Tropical North Queensland & Sailing the Whitsundays

Days 1-2  Fly to Cairns  

Days 3-5  Cairns  
Welcome to lively Cairns. This city is a great base from which to explore Tropical North Queensland. Enjoy a scenic rail journey to Kuranda for the breathtaking rainforest vistas. Spend the rest of your time at leisure with a wealth of Great Barrier Reef tours to choose from.      

Days 6-8  Cairns to Daintree NP
Pick up your car and drive the short distance to your rainforest lodge, perched on the banks of the Daintree River.    

Day 9  Daintree NP to Atherton Tablelands
Today, wind your way up to the elevated highlands known as the Tablelands. Relax in your treehouse accommodation and soak up the sights and sounds of the forest.      

Day 10  Atherton Tablelands      
An expanse of fertile plantations, glistening lakes and tropical rainforest, the rural scenery of the Tablelands affords plenty of opportunities for walks surrounded by colourful birdlife. Stop for afternoon tea at the Lake Barrine Teahouse and sample local rum at the Mt Uncle Distillery.      

Days 11-12  Atherton Tablelands to Mission Beach
Head back to the coast today, stopping en route at Millaa Millaa Falls, a spectacular 18m UNESCO World Heritage listed waterfall.  A collection of tiny hamlet towns, ’Mission’ boasts 10 miles of glorious golden sands and enjoys a thriving arts and food scene.      

Days 13-14  Mission Beach to  Magnetic Island
Continue south to Townsville and catch the passenger ferry to Magnetic Island. Over 70% of the island is designated national park, so discover scenic bush trails teeming with wildlife.  
     
Day 15  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 and drop off your car. Relax by the pool and dine out at one of the waterside restaurants.      

Days 16-18  The Whitsunday Islands      
Enjoy three nights aboard your catamaran, Whitsunday Getaway. Spend your days swimming and snorkelling in crystal clear waters and at night you’ll dock at rugged, uninhabited Hook Island and pristine Hayman Island.      

Day 19  Airlie Beach      
Enjoy your last morning at sea before returning to Airlie Beach Marina.    

Days 20-22  Airlie Beach to Sydney      
Catch a flight to Sydney and enjoy the Royal Botanic Gardens with impressive views over the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge on an informative city tour.  

Days 23-24  Fly home