What better way to spend 11 nights in Australia than ticking the Great Barrier reef off your bucket list!! This 11 night flydrive itinerary gives you 2 nights in Cairns, 2 nights in Palm Cove, 4 nights in Port Douglas and 3 nights in Atherton.
You have a Car included for the full duration so you can take to the open road and explore each area at your own pace. We have also included this amazing FREE Trip:
Journey on one of the world's most scenic train routes through hand-hewn tunnels and over bridges spanning spectacular gorges to Kuranda. After plenty of free time to explore the 'village in the rainforest' board Skyrail for the world's most beautiful rainforest experience. As you glide over the rainforest canopy, take advantage of two optional stops to enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre.
This morning one of Down Under Tours' luxury coaches will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Freshwater Station to board the Kuranda Scenic Rail. At the scheduled time, board the world famous Kuranda Scenic Rail for the One hour and 45 minute journey through the rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. Cross the impressive Stoney Creek Bridge and stop for photos at Barron Gorge. Wind through hand-hewn tunnels, across bridges and around curves, all the time appreciating what an amazing engineering feat it is.
Upon arrival in Kuranda, it’s time to explore this fascinating village. The Heritage Markets operate 7 days a week and are full of colourful and interesting arts and crafts. You might also like to visit Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Kuranda Koala Gardens (own expense, payable locally).
At the scheduled time, board Skyrail the world’s most beautiful rainforest experience. You will be amazed as you glide silently over the rainforest. There are two stations enroute where you can alight and enjoy a walk through the rainforest to spectacular lookouts or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. Your journey ends at Caravonica Lakes where your coach is waiting to take you back to your accommodation.
Day by day
Day 1 London to Cairns
Fly overnight from London to Cairns
Day 2 Cairns
Arrive into Cairns and pick up your car hire and drive to your hotel. Evening at leisure to relax after your long flight.
Day 3 Cairns
Full day in Cairns at your own leisure. Australia's most popular tropical getaway destination, Cairns owes a huge part of its popularity to its proximity to the wondrous Great Barrier Reef. While it doesn't hurt having a Natural Wonder of the World on your doorstep, it is far from the only attraction that Cairns has to offer - a renowned adventure destination, Cairns and its surroundings are full of activities to take part in that range from the relaxing to the adrenaline-pumping. From reef tours to bungee jumping, Cairns is bursting at the seams with things to do to keep you busy.
Day 4 Cairns to Palm Cove
After 2 full days in Cairns drive to short distance to Palm Cove where you will spend 2 nights.
Day 5 Palm Cove
Palm Cove, a unique, quiet and relaxing village by the sea where centuries old ‘paperback’ Melaleuca trees line the casual esplanade, is a tropical paradise which provides for all your needs and ensures your holiday will be one to remember in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication
Day 6 Palm Cove to Port Douglas
This morning your will drive the short distance to Port Douglas. When you arrive check into your hotel and enjoy the day at leisure.
Day 7-9 Port Douglas
You have 3 full days here to enjoy possibly one of the most stunning places in Australia. Don’t forget you have a FREE trip included - Journey on one of the world's most scenic train routes through hand-hewn tunnels and over bridges spanning spectacular gorges to Kuranda. After plenty of free time to explore the 'village in the rainforest' board Skyrail for the world's most beautiful rainforest experience. As you glide over the rainforest canopy, take advantage of two optional stops to enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre.
This morning one of Down Under Tours' luxury coaches will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Freshwater Station to board the Kuranda Scenic Rail. At the scheduled time, board the world famous Kuranda Scenic Rail for the One hour and 45 minute journey through the rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. Cross the impressive Stoney Creek Bridge and stop for photos at Barron Gorge. Wind through hand-hewn tunnels, across bridges and around curves, all the time appreciating what an amazing engineering feat it is.
Upon arrival in Kuranda, it’s time to explore this fascinating village. The Heritage Markets operate 7 days a week and are full of colourful and interesting arts and crafts. You might also like to visit Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Kuranda Koala Gardens (own expense, payable locally).
At the scheduled time, board Skyrail the world’s most beautiful rainforest experience. You will be amazed as you glide silently over the rainforest. There are two stations enroute where you can alight and enjoy a walk through the rainforest to spectacular lookouts or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. Your journey ends at Caravonica Lakes where your coach is waiting to take you back to your accommodation.
Day 10 Port Douglas to Atherton
After an amazing time in Port Douglas continue your drive to your next destination, Atherton. When you arrive check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 11 – 12 Atherton
Discover bushwalks in rolling ranges, spectacular waterfalls, coffee plantations, tropical fruit farms, fascinating rural history, stunning National Parks, World Heritage-listed rainforests and markedly cooler temperatures. The Atherton Tablelands/Cairns Highlands region is as diverse as it is beautiful, offering something for everyone.
Whether you’re interested in culture or history, keen on nature, have a taste for adventure or you’re just looking to chill out and watch the world go by, the Tablelands has a wealth of options. The ‘fruit bowl of the northern tropics’, the gourmet produce grows exceptionally well. Take yourself on a tasting tour.
Day 13 Atherton to Cairns to London
After an amazing time it’s time to drive back to Cairns airport where you will drop your car off and check in for your overnight flight home.
Day 14 London
Arrive back into London after an amazing Australian adventure.