Things to do in East Palmerston

See over 15,000 marine species in Australia

The Kuranda Scenic Rail is your passport to the beauty of Barron Gorge National Park's incredible beauty. During your ride on one of Australia's most impressive rail journeys, expect to pass by waterfalls, travel through the shade of an immense canopy, and chug along over lush, green gorges!

Explore, relax, and unwind in Cairns

Unlock the wonders of Cairns on a day trip!

Green Island is one of the 900 islands of the Great Barrier Reef. It is located 27 kilometres off the coast of Cairns, Far North Queensland. The location is a popular stop for snorkelling and diving tours in the reef.

José Paronella arrived in Australia from Catalonia in Spain in 1913. For the next 11 years, he worked, cutting sugar cane initially, then purchasing, improving, and reselling cane farms. In 1924 he returned to Spain and married Margarita in 1925. The trip back to Australia was their honeymoon. José first saw this 13 acres of virgin scrub along Mena Creek in 1914. He eventually purchased it in 1929 for just £120 and started to build his gardens and reception centre for the enjoyment of the public. Visitors can now take several tours on the grounds and learn the history of this beautiful place in North Queensland, Australia.

Kuranda Koala Gardens is a boutique wildlife attraction, located in the world-famous Kuranda rainforest village. Situated in the Kuranda Heritage Markets, the intimate wildlife park is home to an amazing array of Australian animals, including wallabies, wombats, quokkas, gliders, and freshwater crocodiles.

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is Australia's largest butterfly conservatory. It is located in Kuranda in Far North Queensland, roughly 25 kilometres from Cairns.

Wildlife Habitat is an award-winning zoo located in Port Douglas, Australia. It's home to an array of fascinating animals including birds, reptiles and endangered mammals.

Rainforestation Nature Park is a wildlife reserve and forest park in Kuranda, Far North Queensland. Visitors can see animals native to Australia, learn more about the area's indigenous cultures, and even cuddle a koala.

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is an eco-friendly nature park and native wildlife attraction on Great Barrier Reef Drive near Cairns in Queensland, Australia. The park offers visitors up-close experiences with fearsome crocodiles, cuddly koalas, and other Australian wildlife, in a safe environment.

Soar over a beautiful rainforest and admire the scenic view

Located in the rainforest, Skypark Cairns offers a world of adventure, including adrenaline-fuelled activities like Australia's only bungy, Giant Swing, and Cairns' highest viewing platform. You'll find Skypark Cairns just 20 minutes from Cairns city.

Birdworld Kuranda is one of Australia’s largest collection of free-flying birds, housed inside a spacious aviary that replicates the creatures' natural habitats. With over 350 birds of every size, colour, shape and description – including Amazonian macaws, a giant cassowary, cheeky rainbow lorikeets, galahs, cockatoos and many more – Birdworld Kuranda is a must for bird and wildlife lovers. Naturally landscaped with waterfalls, ponds, exotic and native plants, Birdworld Kuranda is a place where you can join the birds in their beautiful world.

Some 15km north-east of Port Douglas, you'll find Low Isles. This four-acre coral cay is surrounded by 55 acres of reef, with corals close to the island making it the perfect location for snorkelling.

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises is the only company permitted to visit Normanby Island, with visitors restricted to 100 per day, ensuring an air of exclusivity to your trip. These exclusive day tours include snorkelling, lunch and guided island walks led by marine experts. Certified dive options are available, as well as semi-submersible and glass bottom boat tours, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Crossing to the island takes 30 minutes, the shortest travel time of all Cairns Great Barrier Reef trips.

Take flight in Cairns on a journey through the clouds

The Spirit of Cairns is a luxury catamaran that sails out of – you guessed it – Cairns. The 26-meter vessel boasts two levels, with air conditioning and a fully licensed bar.