Far North Queensland Tours & Holidays

Everyone travelling on an Intrepid trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of carriage. 

All travellers are required to produce:  

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination

• All children aged 5 to 17 years old must provide proof of vaccination (if eligible), proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.

• If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional. 

In all cases, you must be fully inoculated. This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy

Cairns is the closest major airport to Far North Queensland with a number of domestic airlines flying to and from most major Australian cities. A small number of international flights also arrive in Cairns. There are regular long distance buses which travel up and down the coast to Far North Queensland. The easiest way to get around Far North Queensland is to drive or join a small group tour. Some destinations like Cape Tribulation require a 4WD if you want to fully explore the area. 

Most people choose to hire a car or join a small group tour to explore Far North Queensland. While it is possible to catch long distance buses between some of the towns in Far North Queensland, you really need your own transport to get out and explore this region properly. Some destinations like Cape Tribulation require a 4WD if you want to venture beyond the regular tourist spots.  

Summer in Far North Queensland is very hot and very humid and tropical downpours and the occasional cyclone are common. Spring and Autumn are cooler and the region tends to be quieter. Winter is ideal for those who don't enjoy humid temperatures and the weather is typically good. If you are visiting between October and May and swimming in the ocean, it is advisable to wear a 'stinger suit' to protect yourself from possible jellyfish stings. 

Read more about if you need to wear a stinger suit

Far North Queensland is a rugged off-the-beaten-track destination that is so laid back it's almost horizontal. Wearing jeans and a t-shirt to dinner is considered 'dressy' so leave your fancy clothes at home. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, swimmers and a hat and remember to bring any essentials as there are no major stores in some of the more remote areas in Far North Queensland. 

Clothes that breathe are a good idea as Far North Queensland can be humid, even in winter. Pretty much anything goes when it comes to dressing for dinner at this destination, provided it's (reasonably) clean. 

If you stick to major Far North Queensland towns like Cairns and Port Douglas, internet is easy to access. However, once you venture to more remote destinations and National Parks, your internet access is likely to be pretty much non-existent for at least some of the time. With nothing to distract you, it's easy to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Far North Queensland so embrace your time here as a chance to disconnect and de-stress. 

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. Some of the walking trails and remote beaches in Far North Queensland can make walking difficult for travellers who are less mobile on foot. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid