Discover Queensland in comfort on this 9-day small-group tour from reef to rainforest, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, cruising the Whitsundays, and exploring ancient culture and nature.
About This Tour
From the bustling streets of Brisbane to the lush Daintree Rainforest, this boutique 9-day comfort tour captures the best of tropical Queensland. Explore iconic destinations and hidden gems at a relaxed pace with a small group and an experienced local guide. Cruise the Whitsunday Islands, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, swim in waterfalls, and connect with ancient First Nations culture – all while enjoying hand-picked accommodation and thoughtful inclusions.
Day 1: Brisbane Arrival
Arrive in sunny Brisbane and meet your guide and fellow travellers at 5 pm for a welcome meeting. Enjoy a relaxed evening walk through the city and an optional group dinner.
Day 2: Fly to Airlie Beach (Whitsundays Coast)
Fly north to the Whitsundays region and settle into the beachside town of Airlie Beach. Spend the afternoon exploring, relaxing at a café, or swimming at the lagoon.
Day 3: Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach
Board the high-speed Thundercat for a full-day island-hopping adventure. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs, visit the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, and take in panoramic views from Hill Inlet. Includes lunch and expert crew commentary.
Day 4: Scenic Journey to Mission Beach
Travel through cane fields and scenic coastal roads to Mission Beach, a peaceful tropical retreat. Enjoy downtime at your resort, a beach stroll, or wildlife spotting – cassowaries are often seen here!
Day 5: Atherton Tablelands to Cairns
Travel inland through the Wet Tropics to visit waterfalls, volcanic crater lakes, and the towering Curtain Fig Tree. Swim in Lake Eacham and keep an eye out for wild platypus before arriving in vibrant Cairns.
Day 6: Great Barrier Reef Experience
Cruise aboard Ocean Freedom for a full-day adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel coral gardens, join a glass-bottom boat tour, or try optional scuba diving. Includes buffet lunch and guided marine interpretation.
Day 7: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & Port Douglas
Soar over the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail to Kuranda, a colourful mountain village with artisan markets. After free time to explore, continue to the laid-back beach town of Port Douglas for an overnight stay.
Day 8: Mossman Gorge & First Nations Experience
Start the day at the Port Douglas Sunday Markets, then walk through Mossman Gorge with your guide. In the afternoon, engage in a powerful cultural experience with the Kuku Yalanji people – learning about bush tucker, storytelling, and their spiritual connection to the land.
Day 9: Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation & Wildlife Cruise
Cross the Daintree River into the world’s oldest rainforest. Enjoy a guided walk with chances to spot the elusive cassowary. Visit Cape Tribulation, where the reef meets the rainforest. End the day with an eco-certified crocodile and wildlife cruise on the Solar Whisper before returning to Cairns along the scenic coast. The tour concludes around 6 pm.
Tour Highlights
- Cruise & snorkel the Great Barrier Reef with expert local marine guides.
- Sail to Whitehaven Beach and snorkel vibrant reefs in the Whitsundays.
- Explore waterfalls, crater lakes & rainforest in the Atherton Tablelands.
- Walk the Daintree Rainforest & spot crocs on an eco-certified river cruise.
- Connect with Kuku Yalanji people on a powerful First Nations experience.
What’s Included
- 8 Nights’ Private or Shared Boutique-Style Hotels/Resorts – all rooms with en-suites.
- Includes: 8 breakfasts and 4 lunches.
- All National Park entry fees included.
- First Nations cultural experience.
- Atherton Tablelands guided tour.
- Whitsunday Island & Whitehaven Beach day trip & snorkel.
- Great Barrier Reef day cruise – incl. snorkelling gear & glass-bottom boat.
- Kuranda Skyrail gondola ride over lush rainforest.
- Guided rainforest, gorge, river cruise & lookout walks.
- Hosted by an experienced driver-guide, with local tour commentary.
- All transport (private small-group vehicle, domestic flight BNE>PPP & boat trips).
- Brisbane meeting point / Cairns drop-off points.
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary: plenty of opportunities will be provided to purchase food along the way or dine out with the group.
- Pre- or post-tour accommodation is available on request at an additional cost.
- Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
- Optional activities and/or tours, and hiring equipment extra. Optional Activity – Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
- Personal travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Spending money on personal items and expenses.
- International flights are not included.
Not Suitable For
- Children under 12 years
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
Know Before You Go
- Passport
- Comfortable shoes
- Windbreaker
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Camera
- Credit card
- Sunscreen
- Rain gear
- Comfortable clothes
- Flip-flops
- Travel insurance
- Beachwear
- Insect repellent
- Breathable clothing
- Toiletries
- Cash
- Daypack
- Personal medication
- Closed-toe shoes
- Diving certification
- Reusable water bottle
- Oversize luggage
- Mobility scooters
- Non-folding wheelchairs
- Alcohol and drugs
- Electric wheelchairs
Required at the time of booking:
date of birth, food allergies, title or gender for rooming configuration, a contact phone number, and passport details.
Travellers can expect some light physical activities. Guests should be mobile enough to walk unaided. A doctor’s certificate is required for participants over 75 years old.
An adult or legal guardian must accompany children aged 12 to 17 at all times. The tour is not suitable for infants or children aged 11 and under due to the nature of the tour.
Fare Type Options:
Shared Accommodation (BD9-B) is restricted to adults only, 18 years and over, as travellers stay in a shared room with a shared en suite. Solo travellers who book will be paired with another solo traveller.
Private Double/Twin Room (BD9-S): For adults and children staying in a double or twin room with an ensuite; it must be purchased by 2 people staying together.
Private Single Room (BD9-P): Restricted to adults only (18 years old and over) with an ensuite.
