5 Days-Northern Queensland

This five day itinerary takes in Australia's Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef - With two World Heritage areas side by side, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest, this is truly where the rainforest meets the reef.

At a glance

Visit the Great Barrier Reef
Soar above the world’s oldest rainforest
Experience Indigenous culture
See the tropical town of Port Douglas

Day One

Port Douglas

Upon arriving in Cairns you will head north to the tropical town of Port Douglas. Your first stop will be at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures where you can see an array of wildlife. Enjoy their entertaining and educational wildlife presentations and take a boat cruise on Hartley's Lagoon to see crocodiles and other wildlife. You will then get checked into your accommodation - the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas. A newly renovated beachfront luxury resort on famous Four Mile Beach surrounded by 147 hectares of lush tropical gardens. Departing from the Reef Marina in Port Douglas you will enjoy a sunset cruise from Low Isles Sailway to visit a beautiful small coral cay complete with blue lagoon, white sandy beaches and coconut palms.

Day Two

Reef Hopper flight

Port Douglas to Cairns

Head to The Wildlife Habitat for breakfast, an open and interactive environment for guests and animals to mingle in a spacious natural setting. Get the opportunity to have your photo taken with a koola and then have a tour of the habitat. In the afternoon experience the 40-minute Reef Hopper flight with GSL Aviation. Get a birds eye view of some breath taking scenery around North Queensland. Afterwards, check in to your new accommodation – Pacific Hotel Cairns which boasts an excellent location situated on the picturesque Esplanade overlooking Trinity Harbour and the Reef Fleet Terminal. As night falls its time for your sunset cruise with Reef Fleet Terminal Big Cat Cruises followed by dinner at the famous Dundees Restaurant which is directly on the boardwalk with fabulous views over Marlin Marina.

Day Three

Great Barrier Reef

Today will be a full day out at sea and a chance to expereince the Great Barrier Reef. Sunlover Reef Cruises' daily luxury cruises offers the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience. Included in your cruise is an informative presentation hosted by our marine naturalist, delicious chef prepared buffet luncheon, guided coral viewing from our semi submersible craft and glass bottom boat, on board touch tank to experience unique marine life up close and all snorkelling equipment availabe to guests. After you arrive back on dry land have dinner in the Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant in Cairns.

Day Four

Daintree Forest

Daintree Rainforest

Down Under Tours will be offering a full day tour of the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Tjapukai Cultural Park and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. On arrival explore Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park which is Australia’s most accessible venue to experience authentic Aboriginal culture dating back. Visit the village of Kuranada on the iconic Skyrail experience that provids a truly unique perspective of Australia’s World Heritage listed tropical rainforest immersing guests in the sights, sounds, smells and tranquillity of one of the most botanically fascinating areas on earth. You will begin your journey back done from the mountains on the Kuranda Scenic Rail. After boarding the train, your journey winds through hand-hewn tunnels, across bridges and around curves, all the time appreciating what an amazing engineering feat it is.

Day Five

Tjapukai National Park

Cairns

Start your day by watching the sun rise from a hot air ballon ride from Hot Air Ballon Cairns over the rolling hills of the majestic Atherton Tablelands. Take some time to indulge in some local shopping by heading to the Riley Collection, Cairns Central Shopping Complex and the Cairns Aquarium. In the afternoon get ready for an adrenaline rush on board a jet boat across Cairns from Bad Jetty Jet boating. At night immerse yourself in some local customs in Night Fire at Tjapukai where you will meet the Indigenous rainforest people who paint your face to link you to their traditional land and take you on a mesmerising journey with the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo.