Tropical North Queensland & Sailing the Whitsundays

Days 1-3  Cairns  
Lively Cairns is a great base from which to explore Tropical North Queensland. Take a scenic rail journey to Kuranda and enjoy the breathtaking rainforest vistas from above. Spend the rest of your time at leisure with a wealth of Great Barrier Reef tours to choose from.  

Days 4-6  Cairns to Daintree NP  
Pick up your car and drive the short distance to your rainforest lodge, perched on the banks of the Daintree River. With two full days to explore this pristine region, discover the deepest reaches of the Daintree on a sunrise or sunset river cruise and join a knowledgeable guide for an immersive nature walk through the towering trees.  

Day 7  Daintree NP to Atherton Tablelands
Today wind your way up to the elevated highlands known as the Tablelands. Relax in your treehouse accommodation and soak up the sights and sounds of the forest.  

Day 8  Atherton Tablelands  
An expanse of fertile plantations, glistening lakes and tropical rainforest, the rural scenery of the Tablelands affords plenty of opportunities for walks surrounded by colourful birdlife. Stop for afternoon tea at the Lake Barrine Teahouse and sample local rum at the Mt Uncle Distillery.  

Days 9-10  Atherton Tablelands to Mission Beach  
Head back to the coast today, stopping en route at Millaa Millaa Falls, a spectacular 18m UNESCO World Heritage listed waterfall.  A collection of tiny hamlet towns, ’Mission’ boasts 10 miles of glorious golden sands and enjoys a vibrant arts and foodie scene.  

Days 11-12  Mission Beach to Magnetic Island  
Continue south to Townsville to catch the passenger ferry to Magnetic Island, home to Australia’s largest colony of wild koalas. Over 70% of the island is designated national park, so discover scenic bush trails teeming with wildlife before snorkelling right off the beach at Alma or Arthur Bay.

Day 13  Magnetic Island to Airlie Beach  
Catch the ferry back to the mainland and drive down the coast to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, dropping your car off here. Relax by the pool and dine out at one of the waterside restaurants.  

Days 14-16  The Whitsunday Islands  
Set sail from the marina at midday and enjoy three nights aboard Whitsunday Getaway, your catamaran that hosts just eight adults. Spend your days swimming and snorkelling in crystal clear waters and at night you’ll dock at rugged, uninhabited Hook Island and pristine Hayman Island.  

Day 17  Airlie Beach  
Enjoy your last morning at sea before returning to Airlie Beach Marina.  

Days 18-21  Airlie Beach to Sydney  
Catch a flight to Sydney, the finale of your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Enjoy the Royal Botanic Gardens with impressive views over the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge on an informative city tour.