Renowned for its natural beauty, with iconic sites like the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, drawing travellers from around the world. Cairns holds secret treasures that remain far from the typical tourist paths. The best way to discover these destinations? Through Machjet International, flying over in our King Air, which provides access to exclusive, hard to reach places, offering the convenience of private air travel and the freedom to explore without limits.
Why Choose Arriving to Cairns via Private Air Travel
Traveling by private jet isn’t just about luxury, it is also about convenience, access and the ability to explore hard to reach destinations. Known for its smooth and efficient performance, the King Air jet offers a unique way to access remote parts of Cairns that can be time consuming or harder to reach. With the option to tailor your flight path, you will have the freedom to visit multiple destinations in one single day, all while enjoying the serenity of private travel. Here are some of the best remote and lesser-known places in Cairns that are worth exploring:
The Frankland Islands: A Secluded Tropical Paradise
Arguably the Great Barrier Reef’s best kept secret, the Franklin Islands is a world heritage-listed marine park located just 10 kilometers offshore and about 45 kilometers south east of Cairns. While the Franklin Islands remain uninhabited, travelers are welcome to spend the night. Russell Island Camping is the only place to stay on the island and comes courtesy of Franklin Island Reef Cruises.
Your time spent on the island is best fully immersed in nature. The reefs that line the shores are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, teaming with marine life. Grab a snorkel and head offshore, where you will encounter soft and hard corals, mata rays, sea turtles and an array of colourful fish.
Undara Lava Tubes: Considered the 8th Wonder of the World
The Undara Lava Tubes are considered to be one of the most fascinating geological wonders of the world. Located just a 3.5 hour drive from Cairns, these ancient volcanic tubes are among the longest in the world, carved into the land millions of years ago. ‘Undara’, an Aboriginal word meaning ‘long way’, perfectly describes the unique geological feature even Sir David Attenborough declared should be named the eighth Wonder of the World.
Due to the delicate nature of the cave, potential visitors may become disoriented. All visitors to the Undara Lava Tubes are required to join a guided tour with experienced operators at Undara Experience. Located at the gateway to the park, there are three tours on offer, each lasting about 2 hours. Lead by the award-winning Savannah guides, a non-profit network of expert tour guides and tourism operators.
Lizard Island: Seclusion in Luxury
As the northernmost resort in tropical Queensland and set directly on the Great Barrier Reef, this remote escape offers 24 sandy white beaches and 4 private, luxury suites.
Accessible only by private charter from Cairns Airport, Lizard Island is surrounded by coral gardens, ribbon reefs and picturesque lagoon. It’s also just a short boat ride from Cod Hole, one of the most famous dive sites in the world. You can enjoy secluded picnics on private beaches, world class cuisine at SaltWater restaurant and camping at the northern end of Watsons Bay. Walking trails across the island offer a chance to spot Monitor lizards, the island’s namesake.
Fitzroy Islands: Cairns Best Kept Beach Escape
Fitzroy Island is a tropical retreat located just 29 kilometers off the coast of Cairns. Considered a paradise for nature lovers, the island offers lush rainforest, coral reefs and secluded beaches that are perfect for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling.
Unlike the busier destinations in Cairns, Fitzroy Island offers a peaceful escape. Spend your day exploring the island’s walking trails, relax on pristine beaches, or take a snorkel to see the underwater world. It is a great place to disconnect while enjoying the natural beauty without the crowds.
Tully Gorge: Explore Nature’s Beauty
For those who love adventures, Tully Gorge is a must-see. Located just 2 hours south of Cairns, the gorge is known for its lush rainforest, waterfalls and white-water rafting opportunities. The Tully River, one of the most western places in Australia, offers some of the best rafting in the country. If you’re not into rafting, the area is also perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Mount Mulligan: Outback with A Story To Tell
Tucked away in the outback of northern Queensland, Mount Mulligan offers an escape steeped in history and surrounded by dramatic natural beauty. Located about 160 kilometres northwest of Cairns, this former gold and coal mining site is now home to Mount Mulligan Lodge – An all inclusive retreat set on a private 28,000-hectare heritage property.
Activities here are just like the landscape itself, explore the abandoned mining townships, paddle across the weir at sunrise, or take a guided ATV tour through ancient terrain. Guided walks reveal both geological marvels and rich Indigenous history, while sunset drinks overlooking the Hodgkinson Valley provide a perfect end to the day.
Exploring Cairns on Your Own Terms
Cairns is full of unique destinations that allow you to experience the natural beauty of the region in your own way. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on a remote beach, an adventurous hike through the rainforest, or a day of snorkeling in quiet, untouched coral reefs, Cairns has something for everyone. It truly is a place you get to set the pace and experience it all on your terms.
Strait Experience
Machjet International proudly collaborates with Strait Experience, on the Torres Strait, a locally operated and majority-owned indigenous business, a local, experience tourism company offering direct flights from Cairns to the Torres Strait Islands, we work alongside Strait Experiences to showcase the true local way of life with guided walks, cultural dancing, cultural dining and history with an Elder. All while supporting tourism initiatives with direct air access to Masig Island.
Ready to Discover Cairns’ Hidden Gems?
Cairns is full of surprises, and there’s so much more to explore beyond the typical tourist attractions. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or someone looking for a peaceful escape, there’s a hidden paradise waiting for you to discover.
