9-Nights Natural Wonders of Queensland from $6,670

Swain Destinations

OFFER ID 1537389

Natural Wonders of Queensland
On arrival to Cairns, you will transfer by private car an hour north to the Thala Beach Nature Reserve. During your stay, take a day trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, a half day privately guided excursion into the Daintree Rainforest, and spend time enjoying on-site experiences such as nature walks and star-gazing. Travel back into Cairns city where you will spend the early evening on a guided tour of Cairns Aquarium. Head out on a full day Wetland and Waterfall tour, with an experience on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, before returning to Cairns for dinner at Ochre Restaurant, known for it's Australian fare. Head south to Brisbane, and be whisked away to Spicers Tamarind Retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. After two nights relaxing in the soothing ambiance of the lush region, head into Brisbane to experience this vibrant and bustling city. Take a day trip to Tangalooma to view the marine life and dolphins, a great way to end your stay in Queensland.

Your Itinerary Includes:

Round trip airport transfers
3 nights at Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Great Barrier Reef Tour
Daintree Rainforest Tour
2 nights in Cairns
Cairns Aquarium Tour
Waterfall, Wetlands, and Skyrail Tour
Dinner at Ochre Restaurant
2 nights Maleny
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tour
2 nights in Brisbane
Tangalooma Marine Discovery Tour
Meals: 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners

9 nights from $6,670 per person

Itinerary

Swain Destinations: Natural Wonders of Queensland

Day 1 Arrive in Port Douglas
Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival into Cairns you will be met by your driver and transferred to Thala Beach Nature Reserve by private vehicle.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Thala Beach Nature Reserve is a family-owned eco retreat with 58 hectares of native forest adjacent to a secluded private- access beach. Conveniently located 1 hour north of Cairns and 20 minutes south of Port Douglas, guests enjoy the best of the tropics from this secluded paradise. Sitting atop a headland with breathtaking vistas, Thala Beach Nature Reserve provides an island-feel vacation and is the ideal base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Meals: D

Day 2 Outer Reef Cruise
The adventure starts with an early departure from Port Douglas Marina. Sit back and relax on the beautiful yacht and set sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs. You will enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected sites at the Coral Cays, nature activities will include snorkeling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Meals: B, L, D

Day 3 Daintree Rainforest
Enjoy a tour over the top of the Daintree Rainforest to the very edge of the 'Outback' to observe the native wildlife. The ecosystems experienced are from the Lowland Wet Tropics of the coastal strip through the upper forests and out to the very edge of the wonderful Eucalypt Savannah Outback.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Meals: B, D

Day 4 Cairns Aquarium
This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Cairns. In the afternoon you will enjoy a visit to Cairns Aquarium.

Cairns Aquarium
As the sun goes down on the Great Barrier Reef, a whole new world awakens. Corals glow, colorful reef fish seek shelter and predators begin their night hunt. At the same time, coastal forests stir with life, as reptiles, amphibians and insects emerge from their burrows to seek out food in the safety of the shadows. Aquarium by Twilight gives you a glimpse into the unique world of the region's nocturnal creatures and their behaviors as they move about in the darkness with an exclusive 2-hour after hours guided tour.

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: B, D

Day 5 Waterfall, Wetlands, & Skyrail and Dinner at Ochre Restaurant
Accompanied by your private driver-guide, delve into the lush palm forest of Cattana Wetlands and discover the Barron Falls with a Djabugay Aboriginal guide. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Skybury Coffee Plantation before venturing to the charming Emerald Creek Ice Creamery. Conclude your day on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, soaring over and through the breathtaking World Heritage Listed rainforest.

After departing Cairns, head to Cattana Wetlands where your driver-guide takes on on a walk through the heart of a remnant feather palm forest. Traverse the unique landscape, absorbing the tranquil ambiance as you pass by the reflective Jabiru Lake and gain insights into the unique flora and fauna that call this wetland home. Then head to the awe-inspiring Barron Falls, known locally as Din Din. This magnificent waterfall holds profound significance to the Djabugay Aboriginal People, and your experience goes beyond the surface as you receive a warm welcome from a Djabugay cultural guide and hear about the spiritual and historical importance of the falls in their heritage. Visit Australia's oldest coffee plantation and largest papaya grower, Skybury Coffee Plantation. Enjoy a tasty lunch with Skybury's signature touches, and take in the stunning views across the Tablelands whilst you relax and enjoy the locally grown coffee and coffee liqueur tasting. At Emerald Creek Ice Creamery you will have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of 4 different ice-cream flavors, all produced on site at the locally owned ice creamery. End the day with the spectacular Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (gondola may be shared with others). Described as the World's most beautiful rainforest experience, you'll be amazed as you journey over and through World Heritage Listed Rainforest on the cableway. This iconic rainforest experience includes time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, both with lookouts offering spectacular views across the Barron Falls waterfall.

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant
On the waterfront of Cairns, Ochre is recognized internationally as one of the most innovative modern Australian restaurants specializing in fresh seafood, native game, bush foods and premium local produce creating exciting regional Australian Cuisine. Dining at Ochre Restaurant is like a virtual tour through the culinary delights of Australia offering a broad range of dining options presented by award winning chef, Craig Squire.

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 Travel to Maleny
Travel from Cairns to Brisbane by air. Upon arrival you will be transferred by private vehicle to Spicers Tamarind Retreat.

Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Spicers Tamarind Retreat is nestled in the rainforest and is 2 miles from Maleney township and a little over an hour from Brisbane Airport. Situated next to Gardner's Falls in the stunning hinterland region of the Sunshine Coast, the Retreat is an Asian-influenced refuge that spirits you away to another world that is surrounded by natural beauty and healing calmness. Relax in Spa Anise, astonish yourself at the Tamarind Cooking School or just enjoy the stillness of a truly original escape.The intimate and secluded 22 rooms spread across just 14 villas offered and stand-alone luxury in a tropical setting, creating an ideal private space.

Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Meals: B, D

Day 7 Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Today is at your leisure to explore the tranquil rainforest and luxurious Spicers Tamarind Retreat. The on-site spa offers hydrotherapy treatments, a steam room, a mineralized spa, and extensive treatment menu featuring aromatherapy, remedial massage, hot stone massage, and makeup services. A cooking school allows you to learn how to prepare a variety of cuisines under the guidance of expert chefs in a state-of-the-art kitchen that overlooks lush gardens.

Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Meals: B, D

Day 8 Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tour
A tour combining stunning lookouts, rainforest walks and fantastic Aussie wine and cheese. Spot pademelons (mini-kangaroos) on two sub-tropical rainforest walks. Take in the stunning views of the uniquely shaped Glass House Mountains and drive along the ridge of the hinterland with stunning ocean views. Options include award-winning wine, beer and cheese tastings, and strolling through a delightful mountain village.

Today you will enjoy views of the Glasshouse Mountains, learn how the volcanic plugs were formed and the Aboriginal dreamtime story of their creation. At Mary Cairncross Park, enjoy a guided eco-walk through lush, sub-tropical rainforest - an easy 45-minute stroll. Stop by the Australian Wildlife Education Centre as you finish the walk, with a stunning lookout over the Glass House Mountains. Drive along the ridgeline of the beautiful hinterland with sweeping views over the coastline beaches and Pacific Ocean. Wander through the cute mountain village of Montville filled with art galleries, food tastings, funky cafes, souvenirs and handicrafts. Enjoy a superb lunch at a charming café - a local favorite. Take a guided eco-walk through Kondalilla Falls Circuit. ‘Kondalilla' means 'rushing waters' in the local Aboriginal language and describes its waterfall dropping 90 meters into a rainforest valley. The walk includes a variety of native forest types and another smaller waterfall into a natural rock-pool. Head to Flame Hill Winery to relax and taste a variety of the fantastic local wines. You will then be dropped at your Brisbane accommodation.

Emporium Hotel South Bank
Meals: B

Day 9 Tangalooma Marine Discovery Cruise
Depart on the Marine Discovery Cruise, heading out past the wrecks in search of dolphins, dugongs, turtles and more. Go further than land can take you, cruising the Moreton Bay Regions protected marine park. Motor along the bay in a pontoon boat, enabling you to see the marine life beneath the surface, with knowledgeable guides on hand to tell you all about the island and its surrounds. In the afternoon, you will experience a 12 minute scenic helicopter flight, providing amazing views from the air. Back to the ground, use your sunset cocktail voucher (at Wheelhouse Deck or B&B's Bar only) before heading to the jetty to watch the dolphins as they come in at dusk. There is a large family of these playful dolphins that visit regularly, each with their own distinctive and unique personalities, though sightings are not guaranteed.

Emporium Hotel South Bank
Meals: B, L

Day 10 Depart Australia
Ahead of your departure you will be transferred to Brisbane Airport by private vehicle.

Meals: B

Featured Destinations

Spicers Tamarind Retreat

Thala Beach

Brisbane

Brisbane

Laze in the lush riverside gardens of South Bank, then browse the markets and swim in its lagoon. Bike ride in the City Botanic Gardens and abseil the cliffs of Kangaroo Point. Glide down the river on a majestic paddle steamer or take a high-speed ferry to vibrant inner-city villages like Bulimba and New Farm. When culture cravings hit, wander the art galleries and museums, watch a performance by the Queensland Ballet, Opera or Orchestra perform or see cutting-edge theatre in the Powerhouse. In the boating hub of nearby Moreton Bay and Islands, you can swim, sea kayak, snorkel coral reefs, toboggan down the world's tallest sand dune, hire a sail boat or tussle with a marlin.

