Kayaking at Cape Tribulation is brilliant. Add in a spectacular Tropical North Queensland sunrise and you have the perfect start to another day in paradise.

Vlasoff Quay is a sandy outcrop in the middle section of the Great Barrier Reef. PTYL finalist Ben Williams and his team landed here to shoot some footage – and had the pleasure of being “stalked” by a curious sea turtle.

Tropical North Queensland’s catchcry is “Where the rainforest meets the reef” and this photograph encapsulates that. Thanks to the huge king tide, we were, literally, paddling through the rainforest at Cape Tribulation.

Thanks to the huge king tide, we were, literally, paddling through the rainforest at Cape Tribulation.

The gargantuan stick insect is considered one of –  if not the – longest stick insect in the world. This specimen, photographed at Cape Tribulation, was around 25cm – a long way short of the longest recorded (in Australia) specimen, which measured 50cm.

The only way across: Those keen to explore Cape Tribulation must first cross the Daintree River via the regular car ferry. it’s a quick trip but gives you an idea of the size of the river – and the chance to spot for crocodiles.

Saltwater crocodiles are prevalent in Tropical North Queensland. This medium-sized (approx. 3m) “salty” was spotted lurking in the mangroves just beside the Daintree River ferry’s disembarkment point. No swimming here, folks!

The orange footed scrub fowl is sometiimes mistaken for a ‘baby cassowary’ by visitors to Tropical North Queensland. This one was spotted at the amazing Daintree Discovery Centre, around two hours’ drive from Cairns.

The Emmagen Creek crossing is part of the Bloomfield Track, just north of Cape Tribulation. This track is just one of the many four-wheel drive touring routes to explore in Tropical North Queensland. The most famous is the journey to Cape York, rated one of the world’s best  four-wheel drive adventures.

Diving on the Great Barrier Reef – whether it is scuba or snorkelling – is a great opportunity for visitors to get up close with some of its beautiful inhabitants, such as this parrot fish.

Tropical North Queensland is synonymous with sailing. Being able to float off the coast and watch a TNQ sunset allows for a totally different perspective from which to appreciate this spectacle.

A stunning north Queensland sunrise at Oaks Beach.

The always-changing greens and blues of the Great Barrier Reef are never more obvious than when seen from above.