Port Douglas Great Barrier Reef getaway

Itinerary in brief:

• 4 nights Port Douglas
• 1 night Daintree 
• 2 nights Cape Tribulation

Day 1: Arrive Port Douglas

On arrival in Cairns, collect your rental car and make your way to Port Douglas to check into your accommodation for 4 nights. You’ll have a few days here which gives you time to explore some more of Northern Queensland.

Day 2: Port Douglas

There’s no better way to begin your time here than getting out on to the Great Barrier Reef. We’ve included a day cruise today where you can snorkel over the reef at 3 locations and discover the brightly coloured tropical fish and corals beneath you that this spectacular reef is known for. You’ll be accompanied by knowledgeable guides who will give informative chats and guided snorkels around the reef so you can understand more about this remarkable, yet fragile ecosystem.

Days 3 & 4: Port Douglas

Enjoy another two full days to explore Port Douglas or simply take it easy and relax on the beach. Sun yourself by the pool, take a stroll along the long serene beaches or stroll around the boutiques for some local shopping. Be sure to try a few local eateries whilst you’re here, since there’s a strong local culinary scene with some amazing local produce grown in the nearby Atherton Tablelands region.

We've included a Ngadiku Dreamtime Gorge Walk. This tour is conducted by the local Indigenous people; you will be guided along private, gentle tracks, past culturally significant sites and over gushing rainforest streams. You'll begin with a traditional 'smoking' ceremony, to cleanse and ward off bad spirits. After this, your guide will lead you through the lush rainforest, explaining about traditional plant use, bush food sources and ochre painting. At the end of the walk, you'll enjoy a traditional bush tea and damper, the perfect end to your aboriginal journey.

Day 5: Daintree

Today you’ll make the 1.5-hour drive up the coast to the Daintree Wilderness Lodge, a truly unique property nestled in the heart of the oldest rainforest in the world. With only one night here, take advantage of all the activities available; guided walks and safaris through the ancient rainforest, wildlife cruises on the Daintree River to spot some crocs, fishing trips, jungle surfing and much more.

Days 6 & 7: Cape Tribulation

Continuing your journey a mere 30 minutes north today, you’ll reach Cape Tribulation Beach House for your next stay. The farm stay is comprised of 5 secluded eco-style cabins, a 5-minute walk from the beach and a haven for wildlife lovers and those seeking a peaceful and secluded retreat. Cape Tribulation also has a wealth of activities that can be booked at additional costs from hiking to spectacular lookout points, night bushwalks, sea kayaking and horse riding. The crystal clear creeks and nearby beaches are also a great place to chill out at the end of your trip.

Cape Tribulation Beach House Retreat is the only beachfront accommodation in the cape, with beautiful secluded bungalows situated right where the Daintree Rainforest meets the water. The remote location gives you the chance to disconnect for the outside world, explore the forest, wander along the beach and sit around the fire toasting marshmallows with fellow guests. Spend your day hiking to Cape Trib Lookout, walking through the rainforest or enjoying a relaxing massage on the beach - the perfect way to end your trip!

Day 8: Depart Cairns

Depending on your flight time, take a leisurely drive along the coast back to Cairns to drop off your rental car and continue on your journey.