Arriving into Cairns, spend your first evening meandering through the tropical city. The following day, it's time to collect your rental car and travel onto your slice of tropical paradise in Port Douglas. After settling into your accommodation, jump aboard a sunset cruise on a luxury catamaran and enjoy drinks and canapes as the sun sets over the Coral Sea. Enjoy your next day's breakfast alongside the birds and koalas at Wildlife Habitat, with the rest of the day to explore Port Douglas, with the option of taking a Great Barrier Reef scenic flight. Take in the rainforest scenery as you drive to Cape Tribulation, and spend the afternoon rafting and snorkelling in the pristine waters of McKay Cay and Undine Reef. Your final full day takes you on a guided walking tour of the Daintree with a local Aboriginal guide, immersing you in the cultural significance of this spiritual area. Back in Port Douglas, take some time to walk the Flagstaff Hill track or one of many others, and soak up your last tropical sunset. On day 6, return your rental car to Cairns Airport and meet your departing flight. If you need more time to kickback in this tropical paradise, your sales consultant would be more than happy to extend this itinerary for you.
BeachesClassic driving toursWildlife & natureThis Tour Also Features
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Included transfer(s)- Private transfer Cairns Airport to your accommodation
- Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside customs exit and delivered to your Cairns accommodation.
Cairns has been home to indigenous Australians for more than 40,000 years and was settled by Europeans in 1876 who arrived in search of gold. These days, Cairns is seen as the city "where the rainforest meets the reef" as it is the gateway to both the 100-million-year-old Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The main tourist centre in town is along the Esplanade, which has a swimming lagoon, bustling weekend markets, and plenty of great food options.
Your accommodation: Vision Cairns Esplanade
Located across the street from the ocean, these polished apartments have everything you need and so much more including, glass-fronted balconies with ocean views and room service. There's an outdoor lagoon-style pool and BBQ area, as well as a gym with a saltwater lap pool and a sauna. Parking is available.
Our rental car range includes the latest vehicles from the top suppliers. We have a fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige sedans and SUVs. Insurance can often be included with a small excess or deductible.
Head to the Cairns City depot today to collect your chosen rental car, and continue your journey.
The best route to travel between Cairns and Port Douglas is the Captain Cook Highway (State Route 44). Less than 70km in length, this short drive offers countless opportunities to stop and admire the breathtaking views, walk along the beach or take a quick dip in the sea. You could even stop off at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a bird's eye view of the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest.
We recommend arriving to Port Douglas before dusk so that you can take in the beautiful sunset over the water.
Port Douglas is a chic, yet relaxed seaside village with a plethora of restaurants and bars, as well as fantastic boutique shopping. The village is also the ideal base to explore three of Australia's most iconic natural attractions - the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and Cape Tribulation with an abundance of tours and day trips available.
Enjoy the thrill of pure sailing! A must do when visiting Port Douglas is to relax with a twilight cruise on board the first class sailing catamaran. Soak up the peace and tranquillity of a tropical sunset over the Coral Sea as you sail along the coast of Port Douglas. Take in the ambient music, relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and spectacular mountain views while enjoying a welcome drink and delicious canapés.
Your accommodation: Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments
Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments offers spacious, self-contained accommodations with all the facilities and services you need for a relaxing luxury holiday. It is located within walking distance of Four Mile Beach and world-renowned restaurants.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 61 kms / 38 miles : 1.0 hours
Wildlife Habitat is an eco-certified wildlife sanctuary that allows you to interact with wildlife in five unique habitats. It provides a chance to experience the animals of Wetlands, Rainforest, Savannah and Woodlands environments. Today, you will start with the iconic Breakfast with the Birds, which has been a must-do for visitors who are seeking a unique breakfast experience. The Curlew Cafe team will be serving up scrumptious breakfast platters, and you can interact and feed Koala’s, colourful birds and more, whilst chatting with the friendly, knowledgeable keepers about their passion for wildlife and conservation. After that, explore the Rainforest Habitat from forest floor to canopy, as you make your way along the boardwalks and admire the wildlife that call this environment home, including the southern cassowary. Savannah Habitat offers you the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, as well as admire emus and the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. If you are looking for an unforgettable Australian wildlife experience, this is the place for you!
A scenic helicopter flight over the reef is an opportunity not to be missed! You will be amazed by the stunning blue and green hues of these pristine coral sea waters and their thriving coral gardens. This flight includes incredible photo opportunities of picturesque Green Island, Arlington Reef and Upolo Sand Cay.
Many of the larger marine species can be most easily spotted from the air. Inflight sightings have included Sea Turtles, Sharks, Manta Rays, Dolphins, Dugong and even majestic Humpback Whales (Jul-Sep) during their annual migration from Antarctica, stopping by briefly to give birth and raise their calves in our warm tropical waters.
Your accommodation: Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments
Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments offers spacious, self-contained accommodations with all the facilities and services you need for a relaxing luxury holiday. It is located within walking distance of Four Mile Beach and world-renowned restaurants.
