Day 1
Cairns
Welcome to Cairns, nestled close to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. This is a paradise for snorkelling, reef cruises, rainforest walks, and wildlife watching. Cairns Esplanade's swimming lagoon offers fantastic birdwatching viewpoints and picnic areas - perfect for unwinding after your flight.
Overnight: 201 Lake Street or similar.
Day 2
Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands (Approximate Distance: 95 km | 51 miles | Total Driving Time: 1 hour 25 mins)
Collect your vehicle and drive to the Atherton Tablelands for a two-night stay in a rainforest Wilderness Retreat. Atherton Tablelands offers a diverse range of Australian landscapes, from stunning waterfalls and grassy savannahs to rainforests and coffee plantations.
Overnight: Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat or similar.
Day 3
Atherton Tablelands
There is much to explore in the Atherton Tablelands. Explore Rose Gums Retreat with 9 kilometres of trails to discover, or the Atherton Tablelands, with charming villages, weekend food markets and the opportunity to swim in volcanic crater lakes.
You can also learn about Australia’s unique wildlife with daily wildlife talks, where you can meet the incredible Australian Brush-Turkey, and maybe even see a Platypus in the creek if you’re quiet enough.
Overnight: Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat or similar.
Day 4
Atherton Tablelands to Port Douglas (Approximate Distance: 119 km | 74 miles | Total Driving Time: 1 hour 35 mins)
Continue to Port Douglas, a tropical haven popular with the rich and famous, filled with dining options and offering warm ocean waters no matter the season.
Overnight: Thala Beach Nature Reserve or similar.
Day 5
Port Douglas
Spend the day enjoying Port Douglas as you wish - perhaps exploring Four Mile Beach and its rockpools, or following walking trails up Flagstaff Hill offering breath-taking views.
Overnight: Thala Beach Nature Reserve or similar.
Day 6
Low Isles - Great Barrier Reef
Spend the day on a sailing trip exploring the Great Barrier Reef’s Low Isles. Explore Coral Cay, with pristine beaches and coconut palms, surrounded by incredible coral gardens and the Coral Sea. You may choose to relax on the island, join a guided snorkel tour, or take a trip on a glass bottom boat before returning to Port.
Overnight: Thala Beach Nature Reserve or similar.
Day 7
Port Douglas to the Daintree Region (Approximate Distance: 56 km | 35 miles | Total Driving Time: 47 mins)
Traverse the Daintree River to an environment described by David Attenborough as "the most extraordinary place on Earth".
Arrive in the Daintree to jungled mountains leading down to the vibrant Coral Sea and framed by pristine beaches - this is one of the most stunning scenes you’ll ever witness.
Overnight: Daintree Wilderness Lodge or similar.
Day 8
Free day in Daintree/Cape Tribulation
Take a full day to explore the Daintree region. You may choose to embark on a guided walking tour of Mossman Gorge, operated by the Aboriginal Kuku Yalanji people, or head on a Daintree River Cruise for a chance to spot crocodiles.
Overnight: Daintree Wilderness Lodge or similar.
Day 9
Farewell to Queensland
Say farewell to the forest and return to Cairns, where you’ll drop off your rental car and board your onward flight. You may wish to continue your travels, why not speak to our travel experts about extending your trip?