9 Day Brisbane to Daintree Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Comfort

9 days (approximately)
Offered in: English

Journey from the buzzing cityscape of Brisbane to the ancient rainforests of the Daintree, designed for those seeking a boutique, comfort-first experience. This small-group journey blends iconic Queensland highlights with off-the-beaten-path gems, from the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays to crater lakes, tropical waterfalls, and ancient rainforests. Whether you're snorkeling vibrant coral gardens, gliding above the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail, or connecting with First Nations culture in Mossman Gorge, every day brings new, unforgettable experiences. With quality accommodation, domestic flights included, and a relaxed pace, you'll explore at your own leisure, with plenty of free time to soak in the sights or unwind by the pool. This is a perfect way to experience the very best of tropical Australia, all while enjoying insider access, stunning landscapes, and a chance to immerse yourself in nature and culture.

What's Included

8 Nights’ Private or Shared Boutique Style Hotels/Resorts - all rooms with ensuite
Whitsunday Island & Whitehaven beach day trip & snorkel
All transport (private small-group vehicle, domestic flight BNE>PPP & boat trips)
Lunch (Optional[4])
Lunch
Great Barrier Reef day cruise - incl. snorkeling gear & glass bottom boat
First Nations cultural experience
Breakfast (Optional[8])
Breakfast
Guided rainforest, gorge, lookout walks & river cruise
Brisbane meeting point / Cairns drop-off points
Kuranda Skyrail gondola ride over lush rainforest
International flights are not included.
Meals not listed in the itinerary can be purchased along the way and supporting local businesses.
Personal travel insurance is highly recommended

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome meeting and greet at 5:00pm. Guests meeting in the foyer of the hotel where your tour guide will be waiting.

End point

We return to Cairns after a wonderful East Coast Journey at 6:00pm.

Itinerary

Duration: 9 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Brisbane Meet & Greet

    1 stop
  • 1

    It’s Bris-vegas baby, Queensland’s capital aka Brisbane, soon to be home of the summer Olympics. Laidback, sunny, optimistic, buzzing – in many ways it’s the quintessential Aussie city. Meet your fellow travellers and friendly guide at 5pm in the hotel reception. After a brief welcome meeting, we head off on an evening orientation tour, and a chance to enjoy a meal together (optional) at a local restaurant.

    6 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Brisbane to Airlie Beach

    1 stop
  • 2

    Airport time! It’s up, up, and away, as we take the plane to Airlie beach, the jewel in the magnificent Whitsundays crown. It’s another choose-your-own-adventure day: take a stroll through the town, find a cool little bar, or explore the local swimming hole, the choice is yours. Included Activities Domestic Flight to the Whitsunday Coast Free afternoon & evening to explore Airlie Beach

    8 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Airlie Beach to Whitsunday Islands

    1 stop
  • 3

    After breakfast, we’re heading out on a full-day speedboat cruise through the postcard-perfect Whitsunday Islands, including a stop at the iconic Whitehaven Beach aboard the award-winning Red Cat Adventures Thundercat vessel. Words can’t quite capture the dazzling white sands, azure waters, and lush greenery of this incredible corner of the world (so we won’t try!). Get up close by snorkeling among colourful coral, playful fish, and maybe even a sea turtle or two. Afterwards, unwind at your own pace or head into town to discover the best local food and drink spots. Included Activities Whitsundays Islands day cruise including snorkeling, Whitehaven beach visit, Hill Inlet walk and lunch

    8 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 4

    Airlie Beach to Mission Beach

    1 stop
  • 4

    A change of scenery today as we head through undulating cane fields to picturesque Mission Beach. This afternoon, kick back and enjoy. This is your chance to catch up on some reading, or just sit by the pool with a cold drink and enjoy this tropical paradise. We may be even lucky enough to spot some cassowary in the wild! Included Activities: • Scenic drive along the Bruce Highway

    6 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 5

    Mission Beach to Cairns via Atherton Tablelands

    2 stops
  • 5

    Enjoy breakfast before we travel into the wet tropics of Far North Queensland. We'll discover a magnificent plunge waterfall nestled in dense tropical rainforest en-route to the Atherton Tablelands. Take a dip in the cool water before we head to Lake Eacham, a crater lake with crystal-clear water. Included Activities: • Scenic Atherton tablelands tour including a volcanic crater lake, stunning waterfalls and a chance to spot wild platypus.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 6

    Visit the massive ‘Curtain Fig Tree’. We'll finish the day in Cairns, one of Australia's most vibrant, tropical and energetic cities.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • Day 6

    Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef

    1 stop
  • 7
    Great Barrier Reef

    It’s one of the highlights of any trip to Australia: the Great Barrier Reef. Today, we will take a cruise to the famed reef, where we’ll go snorkeling to see incredible marine life. Learn about this special reef with conservation commentary, onboard a 20 metre luxury motor catamaran. This is the big one, so get the camera ready! After a great day at one of the seven natural wonders of the world (and the only one seen from space), join us for an optional dinner to share stories of our adventures together! Included Activities: • Great Barrier Reef day cruise with Ocean Freedom - including snorkeling, glass bottom boat and buffet lunch • Optional Activity – Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef

    8 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 7

    Kuranda and Port Douglas

    2 stops
  • 8

    It’s go, go gondola, as we take an incredible gondola ride over ancient rainforest, the Barron River, and the surrounding mountains on our way to picturesque Kuranda with its colourful markets. Included Activities: • Skyrail gondola ride over the rainforest canopy • Kuranda markets

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 9

    Then, it’s a trip north to the chilled out village of Port Douglas, where you can choose to join the group for dinner, drinks and the stunning sunset. Included Activities: • Port Douglas orientation tour.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 8

    Mossman Gorge & Cultural Experience

    2 stops
  • 10

    Ease into the day with a relaxed morning in beautiful Port Douglas — exactly as it should be. Stroll through the vibrant Sunday markets, grab a locally brewed coffee, and soak up the ocean views.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 11
    Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre

    Later, we’ll head to Mossman Gorge in the ancient Daintree Rainforest for a guided walk through lush jungle, flowing streams, and towering trees. In the afternoon, connect with the land and its people during an immersive cultural experience with the Kuku Yalanji people. Learn about traditional customs, bush foods, and the deep spiritual ties they hold to Country — a truly memorable encounter. Included Activities: • Visit Mossman Gorge for an incredible walk through the rainforest • Kuku Yalanji (First Nations) immersive cultural experience.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 9

    Daintree Rainforest Cape Tribulation to Cairns

    1 stop
  • 12

    It’s another big day – we’re going deeper into the tropical World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, and Cape Tribulation (don’t worry, it’s just a name!) on a short ferry. We’ll take a walk through the ancient rainforest and meet the local family who hosted David Attenborough’s documentary crew whilst keeping our eyes peeled for ancient cassowary, birds and other wildlife. In the afternoon we cruise the Daintree River (Julaymba) on the eco-friendly Solar Whisper, a quiet solar-powered boat, for an immersive wildlife experience. Spot crocodiles, birds, frogs, snakes, and more with the help of your expert guide and the unique "CROC CAM”. We take a wonderful coastal drive back to Cairns, where your tour ends on arrival around 6pm. If you need help with post tour accommodation, please let us know as we can help! Thanks for a wonderful adventure together!

    8 hours Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • A medical clearance or doctor’s certificate is required for participants over 75 years old, submitted at least 30 days prior to travel.
Supplied by Autopia Tours

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Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Jet Boat Rentals
Cultural Tours
Catamaran Cruises
Water Tours
Speed Boat Rentals
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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