7 Day Northern Queensland Explorer

YOUR DAY

60km, 1 hour driving time

Welcome to tropical Queensland and the vibrant city of Cairns! Upon arrival at Cairns Airport, you have several options for your journey north to the stunning resort town of Port Douglas.

We can arrange for a private guide to accompany you for the entire trip, ensuring a seamless and personalised experience, or just when needed, with private shuttles for specific transfers. Alternatively, we can organise a rental car for you to explore at your own pace.

As you travel along the spectacular Pacific Coastline, you’ll pass through the charming village of Palm Cove before arriving at your destination. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure—whether it’s discovering the vibrant dining scene, exploring local boutiques, or unwinding by the beach.

To help you make the most of your time, we’ll provide exclusive recommendations and insider tips in your interactive travel app, ensuring you’re fully immersed in the incredible surroundings.

YOUR DAY

Today, you’ll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with ABC Snorkel Charters, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the largest and most biodiverse coral reef system in the world. This small and exclusive tour offers an intimate and personalised experience, far from the crowds and commercial tourist spots.

With a special permit from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, this tour allows access to some of the most pristine and less-visited reef locations, ensuring a truly immersive and peaceful experience. You’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in vibrant coral gardens, teeming with marine life, guided by expert marine biologists.

A delicious lunch is served onboard, allowing you to relax and take in the breathtaking surroundings between snorkelling sessions.

After a spectacular day on the reef, return to Port Douglas in the evening and enjoy a leisurely night at your own pace.

💎 Want a fully private experience? We can arrange an exclusive charter just for you and your group, with the option to include scuba diving for an even deeper exploration of this natural wonder. Let us know how we can personalise this experience for you!

YOUR DAY

Today is free to relax in the paradise of Port Douglas. We suggest visiting Four Mile Beach, where pristine sand and sea stretch as far as the eye can see. Take a dip in the tropical waters and perhaps hire a sun lounger to laze on the sandy shores. If you are keen to check out native animals, you could visit Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas where there are Koala, Kangaroos, numerous bird species and reptiles, and you can even enjoy a meal surrounded by birdlife.

This is a full day to explore at your leisure and take advantage of the many activities on offer. We will have some of our top tips on your interactive travel app.

YOUR DAY

The Day begins with a scenic trip along the Great Barrier Reef Drive to Mossman Gorge, one of the most beautiful drives in Australia. Your journey takes you on a spectacular coastline-hugging road, with World Heritage Rainforest on one side, and Great Barrier Reef on the other. Be sure to pack the camera!

‍Mossman Gorge and the Cultural Centre are an award-winning ecotourism attraction located at the entrance to the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. The Centre, and Gorge are a must-do for anyone travelling in the beautiful Far North Queensland region. Experience crystal-clear cascades over large granite boulders surrounded by lush Daintree Rainforest. Experience one of the Natural Wonders of the World.

Then explore the famous Daintree River on an eco-friendly Daintree River Crocodile Cruise, boasting a vast range of wildlife, birds and the iconic Estuarine Crocodiles. Solar Whisper is the only zero-emission boat in the Daintree region, and their experienced Coxswain provides a unique perspective of the River, Rainforest and Mangroves whilst searching for the elusive apex predator. The boat is fitted with a “CROC CAM”, so everyone gets the best opportunity to experience interactions no matter where you are sitting.

Cross the Daintree River on the Ferry and feel the main-land drift away as you become immersed in the completely off-grid community. Travel to Alexandra Lookout, providing picture-perfect views of where the Daintree Rainforestand sweeping views over the Great Barrier Reef. The Marrdja Boardwalk is a walk in the rainforest that you will never forget. This trail is wheelchair accessible, and whilst it is only 1.2km long – it will take you 350 million years back in time. The informative signs along the boardwalk will teach you about the history of this land, and living specimens of each significant stage of plant evolution over time. The lush vegetation and ever-changing scenery are sure to captivate, and you will be mesmerized as you stroll along this incredible route. You’ll come across a viewing platform that looks out over Noah Creek, providing you with stunning views… just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles lurking in the waters below! Pitstop in to the Daintree Ice Cream Company, which is a family-friendly destination that features unique ice cream made from exotic fruits grown in their very own orchard. There is a beautiful Self-Guided Orchard Walk for those interested in fruit trees of the Tropics. This place serves amazing ice cream delights and is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the Daintree Rainforest! Next stop Cape Tribulation Beach is one of the most beautiful parts of Tropical Far North Queensland, and its beauty comes from its untouched wilderness. Cape Tribulation is a truly unique, completely off-grid community where the Rainforest is so dense, it is one of the few places that weren’t affected by the Ice Age!
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We will unwind & relax overnight at your Daintree Rainforest Accommodation and dine at a local family-owned restaurant while enjoying the natural sites and sounds of the Oldest Rainforest in the World. This is an experience you don’t want to miss!

