November to February is a very special time of the year in tropical North Queensland. It’s the time of year the locals call the “Green Season” as cooling rains cross the mountain ranges, filling the creeks and streams, soaking the floodplains, bringing new life to the oldest rainforest in the world and sustaining a diversity of amazing animal and plant species found nowhere else on the planet.
Don’t be misled by the name the Wet Tropics though, as there is still plenty of sunshine to enjoy what nature provides so here are just a few reasons why you should come to North Queensland and go troppo this summer.
Nowhere else on Earth
You have probably heard that North Queensland is the only place where two World Heritage Listed areas adjoin, the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef. What you probably haven’t heard is that the World Heritage Area which forms the bulk of the Wet Tropics region, is only 0.12 percent of Australia by area, yet it is home to a staggering:
If you are a nature lover there is an extremely rich variety of Australian animals and plants here, many of which are rare or threatened and found nowhere else on Earth. You might know they include some iconic species such as the southern cassowary and the mahogany glider, but most of them are little known, particularly the plants, frogs and invertebrates. Here’s a few of our favourites that you can keep your ears and eyes open for when you are exploring.
Keeping to the green theme is the White Lipped Tree Frog which is the world’s largest treefrog and second largest frog (boo it was beaten by the cane toad for this title!). Hearing the cacophony of frog calls in the rain is a true indicator you are in the tropics.
On the opposite end of the size spectrum is the musky rat-kangaroo. He is small but he’s been around for 20 million years, so in this case maybe size does matter. He doesn’t mind getting out and about during the day so you could catch him as he wanders the rainforest floor in search of food.
This little bit of cuteness is a Daintree Ringtail Possum. How could you not love those eyes? As the name implies it is only found in the Daintree region so it’s worth a trip here to see this very special animal.
Head for the Hills
When it’s hot on the beach follow the locals as they know it’s the time to head for the higher plateaus of the Atherton Tablelands, the cooler temperatures and the fantastic range of experiences to be found here. Waterfalls, swimming holes and walking through the spectacular national parks lead the list. With more than 97% of the Wet Tropics designated National Park you will be spoilt for choice.
It may not be green but there is nothing like the roar of the Barron Falls as it thunders over the rocks on its descent to the coast. It’s a spectacle that many locals and tourists can’t wait to experience so it’s great to know it’s only a short drive from Amaroo at Trinity to Kuranda to see it.
Green canyons of ferns form a wonderful backdrop to cooling waterholes like the Boulders and there are so many stunning locations to choose from you could spend several days exploring them all. Less than an hour’s drive from Trinity Beach you can this beautiful swimming hole the Boulders, the Josephine Falls, Crystal Cascades, Fairy Falls, Behana Gorge or Davies Creek Falls just to name a few.
Getting amongst the Action
We know you could spend your entire stay with us just enjoying the laid-back lifestyle in Trinity Beach but when you do venture out in the Green Season there is a whole new world waiting for you.
Boardwalks or hiking trials provide easy access to the beauty spots or we can book a guided rainforest tour for you if this is more your style and you would like to learn more from the locals who enjoy these wonders year-round.
If you want to get the heart pumping the mountain biking scene is very active in this region and it’s no wonder when there are places like the Daintree and Cape Tribulation to explore. Ask us about the best trails to take and we can get you on your way.
Are you totally ready for the adrenaline rush of white-water rafting? Then this is definitely the best time to visit as the rivers and waterfalls are at their epic best as the mountain rains head to the sea.
Not quite up for all the action? Then cruising into the green is incredibly relaxing as you meander through the waterways shrouded by ancient rainforest. Keep your eyes open as it’s courting season for the crocodiles at this time of year so you will spot a lot more on the banks of rivers.
Dive in Deep
The Great Barrier Reef is always a spectacle, but this time of year is the perfect time for snorkelling and diving the Great Barrier Reef as the turquoise green water is crystal clear and the trade winds are negligible, making for a smooth journey to the reef on a reef tour with an operator like Reef Magic pictured below.
There are also some very exciting things happening under the water that are worth mentioning as it’s not just about what happens on the surface that makes this place truly magic.
Around November after a full moon and when rising water temperatures have sufficiently stimulated the coral, they begin to spawn creating an “underwater snowstorm” that can last several days. Travellers come from all over the world for a chance to experience this.
Not all travellers at this time of year are human! Giant pelagic fish like the travelly pictured, marlin, tuna and mackerel travel thousands of miles to the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Book a fishing charter and you will be hauling in your dinner for sure.
It’s turtle nesting season! These graceful underwater creatures lumber onto the beaches and make their way laboriously slowly to the sand patch where they were born between November and March where they can lay up to 100 eggs in a clutch. It’s a slow process so if you are out for an early morning beach walk you could get to see them.
Life’s a Beach
Meanwhile back at Trinity Beach you get to enjoy the seclusion which comes before and after the school holidays and enjoy great specials for accommodation and tours.
There’s a high chance at this time of the year that you will have the beach to yourself and think you’ve been stranded somewhere in the tropics.
But never fear all the mod cons you need are at Amaroo on Trinity including easy walking access to local restaurants and bars but with a view like this from your balcony why would you want to leave.
