26 Family Friendly Things to Do in TNQ

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PALM COVE - Play/Stay/Eat
Kuranda - Play/Stay/Eat
GBR- Play/Stay/Eat
Port Douglas - Play/Stay/Eat
Mission Beach - Play/Stay/Eat

Cairns CBD - Play/Stay/Eat

Cairns has a reputation as being the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and it also sits on the edge of Ancient Rainforest that dates back 180 million years. Thanks to this you’ll find a heap of activities in Cairns and its surrounds that will entertain you and your kids and guarantee you fond family memories for years to come.

1. Bad Fishy Jet Boating

You really can’t go past Bad Fishy Jet Boat for a rock ‘n’ roll, adrenaline pumped, good time out on the water. Jump on at the Cairns Marlin Marina and hold on tight! Believe it or not there are times of rest, where you’ll enjoy the skipper’s blurb of what’s cool along the Cairns waterfront and up the Trinity Inlet. (NOTE: kids must be at least 1.1m to go on this ride)

If your kids are younger and being spun around on a high-speed jet boat doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, then try one of their pontoon boats which you can skipper yourself (no boat license required) and cruise up the Trinity inlet and explore Admiralty Island You’ll see another side of Cairns with the wilderness that sits right on our doorstep.

2. Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome

The Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome has always been a favourite sanctuary for our family during the Tropical North Wet Season. Its massive glass dome provides the perfect umbrella during those tropical downpours. It’s a great place to wander around in a natural rainforest setting and enjoy all sorts of native Australian animals that (mostly) free roam around the enclosure. Thankfully Goliath, the 4-5 metre Saltie stays put in his own habitat though.

BUT perhaps the biggest attraction here is the opportunity for active families to challenge themselves on the ropes course. 🧗 It definitely puts a spin on a visit to a wildlife park 🐨🐸🦅🦉🐍. You can zipline over Goliath 🐊, test yourself on all sorts of rope bridges and moving walkways, skirt the outside of the Dome to enjoy a birds-eye view of Cairns and power jump from the top of the dome and take the quickest way down.

3. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

The first thing that strikes you as you enter the Novotel Oasis in Cairns is its expansive atrium where you can book in, check out some Cairns tours, grab a coffee and a bite to eat and admire their pool which takes centre stage. The resort’s accommodation wraps around the lagoon-like pool with its sandy beach 🏝 that entertains the youngsters all day, and there’s a swim-up bar nearby which could easily entertain adults all day 🥂🍾. Plus of course there’s plenty of crystal cool water to float your worries away.

The added bonus of booking during School Holidays is the Very Important Kids (VIK) Program that has kids activities galore – pool pony races, sand castle competitions, limbo and the list goes on….more opportunity to get that elusive chillax time that parents crave for. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort’s location is in the heart of Cairns CBD and you’ll find that many of the city attractions are easily within walking distance.

4. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

For those that desire a bit of decadence during their stay you can’t go past the Hilton brand. Although Cairns has two Hiltons the Hilton Doubletree is the perfect choice for those with younger kids as the price range is a bit more family friendly. One of the main drawcards for those with youngsters are Doubletree’s inner sanctuary ponds where huge Barramundi lurk. The daily feed, which happens just after midday, incites screams of joy from both kids and parents alike…. If you have never seen a barramundi feed then you should definitely check it out on YouTube. It happens so fast that you’ll need to slow the video down to catch all the action.

The other drawcard of the Hilton Doubletree is its proximity to Muddies Playground - renowned as being one of the best and most popular playgrounds for kids in Cairns. From Doubletree it’s only a quick five-minute’s walk along the Cairns Esplanade and there’s a splash park, climbing frames, swings, a flying fox PLUS a whole lotta other equipment to entertain the kids. This place definitely ticks all the boxes for exhausting kids and Muddy’s Cafe also provides excellent coffee and food choices making it a great choice for families to hang out.

5. Prawn Star

The first thing you’ll notice about Prawn Star Cairns, the fleet of fishing trawlers down at the Marlin Marina, is that there’s always a crowd close-by. There’s no mistaking the magnetic attraction these quaint little fishing trawlers have on passers-byers. You’ll find people up on the Boardwalk snapping a photo or two, groups huddled down at the menu boards checking out the prices and others sitting on the back deck sampling some delicious seafood bounty.

Prawn Star Cairns is basically a floating restaurant for fresh, locally caught seafood. In former years these wooden boast ploughed the Far Northern coastline as working vessels. For now though, they sit tight in the Cairns Marina with a fresh coat of paint and a shipment of trawler goodies for anyone who is keen. The kids will love channelling their inner pirate and learning how to peel a prawn – a skill set required of all Aussie’s.

