Tours and accommodation packages - Queensland and The Barrier Reef.

13, 11 or 9 Days Cairns to Cairns.

Explore the far north of Queensland and discover the remote, the remarkable, the unique and the unusual. This peninsula wilderness is an area of immense beauty - explore it in our modern custom built 4 wheel drive vehicle. 

Day 1 - Cairns.
Arrive in Cairns and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore or relax. Do some shopping, visit the casino for a flutter or wander around the vibrant local markets. Perhaps take a dip in the hotel pool or enjoy the bay views with a relaxing drink.
Three Night Stay: Cairns, Rydges Tradewinds Hotel, in the heart of the city and overlooking the waterfront.

Day 2 - At Leisure in Cairns.
Today is yours to further discover the delights of this tropical city. Perhaps wander through Cairns’ picturesque parks and gardens, stroll the Esplanade or visit the Pier Market Place and Marlin Marina and Jetty for some shopping. (B)

Day 3 - FREEDOM OF CHOICE.
Enjoy the options of our Freedom of Choice Touring today. Choose to join a day tour to the fascinating Undara Volcanic National Park. Undara, an Aboriginal word for ‘long’, includes a 160 kilometre lava tunnel, the longest on earth. Your guide will tell of the animals and plants that live here. We then travel via the Atherton Tablelands, home to the remarkable Curtain Fig Tree and volcanic lakes. We also stop at Heales Lookout to take in the spectacular views and visit Ravenshoe, the highest town in Queensland. Alternatively, choose to visit Rainforestation and see the Pamagirri Dancers depicting the Dreamtime. Following this, take in the scenery with a ride through lush tropical rainforest on the Kuranda Scenic Railway (book at time of tour reservation). Returning to Cairns. 11 day (CY11) passengers join tour. (B)

Day 4 - Daintree River, Cape Tribulation.
This morning we travel to Daintree National Park and cruise along the Daintree River, spotting crocodiles and other fascinating wildlife. We continue through the national park to Cape Tribulation, where age-old rainforest meets spectacular coastal scenery. Accommodation: Ferntree Rainforest Lodge. (BD)

Day 5 - Bloomfield Track, Cooktown.
Travel the remote Bloomfield Track to the port and fishing town of Cooktown. It was here that James Cook beached the 'Endeavour' for repairs in 1770. Later to become a booming goldmining town, there are many places of interest to discover. Visit James Cook Museum and stroll through the historic cemetery. The Botanic Gardens date from the 1880s, one of the oldest on the continent. Explore this gateway to the remote and rugged Cape York Peninsula, and the northern tip of Australia.
Accommodation: Cooktown, The Sovereign Hotel. (BD)

Day 6 - Lakefield National Park.
Journey into Lakefield National Park, Queensland's second largest national park. Typifying Far North Queensland the park is covered with sun-bleached grasses, paperbark woodland and fringing rainforest. Stretching from Princess Charlotte Bay down to Laura, there is a diverse population of birdlife, fruit bats, reptiles and mammals. The monsoonal waterways are home to the freshwater crocodile and the more feared saltwater crocodile.
Accommodation: Musgrave Telegraph Station, in the true wilderness. Facilities are less elaborate. (BLD)

Day 7 - Coen, Weipa, Gulf Country.
Explore the old goldmining town of Coen before driving through the pristine Mungkan Kandju National Park with its riverine rainforest and swamps. We travel to Weipa, situated on the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Weipa is the site of the world’s largest bauxite deposit and is also home to fantastic barramundi and blue salmon fishing. The first European landing of Australia was near Weipa. Accommodation: Weipa, Albatross Hotel Resort. (BLD)

Day 8 - Weipa Mine Tour, Western Cape Cultural Centre, Bramwell Station.
This morning we tour the Weipa Bauxite Mine, the largest of its kind in the world. This afternoon we journey on through remote areas of Cape York via Moreton Telegraph Station to Bramwell Cattle Station, famed for its remote setting and outback hospitality. Get a unique insight into how such a remote Australian cattle station operates. Accommodation: Bramwell Station. Facilities are less elaborate. (BLD)

Day 9 - Cape York Peninsula.
Skirt Jardine River National Park, an immense region of unusual vegetation, including the carnivorous pitcher plants. We continue through the traditional lands of the Injinoo Aboriginal people. Native title handed much of this area back to the traditional owners, enabling the survival of the distinctive East and West Cape Aboriginal cultures and their language. We journey to Resort Bamaga, close to lush rainforest and pristine tropical beaches. Two Night Stay: Resort Bamaga, 4-star luxury in the heart of the wilderness. (BLD)

Day 10 - Explore Cape York.
This morning we journey to the tip of Cape York Peninsula and experience being at the Australian mainland’s most northerly point. Take your time to make the most of the view out over the Torres Strait. We return to the resort this afternoon to swim or just relax in the peaceful surroundings of this truly magnificent wilderness region. (BLD)

Day 11 - Thursday Island.
Cross the clear blue waters of Endeavour Strait to Australia’s most northerly settlement, Thursday Island. One of around 100 islands that make up the Torres Strait Islands, Thursday Island is home to 3000 people. Known as Torres Strait Islanders, they’re of Melanesian descent. The late Eddie Mabo, famous for his successful 1992 land claim in Australia’s High Court, was a Torres Strait Islander. Today a multicultural outpost, the island was once a base for pearling luggers. With our guide, discover its history and get a feel for island life. Accommodation: Thursday Island, Jardine Motel. (BD)

Day 12 - Cape York, Cairns.
Morning at leisure before transfer to Horn Island Airport for our scenic flight to tropical Cairns.
9 Day (CY09) passengers conclude tour.
Accommodation: Cairns, Rydges Tradewinds Esplanade. (B)

Day 13 - Cairns.
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast to start the day. You might then like to do some last minute shopping, sightseeing or simply relax by the hotel pool. Transfer to Cairns Airport for flight. (B)

Tour No CY13/CY11/CY09
Tour operates in reverse: Tour codes YC13 / YC11 / YC09

Land content. Fully inclusive of all sightseeing, entrance fees, cruises, meals as specified and accommodation.

* In some remote locations, single travellers may be required to share accommodation.

Special note: Every effort will be made to adhere to the printed itinerary, however, due to the nature of the terrain and the remoteness of the area, weather and road conditions may necessitate alterations to itinerary. 

Seniors Card Holders and Aust./NZ Pensioners deduct $30 per person.