Tropical North Queensland is the region of Australia that includes Cairns, Palm Cove Post Douglas, Daintree and Kuranda. Located in the northern part of the state of Queensland this region is considered a major tourist region due to its access to the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach. First settles in 1861 gold was discovered in Charters Towers in 1871 leading to development of Townsville as a major port and service centre. The region also includes world heritage listed rainforests, Cape Tribulation and other tourist must sees with sustained links to indigenous cultures.