13 Day Tropical Queensland Deluxe Road Trip
This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
Leave your passport at home, get your snacks and driving playlist sorted – it’s Road Trippin’ time! From local weekend escapes to 4WD outback adventures. Road Trips are dedicated to discovering your own backyard and this expansive country.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including a guided tour and scenic flight to Cooktown and the Daintree Rainforest, small group cruise to Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef, explore Magnetic Island’s tropical paradise, and discover the ancient lava tubes of Undara
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel
✓ 9 days medium-size car rental, including unlimited kilometres and NIL damage excess
✓ 12 nights in deluxe 4-star accommodation
✓ 14 meals: 12 Breakfasts and 2 lunches
✓ 2 nights in a secluded treehouse amongst World Heritage-listed rainforest and mountains
✓ 2 nights on Magnetic Island, a tropical paradise home to palm-fringed beaches and coral reefs
✓ Full day guided tour and scenic flight to Cooktown, Cape Tribulation and the ancient Daintree Rainforest including lunch including lunch
✓ Witness thousands of micro-bats emerge from the ancient Undara lava tubes during a guided tour including sparking wine and cheese
✓ Full day small group Great Barrier Reef and Green Island snorkelling cruise including lunch
✓ Return car-ferry transfers to Magnetic Island, giving you the freedom to explore the island at your leisure
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Cairns! On arrival, collect your rental vehicle from the Hertz Cairns Airport collection point. Once you have collected your vehicle, it’s time to set off on your incredible Tropical Queensland road trip!
The drive between Cairns and Port Douglas is one of Australia’s great drives. The Great Barrier Reef Drive hugs the tropical coast and ancient rainforest, making for plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Depending on what time you are travelling, you may wish to stop in Palm Cove before arriving in Port Douglas.
On arrival in Port Douglas, check in to your hotel and start exploring this stunning destination. It’s no surprise that Port Douglas is one of Australia’s favourite holiday spots, and you have three nights to enjoy the balmy climate and relaxed atmosphere.
Check in & arrival information.
Hotel check in is at 2pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.
Today is yours at leisure to explore what Port Douglas and the Tropical North has to offer. Choose from our range of optional tours, or spend the day relaxing by the luxurious pool.
The traditional fishing ground of the Kuku Yalanji people has three diverse ecosystems: beach, mangrove and coastal reef. Join a member of the Kubirri Warra clan on their daily journey through these ecosystems to spear and gather food for their family. You will be introduced to their traditional fishing and gathering techniques that have been passed down through generations and are still used today by their people.
Afterwards, travel to Mossman Gorge Centre where you are greeted with a traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Aboriginal people with specialised cultural knowledge to welcome people to their land. Enjoy a delicious lunch infused with local flavours served in the Mossman Gorge Mayi Café at the edge of the rainforest.
After lunch, wander through the lush rainforest of Manjal Dimbi (Mossman Gorge); home of the Kuku Yalanji rainforest people. Experience one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful rainforests with your Adventure North Australia Aboriginal guide. Enjoy an easy walk across boardwalks, tracks and bridges that protect the delicate ecosystem and learn about the Kuku Yalanji’s people’s special relationship with this environment.
Departs at approx 9am
Concludes at approx 5.30pm
What to bring : Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimmers and a bottle of water.
Enjoy a later start to your day with a relaxed experience of the Great Barrier Reef with a snorkelling and sailing tour to Low Isles. Enjoy the island during the quiet time of day with a guided snorkel tour over the beautiful coral gardens by a marine biologist and swim with turtles in their natural habitat. Continue to enjoy your afternoon on the glass bottom boat with an interesting reef talk by our skipper and join our experienced guide to explore the history and nature of Low Isles with an Island Heritage Walk. Enjoy a delicious light lunch, afternoon tea and a selection of canapés. Beverages are also included to top off the day. As the sun sets, enjoy the thrill of pure sailing on Sailaway V, a luxury Lagoon 500 sailing catamaran, with ambient music and spectacular mountain views of the Daintree Rainforest. This tour exclusively caters to adults and with a small number of guests, ensures personal attention and 1st class service.
