Lookin’ to go tropical in Far North Queensland? Pack your bags, slap on the mozzie spray and crank up the stereo – it’s time to discover 10 things to do around Cairns that’ll melt your brain (in a good way). Tropical heat, waterfall skinny dips, reef snorkels and road-trip anarchy – this one’s for the wild hearts and weird souls. Let’s go!
Cairns – Kickoff Carnage
Pick up your Wicked Camper and make it yours – name it, bless it, make it feel like home. Then, roll into Cairns proper. Hit the Esplanade Lagoon for a splash and take a selfie with that weird metal fish sculpture (you’ll know it when you see it). Stock up on snacks, fuel and questionable life choices – this trip’s about to get hectic.
Adventure Tip: if you’re feeling wild book a Cairns Canyoning tour and go abseiling through the Crystal Cascades.
Kuranda – Hippie Hideouts & Skyrail Shenanigans
Cruise up the windy hill to Kuranda, where the air smells like patchouli and dreams. Check out the butterfly sanctuary (yes, butterflies – don’t knock it), local markets, or float on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway if you’re feeling flash.
Pro tip: Do the Barron Falls walk and pretend you’re in a jungle adventure movie.
Waterfall Circuit – Go Chasing Waterfalls
Swing south to Millaa Millaa, home of the famous waterfall circuit. It's a splash fest! Hit Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls. Don’t listen to TLC and go chase those waterfalls! This is the kinda day where wet hair and muddy jocks are badges of honour.
Stay: Pull up at Ravenshoe Millstream Falls free camp. It’s quiet, it’s weird, it’s perfect.
Innisfail & Paronella Park – Gothic Dreams & Croc Country
Innisfail is a bit of a sleeper, but just outside is Paronella Park – a crumbling castle in the rainforest built by a Spanish madman. It’s spooky, romantic, and slightly haunted (or maybe that was just the goon kicking in). Swing past Etty Bay and say g’day to the local cassowaries – but keep your distance unless you fancy being pecked into another dimension.
Stay: Free camp out at Babinda Rotary Park (flush loos + mountain views, mate!) and check out the Babinda Boulders for a morning dip.
Mission Beach – Chill the Heck Out
Time to slow it down in Mission Beach, aka palm tree paradise. Go for a paddle, soak up some rays or skydive over the reef if you need a jolt of adrenaline. Either way, the vibes here are immaculate.
Stay: Wongaling Beach has epic views and plenty of beachside chilling.
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
If you do one touristy thing, make it this. Book a day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef – yeah, it’s world-famous for a reason. Swim with turtles, high-five a parrotfish, and get your face all up in some of the most insane coral colours you’ve ever seen. Reef tours leave from Cairns, Mission Beach, or Port Douglas – just pick your poison and dive in.
Pro tip: Don’t touch the coral. Seriously. Don’t be that guy.
Cardwell & The Spa Pool – Instagrammable AF
Roll into Cardwell and treat your dusty body to a dip in Cardwell Spa Pool – a blue-as-heck swimming hole that looks photoshopped. This is the kinda spot that makes your mates back home jealous.
Grab a pie from the servo and keep it moving – classic Aussie road trip fuel.
Hinchinbrook & Lucinda – Island Vibes (Minus the Price Tag)
Catch a glimpse of Hinchinbrook Island from Lucinda Pier – the longest damn jetty in the southern hemisphere. It’s weirdly calming and kinda trippy. Stretch your legs, wave at some pelicans, and keep cruisin’.
Slippin’ down the Josephine Falls
On your way north, detour to Josephine Falls for one last natural waterslide. Seriously, it’s like Wet‘n’Wild, but way prettier and with fewer bogans. Slide, sunbake, and soak up those rainforest vibes one more time.
You Did It, You Filthy Legend
Roll back into Cairns with sand in your hair, bug guts on your windscreen, and stories you probably shouldn’t tell your mum. Drop the camper back (maybe give it a rinse first), and raise a toast to 10 days of pure unfiltered road trip chaos.
Why Do This Trip with Wicked Campers?
Because we get it. You’re not here for guided tours and matching luggage. You want freedom, funk and a vehicle that doubles as a crash pad. Whether you’re chasing crocs, coconuts or just a break from the same old BS, Wicked Campers has your back.
- Cheap-as-chips rates
- Campervans that’ll turn heads
- No boring rules (just don’t be a dick and DON’T drive on the beach)
Book your Wicked ride now, hit the road, and let the tropics mess with your head in all the right ways.