Welcome to Brisbane, Queensland’s vibrant riverside capital known for its relaxed lifestyle and subtropical charm. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy time to settle in or explore at your own pace. This evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing and orientation walk, taking in highlights of the city’s lively precincts. There’s an opportunity to join an optional group dinner at a local restaurant—an ideal way to begin your journey.
Meals: None.
Driving Distance: No driving.
Walking Distance: Short easy walk.
Accommodation: The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar.

This morning, transfer to the airport for your included flight to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the spectacular Whitsunday Islands. On arrival, transfer to your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may wish to stroll along the waterfront, relax at the Airlie Beach Lagoon, or explore the town’s cafés and boutiques. As the sun sets, the town comes alive with a laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast.
Driving Distance: 40 kms.
Domestic Flight: From Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsundays) included. 1 hour 50 minutes (990 km).
Accommodation – Mantra Club Croc or similar.

Today is a highlight of your journey. Cruise through the dazzling Whitsunday Islands with Red Cat Adventures (Thundercat), known for their fast, comfortable vessels and expert local crews. Visit the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, celebrated for its pure silica sands and crystal-clear waters. Take in breathtaking views from Hill Inlet lookout before enjoying time to relax, swim, or simply soak up the scenery. Continue to fringing reefs where you can snorkel among colourful coral and marine life. A delicious lunch is included, making for a full day of unforgettable experiences in this island paradise.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.
Driving Distance: Full day fast boat trip. Approx 8 hours. 46 kms.
Walking Distance: Short Easy guided walks (2 km total) / Hill inlet look out point over looking whitehaven beach.
Accommodation – Mantra Club Croc or similar.

Depart Airlie Beach and travel north along the scenic Bruce Highway, passing sugar cane fields, coastal views, and pockets of tropical rainforest. Break the journey with comfort stops before arriving at Mission Beach, a tranquil stretch of coastline framed by lush greenery and offshore islands. The afternoon is yours to unwind—take a beach walk, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or keep an eye out for native wildlife such as cassowaries in their natural habitat.
Meals: Breakfast.
Driving Distance: 505kms (Biggest drive day).
Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points.
Accommodation – Mission Beach Resort or similar.

Travel inland today to the fertile Atherton Tablelands, a region of rolling hills, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. Visit picturesque waterfalls and crater lakes, with opportunities to swim or take short walks. Keep watch for wildlife, including the elusive platypus in its natural environment. Enjoy the cooler climate and rich agricultural scenery before descending into Cairns, the vibrant gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Meals: Breakfast.
Driving Distance: 220 kms.
Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points.
Accommodation – Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar.

Experience one of the world’s greatest natural wonders today with a full-day cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef aboard Ocean Freedom. Snorkel over thriving coral gardens teeming with marine life, or stay dry with a guided glass-bottom boat tour. Marine naturalists provide fascinating insights into this delicate ecosystem throughout the day. A freshly prepared lunch is included onboard, and optional introductory or certified scuba diving is available for those wanting to explore deeper.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Driving Distance: Full day fast boat trip. Approx 6.5 hours. 30 kms.
Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points.
Accommodation – Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar.

This morning, travel on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding above the canopy of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest with panoramic views along the way. Arrive in Kuranda, a charming village known for its markets, artisan shops, and relaxed atmosphere. After time to explore, continue your journey north along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives to Port Douglas, where the rainforest meets the reef.
Meals: Breakfast.
Driving Distance: 100 kms.
Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points.
Accommodation – Paradise Links Resort or similar.

Begin the day with a visit to Mossman Gorge, part of the Daintree National Park. Join a guided walk through this ancient rainforest, learning about its unique flora, fauna, and cultural significance. Later, enjoy an immersive experience with the Kuku Yalanji Traditional Owners, gaining insight into their deep connection to Country through storytelling, bush foods, and traditional practices. This is a meaningful and enriching highlight of your journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Driving Distance: 25 kms.
Walking Distance: 2.5 kms / 1.5 hour guided walk Mossman gorge rainforest. Anyone unable to walk that distance has the option to wait for the group to return.
Accommodation – Paradise Links Resort or similar.

Travel north into the iconic Daintree Rainforest, the oldest living rainforest on Earth. Cross the Daintree River and continue to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest dramatically meets the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy guided walks and time to take in this unique environment. Later, embark on an eco-friendly river cruise, keeping watch for crocodiles and other native wildlife. Return to Cairns in the late afternoon, where your journey comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.
Driving Distance: 160 kms.
Walking Distance: 7 km / 2 hour guided walk Daintree rainforest. Anyone unable to walk that distance has the option to wait for the group to return.