Cairns

Nature enthusiasts likely already have Cairns on their bucket travel list. Located in tropical North Queensland, the area is surrounded by lush rainforests, gorgeous beaches — and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Most people come to see the reef, but Cairns is also a great base for exploring nearby destinations such as the pretty beach town of Port Douglas, a popular holiday spot for both local and international celebrities. Cairns’ tropical climate ensures that it’s warm year-round but the ideal time to visit is during the Australian winter (June-August), when the thermometer still hits 80F most days and it’s less humid than the wet season (December-February).