This well paced self-drive itinerary explores the verdant delights of tropical north Queensland starting from and returning to Cairns. Enjoy a wealth of experiences and combine adventure and relaxation within some of Australia and indeed the world’s greatest natural wonders.
From Aboriginal encounters deep in the world’s oldest living rainforest to luxury sailing on the Great Barrier Reef, the scenery, wildlife and activities of northern Queensland are a-plenty and encapsulate some of the very best that Australia has to offer.
Explore the ancient Daintree rainforest and Mossman Gorge and enjoy the tranquility of the Atherton Tablelands.
Itinerary
On arrival at Cairns Airport make your own way to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day is at leisure exploring this lively town.
Collect your rental car and begin your journey along the Great Barrier Reef Drive towards the seaside town of Port Douglas. On the way stop near Kuranda and board Skyrail gondola traversing World Heritage Listed rainforest. Journey along the boardwalks with your ranger guide and visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre before arriving in Kuranda, the village in the rainforest. Enjoy time at leisure in Kuranda before boarding the Kuranda Scenic Railway, one of Queensland’s oldest railways. Marvel at the spectacular views as the train winds through the dense rainforest, traverses tumbling waterfalls and crosses dramatic gorges. On arrival at Freshwater Station, disembark and take the free transfer back to the Skyrail terminal and your vehicle. Continue onto Port Douglas. Spend three nights at Thala Beach Nature Reserve with breakfast included.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Port Douglas
Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail, Cairns
Enjoy an unforgettable cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, heading out along the coastline from Port Douglas with views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected Coral Cays, you’ll be able to snorkel over pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist or take a glass bottom boat tour. Soak up the sun, peace and tranquillity and swim in turquoise clear waters. A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas and coffees will compliment a day of adventure and relaxation.
Outer Barrier Reef Cruise, Port Douglas
Spend today at leisure enjoying the many delights of beautiful Port Douglas. With a plethora of cafes, galleries, boutique shops, and not forgetting the world famous Four Mile Beach, this seaside town offers something for everybody. Alternatively, enjoy an optional scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest offering a different perspective on these two natural wonders (additional cost applies).
Depart Port Douglas and travel north into a pristine area of natural beauty, the Daintree Rainforest. On the way stop at Mossman Gorge and join an Aboriginal led morning dreamtime gorge walk. Walk through the dramatic rainforest and learn about traditional plant use, identify bush food and hear enchanting stories of this ancient landscape and its relationship with the local Indigenous communities. Refresh yourself with a swim in a natural swimming hole before enjoying traditional bush tea and damper. Continue on to your accommodation in the rainforest, the perfect place to stay for close encounters with Australia’s outdoors. Spend two nights at Daintree Eco Lodge with breakfast included.
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa
Spend the day at leisure either enjoying a guided rainforest walk or cruise down the Daintree River. Alternatively you may choose to embark on a voyage of adventure and fly through the treetops over cascading rivers on a jungle surfing canopy tour.
Optional Experiences
Jungle Surfing Canopy Tour, Daintree Rainforest
Set off on a drive into the heart of the Atherton Tablelands offering a different perspective and experience of Queensland. Your accommodation this evening is uniquely situated beside the World Heritage listed Wooroonooran National Parks and offers an unforgettable tropical bush experience. Keep watch for the smallest and most primitive kangaroo in the world, the musky rat-kangaroo, and also the colourful king parrot and rainbow lorikeet. Spend time admiring the rainforest scenery from your treehouse or explore one of the many nearby rainforest walking tracks. Spend two nights at Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat with breakfast included.
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, Atherton Tablelands
Enjoy the serene quiet of the Atherton Tablelands perhaps visiting waterfalls such as Millaa Millaa falls as you explore at leisure.
Drive the short distance to Cairns and return your hire car before continuing with your onward journey.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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6 breakfasts, 1 lunch
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Car rental throughout
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Skyrail and Scenic Rail Experience
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Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise
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Morning Dreamtime Gorge Walk
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £1576 Excluding Flights
8 Nights
Year Round
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Gary
1
Whale shark dived with
13
Ashes Test Matches watched in Australia
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Ben
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
