2 Best Sights in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

A scenic section of the Bruce Highway locals call the Great Green Way links Cairns with Townsville, taking you through sugarcane, papaya, and banana plantations, past white-sand beaches and an island-dotted ocean. The 348-km (216-mile) drive takes about 4½ hours. Allow time to explore towns, parks, and rain-forest tracts along the way.

The historic Kuranda Scenic Railway makes a two-hour ascent through rain forest and 15 hand-hewn tunnels to pretty Kuranda village, gateway to the Atherton Tableland. Book a simple Heritage Class seat; get a cool towel and souvenir pack; or splurge on a Gold Class ticket with fine local food and wine, table service, swanky decor, and a souvenir guide. Several tour packages are available, from full-day rain-forest safaris, and visits to local Aboriginal centers and wildlife parks to simple round-trips combining rail and cable-car journeys.