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Cairns, Port Douglas & the Northern Great Barrier Reef Holidays
All of the destinations listed here are ideally located to explore the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding World Heritage listed rainforest , with each boasting its own character and distinctive appeal.
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Trailfinders is the UK and Ireland's No.1 to Australia and one in six of all visitors from here travel with us. Almost all of our travel consultants have travelled extensively here, often returning time and time again.
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Speak to someone who's been
We believe booking online is no substitute for one-on-one service. Between them our expert travel consultants have travelled to over 96% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.
OUR HOLIDAYS TO CAIRNS, PORT DOUGLAS & THE NORTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF
Here's a selection of our most popular holidays in
Cairns, Port Douglas & The Northern Great Barrier Reef.
If you'd like to see how you could fit this state into a wider exploration of the country - take a look at our Australia Holidays page.
Cairns, Port Douglas & The Northern Great Barrier Reef.
If you'd like to see how you could fit this state into a wider exploration of the country - take a look at our Australia Holidays page.
Sydney, Rock & Reef
15 days / 14 nights
from £1,356
Sydney Harbour Uluru Aboriginal culture Great Barrier Reef
from £1,356
Luxury Queensland
14 days / 13 nights
from £4,744
Brisbane Scenic Rim Hayman Island Lizard Island Cairns
from £4,744
Reef & Coastal Explorer
19 days / 18 nights
from £1,686
Cairns Great Barrier Reef Daydream Island Whitsundays Island Sydney
from £1,686
Rainforest, Reef & the Tropical Tablelands
15 days / 14 nights
from £2,692
Tropical Tablelands Daintree National Park Great Barrier Reef Bedarra Island
from £2,692
Barrier Reef Roaming - Motorhome Holiday
14 days / 13 nights
from £865
Brisbane Noosa Hervey Bay Great Barrier Reef Airlie Beach Mission Beach Port Douglas
from £865
Queensland Thrills & Spills
20 days / 19 nights
from £Please contact us
Animal Encounters Hamilton Island Whitsunday Islands
from £Please contact us
WHERE TO GO IN CAIRNS, PORT DOUGLAS & THE NORTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF
Cairns
The gateway to Tropical North Queensland and several of the northern islands of the Great Barrier Reef, lively Cairns makes for a fun and convenient base with its abundance of relaxed restaurants, shops and markets. The pretty treelined esplanade is a focal point with a buzzing marina, gorgeous outdoor swimming lagoon and panoramic views out over the mangroves and mudflats to the Coral Sea.
Kewarra Beach/Trinity Beach
These neighbouring beachside villages sit just 20 minutes north of Cairns and are ideal for couples and families who want to be close to the attractions of Cairns, but enjoy a slower pace of life with beautiful beaches right on the doorstep. Kewarra is best suited to those seeking privacy, as there is only one charming resort nestled in tropical gardens, whilst laidback Trinity boasts apartments and a range of casual dining options.
Palm Cove
Sitting just north of Kewarra and Trinity beaches yet still just 25 minutes from Cairns, sophisticated Palm Cove is hugely popular with both locals and tourists
alike and it’s easy to see why. Stroll along the beautiful palm-fringed white sand beach, admire the colourful flowers which adorn the esplanade and dip into the quaint little boutiques. With a great selection of quality bars and restaurants, this enchanting village is a underrated gem.
Port Douglas
For a stay in one of Queensland’s most beloved holiday hotspots, head an hour north of Cairns to tropical Port Douglas. This captivating resort town oozes a mellow pace, so enjoy a lazy stroll along palm-tree lined Macrossan Street to browse its quirky stores and alfresco cafés or relax on the golden sands of spectacular Four Mile Beach. It also makes for a fantastic base to visit the Great Barrier Reef and scenic Daintree Rainforest, nearby.
The Daintree
With a strong Indigenous heritage and combining tropical rainforest, dazzling white beaches and fringing reefs offshore, the picturesque Daintree region is a nature lover’s paradise and makes for a fascinating addition to any holiday. Join a tour to explore the scenic walking trails of World Heritage listed Daintree National Park, visit Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge and uncover the secrets of the region’s incredible flora and fauna.
The Atherton Tablelands
Part of the Great Dividing Range and rising up to 1,000m above sea level, the fertile inland plains of the tropical tablelands are blessed with a yearround
temperate climate and wealth of natural beauty. Enjoy leisurely drives to admire sparkling lakes and breathtaking waterfalls, walk amongst lush rainforest and sample delectable local produce, ranging from mouthwatering tropical fruits and nuts to rich cheeses and chocolate.
