Whitsundays, Reef & Rainforest - 9 days

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9 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Brisbane, Australia

Ends

Port Douglas, Australia

Highlights

Brisbane - Begin your adventure in Queensland's capital, with a guided orientation walk and free time

Airlie Beach & Mission Beach - Unwind with free time to soak up some sun and explore these two resort towns

Whitsundays - Cruise around this stunning group of islands, stop at famous Whitehaven Beach and snorkel in the clear ocean

Atherton Tablelands - Take a dip under a plunging waterfall, see the crater Lake Eacham and admire the famous Curtain Fig Tree

Great Barrier Reef - Snorkel amongst the corals and tropical fish at one of the world's more famous and fragile natural wonders

Kuranda - Ride over an ancient rainforest in a gondola, sampling incredible views for miles around

Daintree Rainforest - Explore the rainforest on foot and by boat, keeping your eyes peeled for cros and meeting local families

Port Douglas - Spend three days in this laid back coastal resort, with free time to relax or explore independently

Kuranda - Ride over an ancient rainforest in a gondola, sampling incredible views for miles around

Daintree Rainforest - Explore the rainforest on foot and by boat, keeping your eyes peeled for cros and meeting local families

Port Douglas - Spend three days in this laid back coastal resort, with free time to relax or explore independently

Itinerary

The Whitsundays, Reef & Rainforest - 9 Days trip is your ticket to Australia’s postcard-perfect coastlines and natural marvels. Starting in Brisbane and winding north to Port Douglas, this easy-paced tour is tailored for experienced travelers and seniors who want a relaxed yet comprehensive experience. Unwind on the sun-kissed sands of Airlie Beach and Mission Beach, and dive into the underwater wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef with snorkeling excursions.

Sail the turquoise waters around the Whitsunday Islands, traverse the lush Atherton Tablelands, and wander the ancient trails of the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge. A thrilling crocodile cruise adds a dash of excitement to your journey. With comfortable accommodations, all transport, and select meals included, this tour package promises a seamless blend of leisure, adventure, and unforgettable sightseeing.

day 1 - Welcome to Brisbane

Arrive in Brisbane and make your way to our start hotel. Welcome to the capital of Queensland and future host of the 2032 summer Olympics. Known as Bris-Vegas, this city is characterized by its relaxed atmosphere, sunny weather, optimistic spirit, and vibrant energy, making it the epitome of an Australian city.

Our welcome meeting will take place at 6:00 pm on Day 1 at the starting point hotel. It’s very important that you’re on time, so we can set off on our adventures straight after the meeting. Following a brief introduction, we embark on an evening orientation walk to explore the city, and the evening is free for you to get to know your group and find a restaurant for dinner.

Meeting point: The Point Brisbane, 21 Lambert Street, Brisbane, Queensland

OverNight:Brisbane

day 2 - Airlie Beach free time

Brisbane - Airlie Beach. This morning we head to the airport for our included flight to Airlie Beach, a beautiful destination in the Whitsundays. The rest of the day is free, and full of possibilities. You can wander around the town, discover a trendy bar, or even explore the nearby local swimming hole, it's up to you!

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Airlie Beach

day 3 - Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Today we're enjoying a laid back morning cruise around the picturesque islands of the Whitsundays. Our itinerary includes a visit to the renowned Whitehaven beach, which boasts stunning white sands, crystal clear blue waters, and lush greenery. For a more immersive experience, you can go snorkelling to explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish and turtles. Returning to dry land, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Airlie Beach

day 4 - Mission Beach at leisure

Airlie Beach - Mission Beach. Today, we will experience a change of scenery as we travel through rolling cane fields to the charming coastal resort of Mission Beach. In the afternoon, there is ample time to relax and appreciate the crystal-clear waters and breathtaking vistas. Take advantage of this opportunity to catch up on your reading or simply unwind by the pool with a refreshing drink in hand, immersing yourself in the beauty of this tropical paradise.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Mission Beach

day 5 - Atherton Tablelands

Mission Beach - Cairns. Start your day by enjoying a delicious breakfast before we embark on a journey through the lush wet tropics of Far North Queensland. On our way to the Atherton Tablelands, we will come across a breathtaking plunge waterfall hidden within a dense tropical rainforest. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool water, and keep an eye out for the native platypus!

