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Brisbane · Queensland · Australia

9 Day Daintree, Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef (Private Single)

Starting From From $5,172.05 per person Current Project Expedition rate
9 Days 4.01 / 5 0 reviews Easy activity level Small Group Multiday Trip Operated by Autopia Tours (Victoria/New South Wales/Queensland)
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The Experience

What your day looks like

This 9-day Comfort Tour stands out with its expertly curated, small-group experience that blends Australia's iconic destinations with authentic local encounters and eco-conscious travel. With premium accommodation, included flights, immersive Indigenous experiences, and exclusive activities like the Red Cat Whitsundays cruise and Daintree eco-cruise, it’s the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation for comfort-seeking travellers. Designed for those who want more than just sightseeing — this tour delivers connection, culture, and unforgettable moments.

At a Glance

The experience, in brief

  • Smallgroup tour of Australia’s top destinations & hidden gems
  • Premium stays, included flights & exclusive eco experiences
  • Indigenous culture, Red Cat Whitsundays & Daintree adventures
Your Itinerary

Your day, step by step

Day 1

Brisbane

Sightseeing at Brisbane River. Day 1: Brisbane It’s Bris-vegas baby, Queensland’s capital aka Brisbane, soon to be home of the summer Olympics. Laidback, sunny, optimistic, buzzing – in many ways it’s the quintessential Aussie city. Meet your fellow travellers and friendly guide at 5pm in the hotel reception. After a brief welcome meeting, we head off on an evening orientation tour, and a chance to enjoy a meal together (optional) at a local restaurant. Included Activities: Get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome meeting and dinner Meals: None. Driving Distance: No driving. Walking Distance: Short easy walk.

Continued

Brisbane

Overnight stay at The Point Hotel Brisbane.

Day 2

Airlie Beach

Sightseeing at Airlie Beach, Queensland. Day 2: Brisbane to Airlie Beach Airport time! It’s up, up, and away, as we take the plane to Airlie beach, the jewel in the magnificent Whitsundays crown. It’s another choose-your-own-adventure day: take a stroll through the town, find a cool little bar, or explore the local swimming hole, the choice is yours. Included Activities: Domestic Flight to the Whitsunday Coast Free afternoon & evening to explore Airlie Beach Meals: Breakfast. Driving Distance: 40 kms. Domestic Flight: From Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsundays) included. 1 hour 50 minutes (990 km).

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Airlie Beach

Overnight at Mantra Club Croc in Airlie Beach

Day 3

Airlie Beach

Snorkeling at Whitsunday Islands. Day 3: Airlie Beach & Whitsunday Islands After breakfast, we’re heading out on a full-day speedboat cruise through the postcard-perfect Whitsunday Islands, including a stop at the iconic Whitehaven Beach aboard the award-winning Red Cat Adventures Thundercat vessel. Words can’t quite capture the dazzling white sands, azure waters, and lush greenery of this incredible corner of the world (so we won’t try!). Get up close by snorkelling among colourful coral, playful fish, and maybe even a sea turtle or two. Afterwards, unwind at your own pace or head into town to discover the best local food and drink spots. Included Activities: Whitsundays Islands day cruise including snorkelling, Whitehaven beach visit, Hill Inlet walk and lunch Meals: Breakfast & Lunch. Driving Distance: Full day fast boat trip. Approx 8 hours. 46 kms. Walking Distance: Short Easy guided walks (2 km total) / Hill inlet look out point over looking whitehaven beach.

Continued

Airlie Beach

Overnight at Mantra Club Croc in Airlie Beach

Day 4

Mission Beach

Sightseeing at Bruce Highway. Day 4: Mission Beach A change of scenery today as we head through undulating cane fields to picturesque Mission Beach. This afternoon, kick back and enjoy yourself. This is your chance to catch up on some reading, or just sit by the pool with a cold drink and enjoy this tropical paradise. We may be even lucky enough to spot some wallabies or cassowary in the wild! Included Activities: Scenic drive along the Bruce Highway. Meals: Breakfast. Driving Distance: 505kms (Biggest drive day) Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points.

Continued

Mission Beach

Overnight at Mission Beach Resort.

Day 5

Cairns

Nature Walks at Atherton Tableland. Day 5: Cairns via the Atherton Tablelands Enjoy breakfast before we travel into the wet tropics of Far North Queensland. We'll discover a magnificent plunge waterfall nestled in dense tropical rainforest en-route to the Atherton Tablelands. Take a dip in the cool water before we head to Lake Eacham, a crater lake with crystal-clear water, and visit the massive ‘Curtain Fig Tree’. We'll finish the day in Cairns, one of Australia's most vibrant, tropical and energetic cities. Included Activities Scenic Atherton tablelands tour including a volcanic crater lake, stunning waterfalls and a chance to spot wild platypus Meals: Breakfast Driving Distance: 220 kms Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points

Continued

Cairns

Overnight at Crystalbrook Flynn Hotel Cairns.

Day 6

Cairns

Snorkeling at The Great Barrier Reef. Day 6: Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef It’s one of the highlights of any trip to Australia: the Great Barrier Reef. Today, we will take a cruise to the famed reef, where we’ll go snorkelling to see incredible marine life. Learn about this special reef with conservation commentary, onboard a 20 metre luxury motor catamaran. This is the big one, so get the camera ready! After a great day at one of the seven natural wonders of the world (and the only one seen from space), join us for an optional dinner to share stories of our adventures together! Included Activities: Great Barrier Reef day cruise with Ocean Freedom - including snorkelling, glass bottom boat and buffet lunch Optional Activity – Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Driving Distance: Full day fast boat trip. Approx 6.5 hours. 30 kms Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points

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Cairns

Overnight at Crystalbrook Flynn Hotel Cairns.

