Tropical North Queensland Self Drive

Tropical North Queensland Self Drive
from £1,785 excluding flights
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Highlights

Journey into the lush Daintree rainforest

Explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef

Search for wildlife including kangaroos, emus and native birds

Drive the waterfall circuit in the Atherton Tablelands

Explore the cafes, galleries, boutique shops of Port Douglas

Traverse over tropical rainforest in Kuranda's Skyrail gondola
Why this trip...

Tailor made
This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe

Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

Well-researched route
We've put our years of experience into creating this well-paced itinerary that includes the places we know you'll enjoy
Overview
This well paced self-drive itinerary explores the verdant delights of tropical north Queensland starting from and returning to Cairns. Enjoy a wealth of experiences and combine adventure and relaxation within some of Australia and indeed the world’s greatest natural wonders.
From Aboriginal encounters deep in the world’s oldest living rainforest to luxury sailing on the Great Barrier Reef, the scenery, wildlife and activities of northern Queensland are a-plenty and encapsulate some of the very best that Australia has to offer.
Explore the ancient Daintree rainforest and Mossman Gorge and enjoy the tranquility of the Atherton Tablelands.
Itinerary
The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many other hotels and route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
Day 1 arrive in Cairns
On arrival at Cairns Airport make your own way to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day is at leisure exploring this lively town. Stay overnight at Bailey, Crystalbrook Collection Hotel.
On arrival at Cairns Airport make your own way to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day is at leisure exploring this lively town. Stay overnight at Bailey, Crystalbrook Collection Hotel.
Day 2 Cairns - Port Douglas
Collect your rental car and begin your journey along the Great Barrier Reef Drive towards the seaside town of Port Douglas. On the way stop near Kuranda and board Skyrail gondola traversing World Heritage Listed rainforest. Journey along the boardwalks with your ranger guide and visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre before arriving in Kuranda, the village in the rainforest. Enjoy time at leisure in Kuranda before boarding the Kuranda Scenic Railway, one of Queensland’s oldest railways. Marvel at the spectacular views as the train winds through the dense rainforest, traverses tumbling waterfalls and crosses dramatic gorges. On arrival at Freshwater Station, disembark and take the free transfer back to the Skyrail terminal and your vehicle. Continue onto Port Douglas. Spend three nights at Thala Beach Nature Reserve with breakfast included.
Collect your rental car and begin your journey along the Great Barrier Reef Drive towards the seaside town of Port Douglas. On the way stop near Kuranda and board Skyrail gondola traversing World Heritage Listed rainforest. Journey along the boardwalks with your ranger guide and visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre before arriving in Kuranda, the village in the rainforest. Enjoy time at leisure in Kuranda before boarding the Kuranda Scenic Railway, one of Queensland’s oldest railways. Marvel at the spectacular views as the train winds through the dense rainforest, traverses tumbling waterfalls and crosses dramatic gorges. On arrival at Freshwater Station, disembark and take the free transfer back to the Skyrail terminal and your vehicle. Continue onto Port Douglas. Spend three nights at Thala Beach Nature Reserve with breakfast included.



Day 3 Great Barrier Reef
Enjoy an authentic sailing experience on the Great Barrier Reef, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected Coral Cays, you'll be able to snorkelling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist or a glass bottom boat tour is also on offer. Soak up the sun, peace and tranquillity and swim in turquoise clear waters. A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas & coffees will compliment a day of adventure and relaxation.
Enjoy an authentic sailing experience on the Great Barrier Reef, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected Coral Cays, you'll be able to snorkelling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist or a glass bottom boat tour is also on offer. Soak up the sun, peace and tranquillity and swim in turquoise clear waters. A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas & coffees will compliment a day of adventure and relaxation.
Day 4 Port Douglas
Spend the morning at leisure enjoying the many delights of beautiful Port Douglas. With a plethora of cafes, galleries, boutique shops and not forgetting the world famous 4-mile beach, this seaside town offers something for everybody. Alternatively, enjoy an optional scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest offering a different perspective on these two natural wonders (additional cost applies). Later this afternoon head down to Port Douglas Marina where you will board a luxury sailing vessel. Sail through the Dickson Inlet of Port Douglas and out over the Coral Sea where you will enjoy canapes as you watch the sun set over the glistening water.
Spend the morning at leisure enjoying the many delights of beautiful Port Douglas. With a plethora of cafes, galleries, boutique shops and not forgetting the world famous 4-mile beach, this seaside town offers something for everybody. Alternatively, enjoy an optional scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest offering a different perspective on these two natural wonders (additional cost applies). Later this afternoon head down to Port Douglas Marina where you will board a luxury sailing vessel. Sail through the Dickson Inlet of Port Douglas and out over the Coral Sea where you will enjoy canapes as you watch the sun set over the glistening water.

Day 5 Port Douglas - Daintree Rainforest
Depart Port Douglas and travel north into a pristine area of natural beauty, the Daintree Rainforest. On the way stop at Mossman Gorge and join an Aboriginal led morning dreamtime gorge walk. Walk through the dramatic rainforest and learn about traditional plant use, identify bush food and hear enchanting stories of this ancient landscape and its relationship with the local Indigenous communities. Refresh yourself with a swim in a natural swimming hole before enjoying traditional bush tea and damper. Continue on to your accommodation in the rainforest, the perfect place to stay for close encounters with Australia’s outdoors. Spend two nights at Daintree Eco Lodge with breakfast included.
Depart Port Douglas and travel north into a pristine area of natural beauty, the Daintree Rainforest. On the way stop at Mossman Gorge and join an Aboriginal led morning dreamtime gorge walk. Walk through the dramatic rainforest and learn about traditional plant use, identify bush food and hear enchanting stories of this ancient landscape and its relationship with the local Indigenous communities. Refresh yourself with a swim in a natural swimming hole before enjoying traditional bush tea and damper. Continue on to your accommodation in the rainforest, the perfect place to stay for close encounters with Australia’s outdoors. Spend two nights at Daintree Eco Lodge with breakfast included.
Excursions
Prices and Departures
Price from £1,785 excluding flights
Airfares start from around £730 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- Car rental throughout
- Skyrail and Scenic Rail Experience
- Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise
- Morning Dreamtime Gorge Walk
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
This itinerary starts from £1,785 per person, based on 2 sharing a room in standard accommodation, and vehicle rental with GPS.
Prices may vary depending on departure date, or should you prefer alternative categories of accommodation or vehicle size. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.
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Tailor made trips
As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.
Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us
Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences
Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book
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