Gordonvale, historically a sugar town, is today a quintessential Australian country town. It has courteous storekeepers, well-preserved streetscapes, historic buildings and a great sense of community.

Near Gordonvale stands Walshs Pyramid at 922 metres in height. Each year the township hosts The Great Pyramid Race, an epic 12 kilometre race to the top and back. The record stands at 1:15:34 set in 2007 by Neil Labinsky.

From Gordonvale there is access to the Atherton Tablelands via the Gillies Highway, while south the Great Green Way extends south to Mission Beach.

Gordonvale is about 30 minutes drive south of Cairns.