Discover the Outback, Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest in our Far North Queensland Getaways
North Queensland Getaways allows you to sleep on one of the natural wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef!
Spend a day exploring the oldest living rainforest on the planet, the Daintree Rainforest. Discover our North Queensland Outback and Chillagoe’s spectacular limestone caves.
Our North Queensland Getaway package can be done in any order. You can also have a day’s break in between if you wish.
Day 1 – Outback and Chillagoe Caves
Embark on a remarkable journey back to prehistoric times. A wildlife lovers’ paradise with many Aussie species to spot along the way.
Observe small galleries of Aboriginal rock art and jagged limestone outcrops. A park that is rich in natural and cultural heritage.
Take a step back in time as we travel through historical towns and rolling hills. After delving into the history of the copper smelters, it’s time for lunch at an outback pub.
Set off to the Chillagoe cave tour before heading back to Cairns.
Cairns Accommodation is not included on the night after this tour
Outback & Chillagoe Caves Inclusions
- Courtesy Pick up and return from your accommodation between Cairns and Smithfield.
- Custom-built, high clearance, air-conditioned 4WD vehicles.
- Mareeba Wetlands
- Morning Tea
- Delicious Aussie Lunch
- National Park Ranger guided Chillagoe Cave Tour, Chillagoe Smelters, Mt Uncle Distillery.
Outback & Chillagoe Caves Itinerary
- Days of travel for your Outback Day tour are: MONDAY – WEDNESDAY –FRIDAY
- 0700 Pickup from your Accommodation
- 1830 Return to your Accommodation
- There is no set Itinerary
What to Bring
- Money for afternoon tea
- Hat, camera, closed-in footwear, comfortable clothing, sunscreen and water bottle.
- A reasonable level of fitness is required for this tour as there are steps into the caves.
- The tour may be closed, or the itinerary changed. This is due to the wet season. Conditions may close roads and access to the caves.
Day 2 – 3 The Great Barrier Reef
The ultimate way to see one of Australia’s remarkable gifts is the “Great Barrier Reef”. Live and sleep on the Reef. See it at its best, day and night!
Step aboard Cairns Liveaboard Reef Encounter
One of the most unique holiday escapes in Australia. Offering something for everyone. Whether it be enjoying the sunset, sleeping on the Reef, and snorkelling. You’ll have time to enjoy the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the marine life there. This is a real highlight of the North Queensland Getaway.
Reef Encounter stays out on the Great Barrier Reef travelling to different Reef Sites. Transfers to Reef Encounter are daily via our Transfer Vessel Reef Experience. Our Liveaboard Snorkel Adventure can be enjoyed by people of all ages, even with limited swimming ability.
Cairns Accommodation is not included on the night after this tour
Click HERE to view the Reef Encounter daily itinerary.
Tour Highlights and Inclusions
- 2 days and one night on the Great Barrier Reef onboard Cairns premier liveaboard.
- Time to enjoy the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Chef prepared meals whilst onboard.
- Spectacular Reef Sites.
- Onboard heated spa.
- Overnight luxury Stateroom Accommodation all rooms have ensuite
- Snorkel Equipment and Instruction. (Fins, Mask and Snorkel)
- Marine Biologist Presentation onboard Reef Experience on route to Reef Encounter
- Glass Bottom Boat Tours with Marine Life Commentary
- Fully Air-conditioned
- Bath and Beach Towels
- Government Reef Levies and Taxes
- Friendly professional Dive Instructors if you wish to try a Resort Scuba Dive (subject to Medical Conditions and Medication) at Extra Cost
Reef Encounter Facilities
- Air-conditioning
- Modern ocean-view rooms
- Private bathrooms
- Large dining area, bar and lounge area
- Onboard heated spa
- Onboard water desalination plant
- Hydraulic dive/ snorkel platform
- Helipad
What to Bring
Almost Everything is Already Taken Care Of
- Overnight bag – If you wish to store any excess luggage, we are happy to do so in our office at 100 Abbott Street Cairns.
- For safety reasons, Reef Encounter has a “No Shoe” policy. (There is no need to bring extra pairs of shoes)
- Cash or credit card for purchases of snacks from the bar/souvenirs for sale on-board or underwater camera hire.
- Sun hat, swimming clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and light casual clothing.
- The Great Barrier Reef can be cooler at night time. Therefore a light lo pullover and cardigan should be taken.
Optional Extras
- Introductory/Resort Scuba Dive
- Wetsuit hire
- Soft drinks, snacks etc
- Underwater Camera Hire
- Alcohol available onboard – NO BYO
Day 4 – Daintree Rainforest
Journey to the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. Boasting magnificent coastal rainforest and pristine tropical beaches. Take in one of the most scenic coastal roads in Australia. The perfect ending to your North Queensland Getaway.
Stop in at beautiful seaside towns along the way. Experience the magic of the Mossman Gorge. Take a Daintree river cruise through the domain of the large estuarine crocodiles. Your knowledgeable guides will spot an array of wildlife along the way.
Feel like you have entered a different world with Rainforest towering over narrow winding roads. Have to opportunity for some stunning photographs.
Cairns Accommodation is not included on the night after this tour
Daintree Rainforest Inclusions
Everything you Need and Nothing you Don’t!
- Breathtaking views of the Coral Sea on the Scenic Coast Road.
- Drive through Palm Cove.
- Port Douglas Town tour.
- Guided tour of Mossman Gorge.
- Morning tea at Mossman Gorge.
- Daintree River Cable Ferry.
- Alexandra Lookout – Coastal views over the Daintree River mouth, Low Isles and Snapper Island.
- Daintree Ice Cream Company (Optional stop).
- Cape Tribulation lookout and beach – Where the Rainforest meets the Reef.
- A delicious lunch at the Daintree Tea House.
- Exotic tropical fruit tasting.
- Daintree River Cruise – Wildlife and crocodile spotting.
- Friendly and knowledgeable Tour Guides.
- Chilled bottled water on board.
Daintree Rainforest Itinerary
- 7.00 – 7.30 am Pickup from your Cairns Accommodation.
- Tour of Palm Cove.
- Rex lookout: on one of the nicest coastal drives in Australia.
- Driving town tour of Port Douglas, including Flagstaff hill lookout overlooking a four-mile beach.
- Spectacular Mossman Gorge: guided walk and swim option (if time or weather permits).
- Lunch, tropical fruit tasting.
- Morning Tea
- Daintree River Cruise: try your luck at Crocodile and wildlife spotting.
- World Heritage Rainforest/Areas.
- Fully guided walks- Rainforest Boardwalks in a unique environment of rainforest Alexandra lookout. Coastal views over Daintree River mouth, Low Isles, Snapper Island and the Great Barrier Reef.
- Cape Tribulation beach: “where the rainforest meets the reef”.
- Daintree Ice cream company- optional and popular local stop (at own expense).
- Daintree River cable ferry crossing.
- Returns to Cairns at approximately 6.30 pm.
- (Itinerary is subject to change due to weather, operational or unforeseen issues).
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Cash for optional purchases
- Water Bottle
- Insect Repellent
- Raincoat/Umbrella
Next, explore more of our Great Barrier Reef liveaboards.
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