Queensland's Tropical North Holiday

Cairns has been home to indigenous Australians for more than 40,000 years and was settled by Europeans in 1876 who arrived in search of gold. These days, Cairns is seen as the city "where the rainforest meets the reef" as it is the gateway to both the 100-million-year-old Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The main tourist centre in town is along the Esplanade, which has a swimming lagoon, bustling weekend markets, and plenty of great food options.

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside baggage carousel and delivered to your Cairns accommodation.

Cairns is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and Queensland's tropical north. It is a laid-back town with a relaxed way of life, ideal for people who enjoy the outdoors and tropical nature. Have a stroll along Cairns esplanade, discover open-air markets, and grab a coffee in one of the brilliant al fresco cafes. After that, you can cool off in the sparkling Esplanade Lagoon. This saltwater pool is lined with parks, shady banyan trees, boardwalks, and barbeques. If you feel active and energised, you can join free outdoor exercise classes, such as yoga, zumba, pilates, or beach volleyball, held six mornings a week along the Esplanade. In the afternoon, you can visit Cairns Botanic Gardens, with their spectacular plant collection. The gardens feature rainforest vegetation and many interesting species of flowers. You can bring your own snacks for the picnic or grab a snack in the cafeteria. You should also explore the Cairns Aquarium, which is dedicated to local species and habitats, with over 16,000 specimens on display. It is home to incredible sea creatures, from sharks to snakes. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood in one of the gourmet restaurants or a refreshing cocktail i a waterfront bar with its amazing ocean views and great vibes.

Experience this scenic journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the 'village in the rainforest'. Your day begins in Cairns as you board the train for a morning departure. Travel through unsurpassed views of World Heritage-listed rainforest and waterfalls, including Stoney Creek Falls and the breathtaking Barron Gorge. You will wind your way through 15 tunnels and over 37 bridges on your journey before reaching Kuranda, where you will have several hours to explore the village. In the afternoon you will board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a journey up and over the rainforest canopy, back to the Skyrail terminal where you will be transported back to the Cairns railway station.

Cruise the calm, tranquil waters of the World's most ancient tropical rainforest along the Barron River and bask in the peaceful, tropical scenery. Commentary by your guide highlights impressive features of the surrounding forest, species of river wildlife in the area, and the history of Kuranda. The river is home to a diverse range of wildlife including, turtles, snakes, water dragons, and freshwater crocodiles which you are likely to see relaxing in the waters. Keep your eye out for the elusive cassowary on the far side of the river and keep your camera handy to take advantage of the great photographic opportunities.

Our rental car range includes the latest vehicles from the top suppliers. From economy hatchbacks to SUVs, we can help you decide on a car suitable for this leg of your trip. Insurance can often be included with a small excess or deductible.

The best route to travel between Cairns and Port Douglas is the Captain Cook Highway (State Route 44). Less than 70km in length, this short drive offers countless opportunities to stop and admire the breathtaking views, walk along the beach or take a quick dip in the sea. You could even stop off at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a bird's eye view of the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest.
We recommend arriving to Port Douglas before dusk so that you can take in the beautiful sunset over the water.

Port Douglas is a relaxed, tropical sea-side village, where the reef meets the rainforest. A perfect getaway location, it features a great range of restaurants, bars and boutique shopping. Relax by the beach or take a tour to some of Australia's iconic natural wonders, the World Heritage-Listed Great Barrier Reef and the World's oldest living rainforest, the Daintree. Go snorkelling or diving, adventure on a mountain bike tour or learn about Indigenous country and culture through immersive experiences.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the Great Barrier Reef, filled with sailing, snorkeling and swimming. Immerse yourself In nature by swimming with turtles, taking a trip on the glass bottom boat, or relaxing on the white sandy beaches. As the sunsets take in the spectacular views as you sail back to the port. This is the perfect afternoon out to experience the absolutely stunning Great Barrier Reef in the most sustainable way!

A scenic helicopter flight over the reef is an opportunity not to be missed! You will be amazed by the stunning blue and green hues of these pristine coral sea waters and their thriving coral gardens. This flight includes incredible photo opportunities of picturesque Green Island, Arlington Reef and Upolo Sand Cay.
Many of the larger marine species can be most easily spotted from the air.  Inflight sightings have included Sea Turtles, Sharks, Manta Rays, Dolphins, Dugong and even majestic Humpback Whales (Jul-Sep) during their annual migration from Antarctica, stopping by briefly to give birth and raise their calves in our warm tropical waters.

Immerse yourself in a rainforest experience like no other! Beginning the day at a secret location on the Mossman River for our one of a kind River Drift Experience; with a guided river walk up stream, enjoy the varied pace downstream on a river sled. After a well earned lunch, enjoy a traditional Kuku Yalanji smoking ceremony at the Mossman Gorge; you’ll be cleansed of bad spirits and have traditional rainforest body paint applied. Exploring the Daintree National Park at an easy pace, this interpretive 1.5hr walk, will leave you with a deeper understanding of this breath-taking rainforest.

25 minutes north of Port Douglas you will find the sugar cane town of Mossman, gateway to the world-renowned Mossman Gorge. Take a visit to the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre where you can join a guided cultural walk or explore at your own pace. From here you will continue driving north, pop out on the coast at Rocky Point and Wonga Beach, then head back inland towards the lush Daintree Rainforest. You will come to meet the Daintree River, home to an abundance of native wildlife and river cruise activities. A little further west and you will arrive in the region's original settlement, Daintree Village.

The world's oldest rainforest by an impressive 10 million years, surviving cataclysmic events that wiped out the dinosaurs, the Daintree exudes ancient energy to those who visit. The traditional custodians of the area, the Kuku Yulanji, have been living in complete harmony with their environment for 50,000 years.  Encompassing approximately 1200 square kilometres stretching from the Daintree River to the sea's edge, north to Cooktown and west to the Great Divide, this World Heritage-listed area is the single largest block of tropical rainforest in Australia. With creeping vines, emerald tree canopies and winding rivers below, there are memorable experiences to be gained for all. One of the most well-known natural features of the Daintree is Mossman Gorge, promising breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife and lush rainforest steeped in history and legends that have been passed down generations. Whether you are seeking luxury, immersive cultural experiences, or something more adventurous, the Daintree has it all.

Spend the afternoon floating on the Daintree River in a hybrid vessel that uses an electric engine, reducing the disturbance to wildlife and resulting in better wildlife observation. As the afternoon approaches the beautiful light shines onto the river creating a magical sight as the sun is setting, this afternoon you are likely to come across crocodiles, tree snakes, and approximately 40 different bird species including kingfishers, frogmouths, and herons heading home for the evening.

Spend the day with a local Aboriginal tour guide, learning about culturally significant areas and the relationships the Kuku Yalanji people still have with their land. Learn the history, culture and traditions of the local Aboriginal people and the area. Walk through the rainforest and coastal habitats learning about the different environments, different foods and medicines utilised from nature, sample some seasonal bush tucker, collect shellfish and learn traditional Aboriginal hunting practices, have a go at spear throwing and if you are lucky, catch a mud crab. Complete the adventure by cooling off in a pristine freshwater stream.

Today, you will be driving towards the world's oldest rainforest - the Daintree Rainforest. At the Daintree River, you will need to take the Daintree Ferry across (at your own expense). This is the only cable ferry operating within tropical Australia and the journey across takes about 10 minutes, but there can be wait times, especially in the peak season of July-September. Once across, you will follow Cape Tribulation Road through the rainforest until your final destination for the day, Cape Tribulation. It is a unique place, the only one in the world, where two UNESCO World Heritage listed sites, The Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, meet.

This half day tour will take you on an exhilarating ride from Cape Tribulation Beach to snorkel the pristine Great Barrier Reef bordering the Daintree Coast. After boarding the semi-rigid inflatable boat, your custom-built vessel will embark on the 25 minute journey out to your snorkelling sites, Mckay Cay and Undine Reef. From here you will often be able to see the rainforest along the mainland as you paddle, and on most days you will find yourself swimming with sea turtles as well as an extraordinary array of marine life and coral species. Throughout your tour you will also receive personalised snorkelling instruction and reef interpretation talks from your ultra-qualified eco hosts.

Today, you will be heading down South, from magnificent Cape Tribulation to Daintree. You will be driving through the most ancient rainforest in the world, which is over 180 million years old, and is a home to wonderful and unique ecosystems and wildlife. You will follow Cape Tribulation Road, and will be passing Daintree Discovery Centre, which is a park's visitor center with a canopy tower, aerial walkways & educational exhibits. At the Daintree River, you will need to take the Daintree Ferry across (at your own expense). This is the only cable ferry operating within tropical Australia and the journey across takes about 10 minutes, but there can be wait times, especially in the peak season of July-September. Once across, you will follow Mossman Daintree Rd towards Daintree village.

Today, you will head to a small rural town Malanda in the Tablelands Region. You can take a direct and faster way via State Route 81, but the best option is to choose a longer, but spectacular Captain Cook Highway (State Route 44). This drive offers countless opportunities to stop and admire the breathtaking views or walks along the beaches. Head towards Port Douglas, stopping at Four Mile Beach, a stunning coastline with wide sandy beaches and rainforests. There is a patrolled swimming area in front of the surf life-saving club (with a stinger net in summer). Continuing down South, you will be passing Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, featuring crocodile & reptile shows, as well as guided tours with views of koalas & kangaroos. Stretch your legs and grab a snack on Palm Cove Beach, an esplanade with palm trees and cafes, a popular swimming and fishing spot. Just 20 minutes north of Cairns is Smithfield, home to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway where you can take a bird's eye view of the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest, or divert a little further to Kuranda for the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Keep driving towards Atherton and then onto Malanda, passing the wonderful Curtain Fig Tree, estimated to be over 500 years old.

Malanda is well known for its rainforest walks, panoramic views, wildlife and a very successful dairy industry. It is also home to the heritage-listed Majestic Picture Theatre, known as the oldest continually-operating cinema in Australia. The climate is naturally air conditioned all the time, there are beautiful rainforests and parks to explore.It is located 10 minutes from the town of Atherton and just under an hour from Cairns, there are many reasons to include Malanda on your holiday itinerary.

In town, be sure to follow the Malanda Art Trail, a series of painstakingly crafted mosaics that takes followers on a journey through the rich history of the area. Pay attention to the intricate detail in the designs and see if you can find the blue butterfly hidden in each mosaic.

Start your day in this beautiful natural paradise with wildlife viewing. It starts every morning at 8:30am, behind the reception. You will see the smallest and most primitive kangaroos in the world - the musky rat-kangaroo and also the colorful parrots, the King Parrots and Rainbow Lorikeets. You will also learn about the evolution of parrots and kangaroos in Australia. For those of you seeking more Kangaroo experience, why not follow the Kangaroo Trail, you can also spot one of the biggest, the Eastern Grey Kangaroo. After that, you can explore the numerous walking trails, rainforest creeks, native plants, and stunning waterfalls. You can start with the Creek Walk, a moderate 90 minutes walk and look for platypus in this pristine World Heritage Wooroonooran National Park. Or you can go for an easy, 1-hour long Reforestation Walk. This track follows the contour around the Spring Creek Gorge and is probably the best for bird watching. Towards the end of the track is a rainforest with fruiting trees which attracts cassowaries. You can also spot other bird life, such as Cattle Egrets, Red-backed Wrens, White-faced Herons and other grassland birds. You can also go for a wild swim in tropical pristine waters at Butchers Creek or at Hidden Waterfall. The roads around Rose Gums are also bike friendly, you can go for a ride to the wonderful volcanic crater lake, Lake Eacham, or explore the Wooroonooran National Park to the base of Mt Bartle Frere, Queensland's highest mountain.

The drive from Malanda to Townsville offers a beautiful mix of landscapes, starting in the lush Atherton Tablelands, known for its green hills, rainforest, and waterfalls. As you travel through the region, you’ll experience the charm of small towns like Millaa Millaa, with its famous waterfalls and serene surroundings. The journey gradually transitions from the highlands to the coastal plains, where the scenery shifts to farmland and tropical coastline. Along the way, you might catch glimpses of the Cassowary Coast’s natural beauty before arriving in Townsville, a vibrant city set against the backdrop of Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea.

