9 Day Cairns and Port Douglas Highlights Itinerary

Welcome to Cairns! Close to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a haven of scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, all types of fishing, rainforest walks, native bird and wildlife watching.

Sun-seekers and locals alike flock to Cairns Esplanade's swimming lagoon on the city’s foreshore. There are picnic areas, birdwatching viewpoints, free barbecues and fitness equipment along the boardwalk, perfect for unwinding after your flight.

Accommodation: Cairns - 4 Nights

Fitzroy Island is only 45 minutes from Cairns and is one of the most unspoilt islands on the Great Barrier Reef. Being a continental island, it is covered with lush, pristine rainforest. Getting wet and exploring the coral reef surrounding the island, where tropical fish present a rainbow of colour, is as easy as stepping off the beach. Birdlife also abounds here, presenting a natural showcase not to be missed. If you want to explore an idyllic, unspoilt tropical paradise, your choices are plentiful with a day tour to Fitzroy Island.

Spend the day snorkelling the fringing coral reefs, strolling through the National Park rainforest walking tracks, or for the more adventurous hiker, discover breathtaking views of the island and surrounding reefs. There are hiking trails and guided walks as well as numerous water sports options available.

• Full day return island transfers
• Snorkel Equipment with mask & fins
• Glass Bottom Boat Tour with commentary
• Picnic lunch 
• Use of beach hire equipment

The World Heritage-listed Wet Tropical Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef, and the Outback are all within easy reach. Cairns is both an adventure and nature lovers paradise. From white-water rafting to bungee jumping and skydiving, you'll find the perfect activity to suit your penchant and with hundreds of tours visiting the Great Barrier Reef each year, you're sure to find one, or a couple, to try.

Some suggested activities around Cairns:

Just 45 minutes across the Coral Sea by fast catamaran from Cairns, Green Island is a beautiful 6000 year old coral cay located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

This tropical island paradise is a National Park and home to over 120 native plant species, colourful bird life and surrounded by coral gardens and abundant marine life to explore. It’s the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest growing on it!

Your day includes: 

• Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise
• 5 hours on Green Island
• Morning tea and coffee served until departure from Cairns
• Snorkelling equipment
• Glass Bottom Boat coral reef viewing tour
• Self Guided Eco Island Walk
• Use of Island swimming pool exclusive for Great Adventures guests.
• Use of day visitor facilities
• Beach bag

Collect your rental car and journey to pretty Port Douglas, tropical playground of the rich and famous.

Port Douglas: Reef and Rainforest

Port Douglas is a foodie haven with cafés, bars and restaurants galore. A year-round resort destination, you can dine al fresco and swim in the warm ocean waters no matter when you visit. With five nights here you have ample time to discover the region's many delights.

Approximate Distance: 68 km | 42 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Port Douglas - 4 Nights

Enjoy a full day experience of the Great Barrier Reef with a snorkelling and sailing tour to Low Isles. Relax on the white sandy beach of the island, snorkel over the magnificent coral gardens in the blue lagoon on a guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist and swim with turtles in their natural habitat.

Enjoy a trip on the glass bottom boat with reef interpretation by our skipper, and explore the nature and history of Low Isles on an Island Heritage Walk with our expert guides. Enjoy delicious morning and afternoon teas and a buffet lunch and the thrill of pure sailing on Sailaway VI, a luxury Lagoon 560 sailing catamaran. Sailaway is perfect for the discerning traveller looking for a unique, special reef and island experience with a small group of likeminded people. Ideal for couples and families.

Hidden in the Daintree Rainforest, the Flames of the Forest experience takes place under a large tent, with huge trees and dark woods all around. Dramatic but subtle lighting dances off the canopy creating a dream-like effect. The setting couldn't be more magical. And the food is great, too.

Feast on family-style kangaroo, prawns, reef fish, chicken and steak, along with tasty sides and drinks as you listen to the cultural tales of two indigenous brothers. The attraction is popular with tourists, but you'll find locals there as well. It's a fun, unusual way to learn more about indigenous culture, food, and heritage.

Today join a small personalised Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tour, where the rainforest meets the reef! On this full-day tour, you will explore all the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation region has to offer. Sit back and relax in comfort in a custom-built 4WD air-conditioned vehicle while listening to informative and entertaining commentary by your local naturalist guide.

As one of the only tour operators to travel on the Bloomfield Track your experience will be like no other. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, learn about flora, fauna and the history of the Daintree on a guided boardwalk tour, take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rainforest on the rugged Bloomfield Track, savour a traditional Aussie barbecue, sample traditional ‘Aussie’ billy tea, damper and tropical fruits in the company of wallabies and enjoy a homemade Daintree ice-cream on your journey home.

Say farewell to the forest and return to Cairns to drop off your rental car and board your onward flight. We know you will enjoy your 9 Day Port Douglas and Cairns Self Drive vacation, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.

Approximate Distance: 68 km | 42 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Hope to see you again soon!