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Get ready for the ultimate tropical adventure. First stop, Cairns – the stylish gateway to Queensland’s tropical north. With its relaxed, laid back vibe and perfect tropical climate, Cairns is a must-visit destination for any traveller.
Next up, discover the charm and history of Cooktown. Nestled between the Endeavour River and Grassy Hill, with Mt Cook as a breathtaking backdrop, Cooktown is an unspoiled gem of a town. Explore its well-documented history, including the first known European contact with Indigenous people in the area after Captain Cook’s historic landing.
Don’t wait – book now and experience two incredible destinations in one unforgettable trip. This is the adventure you’ve been waiting for!
Depart Brisbane in the afternoon on the Spirit of Queensland Train for your overnight journey towards Cairns in an Economy Seat or upgrade to a Railbed with all meals included.
Accommodation: Spirit of Queensland train
Meals: All meals included for railbed passengers, dining cart available for economy seat passengers at your own expense
Note: If making your way to Cairns under your own arrangements, please see Day 2 for details
This morning the train make its way along the picturesque Cassowary Coast , arriving in Cairns mid afternoon. You will then be met by our friendly tour host and transferred to our accommodation. You will have time to freshen up before enjoying our welcome dinner.
Note: If making your way to Cairns under own arrangements, arrive today and check in from 15:00pm.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns
Meals: All meals included for railbed passengers & Welcome Dinner
Today we wind our way north to Cooktown! We travel via the Atherton Tablelands, through the town of Mareeba and on to the Palmer River Roadhouse for our lunch stop.
From here we pass the Annan Gorge and Black Mountain on our last leg in to Cooktown. Black Mountain, named by the local indigenous people ‘Place of Spears’ is a mysterious pyramid of stones and is a natural geological formation thought to be 150 million years old. The ‘black’ colouring comes from the lichen that covers the thousands of stones making up the mountain. On arrival we check in and time to visit the Cooktown Botanical Gardens and learn how Cook and his crew survived on the local flora.
Tonight we dine at the local Bowling Club.
Accommodation: River of Gold Motel, Cooktown
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
After breakfast, we enjoy a town tour of Cooktown as we head up to Grassy Hill Lookout for fantastic views of Cooktown and it’s famous “River of Gold”. We explore the Cooktown Cemetery which is a wonderful place to wander around to soak up the history. Graveyards act as a wonderful testimony to the colourful and varied lives of the locals.
It’s then onto the Captain James Cook Museum, which is one of Queensland best museums, showcasing the remarkable history of this remarkable town. The museum follows the story of James Cook’s enforced seven‐week stay at the Endeavour River, during which the first meaningful contact between Europeans and Indigenous.
We then head down to the famous historical Lion’s Den Hotel for lunch and a refreshing drink. This is truly an Aussie icon built on the banks of the little Annan River, surrounded by 100yr old mango trees.
On returning to Cooktown, there is free time to take a stroll along Main Street, with lots of places to explore including the Old Railway Station, the Cooktown History and Cultural Centre. There is also the odd watering hole that you might want to visit as well.
Late this afternoon we depart for our Sunset Cruise and included antipasto platter on the Endeavour River where we step back in time with an informative journey down this famous river.
Accommodation: River of Gold Motel, Cooktown
Meals: Breakfast and Afternoon Tea
Departing Cooktown, we make our way towards Cairns. We visit the small town of Mt Molloy where we there is time to enjoy a tasty lunch at the Hotel or Café in town.
We then make our way to Mareeba to explore the Heritage Museum and Coffee Works. Enjoy watching the on-site chocolate makers or enjoy a delicious cup of local coffee.
On arrival back into Cairns we have a free afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast
Today we make our way to Paronella Park. Located 1 hour south of Cairns, the Park is a magical and unforgettable place nestled amongst heritage gardens and 13 acres of lush tropical rainforest.
Step back in time and be amazed by the ingenuity and determination shown by one man with a dream. We will join a guided tour through the Castle Ruins and magnificent Grounds followed by a lunch of sandwiches, scones, tea and coffee. We make our way back to Cairns for a free afternoon and time to explore the many restaurants’ Cairns has to offer.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast
Today we venture to the iconic Mossman Gorge. The beautiful crystal-clear waters in the southern Daintree rainforest flow to the Mossman River and are dotted with huge granite boulders and lined by lush tropical rainforest. Feel the coolness the rainforest canopy brings.
We then make our way to the Daintree River Cruise Centre for morning tea and our cruise. Discover the world’s oldest rainforest, a complex tropical ecosystem over 80 million years old, making it a registered UNESCO World Heritage site. Travelling the river is the best way to explore. Keep an eye out for flocks of birds, a wide variety of mangrove species and the king of the jungle – the Estuarine Crocodile.
Following this we make our way into Port Douglas for time to explore the township and purchase lunch if you wish. On our way back to Cairns we visit Palm Cove if time permits.
We arrive back with time to freshen up for our Farwell Dinner at the Cairns RSL on the Esplanade.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
This morning we transfer to Cairns Train Station for your departure on the Spirit of Queensland. Travelling overnight to your home destination.
Note:
If not using the rail service, please check out by 10am and enjoy the rest of your holidays.
Return Rail can be pre-arranged for a later date upon availability. Extra nights in Cairns can be pre-arranged.
Accommodation: Spirit of Queensland train
Meals: All meals included for railbed passengers, dining cart available for economy seat passengers at your own expense.
Today you arrive to your home station after enjoying the best of Far North Queensland, Cairns & Cooktown.
Tour cost is per person in a Double or Twin Room. Add $450 for single room
This is an Easy paced tour – Low Level if Fitness required
Travelers must be able to meet the below fitness level requirements or have a carer who is available to assist. GVH Staff are not able to assist with those who have reduced mobility or other health problems. It is Your responsibility to arrange for such a carer if so required:
GVH reserves the right at its discretion to exclude from a tour or to terminate the travel arrangements during the course of the tour without refund, of anyone who is unable to cope with the requirements of the tour, including using coach steps for embarking and disembarking or needing services or facilities that are not available. We will not be held liable for any termination of your travel arrangements or additional expenses incurred. Please be aware that some outback locations may experience high temperatures.
