Dunk Island

Dunk Island is mostly national park, making it a nature lover’s playground with walking trails and palm-fringed beaches. From the jetty, turn left and follow the beach to the tracks for Muggy Muggy Beach and Mount Kootaloo. For a challenge, tackle the steep 7km return track up Mount Kootaloo. This hike takes you through fern forests and past a World War II radar station to the island's highest point, with panoramic views of the Family Group of Islands. On the way back, explore the island's core along the circuit track (a 3-4 hour round trip) through Palm Valley, ending at Coconut Beach. An easier option is the walk along Pallon Beach to Coconut Beach, passing a lookout and an old farm. If you're ready for a swim, follow the track to Muggy Muggy Beach for a dip and snorkel, or head to the beach directly from the jetty, which is great at all tides.

Djiru National Park

The journey to Mission Beach normally takes just under 2 hours from Cairns in each direction. But the journey is well worth it. You'll pass by Queensland's two highest maintains Mount Bartle Frere and Mount Bellenden Kerr. You'll pass by canfields and banana farms, see how the locals live. Then, when we turn off the highway you'll travel through dense Djiru National Park where you may be lucky to spot a wild cassowary.