Tropical North Queensland , Australia.

Itinerary

50% Deposit Required on Booking.

Please be aware that this trip requires a good level of fitness, and there will be days where independence is necessary.

DAY ONE                                                            D  

Auckland Stopover 

Your adventure begins with a leisurely coach journey to Auckland, with pick-ups along the way. Depending on our route, we’ll pause for lunch and, if time allows, enjoy a short visit to the Auckland Botanical Gardens. Later, check into the Jet Park Hotel, perfectly located near the airport with modern comforts to ensure a restful night. In the evening, we’ll gather for a relaxed buffet dinner at the hotel’s Flying Fish Restaurant, where you’ll have a chance to meet fellow travellers and settle into holiday mode.

Accommodation: Jet Park Hotel Auckland

DAY TWO                                                           B, D

Auckland to Cairns to Port Douglas 

An early start sees us fly direct from Auckland to Cairns, where a spacious coach awaits to take us into the tropics. Before reaching Port Douglas, we’ll pause for a stroll along the Cairns Esplanade with time for lunch from one of the numerous cafes. You may even choose to ride the Ferris Wheel, The Reef Eye, for incredible 360 degree views of Cairns. Our journey continues along the famous Great Barrier Reef Drive, with sweeping ocean views before arriving in Port Douglas. We’ll check into Villa San Michelle, our home for the duration, ideally located in the heart of town. There is plenty of time to relax before we have an early dinner at a local restaurant. 

Accommodation: Villa San Michelle, Port Douglas.

Day 3                                                                  B, D

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures 

We start the morning with a leisurely breakfast followed with free time to settle in and familiarise yourself with the surroundings. Perhaps even enjoy a dip in one of the two heated pools or the spa before we head to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. On arrival we have a table booked for lunch in the restaurant. There is plenty to see here with a crocodile farm tour, a boat cruise, snake show, crocodile attack show, cassowary feeding and a koala talk. You won't have any trouble filling your day! Tonight we dine at a local restaurant.  

Day 4                                                                  B

Leisure & Sunset Cruise

Today is free to enjoy Port Douglas at your own pace. Explore Macrossan Street with its boutiques and quaint cafés, relax by the pool, or perhaps visit the local museum. In the late afternoon, we step aboard the charming Lady Douglas paddle vessel for a calm-water sunset cruise. Glide through the mangrove channels as the skipper shares stories of the region, keeping an eye out for crocodiles and birdlife before enjoying a spectacular sunset over the inlet. Light refreshments will be served on board and dinner tonight is at your leisure, choose from one of the many restaurants as you leisurely make your way back to Villa San Michelle. 

Day 5                                                                  B, L

Mossman Gorge & Daintree Rainforest

Our morning begins at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, where we meet local Kuku Yalanji guides for a traditional welcome and an enchanting Dreamtime Walk. Discover the rainforest’s hidden stories, sample damper and billy tea, and gain a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture. After crossing the Daintree River on the cable ferry, we enjoy lunch at Heritage Lodge. The open air restaurant sits along the edge of picturesque Cooper Creek with the Daintree rainforest enveloping you. The dining experience is idyllic and tranquil. Our next stop is the Daintree Discovery Centre where we will have a highly entertaining guided tour of the Jarabinna Terrace and Cassowary Circuit. Then, keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife on the Crocodile Express, river cruise. Dinner tonight is at your own leisure in Port Douglas, perhaps fish and chips in the park as the sun dips below the horizon.

Day 6                                                                  B,MT, D

Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail

We travel by coach to Freshwater Station to board the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway. This heritage train winds through mountains, waterfalls, and lush rainforest, offering a memorable journey to the colourful village of Kuranda. Here, you’ll have free time to browse markets, dine at local cafés, or visit attractions such as the Butterfly Sanctuary or Koala Gardens. In the afternoon, we return via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding silently above the forest canopy and stopping at lookouts along the way. The day concludes with a relaxed dinner at one of the acclaimed restaurants in Port Douglas.

Day 7                                                                  B, D

A Day of Leisure

Enjoy a relaxed day at your own pace. You may like to visit the lively Sunday Markets at the waterfront, explore the nearby Wildlife Habitat, or simply take a stroll to Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse for panoramic views of Four Mile Beach. This day is yours to relax — whether by the pool, at a café, or enjoying a quiet moment by the sea. In the evening, we gather at The Tin Shed, a popular waterfront venue where good food meets stunning marina views, the perfect spot to toast another wonderful day in the tropics.

Day 8                                                                  B, MT, L, AT, D

Great Barrier Reef

Today brings a highlight of our journey — a full-day experience at the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Boarding Quicksilver’s comfortable catamaran, we travel to Agincourt Reef on the outer reef. From a floating activity platform, you may snorkel among vibrant coral and tropical fish, join a marine biologist for a guided discovery, or enjoy the views from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible. A tropical buffet lunch is included, along with morning and afternoon tea. With the reef’s dazzling colours etched in memory, we return to Port Douglas to share stories of our holiday over a relaxed dinner.  

Day 9                                                                  B, L 

Fond Farewells

This morning, Tuesday we farewell Port Douglas, travelling back to Cairns Airport for our flight home to Auckland. Lunch is served on board before arriving in the evening.  Our trusty driver will collect us at the airport, and we continue our journey back to Tauranga with a brief dinner stop along the way. With memories of golden sunsets, lush rainforests, and the magic of the reef, this tour promises to be a tropical adventure to treasure for years to come.