Cairns

While once people flocked to marshy, tropical Cairns in search of treasure in the Hodgekinson goldfields to the west, they now arrive in droves to sample the natural delights of Far Northern Queensland and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Unabashedly a tourist hub, the city is the jumping off point for the sailors, divers and snorkelers hoping to experience the incredibly rich reef ecosystem. To the north-west of the city, Daintree National Park is an outdoor enthusiasts dream — biodiverse virgin rainforest, mountains and beaches offer a multitude of activities.