Departs at approx 1pm
Concludes at approx 6.30pm
Includes: light lunch on arrival, Snorkelling equipment & optical masks, Seasonal lycra snorkelling suits, wetsuits & flotation devices. Guided Snorkel tour with a marine guide and a Glass bottom boat viewing & reef interpretation
Enjoy a historical rail journey to Kuranda, enjoying breathtaking views across the cane fields of Cairns, to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda. Upon arrival in Kuranda, it’s time to explore this fascinating village. The Heritage Markets operate 7 days a week and are full of colourful and interesting arts and crafts. You might also like to visit Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Kuranda Koala Gardens (own expense). Your Kuranda Boarding Pass also offers discounted entry into selected Kuranda attractions. At the specified time, your shuttle coach will transfer you to Rainforestation, set in 40 hectares of lush gardens and tropical rainforest, where a number of unique attractions await you. Board the unusual amphibious Army Duck for a different look at the rainforest. Also included in your tour is the Koala & Wildlife Park. The shuttle bus will then take you back to Kuranda. Enjoy your 7.5km journey over and through the World Heritage protected Rainforest. Your Boarding Pass is your ticket for this iconic rainforest experience that includes time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations. Explore rainforest boardwalks and lookouts and the Rainforest Interpretation Centre. Complimentary guided boardwalk tours are offered throughout the day at Red Peak Station. Afterwards, board your transfer back to your hotel.
Departs at approx 8am
Concludes at approx 5.30pm
Today, pack the car and start your drive inland through lush rainforests and sugar cane plantations towards the Atherton Tablelands. Make sure to stop at Rex Range Lookout for incredible views back towards the coast, before stopping at Mareeba for a coffee and to stretch the legs. Nearby Mareeba is Granite Gorge, a stunning natural area with walking trails, a river and magnificent granite boulders. Stop here for a walk and you may spot the local Mareeba rock wallabies.
From here it’s about an hour drive to your rainforest hideaway in the Atherton Tablelands. On arrival at Rose Gum Wilderness Retreat, you will be greeted by your hosts and taken to your secluded tree house accommodation. This is a truly unforgettable experience as you are enveloped by lush rainforest. Each treehouse has a private balcony with views towards the World Heritage-listed mountains and rainforest. You will experience total privacy as the treehouses are situated over 100 metres from each other. Settle in to your accommodation and light the wood burning fireplace for a truly magical two nights in the forest.
Approximate distance driven: 148km
Today is yours at leisure to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of your retreat. After breakfast, head out to explore the many walking trails on the property. You may wish to take part in the free 8am wildlife viewing to see the Musky Rat-Kangaroo, the most primitive and smallest of all kangaroos.
There are a number of quaint small towns nearby home to great coffee and fresh tropical produce. Why not visit the small town of Millaa Millaa for a bite to eat, before witnessing the magic of Millaa Millaa Falls. The nearby Ellinjaa Falls and Zillie Falls are also a must see during a stay in the Atherton Tablelands.
Continue your Tropical Queensland road trip today as you head further inland towards Savannah Country. Watch the landscape change from lush rainforest to outback Savannah as you approach the ancient lava fields of Undara Volcanic National Park.
On arrival, check in to your beautifully restored Queensland Rail carriage accommodation. Standing underneath shady gum trees, your carriage has a private ensuite and a shared deck.
Tonight, enjoy a big sky sunset with sparkling wine and cheese while your Savannah Guide unlocks the secrets of this timeless land. Then, at dusk, be taken to the entrance of a lava tube for a nature experience you’ll never forget!
Thousands of tiny insect-eating micro-bats emerge from the darkness to find food which, in the warmer months, attracts Pythons and Brown Tree Snakes that hang from the trees and strike out at the bats to capture a meal. This once in a lifetime nature experience.
Approximate distance driven: 198km
This morning, awaken your taste buds with Undara Experience’s famous Bush Breakfast at the Ringers’ Camp. Freshly brewed billy tea and a delicious selection of hot and cold food is available before you continue your drive back towards the coast.
Continue your Tropical Queensland road trip towards Townsville. Take in the vast expanses and big skies of the Savannah Country as you pass termite mounds, basalt hills and ancient lava fields. There are few services along this route so it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you have enough supplies for the journey. As you approach the coast, nestled between the Hervey Mountain Range, is the Hervey Range Heritage Tea Rooms. This is a perfect place to rest and refresh before the final leg of your drive to Townsville.
On arrival in Townsville, check in to your hotel and explore this fabulous seaside city.
Approximate distance driven: 429km
At your preferred time, make your way to the Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal to board your car-ferry. Please note loading time is 20 minutes prior to departure, ensure you are at the terminal at least 20 minutes prior to departure to avoid missing the service.
On arrival at Magnetic Island, check-in to your waterfront hotel for your 2-night stay in paradise.
Today is yours to spend as you wish on Magnetic Island. The island is home to 23 beaches, tropical rainforest, coral reefs and numerous hiking trails. Magnetic Island National Park covers almost half of the island. A highlight of the park is the 1.5 hour Forts Walk, taking you past WWII forts, stunning views and maybe even a koala.
Magnetic Islands reefs are a haven for snorkelling and diving. You might like to spend the day out on the reef, or set up on the beach for a day of relaxation.