Mission Beach
Situated two hours drive south of Cairns and nestled between tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, the peaceful hamlet of Mission Beach offers both relaxation and adventure in equal measure. Renowned for its vibrant arts scene and glorious beach which stretches for miles, the region is also fantastic for nature walks, watersports and locally booked day trips to nearby Barrier Reef islands.
Great Barrier Reef Islands From Cairns
The calm, sheltered waters and fringing reef surrounding Fitzroy Island Resort can be easily reached by a 45 minute ferry from Cairns and the resort offers great value in a beautiful location. Alternatively, splurge and fly by seaplane to the incredible Lizard Island Resort, one of the Luxury Lodges of Australia and the ultimate luxurious Barrier Reef getaway.
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Great Barrier Reef Islands From Mission Beach & Townsville
To really get away from it all, luxurious and intimate Bedarra Island Resort is located on its rugged namesake, just 30 minutes by boat or a scenic 15 minutes by helicopter from Mission Beach. Further south, popular Magnetic Island boasts picturesque bushtrails and abundant wildlife, and Peppers Blue on Blue can be reached via a 25 minute ferry from Townsville.
HOW TO GET AROUND CAIRNS, PORT DOUGLAS & THE NORTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF
OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN CAIRNS, PORT DOUGLAS & THE NORTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF
Riley, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort
Cairns
from £57
3 restaurants & bars including Cairns’ highest rooftop bar 2 pools including a 1000 square metre swimming lagoon Gym Eléme Spa Free use of bikes Parking from $12 per day Free wi-fi
from £57
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas
from £84
Restaurant & bar Café Heated pool & hot tub Free laundry facilities Free use of bikes Free parking Free wi-fi
from £84
The Reef House - MGallery by Sofitel
Palm Cove
from £54
Restaurant Lounge & honesty bar 2 pools & a hot tub Spa Free wellness classes Free use of bikes Free parking Free wi-fi
from £54
Daintree Ecolodge
The Daintree, Tablelands & Mission Beach
from £137
Restaurant (breakfast & dinner) Lounge Pool Spa Free parking
from £137
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Port Douglas Nature Retreats
from £86
Treetop restaurant & bar Lounge with panoramic views Private access beach 2 pools Massage treatments Guided nature walks & talks Guided stargazing Local area shuttle (charge applies) Free parking
from £86
Fitzroy Island Resort
Islands Of The Northern Great Barrier Reef
from £30
Restaurant & bar Café Large pool with swim up bar Massage treatments Watersports & dive centre Kids’ games room General store
from £30
THINGS TO DO IN CAIRNS PORT DOUGLAS & THE NORTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF
Outer Barrier Reef Cruise
Approx 7-10 hours
from £185
Beautiful Agincourt Reef Spacious activity platform Swimming & snorkelling Semi-submersible tour
from £185
Cape Tribulation & Daintree Rainforest
Approx 9-13 hours
from £131
World Heritage listed rainforest Daintree river cruise Famous Cape Tribulation beach Mossman Gorge Centre
from £131
Luxury Low Isles Sail & Snorkel
Approx 7.5-8 hours
from £166
Pure sailing on luxury catamaran Small group - max 33 guests Guided snorkel tour, glass bottom boat & island walk
from £166
Flames of the Forest
Approx 3-4 hours
from £140
Banquet dinner with local wine and beer Aboriginal cultural performance Sparkling wine & canapes on arrival
from £140
Silversonic Dive & Snorkel
Approx 7-10 hours
from £164
Great choice for snorkelling & diving 5 hours at 3 different reef sites Travel by high speed catamaran
from £164
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Kuranda, Scenic Rail & Skyrail
Approx 8-10 hours
from £100
Kuranda Scenic Railway Breathtaking Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Picturesque Kuranda village
from £100
Speak to a Travel Expert
We believe booking online is no substitute for one-on-one service. Between them our expert travel consultants have travelled to over 96% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.
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Cairns, Port Douglas & the Northern Great Barrier Reef Fast Facts
Visa information given is given for
British
citizens holding a valid
UK
passport with at least 6 months validity remaining. Immunisation guidelines assume routine
UK
childhood immunisation has been given and will not apply to all situations. Medical advice should be
sought. Your Trailfinders consultant will advise you of the specific visa and immunisation
requirements for your trip.
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