Give dad a Father’s Day to remember in Tropical North Queensland

There are experiences in Tropical North Queensland for every kind of dad.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, we wanted to share an exciting and diverse range of experiences available in Tropical North Queensland, specially curated to cater to every kind of dad.

Adventures for dads in the Tropical North

For dads who love fishing

Try the excitement of catch and release fishing on the Great Barrier Reef with East Coast Angling. Recognised as a Reef Guardian Fisher through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Port Douglas-based sports fishing specialist assists with research and practises sustainable fishing. At Hook-A-Barra, enjoy an hour of catch and release Barra fishing, complete with all the gear, bait, and expert tuition you need. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, Hook-a-Barra has tackle options for everyone, including fly-fishing for the pros.

A Hooked on Barra expert demonstrating fishing equipment to eager customers in Tropical North Queensland. — Catch and release Barra fishing is a bucket list affair! *(Image: Hooked on Barra)*

For dads who like to ride in style

Heading on a road trip around Tropical North Queensland and want to do it in style? Cairns Luxury Car Hire has a premium fleet of prestige vehicles to choose from. Get behind the wheel of limited-edition Mustang Bullitt; there are only 700 in Australia and the only one you can hire is with them. Journey to the next level with the Tesla Model 3. Fully electric, it offers a luxurious, eco-friendly experience alongside cutting-edge technology and safety.

Otherwise, upgrade Dad to a Diamond View tickets for the iconic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. You get a unique perspective with Diamond View looking straight down into the tropical rainforest canopy with a glass floor gondola.

A family enjoy the scenery from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Tropical North Queensland. — Spectacular views from the sky! *(Image: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway)*

For dads who are adrenaline junkies

If Indiana Jones is Dad’s fictional spirit animal, Cairns Canyoning is the chance to channel his inner explorer with an expedition to the depths of the tropics. Abseil down slippery cliffs, zipline across cascades, riverboard down rapids, jump from rocks, and swim under waterfalls in just a half or full day in the rainforest. Alternatively, go rafting and ride the river rapids of the beautiful Barron or Russell rivers with Cairns Adventure Group.

If short on time, head to Skypark Cairns where Dad can take the leap of faith and bungy jump or bring a couple along for the ride with the Giant Swing.

A father and sons enjoy the giant swing at Skypark Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. — You can swing through the sky! *(Image: Skypark Cairns)*

For dads who appreciate nature and wildlife

Experience the world’s oldest surviving rainforest with either a small group or a personalised bespoke tour. FNQ Nature Tours provides shared experiences accommodating a maximum of 7 guests, as well as private tours to explore the stunning Daintree and Atherton Tablelands. For nature enthusiasts, indulge in a specialised multiday tour, which includes captivating wildlife photography safaris and birdwatching excursions. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife native to Tropical North Queensland, such as Cassowaries or Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroos.

A demonstration of bush tucker at FNQ Nature Tours in Tropical North Queensland. — Learn about bush tucker. *(Image: FNQ Nature Tours)*

For dads who are culture enthusiasts

Immerse in the rich Indigenous culture of Tropical North Queensland. Wunyami Cultural Walking Tour offers a guided journey around Wunyami, Green Island, an ancient coral cay with an equally fascinating ancient cultural history. Visit the Torres Strait Islands in one day with Strait Experience’s A Strait Day tour. Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours have recently launched ‘Deadly After Dark’, a two-hour experience where guests will cruise across Trinity inlet from Cairns at sunset, learning about the cultural landscape before arriving at the specially built Yulu (stingray) Shelter.

Children perform a cultural dance at Strait Experience in Tropical North Queensland. — Immerse in culture in Tropical North Queensland. (Image: Strait Experience)

For dads who love the water

Tropical North Queensland is home to the Great Barrier Reef – one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Tusa Reef Tours have revolutionised the snorkelling experience with innovative equipment and technology. Hop into their plant-based suits and be fitted with a state-of-the-art waterproof bone headphones and listen to a recorded commentary while you’re under the water!

Spend the day on an exclusive Great Barrier Reef tour with Frankland Islands Reef Cruises. You’ll head to Normanby Island where you have up to 4 hours to explore and enjoy this natural paradise, above and below the water. Head down to the Cairns Marina, where you’ll find the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-timer, world-renowned diving operator Divers Den will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to the reef.

A group of snorkelers float above a turtle with Tusa Reef Tours in Tropical North Queensland. — Snorkel in paradise. (Image: Tusa Reef Tours)

For dads who want to give back

Travelling to the destination with two World Heritage sites, it won’t be hard for Dad to find ways to travel for purpose in the tropics. Tropical North Queensland has an array of Eco Certified and dedicated environmental restoration projects you can be involved in. You can contribute to marine science research just by visiting the reef or take that step further and sign up to be a Marine Biologist for a Day with Passions of Paradise. To get the whole family involved, head to the Cairns Aquarium to witness the world’s first living coral biobank, conservation program to protect all 415 known species of Great Barrier Reef hard corals. If wildlife is a family interest, we recommend visiting the Tolga Bat Hospital to learn about the importance of bats to our eco-system.