Nature enthusiasts likely already have Cairns on their bucket travel list. In tropical North Queensland, the area is surrounded by lush rainforests, gorgeous beaches — and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Most people come to see the reef, but Cairns is also a great base for exploring nearby destinations, such as the pretty beach town of Port Douglas, a popular holiday spot for both local and international celebrities.
Cairns’ tropical climate ensures that it’s warm year-round but the ideal time to visit is during the Australian winter (June to August), when the thermometer still hits 80 degrees Fahrenheit most days and it’s less humid than the wet season (December to February).