Continuing our adventure, we will visit Lake Eacham, a stunning crater lake known for its crystal-clear water. Don't miss the opportunity to marvel at the impressive 'Curtain Fig Tree' during our visit. Our day ends in Cairns.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Cairns

day 6 - Great Barrier Reef

Today may go down as the highlight of your Australia tour, as we embark on a cruise to the UNESCO-protected Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. The reef is one of the world's most renowned natural wonders. Don your mask and snorkel and head below the waves to see shoals of colourful fish, rays, turtles and perhaps even a curious shark or two! We cruise out to the reef on a larger vessel and once at the snorkelling site, we can jump aboard a smaller vessel to explore the reef. This smaller boat features a glass bottom, so you can see the colourful life of the reef from above the water.

Throughout the journey, our knowledgeable guides will offer insights on reef conservation and about the species you see. Our top-notch vessel will provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience, and you can also join optional scuba diving if you would like to go a little deeper down to the reef. Back on dry land, there is an included group dinner tonight in Cairns, where we are sure to reflect on our incredible experience!

Please note: For the optional scuba diving, this will be an introductory dive to about 5-6 metres. If you are already a certified diver, you may dive to depths of up to 15 metres.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Cairns

day 7 - Cairns to Port Douglas

Cairns - Kuranda - Port Douglas. Departing Cairns, we journey first to Kuranda. Here we enjoy an included ride on the Skyrail gondola, which passes over the world's oldest living tropical rainforest. Soak up the magnificent view over this ancient forest, teeming with life. Next, we continue north to the serene town of Port Douglas, renowned for its captivating sunsets and leisurely atmosphere. The evening is free to head out for dinner and a couple of sundowners.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Port Douglas

day 8 - Mossman Gorge & Rainforest walk

Enjoy a lie in, rise early for a morning jog or grab a fresh coffee from one of Port Douglas' many local brewers - the first part of the day is at leisure.

In the afternoon, an included visit to Mossman Gorge offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest on a scenic walk. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the fascinating culture, delectable cuisine, and unique customs of the Kuku Yalanji First Nations with an incredible and educational cultural experience.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Port Douglas

day 9 - Daintree Rainforest exploring

Today, we delve deeper into the tropical World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. After a short ferry crossing, we’ll explore the ancient rainforest on foot, learning about its unique ecosystem and meeting the local family who once hosted David Attenborough’s documentary crew. Keep an eye out for cassowaries, rare birds, and other fascinating wildlife as you wander through this wonderland.

In the afternoon, embark on an eco-friendly cruise along the Daintree River (Julaymba) aboard the Solar Whisper, a quiet, solar-powered boat. This immersive wildlife experience offers the chance to spot crocodiles, birds, snakes, frogs, and more, with the help of your expert guide and the innovative “CROC CAM” technology.

As the day winds down, enjoy a scenic coastal drive back to Cairns, where your tour concludes upon arrival at approximately 6 pm.

Finishing Point: Crystalbrook Flynn, 68/72 Abbott St, Cairns

Your tour finishes on arrival at the Flynn Hotel at approximately 6:00 pm. Please avoid booking any onward flights from Cairns any earlier than 8pm or contact us to book post-tour accommodation.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

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What's Included

Accommodation

8 nights 3-4 star hotels

Meals

Daily breakfasts & 4 lunches

Transport

All transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicles

Guide

Escorted by an expert local guide

Others

Economy class flight from Brisbane - Airlie BeachBrisbane orientation walkWhitsundays Islands cruise with snorkellingAtherton Tablelands tourGreat Barrier Reef glass-bottomed boat tour and snorkellingKuranda rainforest gondola rideMossman Gorge / Daintree Rainforest walkKuku Yalanji (First Nations) cultural experienceDaintree Rainforest crocodile cruiseNote: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 26 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

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