If you are dining out tonight we recommend Saltwater Restaurant, located an 8 minute walk from your hotel. Saltwater serves Modern Asian fusion cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood and quality ingredients in an idyllic setting.
After breakfast, reboard the ferry to Townsville to continue your Tropical Queensland road trip.
Your drive today takes you north along the Bruce Highway to Mission Beach. En route, you may wish to take a one-hour detour to visit Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall, Wallaman Falls. Plunging 268 metres from the cliffs above, Wallaman Falls is not to be missed and is easily accessible from the carpark.
On arrival in Mission Beach, check in to your hotel and start exploring this beautiful seaside town. Mission Beach is actually made up of four beach villages linked by 14 kilometres of pristine white sand and fringed by palm trees. There are plenty of things to do here, including a visit to Dunk Island. This nature lover’s paradise is only a 10-minute water taxi ride from Mission Beach and is well worth the visit.
Tonight, venture out to one of the many restaurants Mission Beach has to offer, or reach for the room service menu and enjoy a night in.
Approximate distance driven: 234km
After breakfast this morning, load up your car for the final leg of your Tropical Queensland road trip. En route, why not stop at Etty Bay, where you have a good chance of seeing wild cassowaries strolling casually along the beach.
On arrival in Cairns, check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Approximate distance driven: 138km
Enjoy a stunning coastal scenic flight from Cairns to Cooktown; catching glimpses of the Coral Sea, World Heritage Rainforest and rugged coastline. Arrive and explore historic Cooktown with comprehensive commentary from our driver guide as you visit the town’s iconic locations. Enjoy a return coach journey via the Mulligan Highway, seeing the distinct difference between the two bordering environments of the Coastal Rainforest and Outback.
Today, embark on your Great Barrier Reef and Green Island tour. Your day begins with a leisurely sail to Pinnacle Reef, situated on the edge of Green Island. Here you can enjoy a swim, snorkel, or just relax. Ocean Free’s exclusive mooring ensures that the ocean is uninterrupted by crowds. The “bommies” (coral outcrops) and coral gardens, from just 1 metre under the surface, are teeming with life and make viewing easy. Tenders are provided to take you to Green Island, where you can spend the day walking around the lush rainforest, sunbathing on the pure white sand, or enjoying a cocktail from the beach bar. Delight in the tropical buffet lunch on board Ocean Free, and toast to the day with your complimentary glass of wine as you sail back to the mainland.
On arrival back in Cairns, enjoy the evening at your leisure. We recommend a visit to Ochre Restaurant on the Waterfront. This modern Australian restaurant has garnered international attention for its innovative use of fresh Australian ingredients.
All good things must come to an end! At the appropriate time today make your way to the airport or continue your onward journey.
Check out & departure information.
A taxi or Uber to Cairns airport from your accommodation costs approximately $15 per car. Hotel check out is at 11am. You are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area if departing later.
Upgrade to an Intermediate SUV - Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
You may want to upgrade your car hire to an Intermediate SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group K) or Similar for an extra AUD$200 in total.
Upgrade to a Large SUV - Toyota Kluger or similar
Full Size SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group H) or Similar for an extra AUD$775 in total.
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
A total of AUD$230 per person (two people booking) or AUD$460 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price. As this trip is on request, this adjustment will be reflected in your confirmation invoice.
Driving in Winter
Whilst Tasmanian roads are well maintained, during snowy weather in the winter months, some roads may be temporarily closed to all but all wheel drive vehicles. If travelling in winter, please consider upgrading your car hire to an all wheel drive one. See below under Car Hire Upgrade for more information & prices
Drivers Licence Requirement
Avis Australia will rent to drivers that present a current drivers licence. The renter has to have held the licence for 12 months. Avis Australia will not rent to any person on a Provisional or Probationary licence.
If foreign licence is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an International Drivers Permit (containing an English translation).
Age Requirement
Medium size cars, minimum 21 years of age
SUVs & larger vehicles, minimum 25 years of age
Additional Drivers
Additional Driver fees will apply to each individual additional driver - with the exception of the lead driver’s spouse.
* $5.00 + GST per day, per additional driver
* Max charge of $25.00 + GST per additional driver (5 day max charge)
It is essential that proof of a valid driver’s licence is provided and that the additional driver signs the rental agreement.
The Spouse of the Lead Driver includes someone (of any gender) they are married to or in a relationship with.
Digital Drivers License
A Digital Drivers License is not accepted. Drivers require a hard copy license until further notice.
Rates Include
Vehicle Registration Fee (VRF), Administration Fee, Goods & Services Tax (GST),
Premium Location Surcharge (PLS) / Concession Recovery Fee (CRF), Loss Damage Waiver, Unlimited Kilometres, Nil Damage Excess.
