The Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walk

High in the canopy of the rainforest in Wooronooran National Park, the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway (tel. 07/4064 5294; www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/mamu) traces the path of a cyclone. Cyclone Larry tore through the region in March 2006, opening the canopy in several places; the route of the walkway, which opened in late 2008, was planned to take advantage of those natural openings to reduce the need for clearing parts of the forest. The walkway, 15m (50 ft.) off the ground, runs for 350m (1,150 ft.) through the lush forest, with spectacular views of the North Johnstone river gorge and the mountain peaks of the Wet Tropics World Heritage area. Along the way are signs explaining the area's history and alerting you to the plants, insects, and birds to look out for. The best views are from a 10m (33 ft.) cantilever and a 37m-high (121-ft.) tower with two viewing decks. The whole walk is about 2.5km (1 1/2 miles) and takes about an hour at an easy pace. To find it, take the Palmerston Highway about 116km (72 miles) south from Cairns, or from Mission Beach, travel north about 25km (15 1/2 miles) to Innisfail, turn northwest, and continue about 30km (19 miles). The walkway is open daily 9:30am to 5:30pm (last entry at 4:30pm) and closed Christmas Day. Admission is A$20 adults, A$10 children 4 to 14, or A$50 for a family of four.

Exploring the Reef

Mission Beach is the closest point on the mainland to the Reef, just 1 1/2 hours by boat. Calypso Adventures (tel. 07/4068 8432; www.calypsodive.com) runs day trips that give you three hours to snorkel or dive on the reef. The trip departs daily at 9am from Clump Point Jetty a mile or so north of the main settlement. It costs A$169 for adults, A$99 for children 4 to 14 or A$495 for a family of 4. If you want to dive, the cost is A$299 including two introductory scuba dives.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.