Whitsundays, Reef & Rainforest - 10 days
Whitsundays, Reef & Rainforest - 10 days
Whitsundays, Reef & Rainforest - 10 days
10 Days Starting in Brisbane and ending in Cairns
Visiting: Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach, Cairns, Kuranda, Port Douglas
Tour operator:
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
Min:18 / Max:88
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on an incredible 10-day journey starting in Brisbane and concluding in Cairns. Relax at Airlie Beach and Mission Beach, discover the colourful corals and marine life of the Great Barrier Reef with a snorkelling excursion and sail around the blissful Whitsunday Islands. Discover the scenic Atherton Tablelands, explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge on foot and from above, and enjoy a thrilling crocodile cruise, plus lots more!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Brisbane
Location: 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. At 5pm, we will gather at the hotel reception to meet our fellow travellers and friendly guide. 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.
Day 2: Airlie Beach
Location: Airlie Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
Day 3: Airlie Beach
Location: Airlie Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 4: Mission Beach
Location: Mission Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: Mission Beach
Location: Mission Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mission Beach - Cairns. Today may go down as the highlight of your Australia tour, as we embark on a cruise aboard a glass-bottomed boat to the UNESCO-protected Great Barrier Reef, 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!
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!
Day 7: Kuranda
Location: Kuranda
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 8: Port Douglas
Location: Port Douglas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 9: Port Douglas
Location: Port Douglas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a significant day as we venture further into the renowned Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation on a short ferry ride. Keep your eyes peeled for the ancient cassowary, crocodiles and other native wildlife as we explore the rainforest. And you will also have an opportunity to meet the native family who graciously hosted the crew working on David Attenborough's documentary. We enjoy a farewell group dinner back in Port Douglas, as tonight is the final night of our trip.
Day 10: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast
Port Douglas - Cairns. Enjoy a final breakfast in Port Douglas before we make the drive south back to Cairns, where our tour comes to an end.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
3-4 star hotels & acommodation -
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 2 dinners
-
9 nights 3-4 star hotels
-
Escorted by an expert local guide
-
All transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicles
-
Economy class flight from Brisbane - Airlie Beach
-
Brisbane orientation walk
-
Whitsundays Islands cruise with snorkelling
-
Atherton Tablelands tour
-
Great Barrier Reef glass-bottomed boat tour and snorkelling
-
Kuranda rainforest gondola ride
What's Not Included
-
International flights and visas
-
Airport transfers
-
Additional meals and drinks unless specified
-
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
-
Optional activities & additional attractions unless specified above
Check out our Q&As
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026
Sunday - Tuesday
Oct 27, 2024 - Nov 05, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 19, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Nov 24, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 14, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 11, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 06, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Nov 23, 2025 - Dec 02, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 30, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 06, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Jan 04, 2026 - Jan 13, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Jan 18, 2026 - Jan 27, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Feb 01, 2026 - Feb 10, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Feb 15, 2026 - Feb 24, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Mar 01, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 24, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 07, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.