Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, and Tropical Far North of Queensland

This morning your driver will greet you after breakfast and transfer you to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway where you proceed directly to the boarding line, skipping the queue.

Once aboard, be amazed as you journey over and through World Heritage protected Rainforest including time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations offering unbridled views across the dense tropical forest.  There is also time to visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre and join a complimentary guided boardwalk tour.

Upon arrival in Kuranda, it’s time to explore this fascinating village. The Kuranda Markets are full of colorful and interesting arts and crafts. You might also like to visit Bird-World, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Kuranda Koala Gardens (at own expense but discounted by showing your Kuranda Boarding Pass)

Returning to Cairns, board the Kuranda Scenic Rail and take your seats in the beautiful Gold Class Service offering lounge-style chairs, historical décor and cedar wood panelling.

Your journey winds through hand-hewn tunnels, across bridges and around curves, all the time appreciating what an amazing engineering feat it is and, all while sipping on sparkling wines, beers and juices and nibbling on appetizers.

Upon arrival at Freshwater Station, our coach will be waiting to transfer you back to Cairns where you can relax for the evening and try any one of the many restaurants within a short walk of your hotel.

Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Meals: Breakfast & afternoon Canapés

Following breakfast in your hotel make your way to the Passions of Paradise Terminal at Marlin Marina…right in front of your hotel.

Sail on a stylish and fast catamaran to two unique outer reef destinations inclusive of snorkeling equipment and a free guided Snorkel Tour. Spend the day relaxing on our stylish upper deck or netted deck trampoline at the bow of the boat while your personal chef prepares a tropical buffet lunch of hot and cold dishes including fresh tropical fruit as well as snacks for morning and afternoon tea.

Meet with our onboard Eco accredited marine naturalist who will provide presentations on the coral fish and life of the Great Barrier Reef as you sail back to Cairns, arriving mid to late afternoon

Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Following an early breakfast, your guide will collect you from your hotel to begin your overnight journey deeper into Far North Queensland.

Departing Cairns, we head north on the Captain Cook Highway and onto the Great Barrier Reef Drive. Stop briefly for an artisan espresso in the palm-fringed village of Palm Cove before continuing on to Mossman Gorge where we delve into indigenous life on a private Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk led by the local Kuku Yalanji people. Enjoy a traditional smoking ceremony and a guided trek through the rainforest.

Stopping for lunch at Silky Oaks Lodge, we dine open-air, suspended over the Mossman River. Enjoy ultra-premium local seafood and tropical seasonal ingredients. 

We continue heading north, deeper into the Daintree where we board a boutique, eco-friendly private boat to spot saltwater crocodiles and rare bird species in the mangroves.

Cross the river via the cable ferry and stop at Alexandra Lookout for a sweeping luxury vista where the rainforest meets the Coral Sea.

Returning to Silky Oak Lodge, we check in and settle in to high-end luxury prior to indulging in dinner at the Treehouse Restaurant.

Accommodation: Silky Oaks Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Driving even further north after our breakfast, we arrive at Cape Tribulation; where the Rainforest meets the Reef

Walk the elevated boardwalk to Kulki Lookout to capture the iconic view of Cape Tribulation’s dramatic headland. Stroll down to the white sands where two UNESCO World Heritage sites greet each other; the Daintree Rainforest & Great Barrier Reef.

Visit the Daintree Ice Cream Company as we begin our journey south, to taste organic, exotic fruit ice creams harvested directly from their private orchards (like black sapote or soursop).

Next, we stop for lunch at the Turtle Rock Cafe or a premium cafe for a fresh, relaxed lunch in the tropics.

On our way back to Cairns, we cross the Daintree River on the Ferry and briefly stop at Rex Lookout for a panoramic sunset-lit view over Trinity Bay returning to your accommodation approximately 6:00pm.

Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before diving back into your tropical adventure.

Fitzroy Island is only 45 minutes from Cairns and is one of the most popular islands on the Great Barrier Reef.  Being a continental island, it is large and covered with lush, pristine rainforest. 

Adventurous hikers will enjoy the National Park rainforest walking tracks, including a hike to the lighthouse and summit circuit.  From here discover breathtaking views of the island and surrounding reefs.  There is also a shorter hiking trail to “Nudey” Beach and a secret garden track as well as numerous water sports options.  Spend the day snorkeling the fringing coral reefs, where tropical fish present a rainbow of color.  It’s as easy as stepping off the beach. 

 This full day departs Cairns at 8:30am and returns at to Cairns at 5pm giving you 5 Hours to explore Fitzroy Island. Enjoy snorkeling and a tour in a Glass Bottom Boat.

Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner

Relax for the morning after breakfast and some last minute souvenir shopping before being transferred to Cairns Airport.  You will be collected 2 hours prior to your flights’ departure time giving you sufficient time to say your farewells to fellow guests and Tropical Queensland.  

Meals: Breakfast