Independent Touring Holidays - Queensland and The Barrier Reef.

7 Day Tour.

Day 1. Arrive Cairns.
You are welcomed on arrival in the tropical city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore or settle in. Perhaps take a stroll along the Esplanade, exploring the city’s parks, gardens and shops.
Two Night Stay: Cairns Mercure Harbourside Hotel (Standard), Tradewinds Hotel (First Class), Shangri La, The Marina (Deluxe).

Day 2. Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail.
Board the Skyrail Cableway and glide above rain forest to Kuranda, a pretty township in the rain forest. Visit Rainforestation to see the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers perform a traditional corroboree (dance) then join a guided Dreamtime Walk. Witness spear throwing, didgeridoo playing and try your hand at throwing a boomerang. Visit the wildlife enclosure and see kangaroos, crocodiles, snakes and wombats. Perhaps take the opportunity to have your photo taken with a cuddly koala (own expense).

Wander through Kuranda before boarding the Kuranda Scenic Railway back to Cairns. This historic railway winds its way along the Kuranda Range, a magnificent mountain range covered with lush rain forest and majestic, tumbling waterfalls.

Day 3. Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Today, explore the Great Barrier Reef aboard a luxury Quicksilver catamaran. Stretching for over 1,250 miles, the Great Barrier Reef is composed of more than 2,800 individual reefs. This full day cruise ensures you have time to fully appreciate the reef, one of Australia’s greatest treasures. Cruise out to Agincourt Reef, the only ribbon reef accessible on a day trip. A delicious buffet lunch is served on board. Enjoy tropical fruit, fresh salads and seafood as you soak up the North Queensland sun.

The afternoon is yours to discover the reef and enjoy the warm tropical waters. Snorkel or swim in the crystal-clear waters among the tropical fish, view the colorful coral aboard the semi-sub or check out the fish feeding at the underwater observatory. Cruise to Port Douglas.
Two Night Stay: Port Douglas Rydges Reef Resort (Standard), Radisson Treetops Resort (First Class), Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas (Deluxe).
(L)

Day 4. Port Douglas at Leisure.
Enjoy the resort town of Port Douglas at leisure today. Perhaps walk along palm-fringed Four Mile Beach, visit the Marina or just relax at your hotel.

Day 5. 4WD Cape Tribulation, Daintree.
Travel to the Daintree River for a guided cruise through the crocodile-infested mangroves and lush rain forest wilderness. Look out for the fearsome saltwater crocodile lurking in the river. We enter the World Heritage-listed Cape Tribulation area, embracing some of the best undeveloped coastal scenery and rain forest in Australia. From here, continue through a region of tea plantations before traversing the remote and historic Bloomfield Track. Arrive at Cape Tribulation Beach, enjoying time at leisure to relax or explore this pristine beach. Return to Cairns in the late afternoon.
Stay: Cairns, refer to Day 1.
(L)

Day 6. Mission Beach, Dunk Island.
Today, pass sugarcane fields on your way south to Mission Beach, where you join a cruise to Dunk Island, nestled in the waters of the Coral Sea. Dunk is rich in natural beauty and activities, and the day is yours to discover why it’s called the ‘Island of Peace and Plenty’. Stroll amid the lush rain forests in search of the Ulysses butterfly, relax on a secluded beach, participate in some of the resort activities or simply unwind by the pool. Perhaps indulge yourself with a rejuvenating spa and massage or even try parasailing (own expense). Tonight, enjoy a delicious meal and soak up the lovely tropical climate..
Stay: Dunk Island Resort Garden Rooms (Standard and First Class), Beachfront (Deluxe).
(D)

Day 7. Dunk Island.
After breakfast join a late morning flight from Dunk Island (airfare not included). (B)

Tour No CDKA

Departs: Daily.