The coastal route from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation looks reasonably short on paper but offers plenty of things to do and places to stop at, so allow plenty of time. Departing Port Douglas, you'll first pass through Mossman Gorge. A must-do for everyone who visits the Mossman Gorge is the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks. If your itinerary doesn't allow for you to meet up with a guided tour, you can also take a self-guided tour through the park. From here, continue north and cross the Daintree River on the ferry (at your expense) as you enter the Daintree Rainforest.
Cape Tribulation is a unique location as it is the only place in the world where two World Heritage Listed sites meet: The Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef.
This half day tour will take you on an exhilarating ride from Cape Tribulation Beach to snorkel the pristine Great Barrier Reef bordering the Daintree Coast. After boarding the semi-rigid inflatable boat, your custom-built vessel will embark on the 25 minute journey out to your snorkelling sites, Mckay Cay and Undine Reef. From here you will often be able to see the rainforest along the mainland as you paddle, and on most days you will find yourself swimming with sea turtles as well as an extraordinary array of marine life and coral species. Throughout your tour you will also receive personalised snorkelling instruction and reef interpretation talks from your ultra-qualified eco hosts.
The drive south from Cape Tribulation takes you out of the Daintree Rainforest, across the Daintree River on the ferry and down towards Kuranda State Forest. An hour and a half into your journey is Mossman Gorge, an interactive ecotourism experience that introduces visitors to the Daintree Rainforest and the Indigenous communities who have lived there for centuries.
Just 20 minutes further south is Port Douglas, a bustling tourist town with no shortage of cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Your accommodation: Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments
Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments offers spacious, self-contained accommodations with all the facilities and services you need for a relaxing luxury holiday. It is located within walking distance of Four Mile Beach and world-renowned restaurants.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 159 kms / 99 miles : 3.4 hours
Spend time with a local Aboriginal tour guide, learning about culturally significant areas and the relationships the Kuku Yalanji people still have with their land. Learn the history, culture and traditions of the local Aboriginal people and the area. Walk through the rainforest and coastal habitats learning about the different environments, different foods and medicines utilised from nature, sample some seasonal bush tucker, collect shellfish and learn traditional Aboriginal hunting practices, have a go at spear throwing and if you are lucky, catch a mud crab. Complete the adventure by cooling off in a pristine freshwater stream.
Flagstaff Hill lookout track
1.5km. Allow 15 minutes.
If you need a picture worth framing (or posting) look no further than the Flagstaff Hill Lookout. Located at the summit of Island Point Road, it is an easy walk, bike ride or even short drive to the lookout viewing area. From here you will witness sweeping, majestic views of Four Mile Beach and the rainforest-clad mountain ranges to the south. Venture along the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail down to Four Mile Beach and walk the plank (or viewing platform) and take in the 180-degree views to the Coral Sea, Low Isles, and Snapper Island to the north. Find the hidden Low Isles Lighthouse viewing platform located on the corner where Wharf and Island Point Roads meet.
Mossman Gorge
Embark on your own adventure through the Gorge with a voyage through the lush green rainforest. Soak up the wonders of the national park at your own pace as you navigate walking tracks and trails, including the popular Gorge Circuit. Pack a picnic lunch to savour at one of the many water holes, where you can find a quiet place to sit back, catch your breath, and appreciate the wonders of your surroundings. Find yourself under the towering canopy of the rainforest, beautifully framed by the striking mountains.
All of the walking tracks are clearly signposted and maps are also provided upon entry. Seasonal track closures may occur from time to time due to localised flooding or track maintenance. Please note, shuttle bus fees apply to the below Mossman Gorge walks. For a guided experience, we recommend joining a Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Walk, where an experienced interpretive Indigenous guide demonstrates traditional plant use, identifies bush food sources, and provides an enchanting narrative of the rainforest and their special relationship with this unique tropical environment.
Baral Marrjanga
270 metres. Allow 5-10 minutes.
Baral Marrjanga leads through the rainforest from the shuttle bus stop to a lookout with views of the Mossman River and the mountain ranges beyond. The track includes two sections of elevated boardwalk that pass through the lower rainforest canopy. The track is suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and the vision-impaired.
Lower River Track
300 metres. Allow 5-10 minutes.
This track starts at the shuttle bus stop and winds along the Mossman River before joining Baral Marrjanga. Several small lookouts along the track provide views of the river. Although most of the lower river track is easy walking, the steps can be slippery. Please take care and use the handrails provided.
Rex Creek Bridge
460 metres. Allow 10 minutes.
To reach the Rex Creek suspension bridge, follow Baral Marrjanga to the lookout and take the short, signposted track to the left.
Rainforest Circuit Track (from Rex Creek Bridge)
2.4km return. Allow 45 minutes.
This track begins on the far side of Rex Creek bridge. On the left, 80m from the bridge, a small lookout provides views of Manjal Dimbi (Mount Demi). A little way past the lookout, the track divides to form a circuit that meanders through the rainforest.
Your accommodation: Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments
Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments offers spacious, self-contained accommodations with all the facilities and services you need for a relaxing luxury holiday. It is located within walking distance of Four Mile Beach and world-renowned restaurants.