Please note: The renter must always pay to Avis the following costs and fees:
The cost of repairing any:
· (a) ‘Overhead Damage’ means damage (excluding hail damage) to the Vehicle during the Rental Period above the top of the front and back windscreens, damage to third party property, caused by the Vehicle coming into contact with anything overhanging or obstructing its path, objects being placed on the roof of
the Vehicle, or You or any person standing or sitting on the roof of the Vehicle;
· (b) ‘Underbody Damage’ means damage to the Vehicle during the Rental Period caused by the Vehicle coming into contact with anything below the bottom of the door seal and the bottom of the front and rear bumper bars where Avis considers, acting reasonably, that the driver of the Vehicle is reasonably at fault for that damage;.
(c) You driving the Vehicle in a manner that results in total or partial inundation or immersion of the Vehicle in water or exposure of the Vehicle to salt water (including, without limitation, damage which occurs as a result of You driving the Vehicle through floods, creeks or rivers);
(d) damage to the Vehicle caused by a breach of clause 3, 4.1, 5.1 or 5.6 of the Avis Australia Rental Terms and Conditions (save, in respect of clause 4.1(m), for minor infractions);
(e) damage to a tyre or an Accessory not attributable to Fair Wear and Tear that is caused deliberately or recklessly by You;
(f) theft of the Vehicle, unless You report the Vehicle as stolen to the police immediately on becoming aware of the theft and provide a copy of the police report to Avis as soon as you receive it; or(g)
loss or damage to Your property, the property of a member of Your immediate family or of a person related to You if that loss or damage is from a breach of these terms and conditions.
The cost of any professional cleaning or odour extraction incurred by Avis because the driver or another person has been smoking in the Vehicle during the Rental Period and/or a reasonable administrative fee reflecting the cost of making arrangements for professional cleaning or smoke extraction.
For the purposes of paragraphs (a) to (g) above, any reference to You includes an Authorised Driver and any person You or the Authorised Driver allow to drive the Vehicle.
Rates Exclude
Airport Concession Fee, Fuel, Optional Extras (baby seats, snow chains etc)
Deposits
All rentals are subject to a deposit at the time of vehicle collection to cover miscellaneous/optional charges and may also have to cover the applicable insurance excess and a $100.00 fuel bond. A credit or debit card is required. Avis Australia accepts all major credit cards. Debit cards will be accepted if they meet the following requirements: Be issued by a recognised bank, Display the Visa or Master Card logo and hologram, Display the Cardholder Name and Display the Card Number. Prepaid and Reloadable Debit Cards as well as Travel Cards and EFTPOS cards will not be accepted.
The amount of the deposit is not debited to the card at rental collection; an authority only is taken until the conclusion of the rental when any applicable charges will be debited. All renters must provide a credit card or approved debit card to enable LINKT to directly charge their applicable toll fees.
Restricted Driving Roads/Areas
The below detailed driving restrictions apply to rentals on Avis Tour Rates. Should the Avis vehicle be driven over the restricted roads / areas detailed below, or on the Rental Agreement, Avis Coverage will be void. Vehicle hire is subject to satisfactory road and weather conditions at all times.
General
The vehicle must only be used on roads that are properly formed and constructed as sealed, metalled or gravel roads (Unless the Vehicle is a 4 wheel drive vehicle).
All vehicles cannot be driven on beaches or through streams, dams, rivers or floodwaters. Vehicles may not be driven above the snow line.
Avis full Rental Terms & Conditions can be found HERE.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request:
Upgrade to an Intermediate SUV - Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
You may want to upgrade your car hire to an Intermediate SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group K) or Similar for an extra $200 in total.
Upgrade to a Large SUV - Toyota Kluger or similar
Full Size SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group H) or Similar for an extra $775 in total.
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
A total of $230 per person (two people booking) or $460 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price. As this trip is on request, this adjustment will be reflected in
You can enhance your holiday by arriving early or staying longer upon conclusion of the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post tour accommodation
Pre and Post accommodation is subject to availability and pricing may differ based on your season of travel.
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “2”.
2 – Leisurely: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,990 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not Available
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
This package is made up of multiple components which will be provided by different operators throughout your trip. As such, group size will differ between operators and can be as intimate as 2 people or as lively as up to 60 people, depending on the activity and advertised inclusions. There may be unique cases where your selected travel date exceeds the expected group size for special events or types of activities, particularly during popular times of travel. For packages that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.
When travelling with a group, no matter the size, we ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.
Tour Styles - This package is a Independent style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Please note: As all tours operate on the same day, you may only select one optional tour
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability. We appreciate your understanding.