Your evening finishes with a Daintree Night Walk Tour, departing late evening, the small group will take you under the canopy at night – when the Rainforest comes alive. Suitable for all ages, fitness and mobility; this guided boardwalk tour is a unique experience enjoyed rain or shine. Torch in hand, you will be guided to spot the elusive wildlife of the Oldest Rainforest in the World. Whilst animal sightings are not guaranteed, adventurers have enjoyed bioluminescent Mushrooms, spoaring, Snails, Owls, glowing Scorpions, green-lipped Tree Frogs, Bats, Tree-Kangaroos and even sleeping Cassowarys… This is a special experience.

YOUR DAY

The next day, begin your adventure with a visit to the iconic 500-year-old Fig Tree and a 4WD crossing at Emmagen Creek. Travel along the scenic Bloomfield Track, renowned for its stunning views of ancient rainforest and pristine coastline, connecting Cape Tribulation to Wujal Wujal. This journey offers a mix of natural beauty and historical significance.

At Wujal Wujal, explore the sacred lands of the Kuku Yalanji people, including the majestic Bloomfield Falls. Walk a short track to the base of the falls and gain insights into the region’s cultural and natural heritage from the traditional custodians. Continue to the mysterious Black Mountain (Kalkajaka), a sacred site rich in Indigenous legends and unique geological formations.

Pause for lunch at the historic Lions Den Hotel, a beloved landmark dating back to 1875. From there, explore the Cooktown Botanic Gardens, home to rare flora and vibrant birdlife, and ascend Grassy Hill for panoramic views of Cooktown, the Endeavour River, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Conclude with a visit to the James Cook Museum, where artefacts and stories of the region are displayed in a beautifully restored 19th-century convent. Journey back to Cairns via the Mulligan Highway, enjoying contrasting inland landscapes, rolling hills, and a final stop at the historic Mt Molloy Pub. Arrive in Cairns with unforgettable memories of Far North Queensland.

This morning be collected at your accommodation and  journey in a small group of only 12 guests (this can be made private on request) for guaranteed personal service and entertaining commentary.

Travel down the Captain Cook Highway, known as the second most scenic highway in Australia, and learn the history of the region, along with local issues and stories about wildlife.

Arrive at the beautiful Freshwater Station and board the historic Kuranda scenic railway. Then, head through the rainforest and take in the breathtaking scenery of waterfalls and 15 dramatic tunnels carved through the rocks.

Upon arrival in Kuranda, explore the ‘Village in the Rainforest’, famous for its colourful arts and crafts markets, which are open every day.

Browse the wide variety of Aboriginal artefacts, such as handmade leather goods, wood, and jewellery. Stop at a café for lunch and listen to the busker, or try some local snacks such as macadamia nuts, honey, mango wine, homemade sweets, or delicious homemade ice cream.

Next, head up the coast to Palm Cove, where you’ll be taken along the palm-fringed esplanade. Then, purchase a drink and enjoy some staggering views of the picturesque beach or take a walk along the beach and let the kids play in the playground.

Return to Port Douglas with new friends and great memories, before getting dropped off at your accommodation or chosen restaurant on request.

YOUR DAY

60km, 1 hour driving time

Today, you will be transported by private shuttle to Cairns Airport for your departure.

If you’d like to extend your journey, we can arrange additional destinations across Australia, including the stunning Whitsundays, the vibrant cities of Melbourne or Sydney, or the breathtaking landscapes of Uluru and the Red Centre.

We also offer the flexibility to continue with a Local guide across Australia, ensuring a seamless and personalised experience, or we can arrange a rental car return if you prefer to explore independently.

Let us know how we can tailor the next part of your adventure!