Natural Wonders of Queensland

On arrival to Cairns, you will transfer by private car an hour north to the Thala Beach Nature Reserve. During your stay, take a day trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, a half day privately guided excursion into the Daintree Rainforest, and spend time enjoying on-site experiences such as nature walks and star-gazing. Travel back into Cairns city where you will spend the early evening on a guided tour of Cairns Aquarium. Head out on a full day Wetland and Waterfall tour, with an experience on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, before returning to Cairns for dinner at Ochre Restaurant, known for it’s Australian fare. Head south to Brisbane, and be whisked away to Spicers Tamarind Retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. After two nights relaxing in the soothing ambiance of the lush region, head into Brisbane to experience this vibrant and bustling city. Take a day trip to Tangalooma to view the marine life and dolphins, a great way to end your stay in Queensland.

Trip Type: Adventure, Wildlife

Day By Day

Day 1 – Arrive in Port Douglas

Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival into Cairns you will be met by your driver and transferred to Thala Beach Nature Reserve by private vehicle.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Thala Beach Nature Reserve is a family-owned eco retreat with 58 hectares of native forest adjacent to a secluded private- access beach. Conveniently located 45 minutes drive north of Cairns and 15 minutes south of Port Douglas, guests enjoy the best of the tropics from this secluded paradise. Sitting atop a headland with breathtaking vistas, Thala Beach Nature Reserve provides an island-feel vacation and is the ideal base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Starting Accommodation: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Outer Reef Cruise

The adventure starts with an early departure from Port Douglas Marina. Sit back and relax on the beautiful yacht and set sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs. You will enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected sites at the Coral Cays, nature activities will include snorkeling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour.The adventure starts with an early departure from Port Douglas Marina. Sit back and relax on the beautiful yacht and set sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs. You will enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected sites at the Coral Cays, nature activities will include snorkeling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour.

Starting Accommodation: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Daintree Rainforest

Enjoy a tour over the top of the Daintree Rainforest to the very edge of the 'Outback' to observe the native wildlife. The ecosystems experienced are from the Lowland Wet Tropics of the coastal strip through the upper forests and out to the very edge of the wonderful Eucalypt Savannah Outback. 

Starting Accommodation: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Cairns Aquarium

This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Cairns. In the afternoon you will enjoy a visit to Cairns Aquarium.

Cairns Aquarium
As the sun goes down on the Great Barrier Reef, a whole new world awakens. Corals glow, colorful reef fish seek shelter and predators begin their night hunt. At the same time, coastal forests stir with life, as reptiles, amphibians and insects emerge from their burrows to seek out food in the safety of the shadows. Aquarium by Twilight gives you a glimpse into the unique world of the region’s nocturnal creatures and their behaviors as they move about in the darkness with an exclusive 2-hour after hours guided tour. 

Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 – Waterfall, Wetlands, & Skyrail and Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Accompanied by your privatel driver-guide, delve into the lush palm forest of Cattana Wetlands and discover the Barron Falls with a Djabugay Aboriginal guide. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Skybury Coffee Plantation before venturing to the charming Emerald Creek Ice Creamery. Conclude your day on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, soaring over and through the breathtaking World Heritage Listed rainforest.

After departing Cairns, head to Cattana Wetlands where your driver-guide takes on on a walk through the heart of a remnant feather palm forest. Traverse the unique landscape, absorbing the tranquil ambiance as you pass by the reflective Jabiru Lake and gain insights into the unique flora and fauna that call this wetland home. Then head to the awe-inspiring Barron Falls, known locally as Din Din. This magnificent waterfall holds profound significance to the Djabugay Aboriginal People, and your experience goes beyond the surface as you receive a warm welcome from a Djabugay cultural guide and hear about the spiritual and historical importance of the falls in their heritage. Visit Australia’s oldest coffee plantation and largest papaya grower, Skybury Coffee Plantation. Enjoy a tasty lunch with Skybury’s signature touches, and take in the stunning views across the Tablelands whilst you relax and enjoy the locally grown coffee and coffee liqueur tasting. At Emerald Creek Ice Creamery you will have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of 4 different ice-cream flavors, all produced on site at the locally owned ice creamery. End the day with the spectacular Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (gondola may be shared with others). Described as the World’s most beautiful rainforest experience, you’ll be amazed as you journey over and through World Heritage Listed Rainforest on the cableway. This iconic rainforest experience includes time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, both with lookouts offering spectacular views across the Barron Falls waterfall.

