If you want to experience the very best Tropical North Queensland has to offer, but you only have one week here is my suggested itinerary of how to make the absolute best of your time away!
This itinerary will have you spend your first four 4 nights in Port Douglas and your final 3 nights in Cairns. There are plenty of accommodation options in both towns to suit all tastes and budgets and I would suggest checking out what deals are available on Luxury Escapes, as I have found their deals to be absolutely unbeatable - https://luxuryescapes.com/au
It would be ideal to have a hire car, but it would also be very possible to do this trip without one, as most days I am suggesting tours that include transport. If you choose to do this trip without a car, I would suggest finding accommodation that is within walking distance of Macrossan St in Port Douglas. For transfers between Cairns and Port Douglas there are plenty of options available. I have previously used Con-X-ion and been happy with their service.
Day One
Aim to arrive in Cairns in the morning so you can to make the most of the time you do have. If you have your own car, head into the centre of Cairns and spend a couple of hours checking out the Cairns Aquarium before you head to Port Douglas. There is a great cafe located just next to the aquarium so you can grab a bite to eat for lunch before heading to Port Douglas.
The drive to Port Douglas takes about an hour and is super scenic. Along the way make stops off at the Captain Cook Highway Rock Stacks, which are right beside the road and Rex Lookout where you may see some paragliders doing their thing if you are lucky!
Aim to arrive at your hotel around 2 pm for check-in time. The afternoon is yours to enjoy. Float around in the pool, grab a cocktail and chill out - you are on holidays now and it is time to relax!
Once you have spent the afternoon chilling out and enjoying your accommodation it's time for a very special dinner at Flames of the Forest. Australia's only rainforest dining experience, Flames of the Forest transports you into a world beyond your imagination so relaxing and uplifting for your soul you will never want to leave. You will indulge in a delicious Australian multi-course dinner and drink package whilst being treated to an Aboriginal cultural experience you won't soon forget!
Day one links
Cairns aquarium - cairnsaquarium.com.au
Con-X-ion airport transfers -https://www.con-x-ion.com/point-to-point/cairns-to-port-douglas-shuttle-bus
Flames of the Forest Aboriginal Cultural Experience - https://www.flamesoftheforest.com.au/
Day Two
It's a very early start today, but I promise it'll be worth it!
This morning you will be enjoying a 60-minute sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands followed by a champagne breakfast at Nunus in Palm Cove. The package includes private transfers, so all you need to do is enjoy yourself. Don't forget to pack your sunglasses and a camera!
Your driver will have you back in Port Douglas around 10.30 am. Assuming it is Sunday, the markets will be on and are worth checking out. The markets run from 8 am-2 pm and there is a large range of products available. You will also be able to grab a light lunch here from one of the food trucks.
From here, it is time to check out famous Four Mile Beach, located on the opposite side of Port Douglas to the markets. You can swim or just chill out and enjoy the beach and maybe have a little nap in the sun - don't forget to slip, slop, slap and slurp though!!
This afternoon make your way to the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina and board one of the sunset cruises for a memorable couple of hours sipping champagne and watching the sunset over the water.
It's been a big day, so tonight's dining is pretty casual. Grab yourself a booth and enjoy some burgers and Milkshakes at the N17 Burger Co, which were recently voted the best burgers in all of Far North Queensland before heading back to your hotel for a well-earned sleep.
Day two links
Luxury Hot Air balloon & Breakfast package https://www.hotair.com.au/port-douglas/balloon-rides/ballooning-port-douglas-luxury-tour
Sunday markets https://www.portdouglastravel.com/region-guide/things-to-do/shopping-dining/port-douglas-markets.68.html
Sunset sailing https://sailawayportdouglas.com/tours/sailaway-sunset-sail/ or for something a little more unique https://shaolinportdouglas.com.au/
N17 Burger Bar https://n17.com.au/
Day Three
Today you are heading north into the Daintree Rainforest with Tony's Tropical Tours on Tour A, which is a full-day tour. This is the best way to see as much as possible with knowledgable and experienced local guides. You will see Mossman Gorge, take a cruise on the Daintree River to try and spot crocodiles, cross the Daintree River via cable ferry, visit some breathtaking lookouts and Cape Tribulation beach, which is the only place in the world that where two world heritage areas meet (the rainforest and the reef) and even go swimming in a rainforest stream! The tour also includes morning tea and lunch. Remember to pack your sunglasses, sunscreen, camera and your swimmers.
Once you have freshened up it's time for dinner and drinks. Salsa Bar & Grill fits the bill nicely. The food is delicious, the drinks super refreshing and the service is just wonderful. You will need to book at least a week in advance but you will be glad you did.
Day Three links
Tony's tropical tours Tour A - https://www.tropicaltours.com.au/port-douglas-day-tours/daintree-rainforest-cape-tribulation-tour/
Salsa Bar & Grill Port Douglas - https://salsaportdouglas.com.au/
Day Four
On your last day in Port Douglas, you are going to be heading out the outer reef with Quicksilver Reef Cruises. Quicksilver has a massive pontoon at Agincourt Reef that offers activities for everyone - even non-swimmers!
The boat ride out to the pontoon takes about 2 hours and can be a bit bumpy, if you are prone to seasickness it would be a good idea to take some medication before leaving Port Douglas. On the day that we went, we got ourselves a seat out the front of the boat and saw whales and dolphins on our way out so definitely get an outside spot if you can.
When you arrive at the pontoon there will be a flurry of activity. At this point, most people will rush to have their lunch and then be fitted for a wetsuit and snorkelling gear so they can get in the water. Instead of standing in line with the crowd, head straight for the semi-submersible boat, which will be doing its first tour about 15 minutes after arrival at the pontoon. This gets really busy later on and this is your best chance to get on a tour.
Once you return from the semi-submersible boat trip, you can grab some lunch (it is available for about 2 hours, so you won't miss out) before then going to grab a wetsuit and snorkelling gear once the rush is over and there isn't a wait for the changing rooms.
Spend as long as you like snorkelling, but try to be in fish feeding area (where you first enter the water to snorkel) during one of the two fish feeding times.
If you have time to spare after you finish snorkelling, head downstairs to the underwater viewing area to check out the coral and the fish from another angle.
If snorkelling is not for you, then you will have the option of underwater helmet diving, which is super fun and/or a scenic helicopter flight over the reef for some extra $$$.
However you choose to spend your day you are going to have a great time!
Before you know it, it is time to get back on the boat and head home to Port Douglas.
Once you get back to Port Douglas, head to the rotary park to enjoy your last Port Douglas sunset. After the sun has set, head to the Ironbar Port Douglas for a pub meal for dinner and to partake in the local sport of Cane Toad Racing! Don't forget to give your toad a kiss for good luck before its race!
Day four links:
Reef day tour - https://quicksilver-cruises.com/
Ironbar dinner/cane toad racing - https://www.ironbarportdouglas.com.au/
Day Five
Today is yours to relax and enjoy! Ask your hotel for a late checkout if you don't have included in your package and enjoy a sleep in before checking out and heading south to Cairns for the second part of your holiday.
If you are looking for something to do today, there are plenty of activities around that will help you kill a few hours between check out time in Port Douglas and check-in time in Cairns. Depending on what you are into you may enjoy a visit to Hartley's crocodile adventures, a tank ride at the Armour and Artillery Museum, the Wildlife Habitat sanctuary or even the Cairns aquarium if you arrived later on the first day and didn't get a chance to visit yet. Alternatively, you could simply pop into Palm Cove and enjoy a leisurely lunch before continuing onto Cairns and checking into your new hotel around 2pm.
This afternoon is yours to enjoy and get settled into your new accommodation. Float around in the pool, drink some drinks with umbrellas in them and remind yourself that you are on holidays in paradise :)
Tonight dinner and drinks at Salt House on the Marina will give you a Cairns dining experience you won't forget. After dinner head to the Cairns Night Markets to check out the stalls on offer and make sure you grab yourself a churro treat from the store on the left of the entrance - they are delicious!
Day five links
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures- https://www.crocodileadventures.com/
Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas - https://www.wildlifehabitat.com.au/
Armour & Artillery Museum - https://www.ausarmour.com/
Salt House restaurant - https://salthouse.com.au/
Cairns Night Markets - https://www.nightmarkets.com.au/
Day Six
Today you are going on a full-day foodie adventure in the Atherton Tablelands!
Don't have breakfast today, as this is included on your tour. The tour will take you to seven different stops throughout the Atherton Tablelands where you will be treated to food and drink tastings. Everything is absolutely delicious and it is sure the satisfy even the biggest of appetites. You will have the option to purchase products as each stop, although there is no pressure to do this and your guide will provide entertaining and informative commentary throughout the day. This tour was one of our favourite things that we did while in Cairns!
Dinner tonight (if you feel like it) is your choice as you may only want something small/light. If you are up for a proper meal my recommendation would be for Ochre restaurant :)
Day Six Links:
Foodie day tour https://www.cairnsfoodwinetours.com.au/
Ochre restaurant - https://ochrerestaurant.com.au/
Day Seven
Today is the last full day of your trip, but there is something special in store for you today, as you are off to the rainforest village of Kuranda.
You will be taking the Kuranda Scenic railway to the village of Kuranda and will enjoy some spectacular views. Splash out and upgrade yourself to the Gold Class carriage - you won't be disappointed.
On arrival in Kuranda there is heaps of cool stuff on offer. Depending on your preferences you could opt to simply explore the village shops and enjoy a delicious lunch. If you are seeking some adrenaline then you could take an ATV tour with Kuranda Rainforest Journeys or you could explore the Rainforestation Nature Park or Australian Butterfly sanctuary.
At the end of the day, you will be taking the Kuranda Skyrail back down to Cairns, with a couple of scenic stops along the way. Your cable car will glide over the rainforest and you will get to enjoy the spectacular views on offer. On arrival at the Skyrail terminal, you will be transferred by bus back to the railway station you departed from this morning.
Tonight is your last night in Cairns and I would recommend enjoying dinner and some cocktails at the Waterbar & Grill restaurant.
Day Seven links
Kuranda Scenic Railway / Skyrail classic package - https://www.ksr.com.au/Tourpackages/Pages/KSRClassic.aspx
Kuranda Rainforest Journeys (ATV/Quad bike tour) - https://www.kurandarainforestjourneys.com.au/
Australian Butterfly sanctuary - https://australianbutterflies.com/
Rainforestation nature park - https://www.rainforest.com.au/
Waterbar & Grill restaurant - https://waterbarandgrill.com.au/
Day Eight
That's it! Time to head home. Try to sneak in one last cheeky cocktail if you can :)
I hope you had a wonderful time!
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