Day 1
Welcome to the Tropical North - Cairns
Welcome to Cairns! Nestled close to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a paradise for scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, all types of fishing, rainforest walks, and wildlife watching.
Both sun-seekers and locals flock to Cairns Esplanade's swimming lagoon on the city’s foreshore, where you’ll find picnic areas, birdwatching viewpoints, free barbecues, and fitness equipment along the boardwalk, perfect for unwinding after your flight.
Accommodation: Mantra on the Esplanade Cairns - 1 night
Located opposite the Cairns Esplanade, Mantra Esplanade offers waterfront accommodation with balconies featuring ocean or city views. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, hot tub, 24/7 front desk service, and an exercise room. The hotel offers a variety of accommodation options, including standard hotel rooms and self-contained 1 and 2-bedroom apartments. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with cable TV and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Day 2
Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands (Approximate Distance: 95 km | 51 miles | Total Driving Time: 1 hour 25 mins)
Embark on a leisurely drive to the Atherton Tablelands for a two-night stay in a rainforest Wilderness Retreat.
In the Atherton Tablelands, explore a diverse range of Australian landscapes, from shimmering waterfalls to grassy savannahs, rainforests, and coffee plantations.
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat
Spend two nights enjoying a blissful rainforest retreat in the cool highlands above Cairns. Your treehouse accommodation offers total seclusion with stunning views of either the World Heritage-listed mountains or rainforest from your private balcony. Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, a family-operated nature retreat, has been recognised by Tourism Queensland as one of its top experiences.
Accommodation: Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat - 2 Nights
Set on 93 hectares of tropical highland rainforest, this eco-friendly retreat offers a choice of 12 handcrafted treehouses and villas. Each features a fully equipped kitchen, large spa bath, and wood fireplace. All accommodations come with king-size beds, laundry facilities, and a private verandah with a barbecue. The living area includes a stereo system, TV, and DVD player.
Day 3
Free day in the Atherton Tablelands
If you can tear yourself away from your peaceful rainforest hideaway, there’s plenty to explore in the Atherton Tablelands:
Suggested Activities at Rose Gums Retreat
Rose Gums is located on a 93-hectare property at the edge of the Wooroonooran National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are 9 kilometres of trails to explore, where you may spot a hidden 5-metre-high waterfall!
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.
Explore the Atherton Tablelands
Outside the property, charming villages await, with weekend food markets and a variety of activities. Swim in volcanic crater lakes, tour coffee plantations, or admire the towering Curtain Fig and Cathedral Fig Trees. As you’re in dairy country, don’t forget to stop by local farm shops for gourmet ice cream, yoghurt, and cheese.
Of course, if you prefer, you can remain on your private rainforest balcony all day, soaking in the views and listening to the birdsong.
Day 4
Atherton Tablelands to Port Douglas (Approximate Distance: 119 km | 74 miles | Total Driving Time: 1 hour 35 mins)
Continue your Queensland road trip to Port Douglas, a tropical haven popular with the rich and famous.
Port Douglas: Reef and Rainforest
Port Douglas is a food lover’s paradise, brimming with cafés, bars, and restaurants. This year-round resort destination lets you dine al fresco and swim in the warm ocean no matter the season. With three nights here, you’ll have ample time to discover the region’s many wonders.
Accommodation: Thala Beach Nature Reserve - 3 nights
Set amidst 140 acres of native forest and boasting a private beach, Thala Beach Nature Reserve is an eco-friendly wildlife retreat. This secluded sanctuary is nestled on a coastal headland and offers stunning views of the Coral Sea. The boutique timber bungalows offer ocean, mountain, or forest views, with private balconies to relax and enjoy the native wildlife. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature a bathtub, refrigerator, and minibar.
Day 5
Free day in Port Douglas
Spend today enjoying Port Douglas at your leisure.
Four Mile Beach runs along the edge of Port Douglas, stretching as far as the eye can see. Take a dip in the warm Coral Sea, explore the rock pools, or follow the walking trail up Flagstaff Hill for stunning mountain views.
In town, you'll find a variety of boutiques offering everything from international labels to local jewellery. Visit the Reef Marina for Port Douglas’ best eateries—don’t miss Hemingway’s Brewery, where you can sample locally brewed beer made with water from nearby Mossman.
Day 6
Great Barrier Reef Sailing
Spend the day on a full-day sailing trip exploring the Great Barrier Reef’s Low Isles.
Embark on a catamaran cruise from Port Douglas, where you’ll enjoy the tropical breeze and crystal-clear waters. With a marine biologist guiding you, you’ll receive informative commentary while lounging on the beach, snorkelling, or taking a glass-bottom boat tour. The cruise includes lunch and all necessary snorkelling equipment.
Day 7
Port Douglas to the Daintree Region (Approximate Distance: 56 km | 35 miles | Total Driving Time: 47 mins)
Cross the Daintree River and enter an environment described by David Attenborough as "the most extraordinary place on Earth".
Daintree: The Oldest Rainforest on the Planet
As you arrive in the Daintree, you might feel as though you’ve stepped into the film set of Avatar, as the area's forest canopy inspired the movie. With jungled mountains leading down to the vibrant Coral Sea, framed by white sandy beaches, it’s one of the most stunning scenes you’ll ever witness.
You’ll spend the next two nights at Cape Tribulation, where two World Heritage sites—the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef—exist side by side. This is the only place on Earth where you’ll find such a unique combination of ecosystems.
Accommodation: Daintree Wilderness Lodge - 2 nights
Set deep within the Daintree Rainforest, this eco-friendly resort features an outdoor heated spa, a bar, and a restaurant. Each cabin offers individual boardwalks leading to the entrance for ultimate privacy. Cabins include a balcony with outdoor furniture and a sunroof to view the rainforest above. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature a minibar, DVD/CD player, and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Day 8
Free day in Daintree/Cape Tribulation
With a full day to explore the Daintree region, choose your adventure:
A guided walking tour of Mossman Gorge is highly recommended. Operated by the Aboriginal Kuku Yalanji people, this tour lets you learn about traditional spear fishing techniques, try some bush foods, and discover the medicinal plants around you.
Don’t miss the freshwater pools of Mossman Gorge, perfect for swimming and free from crocodiles.
For crocodile sightings, embark on a Daintree River Cruise for a chance to spot these majestic creatures, along with tree snakes and other rainforest wildlife.
Daintree Village is a laid-back haven for artists, with quirky shops selling local crafts and clothing.
However you spend your day, expect a touch of rainforest magic that will leave a lasting impression.
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. We hope you’ve enjoyed your 9-day Tropical North Queensland adventure and take home the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We look forward to welcoming you back to discover more highlights of this incredible continent.
