cairns port douglas & the great barrier reef Tours Reef & Coastal Explorer

Itinerary:

Days 1-4 Cairns  
Lively Cairns is a great base to explore Tropical North Queensland. Take a scenic rail journey to Kuranda and enjoy the breathtaking ancient rainforest from above. Spend the rest of your time at leisure, snorkelling or diving in the colourful Great Barrier Reef.  

Day 5 Cairns to Mission Beach
Pick up your car and travel south along the Bruce Highway to laidback Mission Beach, the closest point on mainland Australia to the Great Barrier Reef.  

Day 6 Mission Beach
The gorgeous palm-fringed sands stretch for miles, so enjoy a relaxing stroll with a picnic, soaking up picture-perfect ocean views along the way. Time permitting, take a cruise to one of the nearby islands.  

Day 7 Mission Beach to Magnetic Island
Continue south to Magnetic Island, home to Australia’s largest colony of wild koalas. Board the passenger ferry at Townsville (leaving your car in the secure car park) for the short ride across Cleveland Bay.  

Day 8 Magnetic Island
Over 70% of this rugged island is designated national park, so discover scenic bush trails teeming with wildlife before snorkelling right off the beach at Alma Bay or Arthur Bay.  

Day 9 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.  

Day 10 Airlie Beach
Take a cruise to explore the remote and beautiful bays of the Whitsundays, visiting Whitehaven Beach with its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand.  

Day 11 Airlie Beach to Daydream Island
Today, take the ferry across to coral-fringed Daydream Island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Popular with both couples and families, Daydream Island Resort recently reopened following an extensive multimillion dollar redevelopment and features tropical gardens, an incredible lagoon pool and a range of accommodation options.  

Days 12-15 Daydream Island
With its own beautiful fringing reef just offshore, grab your snorkel and discover the kaleidoscope of colourful marine life found in Daydream’s azure waters. With a wide variety of aquatic and nature-based activities available, try your hand at sailing or stand up paddleboarding, perhaps feed baby stingrays in the resort’s coral lagoon or listen to a fascinating marine biologist talk.  

Day 16 Daydream Island to Sydney
Catch a ferry to neighbouring Hamilton Island and fly on to Sydney.

Days 17-19 Sydney
There is so much to uncover in this great city. Enjoy The Royal Botanic Gardens with impressive views over the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Delve into the vibrant history of Sydney’s nightlife, visiting hidden bars on an evening walking tour.

Optional Excursions: