9 Days Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest Tour

Spending time in Queensland’s most iconic landscapes requires time, space and thoughtful design – and the 9 Day Queensland Comfort Tour delivers exactly that. Starting in the vibrant riverside city of Brisbane, this small-group journey is for travellers who want the best of the tropics without the masses. From the moment you meet your guide and fellow travellers in the heart of the city, you’ll know this is more than just a tour – it’s an experience designed for depth, comfort and discovery.

Highlights

  • Boutique touring style: take a carefully planned small-group trip at a relaxed pace. Perfect for travellers who want comfortable travel and plenty of photo opportunities.

  • Red Cat Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach: Spend the day exploring the islands and snorkelling with everything included. Relax on a catamaran cruise, enjoy the ocean breeze, and discover the reef’s colourful marine life.

  • Atherton Tablelands tour: swim in volcanic crater lakes, chase rainforest waterfalls, and look for wild platypus in one of Queensland’s most scenic regions.

  • Great Barrier Reef Ocean Freedom cruise: experience drift snorkelling and a glass-bottom boat tour to explore vibrant coral gardens and reef ecosystems.

  • Skyrail gondola journey above the rainforest canopy to Kuranda village, offering incredible views of the Wet Tropics of Queensland.

  • Daintree Rainforest Walk: enjoy a guided rainforest walk through the world’s oldest rainforest, learning about unique plants and wildlife.

  • Eco-friendly wildlife cruise: search for crocodiles, birds, and other native species in their natural habitats.

  • Mossman Gorge entry: join a guided rainforest circuit walk while discovering the region’s cultural and ecological significance.

  • Kuku Yalanji First Nations experience: learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions, stories, and cultural knowledge from local guides.

Itinerary Map

9 Days Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest Tour maps

Itinerary

Day 1: Brisbane

Meet at 5 p.m. in the hotel lobby for introductions and a welcome session. Enjoy a short orientation walk and optional group dinner.

Accommodation: The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar
Walking Distance: Short, easy walk

Day 2: Brisbane to Airlie Beach

Fly from Brisbane to Proserpine (1 hr 50 min / 990 km), then transfer to Airlie Beach. Enjoy free time along the lagoon and foreshore.

Driving Distance: 40 km
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar

Day 3: Airlie Beach & Whitsunday Islands

Board Thundercat with Red Cat Adventures for a full-day island cruise. Visit Whitehaven Beach, snorkel vibrant reefs, and walk to Hill Inlet Lookout.

Boat Distance: ~46 km
Walking Distance: ~2 km
Accommodation: Mantra Club Croc or similar

Day 4: Mission Beach

Travel north along the Bruce Highway to Mission Beach, passing tropical farmland and coastline.

Driving Distance: 505 km
Accommodation: Mission Beach Resort or similar

Day 5: Cairns via Atherton Tablelands

Explore the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, swim beneath rainforest waterfalls, visit Lake Eacham, and see the Curtain Fig Tree. Continue to Cairns.

Driving Distance: 220 km
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar

Day 6: Great Barrier Reef

Enjoy a full-day cruise aboard Ocean Freedom with snorkelling, reef education, a glass-bottom boat ride, and buffet lunch. Optional scuba diving available.

Boat Distance: ~30 km
Accommodation: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar

Day 7: Kuranda & Port Douglas

Take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, then travel along the Coral Coast to Port Douglas.

Driving Distance: 100 km
Accommodation: Paradise Links Resort or similar

Day 8: Mossman Gorge & Kuku Yalanji Culture

Visit Mossman Gorge for a guided rainforest walk, followed by a Kuku Yalanji cultural experience learning about bush foods and traditions.

Driving Distance: 25 km
Walking Distance: 2.5 km (~1.5 hours)
Accommodation: Paradise Links Resort or similar

Day 9: Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation & Wildlife Cruise

Explore the Daintree Rainforest, continue to Cape Tribulation where rainforest meets reef, and enjoy a Daintree River wildlife cruise spotting crocodiles and native species. Return to Cairns around 6 p.m.

Driving Distance: 160 km
Walking Distance: 7 km (~2 hours)

Where to Meet

8:30 AM—Quality Hotel Ambassador Hotel, 196 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, Western Australia

Weather

The weather on Australia’s East Coast can vary widely depending on where you are and what time of year it is. Summer can get very hot, with temperatures reaching the high 30s °C. Winter is usually pleasant, especially in the north.
Coastal areas can change quickly, especially with rain or cooler evenings. People about to travel should check the expected temperatures for their trip and pack for a mix of sun, heat, and rain.
It is best to wear light layers, sun protection, and good rain gear. Most of the time, tours go ahead as planned unless the provider says otherwise.

