See the best of Northern Queensland's varied habitats, flora and fauna while staying in unabashed comfort at top locations such as the Daintree Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef and charismatic Outback.
Two highlights are the bird’s eye view during a scenic flight over the vast Outback and a helicopter ride across the Great Barrier Reef, as you explore Queensland’s wilderness on foot, by boat and vehicle.
Mount Mulligan offers an exclusive wilderness experience at an elegant lodge in the Outback with outstanding birdwatching. You then get a taste of tropical rainforest at Daintree National Park before relaxing at a secluded hideaway on the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by turquoise sea.
On arrival in Cairns, transfer to your secluded accommodation on Cairns' Northern Beaches – the perfect place to relax after the long flight.
Accommodation: The Reef House, 1-night
Today, there is time for a leisurely start before you transfer to the airport for a 45-minute scenic flight across the outback to Mount Mulligan, located 180 kilometres to the west of Cairns. Spend the afternoon exploring your new surroundings as you search for a plethora of bird species.
Accommodation: Mount Mulligan Lodge, 3-nights
During your stay at Mount Mulligan, enjoy the ultimate experience of the rugged Outback from a former cattle station. An expert local guide will accompany you on a birding walk along the lakeside trail, or you can take in the peaceful environment from a kayak or paddleboard while spotting herds of wild brumbies (free-roaming feral horses), or if very lucky even a platypus.
Today you fly back to Cairns across the spectacular highlands of the Atherton Tablelands and are transferred to Mossman Gorge River and Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree Rainforest. If time permits, in the afternoon you can canoe or kayak on the main billabong (lagoon) near the lodge, to listen to the sounds of nature, enjoy the incredible birdlife, and marvel at the biodiversity.
Accommodation: Silky Oaks Lodge, 2-nights
You have a full day guided tour to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park and its ancient rainforest. After journeying along the Great Barrier Reef Drive with gorgeous coastal views of the Coral Sea, you embark on a 2-hour wildlife cruise searching for native rainforest birds, reptiles, and amphibians, with highlights including the southern cassowary and enormous saltwater crocodiles.
After your wildlife cruise, you stop at the Daintree Tea House. Enjoy lunch and the surrounding rainforest, with the enchanting sounds of bird calls echoing around you, before moving on to Mossman Gorge. Exploring the forest trails of this ancient landscape allows you to witness the evolutionary complexities of the Daintree and its inhabitants, with good opportunities for birdwatching. There may also be time to enjoy a swim in the incredible freshwater gorge.
In the late afternoon, you return to Port Douglas, where you will be transferred to your accommodation.
This morning you transfer back to Cairns by road (a drive of around 1.5 hours) in time for a flight to Townsville.
Shortly after disembarking, you check in to board your helicopter flight across to Orpheus Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Once you arrive, spend the afternoon relaxing and taking in the magical atmosphere of this hidden paradise.
Accommodation: Orpheus Island Resort, 3-nights
During your stay on the island there are plenty of optional activities from which you can choose: we particularly recommend a trip by chartered boat through the channel between Hinchinbrook Island and Cardwell Coast, or a guided walk on rainforest trails to the famed Zoe and Mulligan Waterfalls in search of saltwater crocodiles.
And, of course, exploring the Great Barrier Reef from this secluded island is an absolute must; you can choose to snorkel or – if suitably qualified – scuba dive to enjoy the unspoilt underwater world in all its vibrant colour.
The best time to see manta rays and migrating humpback whales is between July and September, whereas to witness the annual coral spawning, you should visit between mid-October and mid-November. You can also take an educational tour of the island’s marine research station to meet the scientists and learn about their current projects.
This morning is free for optional activities if you wish, before a lunchtime helicopter ride back to Townsville Airport prior to your flight back to Cairns.
Once you have collected your bags, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your accommodation on the Northern Beaches of Cairns.
Accommodation: The Reef House, 1-night
Spend your time today exploring Cairns and picking up any last-minute souvenirs before you are transferred back to the airport to check in for your international flight.
Cairns is the perfect location to experience Australia’s wonderful biodiversity. From the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and its marine wonders, to the tropical rainforest of Daintree National Park, or the dry, remote outback, everything is just a short distance away. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Outback is the term used to describe Australia’s vast, remote, arid interior – even more remote than "the bush" which refers to any area outside a main urban zone. Due to low, erratic rainfall and infertile soil, it is sparsely settled and over 90% of Australians live in urban areas on the coast. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Daintree is home to the largest range of flora and fauna on earth within Australia’s largest remaining tract of rainforest. This area of around 1,200 square kilometres contains the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare or threatened with extinction of anywhere in the world. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Lying only 80 kilometres north of Townsville amidst the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island boasts 11 kilometres of immaculate coastline, and comprises a pristine national park while the surrounding waters are a UNESCO World Heritage-listed marine park. Find Out More about {acc:title}
The world's largest coral reef system of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands covers an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres. The biggest single structure made by living organisms is composed of, and built by, billions of tiny coral polyps and is easily discernable from space. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Occupying an idyllic location on Orpheus Island on the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by the clear turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, this exclusive, secluded island hideaway accommodates no more than 28 guests at a time in relaxed and indulgent luxury with the highest standards of service. Find Out More about Orpheus Island Resort
Ideally located on the Mossman River, this luxury ecolodge offers a flavour of the natural tropical environment with outstanding views from each treehouse to the canopy. Silky Oaks overlooks a pristine billabong and makes a perfect base for exploring World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park. Find Out More about Silky Oaks Lodge
British Travel Awards
Awarded Silver in Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife 2024 & 2025
Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
Awarded Bronze in Best Travel Company for Wildlife & Nature Holidays 2024
