Queensland Reef, Rainforest & Islands Itinerary

Cape Tribulation Beach Credit: Tourism Australia
1

Cairns & Port Douglas

Welcome to Cairns, the tropical gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest, where adventure and nature meet. 

On arrival, enjoy a seamless transfer from Cairns Airport to the relaxed seaside village of Port Douglas, framed by palm-lined beaches and lush mountains. This vibrant region offers world-class scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, and fishing, alongside immersive rainforest walks and incredible bird and wildlife encounters. From coastal charm to natural wonders, Port Douglas and Cairns provide the perfect base to explore one of Australia’s most spectacular and diverse environments for an unforgettable experience.

Approximate Distance: 70 km | 43 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Port Douglas - 3 Nights

Four Mile Beach Port Douglas
Peninsula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas is an adults-only boutique hotel set in a prime beachfront location overlooking Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas. The hotel offers spacious, self-contained suites with private balconies, many featuring ocean views. Guests can enjoy a heated lagoon-style pool, spa facilities, and easy access to the village’s restaurants, cafés, and marina.
whitsundays

2

Daintree & Cape Tribulation 4WD Tour

Join a small, personalised Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tour where the rainforest meets the reef. 

This full-day adventure showcases the best of the region in comfort aboard a custom-built, air-conditioned 4WD, guided by a knowledgeable local naturalist. Travel the exclusive Bloomfield Track for a truly unique experience. Cruise the Daintree River to spot crocodiles, explore flora, fauna, and history on a guided boardwalk, and enjoy a rugged rainforest drive. Indulge in a traditional Aussie barbecue, billy tea, damper, and tropical fruits among wallabies, then finish with homemade Daintree ice cream on the return journey.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Daintree 4WD Tour

3

Great Barrier Reef Sailing & Snorkelling

Embark on a full-day snorkelling and sailing adventure to the pristine Mackay Coral Cay, perfectly suited for conservation-minded visitors who love the ocean and have a spirit of adventure. 

Explore expansive coral gardens at your own pace, spotting giant clams, turtles, and abundant reef fish in their natural habitat, ideal for underwater photography or simply appreciating marine life up close. Qualified marine biologists guide the experience with informative and engaging reef presentations, sharing insights into the delicate ecosystem and local species. This eco-focused adventure blends adventure and education, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the Great Barrier Reef in the most responsible and immersive way possible.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Great Barrier Reef Turtle

4

Travel to Fitzroy Island

This morning you will be transferred to the marina in Cairns, where the ferry to Fitzroy Island awaits. 

The 45‑minute ferry journey carries you across the sparkling Coral Sea, offering views of turquoise water, distant rainforest‑covered peaks, and the first hints of the Great Barrier Reef.

As you approach Fitzroy Island, lush green slopes rise from the shoreline, meeting clear shallows and coral‑fringed beaches. Stepping ashore, you’re welcomed into a peaceful tropical escape where rainforest, reef, and relaxed island living blend effortlessly. Fitzroy Island is an inviting base for a day of exploration, snorkelling, and coastal tranquillity.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 70 km | 43 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Fitzroy Island - 3 Nights

Fitzroy Island
Accommodation:

Fitzroy Island Resort offers a relaxed, eco-focused stay set within a protected national park and fringing reef. The resort features contemporary rooms and suites, two swimming pools, a beachfront bar, and casual dining options. Guests can hire snorkelling gear, paddle skis, and glass-bottom kayaks, or visit the on-site turtle rehabilitation centre. Walking trails lead through rainforest to the island summit and secluded beaches like Nudey Beach.

Fitzroy Island Resort

5

Fitzroy Island at Leisure

Fitzroy Island is a tropical paradise where guests can choose to either relax and escape or dive right into adventure. 

Explore rainforest walking trails, escape and unwind on a deserted beach or take the opportunity to snorkel, dive, sea kayak and discover the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. Fitzroy Island is accessible, affordable and friendly. The island's safe, sheltered waters and pristine natural environment are here for everyone to explore and enjoy whether you're here for a day, or a longer stay.

Fitzroy Island

6

Fitzroy Island at Leisure

Another free day on Fitzroy Island invites you to settle into the island’s gentle rhythm, where calm mornings and warm tropical breezes set the tone. 