PALM COVE - Play/Stay/Eat

This palm drenched beach is one of a number of tropical beaches that lie just north of Cairns, and it offers heaps for the family to do. It would be quite easy to spend a week in Palm Cove and not leave, such is the appeal of this little seaside village.

6. Pacific Watersports Double Island Turtle Tour

There’s nothing like getting out on the sea and viewing the coastline, it gives you a totally different perspective on where you are. If you’re staying at Palm Cove and kayaking to Double Island (just off the coast) you’ll soon see that it’s a great way to see the palm lined beach in all its glory.

Hard corals abound surrounding Double Island and fish are plentiful AND did I mention the turtles?!? When we did the kayak tour, we must have seen over a dozen turtles poke their heads up on the surface near us whilst we silently paddled over the reef flats.

7. BIKED Palm Cove

Explore the sandy beaches that sit just north of Cairns at your own pace and hire some bikes and eScooters from Biked at Palm Cove. From here you can head south and follow the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail all the way to Yorkeys Knob.

For something a bit different join their MTB tours and experience some of the best tracks in the world. Smithfield Mountain Bike Park has played host to a number of UCI Mountain Bike races thanks to its world class trails originally built by the master himself, Glen Jacobs. Jacobs now builds bike trails all over the world but Cairns is his hometown and it’s here that he built his first trail with a rake, in his family’s backyard.

8. Sebel Palm Cove Coral Coast

For family friendly accommodation, and one that’s a little off the beach and set amongst a 9-hole golf course is Sebel Palm Cove Coral Coast. Boasting an outdoor pool, a sauna and only a 5-minute walk from Palm Cove, it proves popular amongst families because of its self-contained accommodation with private balconies.

9. Chill Cafe/Portofino’s

This café has been a favourite of Palm Cove’s locals for what seems forever. It’s a stone’s throw from the beach and its view takes in the avenue of coconut palms that fronts the Alamanda Resort. It’s open for breakfast (serving great coffees), lunch and dinner and there’s weekly live music to get your toe’s tapping.

Kuranda - Play/Stay/Eat

Up the mountain range and nestled deep in the rainforest sits the quirky little town Kuranda that that has been popular for those that embrace an alternative lifestyle. Open-air market stalls sell locally grown produce and an abundance of handmade wares. It’s a vibrant 'Village in the Rainforest' and is well designed for exploring during wet weather conditions. Covered walkways will help you get from A to B without getting completely drenched. And once you’re inside exploring the different animal zoos, shops and restaurants you are mostly undercover anyway.

10. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

The main drawcard of Skyrail is that you’re up high, drifting across the top of the rainforest canopy where all the action is. The gondola moves quietly along the cableway and it’s easy to soak in the surrounding sounds and smells. The noisy screech of a cockatoo, a rainforest stream below, the echo of a rifle bird in the valley, all this and more drifts up and assails your senses as you glide onwards.

If you travel during the wet season, you’ll get great views of the mighty Barron Falls from the gondolas, as well as from The Edge Lookout, a glass lookout that tests your mettle as you step out onto seemingly infinite space.

11. Barron River ATV

It’s a fun tour on ATV’s exploring a 165-acres property of dense tropical rainforest set at the top of the mountain range near Kuranda. You’re guaranteed lots of fun as you drive your ATV along muddy trails, up and down old logging tracks, through creek crossings and past trees of various sizes and descriptions, and you may also spot a cassowary or two.

As you venture deep into the rainforest you also learn about the pioneering past of the region. There are remnants of logging equipment, evidence of old ‘settlement’ camps and you discover what trees where targeted by the loggers and why.

12. Rainforeststation

For an ‘All in One’ Aussie rainforest experience, Rainforestation has really got it happening. There’s native animals to interact with, rainforest to explore (onboard an Aquatic Duck!!) and you’ll get a glimpse into the cultural history of Australia thanks to the performances of the local aboriginal clan.

The Army Ducks are amphibious war vehicles that have been reconditioned and are used to explore well-worn muddy tracks and plunge into deep water, whilst all the time showing you the rainforest up close, without the need to get your feet wet. It’s interactive, educational, fun and just enough variety to keep the kids happily entertained for a few hours, or if you’re really lucky, a whole day.

