North Queensland Explorer

• 3 nights quality accommodation in Cairns
• 2 nights premium accommodation in Cooktown
• 2 nights quality accommodation in Port Douglas

• Enjoy 9 meals while on tour

• All national park fees

• On Day 2 travel by air-conditioned bus
• On Days 4, 5 & 6 travel by 4WD air-conditioned bus

• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary (see checkout for details)

Welcome to tropical Far North Queensland! Make your own way to the Bay Village Tropical Retreat for an early afternoon check-in. Nestled among lush tropical gardens, your accommodation is just a 3-minute stroll to the Esplanade and a 10-minute walk from the bustling city centre.

Tropical Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef is a travellers paradise. Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure. Why not pack some swimmers and head to the iconic saltwater swimming lagoon on the Esplanade, then dine at one of the many bars and restaurants in the area.

Overnight: Bay Village Tropical Retreat, Cairns

Meals included: None

Today you’ll get your first taste of the rainforest as you head to Kuranda Village. After breakfast, you will be picked up at 09:00 and taken to the sky rail station where you will embark on a 7.5km scenic gondola ride over the jungle canopy enjoying panoramic views of the coastline and the World Heritage rainforest.

Kuranda is known as the ‘Village in the Rainforest’ and is a quirky and colourful hub for arts and crafts and locally made produce. Kuranda was once the location of choice for hippie communes in the late 1960s, with the rising of the flower power revolution, as a symbol of passive resistance against the Vietnam War. There will be plenty of time to explore the famous markets and shopping village and dine outdoors at one of the many quirky cafes and restaurants. You’ll find lots of locally made clothing, jewellery, wood carvings, ceramics and Indigenous art as well as tasty treats and international cuisine. After feasting on the delights of the market enjoy a stroll in the rainforest, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife around every corner.

Mid-afternoon you will be picked up and return to your tropical hideaway for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Bay Village Tropical Retreat, Cairns

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, explore Cairns at your own leisure. Cairns is known as the adventure capital of Australia and there is no shortage of experiences on offer.

Optional Tour: Reef Magic Cruise - $279 per person
This full-day tour consists of a 90-minute cruise on a catamaran to the exclusive Reef Magic activity pontoon located on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Over the next 5 hours experience the wonders of the reef, both above and below the water. Snorkel in the vibrant coral lagoon on your own or on a Guided Snorkel Safari, hop on the Glass Bottom Boat Tour and Semi-submersible boat tour or try your hand at diving. For those wishing to soak in the tropical warmth, Reef Magic boasts a spacious sundeck. To top off an epic day, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea.

Includes: Morning & afternoon tea, snorkelling equipment, use of lycra suit, hot & cold buffet lunch, underwater observatory, semi-submersible and glass bottom boat tour, marine biology presentation/talk, beverages (tea, coffee, drinking water).

Please note: Transfer is not included. The tour departs from the Reef Fleet Terminal which is an easy stroll down the Cairns Esplanade from your accommodation.

Overnight: Bay Village Tropical Retreat, Cairns

Meals included: Breakfast

It’s time for a real 4WD adventure! This morning, meet your tour leader and embark on the mighty coastal Bloomfield Track to Cooktown. After breakfast, you will be picked up and set off along the Captain Cook Highway Direction North! This section between Cairns and Port Douglas is nestled between the tropical turquoise sea and the luscious green rainforest and offers one of the country's most scenic stretches of road. There will be a brief stop in Port Douglas to drop off the luggage trailer - please note that passengers will be given a duffel bag to take items needed and larger items will be left in the trailer in Port Douglas.

A trip to the far north is not complete without visiting Mossman Gorge. Stop in at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, an award-winning ecotourism facility that provides an immersive experience and authentic engagement with Indigenous Australia. Discover the lush green rainforest and traditional land of the Kuku Yalanji as you wander the elevated boardwalk of Baral Marrjanga. Enjoy free time at the gorge where you can take a dip in the refreshing waters, venture to the Rex Creek suspension bridge or take the Rainforest Circuit Track.

After Mossman, it’s time to head further north - starting with a short crossing across the Daintree River on the ferry before entering the canopy of the world’s oldest rainforest. Take a short stroll along the Kulki boardwalk through dense rainforest and be rewarded with views of the stunning Coral Sea and Cape Tribulation - the only place in the world where two World Heritage Sites meet!

