7 Days Tropical North Queensland
Connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in World-Heritage listed reef and rainforest settings.
Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland © Tourism Australia
DAY 1
Arrive Cairns/Gimuy and transfer to Port Douglas along the spectacular Great Barrier Reef drive. Check in at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas.
Spend the afternoon exploring Macrossan Street – the main vein of the town filled with cafes, boutiques and bars.
Late afternoon, depart on your Sailaway Coral Sea Sunset Sail. Enjoy sparkling wine and canapés on a stunning catamaran whilst soaking up the tranquillity of a tropical sunset over the Coral Sea.
This evening choose from one of the excellent local restaurants such as Zinc Port Douglas, La Cucina + Bar or Nautilus Restaurant.
Overnight at Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas
Highlights:
Experience stunning views on the ocean-hugging scenic drive from Cairns/Gimuy to Port Douglas.
Savour a tropical sunset on a relaxing sunset sail with sparkling wine and canapés.
An aerial of guests spearfishing on a Walkabout Cultural Adventures tour, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland
DAY 2
Depart on a full day Ngana Julaymba Dungay tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures.
Explore the southern Daintree River and Mossman area with guided walks through the rainforest and coastal habitats. Immerse yourself in Kuku Yalanji culture, sampling bush tucker, learning traditional practices, and even trying your hand at boomerang and spear throwing while seeking out mud crabs.
This evening, head down Wharf Street to Seabean Spanish Bar & Tapas and indulge in a Euro trip without leaving the country.
Highlights:
Immerse yourself in Kuku Yalanji culture with guided walks through rainforest and coastal habitats.
Try your hand at spear throwing and catching a mud crab.
Flames of the Forest Aboriginal Cultural Experience, Port Douglas, Queensland © Tourism Australia
DAY 3
Enjoy a Full day Great Barrier Reef Fishing Trip with East Coast Angling. Experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether it's sportfishing or a day of snorkelling around a remote sand cay, East Coast Angling offer custom-built boats for a personalised reef adventure. Specialising in topwater casting and catering to all skill levels, they practice catch and release while ensuring a memorable and enjoyable day on the water.
This evening enjoy the Flames of the Forest Cultural Experience*.
Head into the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest for a seven-dish banquet dinner served under a silk canopy illuminated by hand-made crystal chandeliers. Cultural experiences are interwoven with the dinner, as your Kuku Yalanji hosts share music, ceremony and storytelling.
*Flames of the Forest available May-Nov.
Highlights:
Take an exhilarating tailor-made fishing adventure on the Great Barrier Reef.
Experience fine dining, traditional Dreamtime storytelling and music amidst a stunning rainforest backdrop.
Janbal Gallery, Mossman, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Day 4
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Mossman.
Arrive at Janbal Gallery and enjoy a one-hour art workshop with Brian “Binna” Swindley, a renowned Aboriginal artist who has been painting for more than 30 years. Create an original artwork inspired by your visit to take home.
Transfer to Silky Oaks Lodge for a two-night stay.
One of Australia’s premier Luxury Lodges of Australia, Silky Oaks is spectacularly situated on the Mossman Gorge River where you can appreciate the natural tropical environment with a choice of tree house accommodation.
This afternoon, nurture both body and soul with a spa experience at the Healing Waters Spa.
Enjoy dinner in the Treehouse Restaurant at Silky Oaks Lodge.
Highlights:
Explore Aboriginal culture through a hands-on painting and storytelling experience.
Experience the pinnacle of luxury at Silky Oaks Lodge, nestled in the Daintree Rainforest.
Silky Oaks Lodge, Mossman, QLD, © Luxury Lodges of Australia
Day 5
Indulge in the tranquility of Silky Oaks Lodge today. The lodge provides a range of activities to enhance your stay, from self-guided walks through the lush surroundings to rejuvenating yoga sessions. Explore the Mossman River with kayaking and canoeing or embark on a snorkelling adventure in the billabong to encounter turtles and platypus. For those seeking more active pursuits, eBiking is available, and you can also elevate your experience with scenic helicopter flights, capturing the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
Highlights:
Take a laidback exploration of the lush surrounds and serene country roads on an eBike.
Snorkel the billabong and look out for freshwater turtles, eels, Jungle Perch and the shy resident platypus.
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia - Mossman Gorge, QLD © Tourism Australia
DAY 6
Check out of Silky Oaks Lodge.
Take a short drive to Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre and join the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk.
Your walk begins with a traditional 'smoking' ceremony to ward off spirits, followed by a guided stroll through lush rainforest where your Indigenous guide shares traditions, plant use, and bush food sources. Experience hands-on traditions like bush-soap making and ochre painting, concluding with traditional bush tea and damper.
Enjoy lunch at the Mayi Café and Restaurant then continue to Cairns/Gimuy.
Check into Crystalbook Riley, and spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Cairns/Gimuy.
In the early evening, embark on a Mandingalbay Deadly After Dark Sunset, Canapés and Culture Cruise.
Depart from Cairns Marina at sunset on a river cruise to East Trinity Reserve. Cruise past ancient mangrove forests, experience a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony at Stingray Shelter, and enjoy canapés while learning about ancient practices from Mandingalbay Yidinji rangers.
Stop in at the Cairns Night Markets for some shopping and a bite to eat on the way back to your hotel.
Highlights:
Explore the stunning Daintree rainforest on a guided walk with exclusive access to Kuku Yalanji land.
Immerse yourself in an authentic cultural experience with a traditional smoking ceremony.
Cruise along an avenue of ancient mangrove forests on a sunset cruise.
Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel, Great Barrier Reef, QLD © Tourism Australia
DAY 7
Head to Marlin Jetty Cairns and join a Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise.
Embark on a unique Great Barrier Reef cruise, visiting two premium outer reef sites and gaining a deeper cultural understanding of this diverse ecosystem and Australia's Indigenous heritage. Uncover the Dreamtime stories passed down through generations whilst exploring some of the best diving and snorkelling sites on the Great Barrier Reef.
This evening, dine out at one of Cairns/Gimuy’s many superb restaurants such as Ochre or Salt House.
Highlights:
Explore two pristine Great Barrier Reef sites on an optional snorkelling or diving experience.
Hear Dreamtime and Great Barrier Reef Creation stories and see live demonstrations of traditional dances and the didgeridoo.
Please be aware that some tours, restaurants, and attractions are seasonal and may not operate daily. For the most up-to-date information, kindly refer to each operator's website.
