Rainforest And Waterfalls Cairns To Mackay

Day 1

Home - Cairns
Your tour begins with a flight to Cairns, where on arrival, we will visit the Botanic Gardens for an afternoon tea. Later, settle into our accommodation for the next two nights, with time to relax and perhaps have a swim in the pool before dinner.

Day 2

Cairns - Kuranda
Today we visit the picturesque mountain retreat of Kuranda, surrounded by the world's oldest living tropical rainforest. Ride the Skyway Rainforest Cableway to the top, taking in the unique prospective from above the canopy. Enjoy free time to explore Kuranda - browse the markets, purchase your own morning tea and lunch, and perhaps visit the Butterfly Sanctuary and Birdworld (own expense). This afternoon return to Cairns on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. This spectacular journey winds its way through the Barron Gorge National Park on board a 127-year-old railway which is considered to be an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude; even today.

Day 3

Cairns - Mission Beach
Following breakfast, our journey takes us to Babinda for a visit to Wooroonooran National Park. See the Babinda Boulders, a series of huge outcrops of granite boulders found along Babinda Creek amongst volumes of sparkling, cascading, cool, clear mountain water. Enjoy a walk along the walking track down stream surrounded by lush tropical rainforest to view the boulders. Continue on to Josephine Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in tropical North Queensland. This afternoon, step back in time and be amazed by the ingenuity and determination shown by one man with a dream. Paronella Park stands as a celebration of the achievements of its founder - Jose Paronella. Later we will make our way to Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast for our overnight stay.

Day 4

Mission Beach - Townsville
After breakfast, our journey will take us through the heart of the of one of our main sugar cane growing regions. Ingham has one of the largest raw sugar processing mills in operation in Australia. Stop for a cuppa at the TYTO Wetlands, a 110 hectare rehabilitated wetland area, before continuing on to Townsville, Australia's largest urban centre north of the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy some free time to explore and to purchase your own lunch. This afternoon, visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland before checking into our overnight accommodation.

Day 5

Townsville - Airlie Beach
Travel through more sugar cane growing areas stopping in Ayr for a cuppa. As we make our way to Bowen, you will notice an increase in vegetable crops throughout this rich agricultural region. Situated at the top of the Whitsundays, Bowen relishes its links with movie history, including the fact that a large part of the movie 'Australia' was filmed here. Following a locally guided tour, spend some free time in town to purchase your own lunch. Continue on to Airlie Beach. Known for it proximity to many of the Whitsunday Islands, there are a lot of water vessels that visit or reside in the area. See Shute Harbour and the views of the beautiful coastline as our Coach Captain takes you on a drive around the area.

Day 6

Airlie Beach - Mackay
Departing Airlie Beach this morning, travel to Proserpine for a visit to The Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. Cruise the calm waters of the Proserpine River and view the estuarine crocodiles in their natural habitat. This fascinating adventure is sure to be a highlight of your tour. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch that includes billy tea and damper before climbing aboard their specifically built, open air tractor-drawn wagon train, for a comprehensive tour through the Goorganga Wetlands. The experienced guides deliver expert commentary regarding the diverse species of flora and fauna to be found throughout the wetlands. This afternoon, after a stop in Proserpine, continue our journey south, arriving in Mackay for the night.

Day 7

Mackay - Home
Today we tour along the Hibiscus Coast to Cape Hillsborough National Park, named in 1770 by Captain James Cook after the Earl of Hillsborough. This unspoiled park is rich in cultural heritage and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. The iconic Queensland photos of wallabies feeding on the beach were taken in this area. Continue on via Seaforth and on to Eimeo for lunch. See the busy Mackay Harbour area before transferring to the airport for our flight back home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner