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Queensland's Coastal Wonders

Start your journey in Cairns, the gateway to North Queensland, then head to the Daintree Rainforest for a close encounter with nature's wonders. Continue to Townsville, where city life meets natural beauty. Finally, unwind on Magnetic Island, known for its secluded beaches and stunning views before making your way back to Cairns. This tour offers a perfect mix of rainforest, city, and island experiences.

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Day 1 - Welcome to Cairns!

Queensland's Coastal Wonders - Day 1
Arrive into Cairns

Cairns has been home to indigenous Australians for more than 40,000 years and was settled by Europeans in 1876 who arrived in search of gold. These days, Cairns is seen as the city "where the rainforest meets the reef" as it is the gateway to both the 100-million-year-old Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The main tourist centre in town is along the Esplanade, which has a swimming lagoon, bustling weekend markets, and plenty of great food options.

Private transfer Cairns Airport to your accommodation

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside customs exit and delivered to your Cairns accommodation.

Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise

A Cairns dinner cruise is the perfect way to end a perfect day in paradise. Board the sailing catamaran and enjoy an evening of calm water cruising on Trinity Inlet, taking in the sights and sounds of this tropical port city and its surrounds as they transition from day to night.

Your accommodation: Mercure Hotel Cairns

Two blocks from the Esplanade and across the road from Cairns Aquarium, The Mercure Hotel in Cairns is centrally located. The property has a modern restaurant and bar with access to terrace and pool area, allowing guests to wind down and relax.

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Day 2 - Immerse yourself into the Daintree Rainforest today

Queensland's Coastal Wonders - Day 2
Mossman Gorge Adventure Day with Back Country Bliss Adventures

Immerse yourself in a rainforest experience like no other! Beginning the day at a secret location on the Mossman River for our one of a kind River Drift Experience; with a guided river walk up stream, enjoy the varied pace downstream on a river sled. After a well earned lunch, enjoy a traditional Kuku Yalanji smoking ceremony at the Mossman Gorge; you’ll be cleansed of bad spirits and have traditional rainforest body paint applied. Exploring the Daintree National Park at an easy pace, this interpretive 1.5hr walk, will leave you with a deeper understanding of this breath-taking rainforest.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Mercure Hotel Cairns

Two blocks from the Esplanade and across the road from Cairns Aquarium, The Mercure Hotel in Cairns is centrally located. The property has a modern restaurant and bar with access to terrace and pool area, allowing guests to wind down and relax.

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Day 3 - Explore some waterfalls on your way to Townsville

Queensland's Coastal Wonders - Day 3
Collect your rental car

This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in our fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUVs.

Collect your rental car from the Cairns City depot

Head to the Cairns City depot today to collect your chosen rental car, and continue your journey.

Cairns to Townsville

This beautiful 350 km ride will take you on a breathtaking journey along the coast from Cairns to Townsville. Set out along the Bruce Highway and start heading south. You will pass many beautiful stops as you go, so make sure to get out of your car and enjoy wonderful scenery that Queensland has to offer. At Behana Gorge you have a chance to stop for a bite to eat at the Picnic Reserve, but if you are feeling adventurous there is also a walking track leading to the Clamshell Falls. As you keep heading south you will soon hit a series of beaches including Etty Bay and the very well loved Mission Beach. Take a break and let the waves and the sights of the vast Coral Sea be your company. Hop back in your car and drive towards the city of Townsville. You will be passing beautiful Jourama Falls and Little Crystal Creek, a great little place for a refreshing dip. When you are in Townsville, you can enjoy the town as well as a water park, aquarium, a wildlife sanctuary and, if you have time, a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef and Magnetic Island.

Waterfalls between Cairns and Townsville

If you are looking for a way to break up the drive between Cairns and Townsville, consider stopping at one of the beautiful waterfalls along the way!

Josephine Falls is approximately 250km north of Townsville and approximately 75km south of Cairns.
Millaa Millaa Falls is approximately 273km north of Townsville and 98km southwest of Cairns.
Murray Falls is approximately 110m south of Townsville and 150km north of Cairns.
Jourama Falls is approximately 91km north of Townsville and 215km south of Cairns.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville, situated in the heart of the business and shopping districts, is fondly known locally as the ‘Sugar Shaker’, due to its unusual shape. Being Townsville’s tallest building, the hotel offers stunning views across the city, Castle Hill and towards Magnetic Island, from a range of contemporary guests rooms.

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 337 kms / 209 miles : 4.0 hours

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Day 4 - Head to the magical Magnetic Island today

Queensland's Coastal Wonders - Day 4
Townsville to Magnetic Island on the Sealink Ferry

Conducting up to 17 daily return services to Magnetic Island, SeaLink can have you in paradise in only 20 minutes a state-of-the-art, high-speed catamaran. Relax on a secluded beach, cruise the tropical waters of North Queensland or try one of the many adventure activities on offer on Magnetic Island.

