12 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.
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
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, Great Barrier Reef cruise aboard Quicksilver and explore Magnetic Island’s tropical paradise
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel
✓ 12 days intermediate car rental, including unlimited kilometres and NIL damage excess
✓ 11 nights in deluxe 4-star accommodation
✓ 11 meals: 9 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
✓ Full day small group Great Barrier Reef 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 AVIS Cairns Airport collection point. Once you have collected your vehicle, it’s time to set off on your incredible Tropical Queensland road trip!
Make your way to your Cairns accommodation where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
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.
Check-in time for your Great Barrier Reef day trip is 9:15am at the Quicksilver office on Wharf Street.
The Quicksilver Cruise will take you to the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, to an underwater world of vibrant colours and fauna. Whilst here, you will be able to dive (additional cost), snorkel or stay dry aboard, with numerous activities to suit all people.
Take a trip on the semi-submersible coral reef tour (included), approximately 25 mins, which includes commentary on the marine life observed during the journey, as well as an overview of the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
The Quicksilver’s unique viewing platform has an underwater observatory which allows a different perspective of the surrounding reef. You may be able to glimpse butterfly fish, parrot fish, angel fish and gropers playing undeterred in their natural habitat.
Morning and afternoon tea, lunch, all snorkelling equipment, qualified lifeguard supervision, stinger/lycra suits and buoyancy aids are all included and provided.
Note: please bring towels and swimwear, cash for drinks at the bar, credit card for shopping and optional tours, hat, sunscreen, underwater “digital” cameras can be hired onboard (limited numbers).
Optional activities bookable whilst onboard:
Return to Port Douglas at approximately 5pm where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Early this morning, 4:30am, you will be transferred from your Port Douglas accommodation to Cairns Airport in time for your scenic coastal flight north to Cooktown.
Your driver guide will meet you on arrival into Cooktown Airport, where you will make your way towards Cooktown, stopping along the way at historical landmarks visited by Captain James Cook during his time in the area.
Other notable sites during your tour include; Cooktown Cemetery, a guided tour of James Cook Museum, the botanic gardens, before stopping for lunch at Nature’s Powerhouse Cafe.
After lunch, we commence our journey south, through the Queensland outback along the Mulligan Highway. There will be numerous brief stops during the drive; Black Mountain, Byerstone Range Lookout and the Palmer River Roadhouse.
Upon arriving back in Port Douglas, you will be dropped off at your accommodation - approximately 6:00pm.
Spend today at your leisure.
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.
The trip visits many different habitats, from lowland to highland tropical rainforest, each housing a remarkable concentration of flora & fauna. This is a great scenic tour & the best tour for seeing the widest range of native plants, mammals, reptiles & birds all in their natural environment. As it is a day & night tour covering various elevations it enables you to truly experience the full majesty of the rainforest. Your experienced guide will explain the local history, soils, geography, environment, indigenous people, plants & wildlife. Your guide will also help you with spotting the wildlife which can sometimes be elusive.
Includes: return transfers from accommodation, afternoon tea, dinner, wet weather gear, guide
Duration: 6 hours (3pm to 9pm)
Continue your Tropical Queensland road trip towards Magnetic Island via Townsville. As you drive along the coast, it’s worthwhile planning ahead if you wish to venture into Girringun National Park to view the amazing waterfalls and rock formations.
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.
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
All good things must come to an end! At the appropriate time today make your way to the airport where you will return your rental vehicle.
Check out & departure information.
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 a standard Vehicle:
You may want to upgrade your car hire to a AVIS standard vehicle, 5 Door Sedan, 4 Cylinders, Smart Cruise Control, Reversing Camera/Sensors, Smartphone Connectivity - Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar for an extra $300 per person, or $600 for solo travellers
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included):
You can opt to drive your own vehicle. A total of $200 per person (two people booking) or $400 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price.
Please select this option during the purchase and the amount will be reduced from the total price. As this trip is on request, this adjustment will be reflected in your confirmation invoice.
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.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Upgrade to a standard Vehicle:
You may want to upgrade your car hire to a AVIS standard vehicle, 5 Door Sedan, 4 Cylinders, Smart Cruise Control, Reversing Camera/Sensors, Smartphone Connectivity - Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar for an extra $300 per person, or $600 for solo travellers
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included):
You can opt to drive your own vehicle. A total of $200 per person (two people booking) or $400 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price.
Please select this option during the purchase and the amount will be reduced from the total price. As this trip is on request, this adjustment will be reflected in your confirmation invoice.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after 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.
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 $2,932.00 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 recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
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):
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.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 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 and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”
By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can assist with flying the airline of your choice to turn your booking into a flight inclusive package.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
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