10 Day North Queensland Beach to Bush

North Queensland’s beaches meet the bush in this 10-day tour taking you inland and back to the coast.

It’s not called tropical North Queensland for nothing. The humid climate makes for the perfect conditions to cool off in the reef-filled ocean and explore the breath-taking waterfalls and rainforests that surround Cairns. Make this most of the opportunity to let go, connect with your family, and explore unique natural environments.

Your travel companions will appreciate the short drives between destinations, giving you freedom and flexibility to explore along the way and leaving maximum time to discover Josephine Falls, Milla Milla Waterfall and the Daintree Rainforest. Head west to walk through the lava tubes at Undara, then cool off again by the coast at Cape Tribulation and Port Douglas. With adventure, relaxation and plenty of nature, this tour has something for everyone.

Itinerary

Spend 10 days exploring – not driving – as you discover the true natural beauty and wonder of North Queensland’s beaches and bush.

Day 1: Cairns to Josephine Falls and Paronella Park (123km, 1hr 40mins)

Day 2: Paronella Park

Day 3: Paronella Park to Undara (232km, 2hrs 45mins)

Day 4: Undara

Day 5: Undara to Milla Milla (168km, 2hrs)

Day 6: Milla Milla to Cape Tribulation (216km, 3hrs 35mins)

Day 7: Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest

Day 8: Cape Tribulation to Port Douglas (85km, 1hr 50mins)

Day 9: Port Douglas

Day 10: Port Douglas to Cairns (68km, 1hr 10mins)

Open

Highlights

Chasing Waterfalls

Not far from Cairns are two of the most beautiful, natural waterfall and swimming spots you’ll ever plunge into. With crystal clear water, a sandy beach and overhead rainforest canopy, you’ll easily spend the day enjoying Josephine Falls. And just when you think it can’t get more picturesque, you’ll find Millaa Millaa Falls a pristine waterhole nestled among lush rainforest.

Ancient rainforest

Nature-lovers will be in their element on a day trip to Daintree Rainforest, just 20 minutes from Cape Tribulation. At 100 million years old, the Daintree is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, and its abundant in unique plant and animal species.

Take a guided tour or wander at your own pace as you try to spot the 13 species of birds that aren’t found anywhere else in the world.

Volcanic past

Undara Volcanic National Park is home to the Undara lava tube, one of the world’s longest lava tube cave systems. Created 190,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption, the lava tubes are now protected by the natural bushland of the national park.

You’ll be able to take a tour of the tubes and marvel at one of nature’s truly amazing sites. Make sure you bring your camera!

Beach and reef

The beaches at Cape Tribulation and Port Douglas offer something for everyone, from wandering barefoot through the sand, to hiking around the coastline and exploring the reef underneath. Fishing or snorkelling tours will interest the adventurers, while the less-adventurous but just-as-curious can explore the fringing reef at low tide. You might even have a ‘deserted’ beach all to yourself.