9 Days Cairns and Cooktown Discovery 2024

itinerary

DAY 1. DEPART BRISBANE

This afternoon depart Brisbane on the Spirit of Queensland train in your choice of Premium Economy Seats or RailBeds with all meals included. The train is scheduled to depart at 1.45pm from Roma Street Station. All meals included for RailBed fares. (D)

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

DAY 2. CAIRNS WELCOME

Arriving in Cairns mid afternoon, you will be met by your friendly tour host and transferred to your accommodation. You will have time to freshen up before enjoying a welcome dinner. 3 Nights: DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns (B,L,D)

Note: If arriving today under own arrangements, please check in and meet the host and other travellers for your welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant at 6pm.

Day 3. Paronella Park

Today we make our way to Paronella Park. Located 1hr 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 tour through the castle ruins and grounds followed by lunch, before making our way back to Cairns for your farewell dinner. (B,L)

Day 4. Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree River

Today by coach, we adventure into the Mossman Gorge. Here the Mossman River tumbles its way over and around huge granite boulders that line the gorge creating cool clear freshwater swimming holes. We then make our way to the Daintree River for a River Cruise spotting crocs and other wildlife. Then into Port Douglas with time to explore the town before returning to Cairns via Palm Cove Village. Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns (B)

DAY 5. CAIRNS TO COOKTOWN

Making our way north today via the Atherton Tablelands and through the towns of Mareeba and on to the Palmer River Roadhouse for our lunch stop. From here we pass the Annan Gorge and Black Mountain, on the 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. 2 Nights: Cooktown River of Gold Motel (B,D)

DAY 6. Discover Cooktown, Famous Lions Den Hotel, Endeavour River Cruise

After breakfast, we will enjoy a town tour of Cooktown and head up to Grassy Hill Lookout for a look at fantastic views of Cooktown and its famous “River of Gold”. 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. Following lunch we return and visit the Cooktown Cemetery. This 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. A stroll along Main Street is also a must 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. Later we depart for our Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Endeavour River and step back in time with an informative journey down this famous river. Overnight: Cooktown River Of Gold Motel (B,D)

Day 7. Cooktown to Cairns, Mt Molloy Hotel

Breakfast then depart and make our way back to Cairns. On the way we will visit the Mt Molloy Hotel and enjoy lunch before arriving back in Cairns late afternoon. Tonight we enjoy our Farewell Dinner at Cairns RSL located on the esplanade. Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns (B,D)

DAY 8. DEPART CAIRNS ON THE SPIRIT OF QUEENSLAND

This morning following breakfast we board the Spirit of Queensland travelling to our home destination enjoying the company of your new found friends. Overnight Spirit of Queensland train (B) (All meals included for RailBed passengers)

Note: If not using the rail service, please check out by 10am and enjoy your remaining time in Cairns. Extra nights in Cairns can be pre-arranged on request.

DAY 9. ARRIVE BRISBANE

The Spirit of Queensland arrives into Brisbane this morning leaving you with cherished memories of both the Australian outback and tropical north Queensland. The train is schedule to arrive at 10.20am.

B = Breakfast, M/T = Morning Tea, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

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