8 days in Far North Queensland – Rainforest, Reef and Aboriginal Culture - Signature Experiences of Australia

Clear blue waters, superb rainforest and a friendly village vibe make Port Douglas a popular holiday destination. It is ideally situated to explore the World Heritage-listed sites of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest forests in the world. Follow in the footsteps of ancestors of the Kuku Yalanji Rainforest Aboriginal people on a Daintree tour and learn about local lore concerning bush foods, sacred ceremonies and connection to land.

DAY 1

Arrive Cairns and transfer to Port Douglas along the spectacular Great Barrier Reef drive.

Check in at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas.

Spend the afternoon exploring Macrossan Street – the main vein of the town filled with cafes, boutiques and bars.

Late afternoon, depart on your Sailaway Coral Sea Sunset Sail. Enjoy sparkling wine and canapés on a stunning catamaran whilst soaking up the tranquillity of a tropical sunset over the Coral Sea.

This evening choose from one of the excellent local restaurants such as Zinc Port Douglas, Sassi La Cucina + Bar or Nautilus Restaurant.

Highlights:

• Experience stunning views on the ocean-hugging scenic drive from Cairns to Port Douglas.
• Relax onboard a sunset sail with sparkling wine and canapés.

DAY 2

Depart on a full day Daintree tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures.

Your local Kuku Yalanji guide will show you the majestic Daintree rainforest and coastal habitats where you can learn about the environment, different foods and medicines utilized from nature. Collect shellfish and try traditional Aboriginal hunting practices, have a go at spear throwing and catch a mud crab. 

Highlights:

• Explore the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.
• Sample seasonal bush tucker and learn bush medicines.

DAY 3

Enjoy a Full day Great Barrier Reef Fishing Trip with East Coast Angling.

Fish the reef systems in the northern reaches of the Barrier Reef, as well as the continental shelf and the iconic fishing locations of Linden Bank and Opal Ridge. Targeted species include giant trevally, Spanish mackerel, wahoo, tuna, red emperor and more.

This evening enjoy the Flames of the Forest Dining Experience.

Head into the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest for a seven-dish banquet dinner served under a silk canopy illuminated by hand-made crystal chandeliers. Cultural experiences are interwoven with the dinner, as your Kuku Yalanji hosts share music, ceremony and storytelling.

Highlights:

• Enjoy a personalised fishing experience on the Great Barrier Reef.
• Participate in a unique dining and cultural experience in the rainforest.
  
  

DAY 4

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Mossman.

Arrive at Janbal Gallery and enjoy a one-hour workshop with Brian “Binna” Swindley, a renowned artist who has been painting for more than 20 years. Create an original artwork inspired by your visit to take home.

Transfer to Silky Oaks Lodge for a two-night stay.

One of Australia’s premier Luxury lodges of Australia, Silky Oaks is spectacularly situated on the Mossman Gorge River where you can appreciate the natural tropical environment with a choice tree house accommodation.

This afternoon enjoy a spa experience at the Healing Waters Spa.

Enjoy dinner in the Treehouse Restaurant at Silky Oaks Lodge.

Highlights:

• Create your own artwork to take home, using traditional Aboriginal techniques.
• Rejuvenate with a luxurious spa treatment at Silky Oaks Lodge.

DAY 5    

Today rest, relax and immerse yourself in the Silky Oaks Lodge experience.  Activities at Silky Oaks Lodge include:

• Self-guided walks
• Yoga
• Kayaking, Canoeing
• Snorkelling in the Billabong in search of Turtles and Platypus
• Mountain bikes
• Scenic Helicopter flights               

Highlights:

• Take a picnic hamper and visit a picnic spot along the Mossman River.
• Snorkel the Billabong and look out for freshwater turtles, eels, Jungle Perch and the shy resident platypus.

DAY 6

Check out of Silky Oaks Lodge and take a short drive to Mossman Gorge Centre.

Join the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk.

Begin with a traditional “smoking” ceremony then wander along gentle tracks under a canopy of ancient trees. Visit Aboriginal bark shelters and other culturally significant sites. Learn which plants you can eat, which you should avoid, and which can be used as medicine.

Enjoy lunch at Mossman Gorge Centre then continue onto Cairns.

Check into Riley, A Crystalbrook Collection then enjoy an afternoon exploring Cairns.

In the evening, enjoy the Nightfire by Tjapukai experience. 

Journey into the Dreamtime for an unforgettable evening of delicious food and world-class entertainment. Take part in the traditional Rainbow Serpent Circle and share in a celebration of authentic music, chanting and dance that culminates in a traditional fire making ceremony.

Highlights:

• Enjoy a traditional smoking ceremony.
• Walk through the stunning Daintree rainforest with exclusive access to Kuku Yalanji land.
• Enjoy an Indigneous fire-lighting dinner experience at Tjapukai.

DAY 7

Depart on the Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise.

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel combines a full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise with Indigenous cultural storytelling. Snorkel or dive two premium outer reef sites with Traditional Owners whose north Queensland sea country stretches from the Frankland Islands to Port Douglas.

Dine out at one of Cairns many superb restaurants such as Ochre or Salt House.

Highlights:

• Hear the Dreamtime and Great Barrier Reef creation stories and watch live demonstrations of traditional dances and the didgeridoo.
• Snorkel two pristine coral reefs plus Glass Bottom Boat Tour.

DAY 8

Join FNQ Nature Tours for a full day guided touring experience to the Atherton Tablelands.

Venture into nature to experience the incredible Atherton Tablelands. Take a Lake Barrine Wildlife Cruise, seeing Cathedral Fig Tree (Avatar Tree) and the beautiful Malanda Falls. Embark on a rainforest walk, sight platypus and take a swim at Eacham Crater.

Highlights:

• Spot wild platypus.
• Visit the 800-year-old Cathedral Fig Tree.
• Enjoy a one-hour lake cruise with wildlife opportunities.