Afterwards, it’s time to head further north on one of the most popular 4WD tracks in Australia, the Bloomfield track. Experience creek crossings, spectacular views, secluded beaches, majestic plants, unexpected wildlife and history. After a full day of travel and adventure, settle into the 4-star Sovereign Resort Hotel, a tropical paradise in the heart of Cooktown and your home for the next two nights.

Overnight: Sovereign Resort Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast at the lodge, it’s time to delve into the history and heritage of the Cooktown area. Located at the mouth of the Endeavor River travel to where Captain Cook in 1770 hoisted the Union Jack and claimed the continent for England. Get out those cameras because the view from Grassy Hill over the Endeavour River and the Coral Sea is simply breathtaking! Continue through to the picturesque Quarantine Bay a pebbly beach, with rainforest-covered slopes of Mt Cook as its backdrop.

Afterwards, you have the rest of the day at leisure, where you can choose to cool off by the pool at the resort or you could choose to visit the James Cook Museum (if open and at your own expense, seasonal opening days). Set in a renovated nineteenth-century covenant school, it contains the original anchor and cannon from the Endeavour and many more treasures.

Overnight: Sovereign Resort Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, it’s time to journey the inland route to Port Douglas but first stopping just outside of Laura at one of the most remarkable aboriginal rock art sites in all of Australia! Behold etchings of strange mythical creatures called Quinkans believed to be approximately 20,000 years old. Laura is the gateway to the Cape York Peninsula, with a permanent population of approximately 100 people, it’s one of the smallest Aboriginal communities in Cape York.

Afterwards, it’s time for the last leg of the journey to Port Douglas, upon arriving in this stunning town you’ll be taken to the lookout for a photo opportunity of the picturesque Four Mile beach before being taken to your accommodation. This is where your tour guide will depart and you will enjoy the next 2 nights.

Overnight: Bay Villas Resort, Port Douglas or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy your day at leisure in this tropical paradise. You may choose to book an outer reef fishing trip, wine and dine at one of the many fabulous restaurants, hire a pontoon boat and go croc spotting or head on a half-day trip to Low Isles - whatever your adventure is, you’re sure to find it in Port Douglas!

Overnight: Bay Villas Resort, Port Douglas or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you will check out from the hotel accommodation by 10:00 and make your own onward travel arrangements.

If you require transportation back to Cairns or the airport you can 15% off as a TripADeal customer with Exemplar Coaches and Limousines. To access this discounted rate call 07 4213 3333 or email reservati[email protected] and quote your TripADeal order number.

Meals included: Breakfast

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 17 March 2024.
 
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $550 applies. 
 
Departure Dates       
2023
July: 2, 30
August: 13, 27
September: 10, 24
October: 8, 22
November: 5, 19
December: 3
 
2024
January: 7, 21
February: 4, 18
March: 3, 17
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.
 
Departure Cities
Cairns

Accommodation Used:
Cairns: Bay Village Tropical Retreat
Accommodation will be in a Standard Room with either a Queen or two single beds (twin bedding subject to availability), whilst being surrounded by the lush tropical gardens within the resort. The resort is perfectly positioned in the city centre, you are just a few minutes’ walk away from the best Cairns has to offer.
 
The room features:
Private bathroom with shower
Cool tiles and tropical furnishing
A/C and ceiling fan
Flat screen TV
Fridge and coffee & tea station
Free Wifi
 
Check in: from 14:00
For early arrivals, there is complimentary luggage storage at the property.
 
Cooktown: Sovereign Resort Hotel
Accommodation will be in a Resort Room, including a Queen sized bed or two single beds (twin bedding subject to availability), a modern and stylish bathroom and a balcony with outdoor seating.
 
The room features:
Flat screen TV
Mini Bar
Free Wifi
A/C and ceiling fan
Coffee and Tea making facilities
Iron & Ironing Board
Hair Dryer
Complimentary Toiletries by Urban Skincare
 
Port Douglas: Bay Villas Resort (or similar)
From the breathtaking colours of the Great Barrier Reef to the green splendour of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation rainforests; from the vibrancy of Port Douglas, to the laid-back tranquillity of Mossman and Daintree townships, the Reef and Rainforest Coast is an international showcase of natural beauty, world-class resorts and tourist attractions.
Among all this is Bay Villas Resort, your Port Douglas accommodation, centrally located, within walking distance of downtown Port Douglas and all amenities. Bay Villas Resort has been designed with an emphasis on spaciousness, functionality, modern comfort, and a touch of tropical style that is North Queensland.
 
