025, Queensland Australia.

Babinda Boulders

The most immaculate park entrance, gardens, paths and facilities we have visited. Ever. Either in Australia or overseas. Follow the warning signs and stick to the paths and observation decks. The patterns in the rocks are outstandingly beautiful. We were privileged to see a family of tortoises basking on a log.

Josephine Falls

Arrived in pouring rain. Waited 10 minutes, the rain retreated. Inside the forest glistened after the fresh rainfall. Everything about this walk, and the three observation deck levels is enjoyable. The bottom deck has a gate where entrance is at your own risk, out onto the rocks. Again, follow all the signs and be mindful at all times of the warning signs and water height.

Josephine Falls, 2025. Wooroonooran National Park, Queensland, Australia

Sugarcane fields

The lines of the fields are a photographer’s dream. I’ll have to go back. The other intriguing point is the amazing smell of the cut fields after the rain. There is a distinct scent of molasses and/or distilling spirits. Which makes sense.

Canefield lines, 2025. Bartle Frere, Queensland, Australia

Skyrail

We caught the Skyrail from Kuranda back to Smithfield. Viewing the trees from above is well worth it. As at July 2025, tickets are timed, so you need to book. There are two stops. The first on the way down is at Barron Falls Edge Lockout.

The second stop is Red Peak, where you can join a ranger tour and learn about the fascinating flora and fauna.

Rainforest details from Skyrail boardwalk, 2025. Queensland, Australia

Great Barrier Reef tour

With many tours to choose from, prior research is necessary. So is booking well in advance. The reef trip we did had the benefit of a glass bottom boat tour and a semi-submersible boat tour, as well as an underwater observation deck. There is also the opportunity for snorkelling (and diving for those with qualifications).

Seeing the reef up close was incredible. We had the unforgettable experience of seeing Green Turtles from the glass bottom boat. The semi-submersible includes a deeply knowledgeable Marine biologist explaining the coral, fish, tides, and reef health. The glass boat bottom had a cultural talk given by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, complete with authentic hand tools for everyone to look at and hold.

Great Barrier Reef from semi-submersible out from Cairns, 2025. Queensland, Australia