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island, located off the coast of Queensland, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, and relaxed atmosphere. Just a short ferry ride from Townsville, the island boasts 23 secluded bays, crystal-clear waters, and over 25 kilometers of walking trails. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, and exploring historic World War II forts. With a mix of national parkland and charming villages, Magnetic Island is perfect for a getaway where you can connect with nature, enjoy vibrant local culture, and experience the Great Barrier Reef's beauty up close.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Maggie Comprehensive Tour with Magnetic Island's Best Bus Tours

Embark on the ultimate adventure with the Maggie Comprehensive Tour with Magnetic Island Tours. This all-encompassing journey is designed to showcase the best of Magnetic Island’s natural beauty and vibrant wildlife. Upon arrival at the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal, you’ll be greeted by expert guides who will lead you through the island’s most iconic spots. Visit the stunning beaches of Alma Bay and Radical Bay, perfect for a refreshing swim or a leisurely stroll along the shore. Delve into the island’s rich history at the Magnetic Island Forts Walk, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views and the chance to spot koalas in their natural habitat. You'll have the chance to purchase a delicious lunch at one of the island’s charming eateries before heading to Horseshoe Bay for water activities or simply to relax under the sun. The tour also includes a visit to the picturesque Arcadia, where you can unwind and soak in the tranquil ambiance. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or looking for a relaxing escape, the Maggie Comprehensive Tour offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Magnetic Island.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Peppers Blue on Blue

Gliding through the turquoise waters towards the idyllic tropical nature of Magnetic Island, you can see why it is one of Townsville's most loved islands. Peppers Blue on Blue Resort is elegantly laid out at the water’s edge overlooking the Coral Sea and private marina. At night, you can dine on the glittering boardwalk, with great food and wine on the table and a canopy of stars above.

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Day 5 - Explore Magnetic Island with the locals

Queensland's Coastal Wonders - Day 5
Maggie Discovery Eco Tour with Aquascene Magnetic Island

 Unleash an unforgettable Magnetic Island adventure with Aquascene, the award-winning local family business for over 38 years. They know this island like the back of their hand, having grown up exploring its hidden coves and vibrant reefs. Cruise past Magnetic Island's dramatic coastline, dive into the crystal-clear waters and snorkel at secret locations teeming with life. Relax on secluded beaches with a delicious morning tea, and learn all about the island's fascinating history and marine life from our friendly, expert crew.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Peppers Blue on Blue

Gliding through the turquoise waters towards the idyllic tropical nature of Magnetic Island, you can see why it is one of Townsville's most loved islands. Peppers Blue on Blue Resort is elegantly laid out at the water’s edge overlooking the Coral Sea and private marina. At night, you can dine on the glittering boardwalk, with great food and wine on the table and a canopy of stars above.

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Day 6 - Return to Cairns for one final night

Queensland's Coastal Wonders - Day 6
Magnetic Island to Townsville on the Sealink Ferry

Return to Townsville on the Sealink Ferry.

Townsville to Cairns

We recommend getting up early for this 350km (217 mile) drive as there are lots of great opportunities to stop along the way as you head north on the Bruce Highway to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef region.
Leaving Townsville behind, you will travel on Bruce Highway/State Route A1 north. The first stop of the day should be at the Cardwell Spa Pools. This naturally-fed, seasonal creek has been a favourite local swimming hole for years and for good reason! If you're not keen on swimming there are plenty of walking tracks, waterfalls, and other creeks to check out.
If time is on your side, the next great detour is to Paronella Park. This detour takes you about 20 minutes off the highway to Mena Creek, where Spaniard Jose Paronella realised his dream to build a castle. The 5 hectare grounds include a picnic area by the falls, tennis courts, bridges and a tunnel, 7500 plants that are now a rainforest and is considered one of Queensland's top attractions.
Your journey continues north on the Bruce Highway and another great detour will take you to the Babinda Boulders, located about 6km (3.7 miles) from the highway. These smooth, granite rock formations are conveniently located within a delightful swimming hole and are the ideal spot to cool off. Surrounded by lush green foliage and stunning waterfalls, you'll marvel at how easy it was to access the location when it feels light years away from civilisation.
As you carry on the final stretch along Bruce Highway, it is approximately 1 hour until you reach Cairns. About 30 minutes from Cairns, you will spot Walshs Pyramid off to your left, rising steeply out of the ground above the historic sugar-milling town of Gordonvale. Keep following Bruce Highway into Cairns and put your feet up for a rest after an adventure filled day.

Aquarium by Twilight - Guided Tour with 3 Course Dinner at Cairns Aquarium

Immerse yourself in the magic of the underwater world after dark with Aquarium by Twilight! This exclusive, after-hours tour unlocks the hidden wonders of Cairns Aquarium as day surrenders to twilight. Embark on a captivating two-hour journey with our expert guide, traversing 10 breathtaking ecosystems. Witness the vibrant coral reefs transform as colorful fish seek shelter, and watch in awe as nocturnal creatures emerge from their daytime hiding spots. Witness the captivating transition as reptiles, amphibians, and even sharks come alive under the soft glow of the evening. Learn about the fascinating adaptations that allow animals to thrive from day to night in the Wet Tropics. Gain insights into the world of nocturnal predators like sharks, rays, and groupers, and discover their vital role in the delicate balance of the underwater ecosystem. Afterwars, indulge in a delicious three-course dinner for adults or a two-course meal for children at Dundee's Waterfront Restaurant, boasting stunning views of the aquarium. 

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Mercure Hotel Cairns

Two blocks from the Esplanade and across the road from Cairns Aquarium, The Mercure Hotel in Cairns is centrally located. The property has a modern restaurant and bar with access to terrace and pool area, allowing guests to wind down and relax.

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 332 kms / 206 miles : 3.9 hours

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Day 7 - Farewell from Cairns!

Queensland's Coastal Wonders - Day 7
Return your rental car

Return your rental vehicle to your designated depot before your next adventure.

Farewell from Cairns

Farewell Cairns today. If there is more of Australia you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!

Meals included: Breakfast

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