After having to pivot travels from the pristine waters of Bora Bora, we began a search for destinations that had Jurassic Park ‘feels’ at least equivalent to our intended (but kiboshed) holiday in Hawaii and the ancient rainforests of French Polynesia.  An exciting family holiday cruising the high seas (all within the tight DeeLuxe budget and maximum fun experiences!) Travel doesn’t always go ahead as planned, so we simply pivoted to put the spotlight on Australian Travels. This is how we came up with the ultimate 15 day itinerary for Tropical North Queensland. 

I have loved every minute of exploring Tropical North Queensland and it has only inspired me to continue exploring Australia and sharing what we have loved with you! I have added some tips to stretch out your holiday time (and money) to make it the ultimate holiday. 

First Stop – Cairns! (using up our Flight credits). I hadn’t travelled here in over a quarter of a century. I know right! Regularly attending for work in the past and really didn’t know what to expect in terms of change.  Well, let me tell you, that a lot has changed in that time!

Travel Tip! – Book all tours well in advance.  Tropical North Queensland is a touristy place. It would be super disappointing to arrive there and not be able to do what you had your heart set on.  Search for deals on Bookme.com.au – you do pay in advance, however is easy if you have a bit of a plan of what you are wanting to do. Shall provide you some examples.

DAY 1 – Arrive in Cairns, Check-in/head to Hemingway’s Brewery and explore the foreshore.

We stayed at Pullman Reef Casino Hotel – what an amazing place! We got a great deal through Luxury Escapes (during school holidays and lots of inclusive deals – BARGAIN!!) We booked 2 rooms, one for us and one for our family. If you can stretch it, get a room overlooking Trinity Inlet.

There is something special about being close to water, complete with a mountain backdrop, plus the balcony view over the foreshore.  

Incredibly relaxing at this hotel, with soft sounds of the Lorikeets massing in the treetops every lazy afternoon.  We just loved the casino – It is actually decently sized and if casinos are your gig – quite a lot of fun! We retreated there afterwards each day after travelling.  Beautifully appointed with opulent décor. Through our LE deal and also signing up as a member at the hotel, meant that we got a lot of credits, dining vouchers, welcome casino chips and drinks vouchers in addition to the Luxury Escapes offer.  (check out the food!)

We got such an amazing deal, when we checked out, we had ZERO to pay with money left over in credits (don’t know how that happened as would have used it had I known!! Lol!). This is one place that we would definitely head back to. Location, venue, accommodation, entertainment options – all of it, was more than perfect.

It is literally across the road from the Fig Tree Playground (great for kids) and so close to Hemingway’s Brewery.

The Brewery had a feel like Howard Smith’s Wharves for those Brisbanites who are familiar. Great food, lively atmosphere and situated right on Cairns Wharf on Trinity Inlet. 

DAY 2 – Cairns Aquarium and wander around the inner city district

No doubt you are planning to head to the reef, however, do not miss the Cairns Aquarium! It is by far and away one of the best aquariums I have ever visited. This is an all-day visit, so get there early, lunch at the Aquarium itself and continue on exploring the rest of the day.  

Time your day to catch the shows. This is simply a must do. Always do a quick check on Groupon or Book me to check if any local deals on offer to be sure you are getting the best deal possible.  Absolutely worth the visit here.  Getting around town is easily manageable by walking. Check out the art gallery, grand architecture of the buildings and the Cairns Lagoon on the esplanade.

DAY 3 – Fitzroy Island - Fitzroy Island Adventures

You can choose to go over to Fitzroy Island early morning or latter in the morning.

If going for just one day, choose the earliest option to give you as much time as possible. The time goes really quickly and there is quite a lot to see and do on the island.

You will need your water shoes here; the beach is covered in layers of coral on the jetty side. (It clinks as the water gently washes over it, making a feint sound of music!) Beautiful, but it’s a tad tough on the tootsies!) Great Snorkelling on Fitzroy. 

Tip: If you have the extra time and can stretch out the itinerary, stay on at Fitzroy Island for at least 3 days/2 nights. This island deserves your time to explore more and has some great accommodation options to suit all budgets. 

DAY 4 – Fly over the Great Barrier Reef (and head to Cairns Night markets in the evening)  

Just down the road from Pullman Reef Casino Hotel is the Marina – the base to take a trip out to the islands or the Reef.  

During our travels (at time of the pandemic),boats to Green Island weren’t running every day, so this didn’t make our agenda in the traditional sense. 

We did a quick check of Bookme.com.au and found an incredible deal to take a small chartered flight out to the reef –it’s bucket list stuff! We decided this was how we would experience Green Island, the reef and the outer reef, all wrapped up into one amazing experience.  The photographs speak for themselves…..simply the WOW factor and made do-able for us by booking through Bookme (yes this is a legit site, I always use it).

As the flight experience didn’t take up our whole day, we headed to the Cairns Night Markets – grab yourself dinner here (food court opens at 4.30pm). Open for shopping 5pm – 11pm every day. I love markets, really love these markets though. The ambience and atmosphere is wonderful. 

