Daily Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive at Cairns and collect your rental car. Hit the road heading south to the gorgeous Mission Beach. Stop in at Babinda and visit the Babinda Boulders, a stunning swimming hole lined with huge boulders. A 1.3k walk along the Creek leads to a viewing platform and the Devils Pool. After your little walk, stop in at the Bakery for some Coffee and Cream Buns. A must when driving through Babinda. It is just over an hour from Babinda to Mission Beach. You will reach your hotel in plenty of time to check-in, get settled in your room and do a little town reconnaissance.

Day 2
Mission Beach is where the Rainforest meets the Reef, an area rich in natural beauty and biodiversity. Today, you might like to pack some snacks and water and drive one hour to the Mamu Tropical Skywalk. Here elevated walkways, a cantilever, and observation tower offer the exhilarating experience of being high in the rainforest canopy. There is no better way to experience the spectacular panoramic views of World Heritage rainforest landscapes.

On your way back you must stop at the sister attraction of Paronella Park which has been on many travel shows and won many Queensland Tourism Awards. Jose Paronella built a castle, in the middle of the rainforest, way back in 1929! Alongside the main building, there was a theatre, museum, swimming pool and tea gardens. The Castle sits beside Mena Creek, which is traversed by small bridges. Jose also planted upwards of 7000 trees. The Park is most definitely a work of art and a testament to the resilience of the areas early settlers.   

Day 3
Front and centre of Mission Beach are, of course, the Ocean. Mission Beach is on the Cassowary Coast and is the closest land-based access point to the Barrier Reef. We have included a full day Barrier Reef Snorkel trip which includes lunch and fabulous snorkelling at two different reef locations.  You have an experienced crew on hand to assist and guide your underwater explorations.

Day 4
The Mission Beach locals are always happy to let you in on their favourite beaches and swimming holes. Pack a picnic lunch today and head out to scour the coastline and discover some of the real beauties. Some of our favourites are Etty Bay, where you will often spot Cassowaries on the Beach, Bingil Bay, Kurrimine Beach, Wongaling Beach and South Mission Beach.

Day 5
Today you will leave the coast behind and head three hours West to Undara. Undara is set in the Gulf Savannah country and home to the Undara Volcanic National Park and Lava Tubes. Your hosts promise the day starts with bird song and ends with a golden Savannah sunset.  Undara delivers genuine outback hospitality and the perfect stop before heading further into the outback.

Days 6 to 7
Head off this morning for the ultimate experience at Gilberton Outback Retreat. Gilberton is a luxury five-star experience that will stay with you forever. The stunning accommodation overlooks the Gilbert River and your hosts tailor the experience entirely to your needs.

All activities, meals (paddock to plate focussed), alcoholic beverages and tours are included. Immerse yourself in Gilberton’s ability to provide the experience of a working cattle station and nature refuge. You can head out with the family guide on a four-wheel buggy for seasonal mustering and station activities, have fun in the dam on a Kayak or simply soak up the tranquillity.

Days 8 to 9
When you have come all this way, one outback experience is not enough. Another four-hour drive takes you to Cobbold Gorge. Cobbold Gorge is home to Australia’s first fully Glass Bridge. Your 2 nights here include Breakfasts, Dinners, one lunch, a 15-minute scenic helicopter ride and a 3 hour Gorge Tour. The Gorge tour includes a circular escarpment walk, a cross of the Glass Bridge and a 45-minute boat cruise through this amazing ancient gorge. There is an Agate fossicking area 30 km’s from Cobbold Village. Anyone interested must purchase a Fossickers Licence online before they try their luck.

Days 10 to 12
Today you will begin heading back to “to town”. Your first stop is Undara again, before exploring the lush Tablelands en route to Yungaburra. Make sure you have togs, a towel, sunscreen, and snacks. You will be visiting some stunning waterfalls and rainforest walking trails today and tomorrow. Much of the area is part of the UNESCO listed Wet Tropics World Heritage Region and home to an extensive and varied array of plants, marsupials and other animals.

Your first stop should be the Innot Hot Springs at Mt Garnet. Not always deep, you can either dip your toes in the mineral waters or sit down for a soak. Next stop at the lovely little town of Ravenshoe for a cuppa and some country hospitality.  Just before you arrive in Ravenshoe are Millstream Falls, a tiered plunge fall which is one of the widest in the country. Next stop if the Milla Milla Falls circuit of Milla Milla Falls, Zillie Falls, Elinjaa Falls and more. Milla Milla is on the Queensland Heritage list as well and is said to be the most photographed falls in the country. Do not forget to stop at The Falls Tea House for afternoon tea. Further down the road is The Australian Platypus Park at Tarzali Lakes. Only 10 mins from the Falls Teahouse, this is worth a look before you head into Yungaburra.

The next day is for exploring Lake Eacham, Lake Barrine, and Tinaroo. Our very own Lakes District. When you are driving all around this area you will see lots of roadside fruit stalls. Take what you like and leave your money in the honesty box. The areas rich red soil makes for delicious produce and happy cows! Barrine and Eacham are extinct Volcanoes. There are lots of swimming, Fishing and Picnic spots plus walking tracks through the forest.  Lake Barrine has a Teahouse and offers cruises. There are swimming pontoons at Eacham and Tinaroo and you can hire boats and canoes. The lakes are all around the heritage village of Yungaburra which is notably charming.

Days 13 to 14
After Breakfast check out of your Yungaburra Villa and drive down the scenic (but very windy) Gillies Highway into Gordonvale then onto the big smoke of Cairns. Anyone who does not like stunning windy roads can travel via Mareeba instead. There are loads of good restaurants and bars in Cairns.  Chat to your hotel concierge for recommendations and head out for a celebration. You do not have to drive tomorrow.

On your final full day on FNQ, you could to the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail or visit some of the city’s galleries. Among the must-see galleries are UMI Arts, a buzzing hub featuring three galleries and authentic, locally-sourced arts and crafts. There is also the heritage-listed Cairns Regional Gallery, housing both contemporary and ancient pieces. There is also the Canopy Arts Centre displays Australia’s largest collection of ‘ghost net’ art, all created from abandoned fishing nets.

Day 15
When you check out of your Cairns hotel this morning, your “Reef, Rainforest & Outback” Quest comes to an end. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Dr Seuss.