Wander along the shoreline as the sun rises, or spend time paddling in the clear shallows near the jetty. Join a glass‑bottom boat tour to admire colourful reef life without getting wet, or simply enjoy the island’s laid‑back charm with a book beneath the palms. With its inviting atmosphere and stunning natural backdrop, Fitzroy Island offers an easy, unhurried day surrounded by coastal beauty.

Fitzroy Island

7

Ferry to Cairns

After a final morning on Fitzroy Island, board the ferry for a relaxed journey back across the Coral Sea. 

The ride offers one last look at the island’s forested slopes and the shimmering reef before the skyline of Cairns gradually comes into view. Arriving at the marina, you step into a lively tropical city framed by mountains, waterfront promenades, and warm coastal air. Cairns blends relaxed seaside living with a vibrant atmosphere, making it an inviting base for exploring northern Queensland’s natural wonders and enjoying its easygoing urban charm.

Accommodation: Cairns - 2 Nights

Cairns
Accommodation:

The Pacific Hotel Cairns boasts a magnificent location, personalised service and award winning hospitality.  The hotel is ideally situated on the picturesque Esplanade overlooking Trinity Harbour and the Reef Fleet Terminal and just a short walk to the night markets, convention centre and the Esplanade Lagoon.

Pacific Hotel Cairns

8

Outback Tasting Adventure

Indulge in a flavour-filled journey through the Atherton Tablelands, exploring rich volcanic landscapes and tasting the region’s finest local produce. 

The tour begins with tea or coffee by the serene Lake Barrine, followed by a visit to Winter & Mann for intimate, home-style tastings. At the Australian Platypus Park, enjoy a gourmet lunch of smoked meats paired with local beverages. Tastings continue at Gallo Dairyland, Mt. Uncle Distillery, and The Humpy, featuring cheeses, chocolates, spirits, and tropical treats. The day ends with handcrafted ice cream at Emerald Creek Ice Creamery before a scenic return drive, full of memorable flavours.

Included Meals: Lunch

Brett's Outback Tasting Adventure

9

Hamilton Island

Begin your day with a transfer from your accommodation to Cairns airport, ready for your flight to Hamilton Island. 

As you travel over the Whitsundays, the view shifts from rainforest to bright coral waters. Touching down, you’re welcomed by warm island air and guided to your accommodation via an included transfer. Hamilton Island offers a relaxed island atmosphere, with palm‑fringed shores, gentle walking paths, and easy access to nearby reefs. It’s a place where tropical scenery, calm beaches, and a friendly village feel create an inviting start to your stay.

Accommodation: Hamilton Island - 3 Nights

Hamilton Island
With large, comfortable, modern rooms, the Reef View Hotel offers a perfect getaway for couples, families or groups of friends. Spacious, comfortable and with most rooms boasting incredible sea views, the Reef View Hotel offers stylish and family-friendly Hamilton Island accommodation.
Reef View Hotel Hamilton Island

10

Hamilton Island Sunset Cruise

Spend a leisurely day on Hamilton Island, where coastal pathways, soft sandy coves, and sweeping Whitsunday views invite you to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

Spend time exploring the marina village, wandering scenic lookouts, or simply unwinding by the water with the warm island breeze around you. In the evening, step aboard your cruise and settle in as you glide through the Whitsunday Islands toward a quiet bay. While anchored, savour a generous buffet dinner at sunset before returning under a canopy of stars, the night sky reflecting softly across the calm sea.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hamilton Island Explore Sunset Dinner Sailing

11

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Tour

Experience the ultimate Whitehaven Beach adventure on this full-day tour of Whitsunday Island. 

Cruise to the pristine 7km stretch of iconic white silica sand and explore the breathtaking Hill Inlet. Follow a short guided hike along paths once walked by the Ngaro people, taking in panoramic views from the famous Hill Inlet Lookout. Discover the northern end of the beach before returning south, where you can relax, sunbathe, stroll to the Southern Lookout, take part in fun beach activities and enjoy a mouthwatering beach BBQ prepared by our crew, creating an unforgettable day of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Swim, explore, and soak up the sun on this unforgettable coastal escape.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Witehaven Beach

12

Farewell from Hamilton Island

Say goodbye to Hamilton Island’s tropical scenery as you are transferred to the airport for your departing flight.

As you leave, you carry with you the highlights of your time in this remarkable region—sun‑soaked shores, island adventures, and unforgettable coastal landscapes that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

We hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Australian Sunset

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