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant
On the waterfront of Cairns, Ochre is recognized internationally as one of the most innovative modern Australian restaurants specializing in fresh seafood, native game, bush foods and premium local produce creating exciting regional Australian Cuisine. Dining at Ochre Restaurant is like a virtual tour through the culinary delights of Australia offering a broad range of dining options presented by award winning chef, Craig Squire. 

Starting Accommodation: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Travel to Maleny

Travel from Cairns to Brisbane by air. Upon arrival you will be transferred by private vehicle to Spicers Tamarind Retreat.

Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Spicers Tamarind Retreat is nestled in the rainforest and is 2 miles from Maleney township and a little over an hour from Brisbane Airport. Situated next to Gardner's Falls in the stunning hinterland region of the Sunshine Coast, the Retreat is an Asian-influenced refuge that spirits you away to another world that is surrounded by natural beauty and healing calmness. Relax in Spa Anise, astonish yourself at the Tamarind Cooking School or just enjoy the stillness of a truly original escape.The intimate and secluded 22 rooms spread across just 14 villas offered and stand-alone luxury in a tropical setting, creating an ideal private space.

Starting Accommodation: Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Spicers Tamarind Retreat

Today is at your leisure to explore the tranquil rainforest and luxurious Spicers Tamarind Retreat. The on-site spa offers hydrotherapy treatments, a steam room, a mineralized spa, and extensive treatment menu featuring aromatherapy, remedial massage, hot stone massage, and makeup services. A cooking school allows you to learn how to prepare a variety of cuisines under the guidance of expert chefs in a state-of-the-art kitchen that overlooks lush gardens. 

Starting Accommodation: Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 – Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tour

A tour combining stunning lookouts, rainforest walks and fantastic Aussie wine and cheese. Spot pademelons (mini-kangaroos) on two sub-tropical rainforest walks. Take in the stunning views of the uniquely shaped Glass House Mountains and drive along the ridge of the hinterland with stunning ocean views. Options include award-winning wine, beer and cheese tastings, and strolling through a delightful mountain village.

Today you will enjoy views of the Glasshouse Mountains, learn how the volcanic plugs were formed and the Aboriginal dreamtime story of their creation. At Mary Cairncross Park, enjoy a guided eco-walk through lush, sub-tropical rainforest – an easy 45-minute stroll. Stop by the Australian Wildlife Education Centre as you finish the walk, with a stunning lookout over the Glass House Mountains. Drive along the ridgeline of the beautiful hinterland with sweeping views over the coastline beaches and Pacific Ocean. Wander through the cute mountain village of Montville filled with art galleries, food tastings, funky cafes, souvenirs and handicrafts. Enjoy a superb lunch at a charming café – a local favorite. Take a guided eco-walk through Kondalilla Falls Circuit. ‘Kondalilla’ means ’rushing waters’ in the local Aboriginal language and describes its waterfall dropping 90 meters into a rainforest valley. The walk includes a variety of native forest types and another smaller waterfall into a natural rock-pool. Head to Flame Hill Winery to relax and taste a variety of the fantastic local wines. You will then be dropped at your Brisbane accommodation.

Starting Accommodation: Emporium Hotel South Bank
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 – Tangalooma Marine Discovery Cruise

Depart on the Marine Discovery Cruise, heading out past the wrecks in search of dolphins, dugongs, turtles and more. Go further than land can take you, cruising the Moreton Bay Regions protected marine park. Motor along the bay in a pontoon boat, enabling you to see the marine life beneath the surface, with knowledgeable guides on hand to tell you all about the island and its surrounds. In the afternoon, you will experience a 12 minute scenic helicopter flight, providing amazing views from the air. Back to the ground, use your sunset cocktail voucher (at Wheelhouse Deck or B&B's Bar only) before heading to the jetty to watch the dolphins as they come in at dusk. There is a large family of these playful dolphins that visit regularly, each with their own distinctive and unique personalities, though sightings are not guaranteed. 

Starting Accommodation: Emporium Hotel South Bank
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 – Depart Australia

Ahead of your departure you will be transferred to Brisbane Airport by private vehicle.

Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

Package Level: Deluxe
Please note all prices listed are approximations and subject to current rate of exchange adjustments. Each itinerary can be fully customized to your interests and needs.
Twin Share
4/1/2024 - 6/30/2024	$6,670
7/1/2024 - 8/31/2024	$6,680
9/1/2024 - 3/31/2025	$6,620
Single Traveler
4/1/2024 - 6/30/2024	$11,935
7/1/2024 - 8/31/2024	$11,960
9/1/2024 - 3/31/2025	$11,840
Add internal air to this package from $560*

Terms and Conditions

Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions: www.swaindestinations.com/terms