Day 7

Brisbane

Local Flavor at Kuranda, Queensland. Day 7: Kuranda and Port Douglas It’s go, go gondola, as we take an incredible gondola ride over ancient rainforest, the Barron River, and the surrounding mountains on our way to picturesque Kuranda with its colourful markets. Then, it’s a trip north to the chilled out village of Port Douglas, where you can choose to join the group for dinner,drinks and the stunning sunset. Included Activities - Skyrail gondola ride over the rainforest canopy - Kuranda markets - Port Douglas orientation tour Meals: Breakfast Driving Distance: 100 kms Walking Distance: Short easy walks / look out points

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Port Douglas

Overnight stay at Paradise Links Resort in Port Douglas.

Day 8

Mossman

Nature Walks at Mossman Gorge. Day 8: Mossman Gorge & First Nations experience Ease into the day with a relaxed morning in beautiful Port Douglas — exactly as it should be. Stroll through the vibrant Sunday markets, grab a locally brewed coffee, and soak up the ocean views. Later, we’ll head to Mossman Gorge in the ancient Daintree Rainforest for a guided walk through lush jungle, flowing streams, and towering trees. In the afternoon, connect with the land and its people during an immersive cultural experience with the Kuku Yalanji people. Learn about traditional customs, bush foods, and the deep spiritual ties they hold to Country — a truly memorable encounter. Included Activities Visit to vibrant local markets Visit Mossman Gorge for an incredible walk through the rainforest Kuku Yalanji (First Nations) immersive cultural experience Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Driving Distance: 25 kms Walking Distance: 2.5 kms / 1.5 hour guided walk Mossman gorge rainforest. Anyone unable to walk that distance has the option to wait for the group to return.

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Mossman

Sightseeing. Overnight stay at Paradise Links Resort in Port Douglas.

Day 9

Cape Tribulation

Nature Walks at Daintree Rainforest. Day 9: Daintree Rainforest walk, Cape Tribulation & Crocodile/nature cruise It’s another big day – we’re going deeper into the tropical World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, and Cape Tribulation (don’t worry, it’s just a name!) on a short ferry. We’ll take a walk through the ancient rainforest and meet the local family who hosted David Attenborough’s documentary crew whilst keeping our eyes peeled for ancient cassowary, birds and other wildlife. In the afternoon we cruise the Daintree River (Julaymba) on the eco-friendly Solar Whisper, a quiet solar-powered boat, for an immersive wildlife experience. Spot crocodiles, birds, frogs, snakes, and more with the help of your expert guide and the unique "CROC CAM”. We take a wonderful coastal drive back to Cairns, where your tour ends on arrival around 6pm. If you need help with post tour accommodation, please let us know as we can help! Thanks for a wonderful adventure together! Included Activities Guided rainforest walk & with a chance to spot ancient cassowary birds and other wildlife Eco-friendly crocodile and nature cruise on the Daintree River Scenic coastal drive back to Cairns Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Driving Distance: 160 kms Walking Distance: 7 km / 2 hour guided walk Daintree rainforest. Anyone unable to walk that distance has the option to wait for the group to return.

Before You Go

What to know before booking

Included

All National Park entry fees included First Nations cultural experience Atherton Tablelands guided tour Whitsunday Island & Whitehaven beach day trip & snorkel Great Barrier Reef day cruise - incl. snorkelling gear & glass bottom boat Kuranda Skyrail gondola ride over lush rainforest Guided rainforest, gorge, river cruise & lookout walks Hosted by an experienced driver-guide, with local tour commentary All transport (private small-group vehicle, domestic flight BNE>PPP & boat trips) Brisbane meeting point / Cairns drop-off points

Not Included

Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - plenty of opportunity will be provided to purchase food along the way or dine out with the group. Pre- or post-tour accommodation is available on request at an additional cost. Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point. Optional activities and/or tours, and hire equipment extra. Optional Activity – Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef Personal travel insurance is highly recommended Spending money for personal items and expenses International flights are not included

What to Bring

- 1L Refillable water bottle. - Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen. - Beach towel and toiletries. - Bathers or swimwear, flip-flop shoes (beach thongs). - Comfortable sturdy walking shoes (closed-toe shoes). - All-weather clothing (In case of extreme conditions day/night). - Overnight bag 20kg & small day pack 5kg. - Personal medicine if required; for any pre-existing medical issues, please let us know at the time of booking. - Flashlight or torch (optional). - Insect repellent & camera. - Money for snacks and meals. - A sense of adventure!

Restrictions

This fare type is for Adults 18+ and over. Children aged 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times and stay in Private double/twin rooms.

Meeting & Pickup

Meeting point The Point Brisbane Hotel - 21 Lambert St Brisbane. Get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome meeting and an evening orientation tour at 5:00pm.

Languages Offered

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Before Booking

All travellers are required at the time of booking, to include date of birth, food allergies, title or gender for rooming configuration, a contact phone number, travel insurance policy and passport details.

Planning Notes

Minimum age: 18 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic

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