This short 70km drive will take you down the Captain Cook Highway (State Route 44) to the beautiful city of Cairns. Consider picking up some groceries in Port Douglas and enjoy a picnic on one of the many stunning beaches along your drive. Pebbly Beach, located approximately 15km south of Port Douglas is a bit of a deviation from the standard sandy beaches of the tropical north but is beautiful nonetheless. As the name suggests, the beach is covered with smooth, tiny stones and is popular among motorists to stop and explore.
Your next stop on your drive south will be Rex Lookout, with panoramic views of the Coral Sea and views of Double Island to the south.
Further south, you will reach the beautiful coastal village of Palm Cove. Spend some time wandering the paperbark-lined streets dotted with boutique shops and artisan cafes and restaurants. Finally, pass through Smithfield before getting off the highway and heading into Cairns.
Return your rental vehicle to Cairns City depot before continuing your onward journey.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 59 kms / 37 miles : 0.9 hours
Pure Journeys - Privacy Policy
Last review: 28 March 2024
1. About this Privacy Policy
1.1 This is the Privacy Policy for Inside Australia Travel Pty Ltd ABN 34 661 344 690 (IAT Inside Australia Travel, us, we, our). This Privacy Policy sets out Inside Australia Travel’s obligations in line with the Australian
Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR - Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council) - as it applies to persons in the
European Union who interact with us. A reference to ‘Personal Information’ in this policy is a reference to both ‘Personal Information’ as defined in the Privacy Act and to ‘Personal Data’ for the purposes of the GDPR (if it applies to you).
1.2 This Privacy Policy does not deal with IAT’s obligations under the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand), which are dealt with by New Zealand Fine Touring Ltd https://nzft.co.nz
1.3 This Privacy Policy sets out the different types of Personal Information we collect, why we collect it and what you can do if you would like to remove yourself from our mailing list, correct any details we may hold about you, or exercise other rights you have.
1.4 We will update this Privacy Policy from time to time at our discretion, and we will notify you of updates. You can visit our website to see the latest copy of the Privacy Policy.
1.5 By using our site or acquiring goods or services from us, you consent to us applying this Privacy Policy and to our website Terms of Use, if any.
2. What Personal Information Do We Collect?
2.1 We collect the following Personal Information:
(a) personal identification information including: name, email, address, telephone numbers, dates of birth, itineraries; and
(b) information you supply in emails, requests for services, information we must pass on to third party suppliers.
3. How Do We Collect and Store Your Personal Information?
3.1 We collect Personal Information in a number of ways, including:
(a) information submitted through our website;
(b) in some cases, through web analytics;
(c) being provided it by third parties who you deal with; and
(d) through communications with you, including emails, and voice calls.
3.2 We hold Personal Information:
(a) in systems that we use in connection with our business, some of which may be owned and operated by our suppliers; and
(b) in our hard copy files; and
(c) in the databases associated with our website.
3.3 Provided that it is lawful and practical, we will give you the option of not identifying yourself, using a pseudonym, or not providing Personal Information when you enter into a transaction or deal with us. However, if you elect not to provide us with Personal Information then it is unlikely we are able to provide you with the information, products, services or support that you may want.
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4. What Do We Use Your Personal Information For?
4.1 We collect, hold, use and disclose Personal Information for the following purposes:
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(b) where a third party application is being used in connection with our interactions with you, e.g. when we use email, help desk or VoIP providers, the third party providers of the relevant application may have their applications hosted overseas. We have no control over where these third party providers host their applications and it is impractical for us to be able to advise you of the countries where the Personal Information may be held or processed; or
(c) where we must do so to give you the benefits of what you have paid for.
When we send Personal Information outside Australia for processing we will enter into formal contracts with those processors, which will contain privacy terms and conditions that allow us to meet our privacy obligations to you.
6. Use of Social Media
Our website includes links to social media, including blogs, Twitter feeds, Facebook, Instagram, and similar services. The nature of social media is that these applications actively enable exchange and disclosure of any information, whether personal or otherwise, that is included within those applications. All information, including Personal Information that you enter in those applications may be used, stored, handled and disclosed in any way that is consistent with the privacy policies of the relevant applications, if any. We have no control over those interactions.
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8.1 You have the right to access your Personal Information that we hold, and request that it be rectified or erased. If you want to access your Personal Information we hold or you believe any of your Personal. Information that is held by us is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading or it is not necessary for us to continue to hold it, you can contact us, and we will either provide you with access to the Personal Information (in so far as we are required to do so by law,) or we will correct it, as applicable, within a reasonable period. We may make a reasonable charge for giving you access to your Personal Information, but we will not charge for you making the request, correcting Personal Information or making a statement as to why we are not correcting your Personal Information.
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If you use our APP please be aware of the following. The APP collects location data to display real-time risk alerts and personalised assistance notification features, even when the APP is closed and not in use. This option can be changed in the settings on your own device.
11. Contacting Us
11.1 If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy or your information, we invite you to contact the privacy officer by :
(a) email at the following email address privacy@nzft.co.nz
(b) writing to: Privacy officer, 73 Brownston Street, Wanaka, Otago 9305, NEW ZEALAND.