DAY 5 - Kuranda Railway and Sky Rail 

This is most definitely an entire day experience. My view on the best way to get to Kuranda Village is to go up on Sky Rail and return on the Kuranda Railway. It takes some time to get up to the village on Sky Rail and a good couple of hours to return via the train.

Kuranda is a wonderful place to explore for anyone who is an artsy, crafty person.

Kuranda felt kind of Montville like with a Tropical twist. Kuranda Railway, the train and platform – was like being in a Harry Potter film! We spoiled ourselves with a Gold Class trip and would do that again. Well worth it.  The Sky Rail Gondola’s gave a unique perspective as they glided over the treetops of the forest.  

We booked this tour directly with Kuranda and Sky rail including a driver to pick us up and drop off directly to the Gondola entrance point at Sky Rail at Smithfield.  For the return we were able to walk back to our hotel from the Cairns Railway station. An amazing day out. 

Travel Tip:  If you can stretch the itinerary and the budget – stay overnight at Kuranda Village itself. It is a quaint place, much to see, do and experience its surrounds. 

DAY 6 - Rusty’s Market and Pick up the Rental Car from downtown (Europcar) ready to head to Port Douglas.  

We had a gorgeous breakfast served up daily at the Pullman – this was included in our package …..if you have the opportunity though, get to Rusty’s Markets nice and early. This is a wonderful hub to get a freshly brewed coffee and a delectable breakky option. Rusty’s is a fresh food, fruit and flower market – bursting with vibrant colour, aromas, laughter and banter.

It has the odd stall for unique arts, clothing and wares. I loved Rusty’s particularly for its sea of colour! We picked up the rental car from Cairns, and paid a one-way fee so that we could use it for the rest of the trip to return in Townsville. This allowed us to travel the Great Green Way (details below).

Travel Tip: If you are moving on from Cairns, stock up on a fresh food and fruit supply from Rusty’s Markets ready for your next destination.

On your way to Port Douglas, drop into the Botanical Gardens to explore.

Head out to Port Douglas on the coastal route. It is a postcard perfect drive. Make sure to stop at Rex Lookout. If you are lucky you will spot adventure seekers taking off on their gliders from there.

Head to Four Mile beach at Port Douglas for lunch and take a stroll along the beach.  Head up to Flagstaff Hill Lookout to capture the views from above. You can walk up to the Lookout area or take a short drive to access.

What did we miss?

Due to the pandemic the schedule of boats weren’t running so we weren’t able to get out to Green Island.

We missed the Cabaret show at Pullman Reef Casino Hotel. We were told this was a must-do from people who have travelled all over the world and rated this show as an absolute must! It too, was on Friday and Saturday night, so we missed the show (we shall be back!). Try booking your vacation time in Cairns from a Monday to Saturday to fit it all in!

DAY 7 – Mossman Gorge and Visitor Centre, then to Bruce Belcher’s Crocodile Adventures on the Daintree River.  

If you have a car, the Mossman Gorge is just 20 minutes’ drive from Port Douglas. Make sure to put Mossman Gorge on the must visit list!

There are also a number of tours operating to Mossman Gorge. This place is really special. At the time of our visit, the Dreamtime visits were put on hold, however I would absolutely include this in your visit to learn more about indigenous heritage and the site.  The Shuttle buses run from the visitor centre every 15 minutes, up to the Gorge. (You can opt to walk up, however no visitor cars can enter/access the area past the visitor centre).

Even with squeezing in a dip at the gorge, a rainforest walk and lunch at the visitor centre, we had enough time to keep on exploring. We made a call to Bruce Belcher’s Crocodile Adventures to see if we could jump on a late croc spotting adventure (which we heard was the best time to see them). So off we went – just 25 minutes down the road, and out onto the Daintree River.

There are lots of options to see crocs with many operators in an around Port Douglas, however we wanted an experience in the wild. This was a close as we could get to that. Bruce was super knowledgeable about crocs and was a highlight to do this trip.

Cruising along the river to spot crocs on the shore or swimming alongside the boat gives such as different perspective.  

DAY 8 – Exploring Port Douglas  

Port Douglas is a quaint coastal town with the most stunning beach surrounds. Spend your day exploring – the Port Douglas markets which are on every Sunday in Rex Smeal Park (8am – 1.30pm). Wind down as you take a lazy stroll through the markets with the Sugar wharves, St Mary’s Cathedral and gently swaying palms in the background.

If you want to stretch out your time here, check Bookme.com.au for great deals of activities in the area. Sunset cruising is popular.  Rex Smeal Park is the favourite spot for all tourists to catch an incredible sunset and to simply relax.

DAY 9 – Daintree Forest – the World’s Oldest Surviving rainforest.

Tip! – Here’s my tip right up front – yes this can be a day experience. Start as early as possible and stretch out your day until the last ferry ride to make the most of this magical place. The Rainforest and surrounds are much, much bigger than you anticipate.  Stay for at the least 3 days/2 nights actually in the Daintree Forest region if you can stretch the itinerary and budget. I would have loved more time to explore.