Five things you should do in Brisbane:

1. Glide down the river and relax in the gardens

Bike ride beneath macadamia trees and mangroves in the City Botanic Gardens or roller blade over a floating walkway. Then cruise down the river in a wooden paddle steamer, spotting pelicans and eastern water dragons. Laze or picnic under the palms on South Bank's 17 hectares of riverside gardens. Here you can swim from the lagoon and pools of Paul Breka Beach, browse the markets, visit a summer open-air cinema and dine alfresco in the sun. Follow an Aboriginal art trail through the bushland in Mount Coot-Tha Reserve, also the place to spot native wildlife and take in panoramic city views. At the foot of the mountain you can wander the tropical zone, rainforests and Japanese gardens of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Cuddle up to koalas and meet possums, kangaroos, wombats, emus and lyrebirds in the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, just a short bus drive from the city centre.

2. Soak up culture and architecture

See the skeleton of a Queensland dinosaur in the Queensland Museum and the work of famous Australian artists in the Queensland Art Gallery. Both sit in the sprawling Queensland Cultural Centre on South Bank. At night, visit the dress circle of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre or catch a show by the Queensland Ballet, Opera or Orchestra. Watch plays, browse art galleries and dine out in the transformed industrial space of the Powerhouse, which towers over the wide, brown river like a post-apocalyptic vision. Brisbane also houses many cultural institutions in fine old civic buildings, such as Customs House, the Treasury Building, Brisbane City Hall, the Commissariat Store and the Old Mill. In Brisbane, sandstone cathedrals and classic Queenslander houses on stilts blend seamlessly with steel and glass skyscrapers.

3. Hit the water and islands of Moreton Bay

Sea kayak from North Stradboke Island or Moreton Island or go deep-sea fishing from Scarborough, Bribie Island, Manly or Raby Bay. Jet ski and windsurf on the Redcliffe Peninsula or kite-surf on Wellington Point. Slide down the world's tallest sand dunes on a toboggan or sand buggy on Moreton Island. Scuba dive with colourful fish, crustaceans, corals and turtles at Cowan's Artificial Reef, Flinders Reef and in the Tangalooma shipwrecks. Watch out for humpback whales between July and October and dolphins and dugongs all year round. Meet colonies of koalas in Victoria Point and hundreds of wading birds in the Egret Colony and Boondall Wetlands. Aqua-bike from Coochiemudlo Island then mountain bike the BMX tracks at Cleveland and Deception Bay. Four wheel drive Moreton, North Stradbroke and Bribie Islands. See Queensland's oldest banyan tree in Cleveland Point, Aboriginal scar trees and middens in the Redlands and Myora Springs and a notorious old convict settlement on St Helena Island.

4. Eat, drink and enjoy in the urban villages

Listen to live music, shop along the lively outdoor mall and feast on Chinatown dumplings in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane's cultural core. Next door in New Farm, you can people watch from trendy cafes, buy gourmet delights from the famous deli and picnic in the riverside parklands. Dine in warehouse converted restaurants and explore the transformed industrial space of the Powerhouse, now a buzzing centre for the live arts. Take the citycat to Bulimba on the river. Then visit pretty Paddington and hop between the popular bars, cafes and restaurants of Latrobe and Given Terraces. Then take in the traditional Queenslander homes which dot the hills and wide-lined streets. Cross the river for the funky restaurants and art house theatres of the West End, the shops of Stones Corner and the brewery of Queensland's most famous beer.

5. Embrace adventure

Abseil or rock climb the Kangaroo Point Cliffs at sunrise or at night when the city is dancing with lights. Climb the Story Bridge for spectacular 360 degree views. Free fall on a tandem sky dive or float over the city in a hot air balloon. You can even glide like a bird over the Sunshine Coast on a motor glider. Travel down the Brisbane River on a golden gondola, historic paddle steamer or wildlife cruise. Or take a luxury whale watching cruise from the Redcliffe Peninsula, just 30 minutes north of Brisbane. Do an eco cruise past Bribie Island and the Glasshouse Mountains to Pumicestone Passage Marine Park. Bushwalk, swim, four wheel drive, spot wildlife and explore glow worm caves on an eco-tour to Springbrook and Lamington National Parks. See the city sights on the back of a Harley Davidson or go horseriding in the sprawling bush on the edge of the city.

Cairns

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

09/01/2024 - 03/31/2025

from $6,670 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $6,670 per person

Length

9 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1537389

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The Carefree Traveler

Main Office - 7171 Cave Creek Road
Carefree, AZ 85377
USA

(480) 488-3111