Accommodation with be in a spacious studio, with the following features:
1 Queen Bed
35-sq-meter room, balcony with garden views or pool views
Free WiFi
32-inch LCD TV, digital, and DVD player
Kitchenette with refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and cookware/dishware
Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Washer/dryer, safe, and iron/ironing board
Air conditioning
 
Please note: For each of the properties above, housekeeping services won’t be provided during your short stay. 
 
Extra Nights
Not available
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
 
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for Children 12 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
 
Triple Share
Not available
 
Bedding Configuration
Queen or twin bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 8, maximum group size 12 per vehicle.
 
Please note: this tour requires a minimum of 8 passengers to operate and departures are not guaranteed until this minimum number is met. Please refrain from booking travel arrangements such as flights prior to receiving a confirmation email that your departure date has hit minimum numbers and is now guaranteed. This confirmation email will be sent at least 60 days prior to the departure date, and if minimum numbers are not met a date change or refund (in the same form as payment was made) will be offered.
 
Optional Tours/Activities
Reef Magic Cruise - $279 per person 
This full-day tour consists of a 90-minute cruise on a catamaran to the exclusive Reef Magic activity pontoon located on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Over the next 5 hours experience the wonders of the reef, both above and below the water. Snorkel in the vibrant coral lagoon on your own or on a Guided Snorkel Safari, hop on the Glass Bottom Boat Tour and Semi-submersible boat tour or try your hand at diving. For those wishing to soak in the tropical warmth, Reef Magic boasts a spacious sundeck. To top of an epic day, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea. 
 
Includes: Morning & afternoon tea, snorkelling equipment, use of lycra suit, hot & cold buffet lunch, underwater observatory, semi-submersible and glass bottom boat tour, marine biology presentation/talk, beverages (tea, coffee, drinking water).
 
Please note: Transfer is not included. The tour departs from the Reef Fleet Terminal which is an easy stroll down the Cairns Esplanade from your accommodation. 
 
Please note:
• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions
• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone before submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability). 

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Optional gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance

ACCOMMODATION TERMINOLOGY USE
Cairns: Bay Village Tropical Retreat (or similar)
Quality 
A Quality property offers clean and basic accommodation. Guest rooms include a private bathroom and minimal additional amenities. 
 
Cooktown: Sovereign Resort Hotel
Premium
A Premium property is comfortable, well-appointed and provides a good quality of service and level of comfort. Guest rooms are more stylishly decorated than standard accommodation and include a range of enhanced amenities. Properties in the Superior category will likely be central to the main shopping and entertainment area.
 
Port Douglas: Bay Villas Resort (or similar)
Quality 
A Quality property offers clean and basic accommodation. Guest rooms include a private bathroom and minimal additional amenities.
 
TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide: 
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 
 
Tour Leader: 
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 
 
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Cairns and Cooktown are located in Tropical Far North Queensland and as such operate on wet & dry seasons with little temperature variation throughout the year. From November through to March you could expect high humidity and daytime temperatures of 30 to 32 degrees and evening temperatures between 22 to 25 degrees. Both April/May and September/October are the shoulder seasons, with humidity and daytime temperatures of 27 to 29 degrees and evening temperatures ranging from 19 to 24 degrees. June through September are the ‘coldest’ months with the lowest humidity levels. The daytime temperature is approximately 26 degrees and the evening temperature ranges from 17 to 18 degrees. 
 
Luggage:
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and offloading of bags from the vehicle.
 
OTHER
Mobility:
If you would love to travel with Qantas Tours and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.
 
Fitness Level Required:
A low level of fitness will be required. 
Low is described as light walking on well-maintained surfaces, occasional climbing of stairs and ability to get on and off vehicles without assistance and stand for a minimum of 30 minutes in hot/humid conditions. A general level of fitness and mobility.
Please note: If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the Qantas Tour you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.