9 Days Cairns and Tablelands Pioneer Explorer 2024

itinerary

DAY 1: Depart Brisbane

Depart from your home station today on the Spirit of Queensland train for Cairns. Sit back and relax in your Premium Economy Seat or Deluxe RailBed with all meals included plus pamper pack with the evening bed turn down. The train is scheduled to depart at 1.45pm. Overnight: Spirit of Queensland train. (All meals included for RailBed passengers).

Note: If making your way to Cairns under your own arrangements, please see Day 2 for details.

DAY 2: Cairns Welcome

Arriving into Cairns mid afternoon you will be met by your tour host and coach driver who will transfer you to the starting hotel, with time to freshen up before the Welcome Dinner. Cairns DoubleTree by Hilton (D)

Note: If not arriving by the rail service, please meet at 6pm in the Hotel foyer.

DAY 3: Paronella Park & Yungaburra

This morning we depart Cairns and make our way south to Innisfail. Jose Paronella’s dream was to build a castle. He chose a special part of Australia and created Paronella Park. On 5 hectares beside Mena Creek Falls he built his castle, picnic areas, tennis courts, bridges and a tunnel and then wrapped it up in an amazing range of 7,500 tropical plants and trees, now a lush rainforest. We tour through the castle ruins and hear all about Jose Paronella’s amazing life and dreams, then enjoy a lunch in this beautiful setting. The afternoon takes us to the Atherton Tablelands, arriving at the village of Yungaburra with time to spot the resident platypus and enjoy dinner at the historical Yungaburra Pub. 2 Nights: Yungaburra Park or Curtain Fig Motel (B,L,D)

DAY 4: Pioneers Event at Herberton Historical Village

Today we experience olden day Australia coming alive, as our pioneers climb out of the history books and into real life at the Historic Village Herberton. This special event is held only once per year and is the best way to visit the Village. See experts demonstrate blacksmithing, wood chopping, tin panning, small engines, and enjoy the extensive historical collections. Feel free to join the yesteryear themed dress up, with Fashions on the Field prizes to be won! After a big day exploring the Village, we enjoy dinner at Australia’s largest timber pub, The Malanda Hotel. (B,D)

DAY 5: Atherton Tablelands & Kuranda Scenic Railway

After breakfast we enjoy the sights of the Atherton Tablelands such as the 500-year-old Cathedral Fig Tree and a cruise on the clear waters of the crater lakes at Lake Barrine. Scones and tea are a specialty here! Travelling through the rolling hills we stop at The Humpy to sample local produce before meeting the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Travelling in Gold Class we wind our way down through the lush tropical rainforests arriving back into Cairns in the late afternoon. This evening is at your leisure. 3 Nights: Cairns DoubleTree by Hilton (B, Afternoon tea)

DAY 6: Cairns Aquarium & Botanical Gardens

This morning we visit the spectacular Cairns Aquarium which connects visitors with the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without getting your feet wet! The afternoon is spent exploring the tropical paradise of Cairns Botanical Gardens, renowned for having one of the best exhibits of tropical plants in Australia. Tonight we enjoy a dinner cruise along the calm waters of the Trinity Inlet. (B,D)

DAY 7: Mossman Gorge & Daintree River Cruise, Port Douglas

Today we venture into Mossman Gorge. Here the Mossman River tumbles its way over and around huge granite boulders that line the Gorge creating cool, clear, fresh swimming holes. We then make our way to the Daintree River for our Cruise. One of the best ways to experience the rainforest and view its inhabitants is by cruising along the river. Then on to Port Douglas with time to explore the town before returning to Cairns for our farewell dinner. (B,D)

DAY 8: Depart For Brisbane

Following breakfast, we meet the train for your return journey on the Spirit of Queensland back to your home station. (B) (All meals on the train for RailBeds).

DAY 9: Arrive Home

Today you’ll arrive at your home station filled with wonderful memories of the scenic Cairns and Atherton Tablelands. The train is schedule to arrive into Roma Street Sation, Brisbane at 10.20am. (B)

dates & pricing