Know Before You Book

Required Information

When making a reservation, travellers must provide their date of birth, dietary sensitivities, preferred title or gender for rooming arrangements, a contact phone number, and their passport information.

Dietary Demands

We aim to accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements, but it is essential that travellers inform their booking agent of any specific allergies or special dietary needs when making their reservation.

Medical Conditions

Please notify the tour operator of any medical conditions at the time of booking. This itinerary includes physical activities that require a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to move independently.

Level of Fitness

Guests should expect light activity throughout the tour and must be able to walk independently. Travellers aged 70 or older must provide a doctor’s certificate at least 30 days prior to departure.

Age Restrictions

Guests aged 12–17 must always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Due to the tour style and physical requirements, it is not suitable for children under 11.

Solo Travellers

If you book Twin Share Accommodation (BD9-B) as a solo traveller, you will be placed in a shared twin room with another solo traveller of the same gender.

Fare Type Options

  • Shared Accommodation (BD9-B): Adults 18+ only. Includes shared rooms and shared bathroom facilities. This fare option is not available for children.
  • Private Double/Twin Room (BD9-S): Suitable for adults and children travelling together. Includes a private bathroom and must be booked for two travellers.
  • Private Single Room (BD9-P): Adults 18+ only and includes a private ensuite bathroom.

Mobility Issues

This tour is not suitable for travellers with mobility difficulties, including those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or walking aids.

Baggage Limitations

Vehicle storage is limited. Each traveller may bring one main bag weighing up to 20 kg and one day bag weighing up to 5 kg. Larger or additional luggage can only be accommodated upon request.

Changes to the Itinerary

Activities and itineraries may change due to weather conditions, cultural considerations, safety requirements, or national park closures. Swimming access may also vary. Your safety and satisfaction are always our highest priorities.

Reconfirmation of Details

Travellers must contact the office within 7 days of departure to reconfirm their tour booking.

Private Tours

If you wish to arrange a private group tour, please email charters@gltg.com.au.

What to bring

Weather-appropriate clothing, Your sense of adventure, Waterproof rain jacket, Water bottle &/or Camelbak (2L minimum), Comfortable walking or hiking shoes, Swimmers and beach towel, Hand sanitiser and insect repellent, Hat and sunscreen, Torch or headlight, Snacks for the bus in your day bag, Thermals, bed socks, warm clothes, hot water bottle (Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr), Reusable facemasks

What's Included

Adelaide to Melbourne one-way

A scenic multi-day transit between the two cities.

Two nights of lodging

Stays in Halls Gap and Warrnambool (Private or Budget options).

2B, 2D

Two breakfasts and two participatory group dinners.

National Park passes

All entry fees for listed parks included.

Guided bushwalks (6.5 km)

Guided nature treks tailored to group fitness levels.

Wildlife and flora viewing

Opportunities to spot unique native Australian animals.

Expert driver-guide

Led by a highly experienced regional specialist.

Air-conditioned group vehicle

Comfortable travel in a compact, climate-controlled car.

Detailed regional commentary

In-depth local insights shared throughout the tour.

City transfers

Adelaide CBD pickup and Melbourne city drop-off.

What's Not Included

Meals not specified

Extra snacks and lunches are not included (BYO snacks advised).

Pre/Post-tour transfers

Transport to the initial meeting point is not provided.

Personal travel insurance

Highly recommended for all participants.

Personal spending money

Individual expenses and incidental costs.

Customer Photos

FAQ

What information do I need to provide at the time of booking?

Guests must give their entire name as it appears on their passport, their date of birth, any food allergies, their desired title or gender for the room, a phone number where they can be reached, and their passport information. This is because domestic flights will need to be scheduled.

How long does this trip take?

The number of days in your booking covers your trip, which includes all guided activities, transfers, and experiences.

Do I need any special passes or permits?

You don’t need any more permits. The price of the excursion already includes all park fees and permits.

What type of accommodation?

You will have pleasant, pre-arranged lodging that fits the area, from boutique hotels to eco-style lodges.

Are meals included?

As your itinerary shows, some meals are included. You will also have plenty of free time to eat at local cafés and restaurants.

Start
Brisbane
(5:30 pm)
Finish
Cairns
(6:00 pm)
Duration
9 days
Style
Adventure
Age
No age restriction
Bus
Up to 20 passengers
AUD $5950
Best price guarantee

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