Summary
Short description
Visit the ancient Daintree rainforest, the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef and stunning Lizard Island
Highlights
- Relax into the Queensland way of life with a few days to acclimatise in beach-side Palm Cove
- Immerse yourself amidst the UNESCO World-Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest
- Unwind on magnificent Lizard Island, a remote hideway on the Great Barrier Reef home to a plethora of underwater adventures
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Beach | City | Natural world | Relaxation | Self-drive | Wildlife
This itinerary combines white-sands relaxation on Palm Cove, a luxury retreat in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest and five unforgettable days on Lizard Island – the northernmost resort in the Great Barrier Reef. Throughout, you'll stay in some of Australia's most enticing accommodation, from private-island getaways to luxury treehouses and beach-side boutiques. Whether you're a keen scuba diver, a sun worshipper, a wildlife enthusiast or a culinary connoisseur, the sheer diversity of experiences on offer will satisfy even the most seasoned traveller.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
Depart UK
Start your holiday in style with included airport lounge access before your flight to Australia, landing in Cairns on day three.
Days
3-4
Palm Cove
On arrival in Cairns you'll pick up a hire car and make the scenic coastal drive along the Captain Cook Highway to Palm Cove. Here, on your doorstep, you’ll have both the treasures of the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding rainforest – perfect for wildlife walks. Your hotel base is delightfully boutique, offering complimentary punch and canapés each night. Indeed, after a day's exploring with the free kayaks, bikes and fishing rods, you’ll be able to relax with your accommodation’s spa and direct beach access. In short, it’s a white-sands paradise, complete with swaying palms.
Stay: Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
5-7
Daintree National Park
It's just a short drive north to Silky Oaks Lodge, set among ancient rainforests on the banks of the Mossman River, fringed by Daintree National Park. Here, you'll stay in one of 40 luxurious, treehouse-style suites which come with open plan living quarters featuring oak and rosewood furnishings, luxury bathrooms and huge floor-to-ceiling windows. You'll also be able to enjoy the fabulous on-site amenities, which include a swimming pool as well as the sumptuous Healing Waters spa. Yoga classes, guided nature tours, wildlife watching and wild swimming are available as optional activities. Indulge in contemporary Australian cuisine at the warmly lit Treehouse Restaurant, which celebrates fresh, local ingredients and offers wonderful views looking out across the rainforest canopy.
Stay: Silky Oaks Lodge (Deluxe)
Days
8-12
Lizard Island
Leaving the mainland behind you'll drive back to Cairns for your flight to Lizard Island in the northern Great Barrier Reef. The short but scenic flight takes just 60 minutes and gives you a birds eye view of the Great Barrier Reef and verdant rainforest of Cape Tribulation as it tumbles down to the sea. Lizard Island itself is the ultimate in understated luxury, ideal for divers looking to explore the best of the reef, but just as good for sun worshippers with no less than 24 secluded white sand beaches to choose from. Enjoy wonderful dining at Osprey's Restaurant or take a gourmet hamper to the beach to enjoy in between swims in the warm, turquoise waters of the Coral Sea. A multitude of activities are included in your stay.
Stay: Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef (Ultra)
Meals: B L D
Days
13-14
Depart for UK
After breakfast, board your scheduled flight back to Cairns for your onward flight home, arriving the next day.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
14-day tailor-made holiday
from £8,165 pp incl. flights
Deluxe
Low Season
from £8,165 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £9,410 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return international flights between London and Cairns
- Return flight between Cairns and Lizard Island
- 10 nights accommodation staying in 5* (Deluxe) hotels on a mix of B&B and all-inclusive*
- 6 days medium car hire with max cover
- *Lizard Island includes: Daily gourmet meals, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages& a fine selection of Australian & International wine, beer, basic spirits and sparkling wine, in-room mini bar restocked daily, deluxe picnic hampers for your own private beach outings & access to your own private motorised dinghy, stand up paddle boards, clearview sea kayaks and snorkelling gear for the duration of your stay
- Silky Oaks Lodge includes: tropical breakfast, dinner with premium wines, evening drinks & canapes, morning yoga class, 1 return shuttle transfer to Port Douglas per day, treatment and dining credit
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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