13. Kuranda Rainforest Park

Set amongst the lush rainforest of Kuranda lies this well-maintained caravan park that also offers accommodation in the way of cabins. It’s popular amongst bird watchers and bush walkers, it’s close to the Kuranda township and also has a restaurant on its premises. The eating area is an open-air Veranda which overlooks the surrounding rainforest.

Kuranda Rainforest Cabins @adventuremumma

14. Kuranda Candy Kitchen

Visit here for artisan handmade candy that is truly delectable. Kuranda Candy Kitchen specialise in traditional rock candy and made the Grand Champion Rock at Melbourne Fine Food Awards 2009 so it’s a shop not to be missed if you’re in Kuranda. Mind you, the bright and cheery shop colours act like a magnet to kids so there’s really no avoiding it during a tour of Kuranda.

GBR- Play/Stay/Eat

One of the world’s largest reef systems, the Great Barrier Reef is also one of Cairns major attractions. Here you’ll find tropical waters teeming with marine life and a vast coral wonderland, plus of course, a myriad of ways to enjoy it.

15. Sunlover Reef Cruises

Pontoons on the Outer Barrier Reef are a great place to visit if you have kids in tow. Sunlover Reef Cruises pontoon has a water slide that loops from their sun deck into the sea below. There’s also has an underwater observatory, a touch tank and a lunch menu catered by Nu Nu’s, an award-winning restaurant up north.

16. Frankland islands

Far away from the Cairns’ Marlin Marina (1-hour south of Cairns) moored up at a secluded spot on the Mulgrave River, is the Turtle Islander, a boat that can take you far away from the normal crowds of tourists. Amongst the mangroves you hop on board and enjoy a 30-minute cruise down the Mulgrave River to its mouth. From there it’s a quick dash across the sea to and don’t expect to find any resorts or any other tour operators in these parts, Frankland Island Cruise and Dive has this area all to themselves.

For those that like to be kept busy the day can be packed full with a guided snorkel tour, an afternoon walk, a semi-submersible tour and even the added option of an advanced snorkel tour on the fringing reef. There are also kayaks and SUP boards to play on. For others who came to chillax, finding a piece of tropical beach all to yourself is easy.

17. Divers Den

Divers Den’s newest boat, AquaQuest is a must if you're keen for a 5-star reef experience. If the weather’s fine whilst cruising to your destination, then try for a spot on the sundeck (top deck) or out the front on the bow. There is plenty of space to choose from on this boat, hot showers to enjoy after a salty dip in the sea PLUS a buffet lunch with a range of hot and cold foods, salads, rolls and tropical fruit to refuel for the afternoon.

It’s just a 90-minute boat trip from Cairns and you get to spend five hours at the reef visiting two different dive and snorkel sites. Here you can discover the marine wonderland of the outer Great Barrier Reef and its diverse marine life, from colourful corals to inquisitive Nemo’s, turtles, stingrays and giant Maori Wrasse.

18. Fitzroy Island

The journey to Fitzroy Island on the fast catamarans takes only 45 minutes. The trip is short and sweet, and the boat hugs the coastline for the majority of the way. This is a saviour for kids (and adults) that have queasy tummies and don’t travel so well.

Fitzroy is a continental island with walking tracks through the rainforest and plenty of coral and fish life straight off the beach. The chances of spotting a turtle are good. If you don’t see one whilst snorkelling try a visit to the turtle rehabilitation centre where you can see them close up and learn all about them, plus your entry fee goes towards helping the rescue efforts.

Port Douglas - Play/Stay/Eat

Port Douglas is a hip, laid-back, funky little resort town that sits on the doorstep of World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, it also has an abundance of accommodation for such a small town. The popular Four Mile Beach is wide and flat and attracts walkers, joggers, cyclists, and all manner of people enjoying its golden sands and calm waves. It’s blessed with golden sand, palms and plenty of shade in the afternoon that makes hanging out here lots of fun for families.

Rex Smeal Park, at the mouth of Dickson’s Inlet is an awesome place for picnics, ball play, watching boats cruise by and spectacular sunsets. Nearby, on a Sunday, the local markets take place and you’ll find a rich cornucopia of tropical colour, flavours and atmosphere. It’s a great mix of unique, local handcrafted items and fresh fruit and veges and food stalls.

19. Windswell Rainforest and Reef Adventures

Brett from Windswell offers a number of activities which all feature lots of water fun. The hard part is just making a decision as to what to do. The Standup Paddleboarding adventures are popular. Not only can you paddle the length of Four Mile Beach BUT you can also explore the sublime Mossman River on a rainforest tour.