Conducting up to 17 daily return services to Magnetic Island, SeaLink can have you in paradise in only 20 minutes a state-of-the-art, high-speed catamaran. Relax on a secluded beach, cruise the tropical waters of North Queensland or try one of the many adventure activities on offer on Magnetic Island.

 Unleash an unforgettable Magnetic Island adventure with Aquascene, the award-winning local family business for over 38 years. They know this island like the back of their hand, having grown up exploring its hidden coves and vibrant reefs. Cruise past Magnetic Island's dramatic coastline, dive into the crystal-clear waters and snorkel at secret locations teeming with life. Relax on secluded beaches with a delicious morning tea, and learn all about the island's fascinating history and marine life from our friendly, expert crew.

Return to Townsville on the Sealink Ferry.

Set off from Townsville on a journey northward to the tropical paradise of Mission Beach, a route that offers a blend of coastal and inland experiences, rich in natural beauty and unique attractions. As you leave Townsville, consider taking a detour to the Paluma Range National Park. This hidden gem is a rainforest retreat, offering opportunities for bushwalking, swimming in crystal-clear creeks, and marveling at the scenic Little Crystal Creek Bridge, a picturesque stone bridge surrounded by lush greenery.
Continuing north on the Bruce Highway, you may wish to make a stop in the quaint town of Ingham, known as the "Little Italy" of North Queensland due to its strong Italian heritage. Here, you can explore the Tyto Wetlands, a serene birdwatching haven where over 240 species of birds can be observed in their natural habitat. Just a short drive further, Wallaman Falls, Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall, is a must-visit. The spectacular 268-meter waterfall is set within the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics and is accessible via a winding drive that offers breathtaking views along the way. As you approach Cardwell, a coastal town nestled between the Coral Sea and the rugged peaks of the Cardwell Range, take a moment to walk along the scenic Cardwell Jetty. This spot offers stunning views of Hinchinbrook Island and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick fishing session. The Cardwell Spa Pools, with their striking blue waters, provide a refreshing spot to cool off and relax before continuing your journey. Heading further north, make a stop at Tully, renowned for being one of the wettest towns in Australia. Here, you can visit the Golden Gumboot, a quirky monument celebrating the town’s record rainfall. For a dose of adventure, the Tully Gorge National Park offers thrilling white-water rafting experiences amidst ancient rainforest.
Finally, arrive at Mission Beach, where 14 kilometers of golden sands meet the lush rainforest. The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like skydiving, reef trips, and hiking in the nearby Djiru National Park, home to the elusive cassowary.

A long white (and empty) sandy beach, lush tropical rainforest, relaxed coastal cafes, and waterfalls with swimming holes in the hills. Mission Beach in Far North Queensland, a tropical escape where you’ll find cassowaries crossing the roads and fruit stalls along the side of them. Mission Beach is primarily a destination for holiday and adventure activities, with a 14 km beach on one side, and lush rainforest on the other side. White-water rafting, sailing, charter boats, a water taxi across to Dunk Island, kayaking, parachuting, sky diving, scuba diving and organised cruises are available locally.

The drive from Mission Beach to Cairns is a scenic journey through tropical landscapes, where the lush rainforest meets the coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque farmland and sugar cane fields, with the chance to spot cassowaries in the wild. Towns like Innisfail offer a charming break with their art deco architecture, while natural attractions like Josephine Falls and Babinda Boulders provide stunning views of waterfalls and rainforest. As you approach Cairns, the landscape opens up, and you’re greeted by the vibrant energy of this tropical city, known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Visit the scenic Atherton Tablelands, rich in biodiversity, an area that features a range of habitats including lush tropical rainforest and volcanic crater lakes. During the adventure by day, you may see the musky rat kangaroo, Boyds Forest Dragon, a selection of rainforest birds, butterflies, and flying foxes. At dusk, venture to the viewing area by the river to search for the Platypus, one of the most unique mammals on earth.
Once night falls, stroll under the night stars, and into the World Heritage Rainforest, where you may be lucky enough to spot a Lumholtzs Tree Kangaroo, Northern Leaf Tailed Gecko, Ringtail Possums, gliders, frogs, owls, and more (most are endemic to the region). Every night is full of discoveries!

Return your rental vehicle to Cairns City depot before continuing your onward journey.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights throughout Australia, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!