Tropical North Queensland boasts several stunning national parks with unique landscapes and diverse wildlife. Notable parks in the region include Daintree National Park, Fitzroy Island National Park, Barron Gorge National Park, Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park, Family Islands National Park, and Frankland Group National Park.
Daintree National Park, part of the oldest rainforest on Earth, offers visitors a chance to explore various walks amidst thousands of wildlife species. Fitzroy Island National Park, a tropical paradise offshore from Cairns, features a walking track with panoramic views. Barron Gorge National Park is known for its rugged peaks, steep gorges, waterfalls, rainforest, and diverse wildlife.
Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park is a vast wilderness area with rivers, billabongs, savannah, rainforest, and rare corypha palms. The park holds European history at Old Laura Homestead. Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park harbors the largest remaining lowland rainforest in Australia with abundant bird life, especially in spring.
Family Islands National Park near Mission Beach consists of continental islands with rainforest and woodlands surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Frankland Group National Park comprises five islands with fringing reefs, rocky outcrops, rainforest, mangroves, and diverse wildlife like pied imperial-pigeons and spectacled flying-foxes.
These national parks offer various recreational activities such as bushwalking, birdwatching, snorkeling, and diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Visitors can explore the parks by car, train, boat, or on foot, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.