If the wind is up, another option is learning to Kite Surf on the expansive Four Mile Beach and in its shallows, the perfect training ground for learners. There’s even the option to charter the Windswell vessel and head out to the reef on a private tour.

20. Lady Douglas

Enjoy a bit of calm water cruising and plenty of croc spotting on this quaint little paddle steamer that looks like its chugged straight off a movie set from the good ol’ Huckleberry Finn days.

As you cruise up the mangrove channels of Dickson Inlet, your Skipper becomes a fascinating source of information and shares a lot about the history of the area and can point out an array of bird life and the odd croc or two.

21. Watergate

If you fancy dining out at a bit more of an upmarket restaurant then this one is for you. For us it was a nice a break from the pub cuisine that we normally opt for when going out as a family unit. Servings are large and the sweet menu extensive – both should keep the kids appetites satiated.

22. Freestyle Resort

Close to the main hub of Port Douglas (Macrossan Street and Four Mile Beach) this resort can easily be spotted thanks to its bright, upbeat colours and a large Ulysses butterfly on the front façade. The rooms are very functional from a family’s perspective, with a kitchenette and enough space to relax without being on top of each other.

The Balinese style setting around the pool and the outside sun lounge area is great. Lots of nooks and crannies to hang out and chill, either on a pool lounge or a hammock chair, lush tropical gardens, a big gazebo with plenty of shade, sunny spots if you’re seeking them and an undercover BBQ area if you want to cook down here rather than in your room.

Freestyle-Resort-Port Douglas view from balcony @adventuremumma.jpg

Freestyle-Resort-Port Douglas Pool @adventuremumma.jpg

Freestyle-Resort-Port Douglas Apartment @adventuremumma.jpg

23. Tropical Nites

At Tropical Nites, the apartments encircle a tropical inspired pool, and a large grassy area fronts on to all of the apartments, a great place for the little ones to stretch their legs. All apartments offer everyday amenities which are essential for long-term stays - Wi-Fi, satellite TV, fully equipped kitchen with separated dining and lounge room, laundry, private balconies, and air-conditioning. There’s the ability to book as an extended family group and you could easily fit up to 8 people comfortably in one of the larger townhouses.

The hosts, Mel and Andy have a young family of their own and offer good old-fashioned hospitality. They also help take the guesswork out of your own journey thanks to their local knowledge of trips, restaurants, and good coffee-havens.

Tropical-Nites Port Douglas Bedroom @adventuremumma.jpg

Tropical-Nites Port Douglas Pool @adventuremumma.jpg

Tropical-Nites Port Douglas Twin Room @adventuremumma.jpg

Tropical-Nites_BBQ area @adventuremumma.jpg

Mission Beach - Play/Stay/Eat

There’s something about Mission Beach…with its beach that stretches for miles, its laid-back hippy vibe and the high possibility of seeing a cassowary around every corner, that induces the perfect holiday feels in you. Despite its sleepy appearance there’s plenty of things to do in Mission particularly with the kids, and it’s a great place to base yourself whilst you explore the Cassowary Coast.

24. Raging Thunder Rafting

Only an hour away lies one of the best rafting rivers in Australia, the Tully River. This is where Raging Thunder White Water Rafting happens. Its family friendly for kids of the age of 13 plus and it will quickly get you into the cool ranks if you choose to do it with your teenage kids.

It’s not all about the rapids and mastering them as a team in your raft. At times you drift along the river past cliffs as high as 30 metres high with dense tropical rainforest spilling down into the valley, and waterfalls cascading from up high.

25. Charley’s Chocolate Factory

You can visit a real live chocolate factory that lies just a 10-minute drive from Mission Beach. At Charley’s Chocolate Factory you’ll see and learn about the journey of chocolate from seed to its final creation. These guys have award winning and mouth-watering chocolate delights. Lunch is also included on the twice weekly tour.

26. Air BnB

There’s a swag of family-friendly options at Mission Beach BUT by far our favourite is the AirBnB called Litoria Mission Beach. This super friendly family (and dog!!) option is located only a block away from Wongaling Beach. Its minimalistic and open style is perfect for the tropics of Mission Beach.

Litoria Mission Beach is a pavilion style home comprising of three pods (two for sleeping and one for living) and it easily houses one family of 6-8 OR two families, PLUS did I mention that it’s fur-baby friendly ;)

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So there you have it, 26 Family Friendly Things To Do in Tropical North Queensland!

Hopefully somewhere amongst that list is an activity that has inspired you to do with your family over the school holidays, after all, isn’t that what they holidays are there for….making memories!