Cairns to Cooktown Outback and Daintree Tour

Travel from Cairns to Cooktown through the outback and Daintree Rainforest. This tour includes your meals, accommodation and attractions for three days.

This tour has one departure available for 2024: 4th June 2024.

Day One Cairns to Cooktown

This boutique tour explores the diversity that is the Far North Queensland landscape. Following your hotel pick up in Cairns, the tour will travel through the Kuranda Range to Mareeba in the Atherton Tablelands. During the ascent, views of Cairns and the Coral Sea appear as you wind through the rainforest. Then, after leaving the highway, travel through the rainforest by 4WD, including river crossings and a giant Strangler Fig Tree.

Leaving the rainforest behind, the landscape opens up to the Atherton Tablelands before the tour moves on to the Savannah Country of the Queensland outback. Pass by the Black Mountains, which are also known as Kalkaja and on to Archer Point Lighthouse, before arriving in Cooktown.

Day Two Cooktown to Cape Tribulation

In Cooktown, visit Grassy Hill Lookout to take in views of the area before a visit to Captain James Cook Museum explores the history of the area. Departing Cooktown, the tour then heads south to the famous Lions Den Hotel for lunch. Following lunch, the tour travels in 4WD down the Bloomfield Track through Daintree Rainforest. During the trip through Daintree Rainforest, you will visit Bloomfield Falls, Cedar Bay National Park and a boardwalk tour. Arriving in Cape Tribulation, there is then the opportunity to take a walk on the beach and visit Kulki Lookout.

Day Three Cape Tribulation to Cairns

To conclude the tour, the third day starts with a trip to Thornton Beach for some photos and a walk on the beach. Thornton Peak, Queensland’s fourth highest mountain, stretches down to meet the beachfront and as a result, you will enjoy some great nature spotting opportunities. The tour then continues to Alexandra Lookout for views over the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef beyond. Moving on, cross the Daintree River on the cable ferry crossing before joining a nature cruise. Try croc spotting as the guide explains the ecosystem and points out interesting flora and fauna while you cruise down the Daintree River.

Following lunch at Daintree Tea House, the tour moves on to Mossman Gorge for a guided tour. Learn about the history and traditions of the Kuku Yalanji people while walking through the rainforest. Departing Mossman Gorge, take in spectacular views as the bus moves down Captain Cook Highway, undoubtedly one of the most scenic drives in the world. While overlooking the Coral Sea, pass stunning beaches and iconic views before returning to your Cairns accommodation.

If you don’t have three days to spare but would like to tour Cairns, Cooktown, Outback or Daintree you can book an individual Outback, Daintree or Cape Tribulation Tour.

Highlights

  • Full Interpretation and commentary by naturalist guides.
  • Lunch at two iconic locations, Palmer River Roadhouse and Lion’s Den Hotel.
  • Cooktown. Where Captain James Cook stopped to fix his ship, the Endeavour.
  • Grassy Hill. Amazing views over the Endeavour River and the Coral Sea.
  • James Cook Museum. Showcase of local history and architecture.
  • Bloomfield Track. For some 4WD action.
  • Cape Tribulation Beach and Lookout. Where reef meets the rainforest.
  • Daintree Rainforest. Oldest surviving tropical rainforest on earth.
  • Mossman Gorge 1.5hr guided walk and opportunity to swim.
  • Daintree River Cruise. 1-hour with the chance to see crocodiles.

Itinerary

Tour departs Cairns on Tuesdays and returns on Thursdays.

Day 1 – Cairns to Cooktown

Begin your three-day adventure with a pick up at your Cairns accommodation before a 4WD through the rainforest near Kuranda. Stop at Palmer River Roadhouse for lunch followed by an outback drive to Archer Point Lighthouse. Finish the day at Cooktown to stay for the night.

Day 2 – Cooktown to Cape Tribulation

Visit Grassy Hill Lookout and Captain James Cook Museum before the Lions Den Hotel for lunch. Then we follow the famous Bloomfield Track to Cape Tribulation for the night.

Day 3 – Cape Tribulation to Cairns

Start the day with a walk at Thornton Beach before moving on to Alexandra Lookout. We then cross the Daintree River on the vehicle ferry followed by Croc spotting on a Daintree River Cruise. Visit the Daintree Tea House for lunch and then move on to Mossman Gorge for a guided walk through the rainforest. Finish the tour with a scenic drive on the Captain Cook Highway before being dropped off at your Cairns accommodation.

Included

  • Quality accommodation with private facilities
  • All Meals as per itinerary
  • All National Park entries fees
  • Daintree River Cruise
  • Entry to James Cook Museum

 

What to bring

  • Camera
  • Comfortable clothing and footwear
  • Wallet
  • Hat
  • Water and Water Bottle
  • Insect Repellent and Sunscreen 30+
  • Luggage is restricted to ONE Soft Bag (no suitcases) weighing no more than 10kgs + ONE Small Backpack/Day Pack

How to get there

Pick up from your Cairns or Port Douglas accommodation is included. Please advise your location when booking.

Important Information

  • Seasonal weather conditions and operational requirements may cause a variation in the tour itinerary. The operator reserves the right to substitute or modify if required. Departure and Return times are approximate.
  • We endeavour to room guests with ensuite facilities where available.
  • This tour is not suitable for infants.
  • Single Travelers must purchase the optional extra “single supplement” as we don’t offer shared rooms with other single travellers. Contact our team to book the single rate if required.
  • Please read our terms and conditions carefully.

Tour Features

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Cairns to Cooktown Outback and Daintree Tour Tours

Twin Share

Travel from Cairns to Cooktown through the outback and Daintree Rainforest. This tour includes your meals, accommodation and attractions for three days.

Departs

Single

Sole Occupancy, travel from Cairns to Cooktown through the outback and Daintree Rainforest. This tour includes your meals, accommodation and attractions for three days.

Departs