Check out the blog for a one day itinerary for the Daintree Forest.

DAY 10 – Atherton Tablelands/Mareeba Township/Skybury Farm

If you have a car, the drive up to the Atherton Tablelands is quite do-able. Takes less than an hour and a half to get to Mareeba. The Township of Mareeba is a wonderful little town and well worth the visit. Do drop into the Visitor Centre as it also has quite a big Aussie Museum. We loved showing our son this little trip down memory lane! He was wide eyed at our Australian history. 

Explore as much as you can of the area. Include a stop to Coffee Works –  and to Skybury farms for the best red papaya treat I have ever had!

DAY 11 – Port Douglas to Cardwell 

Take in the sights on the way to Cardwell. Start with Thala Recreation reserve (as you leave Port Douglas), Rock stacks (between Ellis and Pebbly beaches) Walsh’s Pyramid (outskirts of Cairns), then head to Babinda/Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls, Innisfail and Etty Bay before stopping for the night at Cardwell).

Takes 3 hours 19 minutes to get to Cardwell. We stretched out our day of travel to experience some incredible sights on the way. Let the photos speak for themselves.

This stretch down to Townsville is known as the Great Green Way.

Next stop on the same day - Josephine Falls. Our son absolutely loved this experience. You can slide down the mossy rock face into the waters below. (I should add here that swimming is not encouraged at any of these places, particularly during extreme weather periods where currents may be unpredictable - follow the signs for advice)

Back on the road - our lunch stop was at Innisfail - loved the architecture and colours of the buildings in Innisfail.

Final stop before Cardwell was to Etty Bay in search of the Etty Bay cassowaries. We never did see one there which I hear is really surprising! Made a nice stop though!

DAY 12 – Cardwell

We had wanted to stop in Cardwell for 2 reasons – the iconic Cardwell Spa pools, which is one of the most instragrammable local swimming holes, known for its purest blue water. Cardwell is the gateway to Hinchinbrook Island, is famed for its fabulous Crab Sanga’s and its resident 5 metre croc - Bizmark (we looked for him - he had recently snaffled a poor dog taking a walk with his owner on the foreshore).

Tip - no walks along the foreshore!

Do your research though, as in the dry months, the Cardwell Spa Pools virtually disappear! There wasn’t anything there for us to see (late Sept) and the visitor centre advised us not to head there.  Instead, we headed out to explore Cardwell and surrounds. 

DAY 13 – Cardwell to Paronella Park 

Whilst in Cairns we had run out of time to get to Paronella Park. We knew we wanted to see this Spanish inspired castle, built by Jose Paronella at Mena Creek Falls. This is an absolute MUST- DO – don’t miss this opportunity.  The Park is closer to Cardwell than it is Cairns, so we thought it was do-able to do a little back tracking to see this iconic destination. It was incredible – Photo’s don’t really capture it.

The Mena Creek hotel is close by if you are looking for dining options.  Your entry pass also allows you to go back as many times as you want within a 2-year period. It also includes free overnight accommodation for you to pitch a tent or set up a caravan overnight. 

Travel Tip:

Option 1 - We would have reduced Cardwell to an overnight stay had we known that Cardwell Spa pools weren’t going to be open. This would have freed up an extra night in Townsville. 

Option 2 - Alternatively, head over to Hinchinbrook Island for the day to explore. Have seen some amazing footage on Instagram of travels there.

Option 3 - Head back to Tully for White Water Rafting. Is the perfect place to raft (grade 3 and 4 rapids)

DAY 14 – Cardwell to Townsville  

It’s a quick 1 hour 57 mins to Townsville by car. We drove straight to Castle Hill to see the town from atop.

We had booked The Ville Resort (Casino) which overlooks Magnetic Island. This resort is truly a dream destination in itself.

We had arrived early and intended to explore a little of the township, however, was so captivated by this peaceful oasis, we simply spent our remaining holiday time relaxing, savouring the sunshine, relishing the views across the ocean from the infinity pool and enjoying all of the hotel facilities. It was a wonderful way to finish off our holiday. 

DAY 15 – Townsville - and back to reality!  (Return of Rental car back to Townsville Airport)

Flying home on Day 15 – we were hoping to get the day to explore Townsville, however only one flight out at the time of booking and it was an early one. Think this was to do with limitations that the pandemic had brought about. This regrettably limited our opportunity to explore more here.

Tavel Tip: Most definitely book at the very least 2 or 3 nights in Townsville. I wished we had at least one more night, however we are planning to return to Townsville and travel down from there to the Gladstone region and beyond. So much to explore!

That wraps up the Ultimate 15-day itinerary to Tropical North Queensland.

Follow DeeLuxe’s tips to stretch out your Itinerary to a 21+ day ultimate vacation. This is a trip we will hold close to our hearts for a long time to come. Has only fuelled our desire to go back and explore more around Australia.

If you love the idea of this itinerary, please share for others to enjoy.

Cheers

DeeLuxe

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