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Whitsundays, Reef & Rainforest

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9 days

Embark on an incredible 9-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!

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

9 days

Starts

Brisbane

Ends

Port Douglas

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 16

Minimum age

18

Departs

Sundays

Hotel Rating

3-4 star hotels & acommodation

Countries

Australia

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 8, Lunch: 5, Dinner: 1
Save 25% today
Per Person From
$4,215.00
USD$3,161.25
Deposit From
Final payment
USD$800.00
$5,522.50

Tour 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

Included

Daily breakfasts & 4 lunches
8 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
Mossman Gorge / Daintree Rainforest walk
Kuku Yalanji (First Nations) cultural experience
Daintree Rainforest crocodile cruise
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

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

Itinerary

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!

Overnight: Airlie Beach
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Overnight: Airlie Beach
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Overnight: Mission Beach
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Overnight: Port Douglas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Overnight: Port Douglas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
The Point Brisbane Hotel
Brisbane

Located at Kangaroo Point and offering sweeping views of the Brisbane River, this well-located hotel comes equipped with a palm-fringed pool, fitness centre and free Wi-Fi. Australian cuisine is served at the onsite Lamberts Restaurant and a buffet breakfast is served daily, whilst there's also a bar and lounge for drinks. All rooms are ensuite, with air-conditioning, flat screen TV and a pillow menu for added comfort.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Mantra Club Croc
Airlie Beach

Located within a 5-minute drive of Airlie Beach and a 10-minute walk from the beach, Mantra Club Croc is housed in a traditional Queensland building and boasts a tropical atmosphere throughout. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in public areas and there's an outdoor pool and spa, manicured gardens, a bar and bistro specializing in seafood for guests to enjoy. Palm trees rise up around the pool and the outdoor areas are lush and tropical. Accommodation is tasteful and modern, with private balconies in some rooms, air-conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, minifridge and tea and coffee making facilities. Adjoining rooms can also be accommodated on request.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Mission Beach Resort
Mission Beach

Just a 5-minute walk from bliss Wongaling Beach, Mission Beach Resort is equipped with four outdoor swimming pools set amongst tropical gardens. The Fernery Bistro is open for lunch and dinner, offering a range of Western cuisine, and there are two bars with pool table, gaming and other entertainment. Rooms all offer a private balcony featuring either pool or garden views. Rooms are ensuite with flat screen TV, fridge, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Crystalbrook Flynn
Cairns

One of the best accommodation options in Cairns, the Crystalbrook Flynn hotel offers 311 well-appointed rooms, many of which face out to the Coral Sea, equipped with balconies in which to enjoy the sunset. Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered throughout, rooms are equipped with an Apple iPad control centre and 55 inch TV. Guests can enjoy complimentary movies, blackout blinds, air-con and a Nespresso machine in their room. There are a range of dining and drinking options both at the hotel and on the nearby Cairns Esplanade boardwalk, and a glass swimming pool to enjoy.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Paradise Links Resort
Port Douglas

Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Paradise Links Resort is a wonderful base in Port Douglas. When not out exploring, guests can unwind besides the two lagoon-style swimming pools, play tennis at the onsite court or browse their social media with complimentary Wi-Fi. Boutique accommodation is equipped with a patio or balcony, air-conditioning, Nespresso coffee machines, TV and ensuite bathrooms.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 4 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
22 Dec - 30 Dec
Sold Out
Sold Out
2025
Twin/Double
Single
5 Jan - 13 Jan
Save 25%
$4,215$3,162
$5,255$3,942
19 Jan - 27 Jan
Save 25%
$5,065$3,799
$6,085$4,564
2 Feb - 10 Feb
$5,065
$6,085
16 Feb - 24 Feb
Save 10%
$5,065$4,559
$6,085$5,477
2 Mar - 10 Mar
Save 10%
$5,065$4,559
$6,085$5,477
9 Mar - 17 Mar
Save 10%
$5,065$4,559
$6,085$5,477
23 Mar - 31 Mar
$5,065
$6,085
6 Apr - 14 Apr
$5,065
$6,085
2026
Twin/Double
Single
4 Jan - 12 Jan
$5,065
$6,085
18 Jan - 26 Jan
$5,065
$6,085
1 Feb - 9 Feb
$5,065
$6,085
15 Feb - 23 Feb
$5,065
$6,085
1 Mar - 9 Mar
$5,065
$6,085
15 Mar - 23 Mar
$5,065
$6,085

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