9 Days Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest Tour (Ex: Brisbane , Tour finish at Cairns)

Full Itinerary

Day 1 : Brisbane

Welcome to Brisbane, a city that’s sun-kissed and laid back with a hint of urban cool — and soon to be an Olympic city. Meet your fellow travellers and guide in the hotel reception at 5 pm for a welcome meeting. We’ll then head out on a guided city orientation, finishing with a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Activities:

• Welcome meeting and orientation walk
• Optional group dinner

Meals: None
Driving Distance: None
Walking Distance: Easy, short walk
Accommodation: The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar

Day 2: Brisbane → Airlie Beach

After breakfast, we fly north to the Whitsunday Coast. On arrival, settle into Airlie Beach, a bustling coastal town with a palm-fringed lagoon and tropical charm. The afternoon is yours — wander through boutique shops, have a drink at a beachfront bar or cool off at a local swimming hole.
Included Activities:

• Domestic flight to the Whitsundays
• Free time to explore Airlie Beach

Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 40 km
Flight: Brisbane to Proserpine – approx. 1 hr 50 min (990 km)
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar

Day 3: Airlie Beach & Whitsunday Islands

Today is all about blue water and white sand. Board a full-day cruise through the Whitsundays, stopping at world-famous Whitehaven Beach and walking to Hill Inlet for stunning views. Swim or snorkel among coral gardens and tropical fish — you may even spot a sea turtle. Back in Airlie Beach in the evening for free time to eat out.
Included Activities:

• Whitsundays day cruise with snorkelling,
• Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet walk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: Boat travel – approx. 8 hours (46 km)
Walking Distance: Short, easy guided walks (approx. 2 km total)
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar

Day 4: Mission Beach

We leave the islands behind and head into the rainforest today as we drive north along the Bruce Highway to Mission Beach. This chill coastal town is the perfect place to slow down — relax by the pool, take a beach walk or keep an eye out for wallabies and cassowaries roaming around.
Included Activities:

• Scenic drive along the Bruce Highway

Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 505 km (longest travel day)
Walking Distance: Short, easy walks and lookout points
Accommodation: Mission Beach Resort or similar

Day 5: Cairns via the Atherton Tablelands

Today, we head into the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics to explore the Atherton Tablelands. Swim beneath a plunging rainforest waterfall, visit crystal-clear Lake Eacham and see the amazing Curtain Fig Tree. End the day in Cairns, a vibrant tropical city with a waterfront esplanade and great dining.
Included Activities:

• Atherton Tablelands tour with waterfall swim, crater lake and rainforest walks

Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 220 km
Walking Distance: Easy short walks and scenic lookouts
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar

Day 6: Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling

A must-do day! Board a catamaran for a full-day trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel over colourful coral reefs, glass-bottom boat ride and learn from onboard conservation commentary. Keep your camera ready for tropical fish, sea turtles and endless shades of blue. An optional scuba dive is available for those who want to get up close and personal.
Included Activities:

• Great Barrier Reef day cruise with snorkelling, glass-bottom boat and buffet lunch
• Optional scuba diving experience

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: Boat travel – approx. 8.5 hours (30 km)
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar

Day 7: Kuranda & Port Douglas

The canopy and waterfalls to the mountain village of Kuranda, famous for its markets and local art. Then we head north along the Coral Coast to Port Douglas, where you can join the group for sunset drinks and dinner.

Included:

• Skyrail gondola ride
• Kuranda markets visit
• Port Douglas orientation tour

Meals: Breakfast

Driving Distance: 100 km
Walking Distance: Easy strolls and lookouts
Accommodation: Paradise Links Resort or similar

Day 8: Mossman Gorge & Kuku Yalanji Culture

Relax in Port Douglas — maybe hit the Sunday markets with an ocean view coffee — before we head to Mossman Gorge. Take a guided rainforest walk before an immersive cultural session with Kuku Yalanji Traditional Owners, learning about bush tucker, stories and customs.

Included:

• Mossman Gorge rainforest walk
• Kuku Yalanji cultural experience

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Distance: 25 km
Walking Distance: 2.5 km / ~1.5 hours (alternative for non-walkers available)
Accommodation: Paradise Links Resort or similar

Day 9: Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation & Wildlife Cruise

We head into the Daintree Rainforest for a guided walk through this ancient ecosystem, keeping an eye out for cassowaries and other wildlife. Visit Cape Tribulation — where two World Heritage areas meet — then take an eco-friendly boat cruise on the Daintree River to spot crocodiles, birds and more. We’ll return along the scenic coastal road to Cairns, tour ends around 6 pm.

Included:

• Guided Daintree walk with wildlife spotting
• Eco-friendly crocodile & nature cruise
• Scenic coastal drive to Cairns

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Driving Distance: 160 km
Walking Distance: 7 km / ~2 hours (alternative for non-walkers available)