Aerial view of secluded beach on East Coast Australia tour. Coastal beauty on 8-day journey from Sydney to Brisbane.

Whitsundays, Reef & Rainforest | Brisbane → Cairns (7/9 Days of the Far North)

📍 East Coast Australia | Guided | All Inclusive

Islands, reef, rainforest—done right. Small group, comfy stays and pre-booked highlights from Airlie’s turquoise bays to Cairns’ reef, with Mission Beach downtime and Tablelands cascades. Optional 2-day Daintree finale.

Start and Finish

Start and Finish

Brisbane - Cairns

Small Groups

Small Groups

Average 15 People

Full Distance

Full Distance

~1,050 km Total Road ~990 km flight; ~76 km on-water

Difficulty

Difficulty

Easy +

Climate +

Climate +

200% Co2 Offset

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Woman explores lush rainforest waterfall on Whitsundays Reef Tour from Brisbane to Cairns. Scenic stop on small group adventure trip.
Tour Overview

Whitsundays, Reef & Rainforest | Brisbane → Cairns (7/9 Days of the Far North)

From river city to reef city—without the logistics juggle. Fly to Airlie Beach, cruise the Whitsundays to Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet, then roll north for downtime in Mission Beach, waterfalls on the Atherton Tablelands, and a full Great Barrier Reef day off Cairns.

Choose 7 days or add 2 extra days to Port Douglas & the Daintree for more rainforest time and a First Nations cultural experience. Small group, comfy stays, pre-booked highlights—easier to meet people and often better value than DIY.

Quick Facts

  • Duration: 7 or 9 days

  • Style: Small-group overland (comfort) with flight + island/reef day trips

  • Difficulty: Easy (short walks; warm climate)

  • Start/Finish: Brisbane → Cairns (9-day adds Port Douglas & Daintree; returns to Cairns)

  • Transport: Mini-coach, domestic flight Brisbane → Proserpine, boats/ferries

  • Stays: 6 or 8 nights in boutique hotels/resorts, private ensuites

Trip Highlights

  • Twilight Brisbane orientation to kick things off

  • Flight to the Whitsundays; free time in Airlie Beach

  • Whitsundays day cruise: Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout, snorkelling

  • Mission Beach: slow the pace between rainforest and sea

  • Atherton Tablelands: waterfall swim, Lake Eacham, Curtain Fig Tree

  • Great Barrier Reef catamaran day: snorkel gear + glass-bottom boat

  • Optional 2-day extension: Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge walk, Daintree Rainforest touring and a First Nations cultural experience

Seasonal Add-Ons (Optional)

  • Intro or certified scuba dive on the Reef day (extra cost)

Good to Know

  • Included meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches (others flexible so you can eat local)

  • One longer drive day (~505 km) to Mission Beach

  • Pack light: 1 × 20 kg bag + 1 × 5 kg day pack recommended

  • Flights and pre/post-tour accommodation aren’t included; final night in Cairns (tour ends after breakfast on Day 7 or Day 9)

  • Small and social: max ~16 guests

View Operator Terms & Conditions

BOOK 7-DAY

Shared Twin Accommodation
Private Twin Share
Private Single Room

BOOK 9-DAY

Shared Twin Accommodation
Private Twin Share
Private Single Room
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 & 2 | Welcome

Day 1 — Brisbane Arrival, Twilight Orientation

Meet your guide and group at 5:00 pm in the hotel lobby for a short city orientation (riverfront and inner precincts). Join an optional group dinner to swap intros and trip tips.
Included Activities: Welcome meeting; guided city orientation.
Meals: None (optional dinner at own expense)
Driving Distance: None
Walking Distance: Easy, short walk
Overnight: The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar

Day 2 — Fly to the Whitsundays (Airlie Beach)

After breakfast, take the domestic flight Brisbane → Proserpine. Transfer to Airlie Beach and enjoy a free afternoon—lagoon swim, foreshore strolls, cafés and sunset bars.
Included Activities: Flight to the Whitsundays; free time in Airlie Beach.
Meals: Breakfast
Flight: ~1 hr 50 min (approx. 990 km)
Driving Distance (local transfers): ~40 km
Overnight: Mantra Club Croc or similar

Day 3 & 4 | Whitsundays: Whitehaven, Snorkelling → Mission Beach

Day 3 — Whitsundays: Whitehaven, Hill Inlet & Snorkelling


Board a full-day Whitsundays cruise. Step onto Whitehaven Beach, walk to Hill Inlet for sweeping views, and snorkel fringing reefs alive with tropical fish (sea turtles possible, not guaranteed). Return to Airlie by late afternoon; evening free.
Included Activities: Whitsundays day cruise; Whitehaven Beach; Hill Inlet walk; snorkelling.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
On-Water: ~8 hrs (approx. 46 km)
Walking Distance: Short, easy guided walks (~2 km total)
Overnight: Mantra Club Croc or similar

Day 4 — Airlie Beach → Mission Beach


Follow the Bruce Highway north past sugarcane and ranges to Mission Beach—a relaxed coastal town where rainforest meets sea. Pool time, beach time, or a gentle wander; watch for cassowaries in the area.
Included Activities: Scenic transfer day.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 505 km (longest travel day)
Walking Distance: Easy strolls/lookouts
Overnight: Mission Beach Resort or similar

Day 5 & 6 | Byron Bay Free Day → Noosa → Rainbow Beach

Day 5 — Mission Beach → Atherton Tablelands → Cairns


Head inland to the Atherton Tablelands. Swim beneath a rainforest waterfall, visit volcanic Lake Eacham, and see the majestic Curtain Fig Tree. Continue to tropical Cairns for the evening.
Included Activities: Guided Tablelands touring (waterfall swim, crater lake, rainforest walks).
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: 220 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy rainforest walks
Overnight: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar

Day 6 — Great Barrier Reef Day


Sail a catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef for a full day. Snorkel vibrant coral gardens, enjoy a glass-bottom boat session and reef interpretation. Optional introductory or certified scuba is available (extra cost).
Included Activities: Great Barrier Reef day cruise; snorkelling; glass-bottom boat; buffet lunch.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
On-Water: ~8.5 hrs (approx. 30 km)
Overnight: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar

Day 7, 8 & 9 | Cairns → Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge & Daintree

Day 7 — Cairns Departure (Tour Concludes)


Farewell breakfast. The tour ends after breakfast—stay on to explore Cairns or continue your travels.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Not included

Optional 2-Day Extension: Port Douglas & Daintree (to make it 9 Days)

Day 8 — Cairns → Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge & First Nations Culture


A relaxed morning transfer to Port Douglas, then a guided rainforest walk at Mossman Gorge. Join a First Nations cultural experience with local guides to learn about bush foods, medicinal plants and stories (inclusions as scheduled by the operator). Evening at leisure in Port Douglas.
Included Activities: Mossman Gorge guided walk; First Nations cultural experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: ~100 km (including local touring)
Walking Distance: Short, easy rainforest walks
Overnight: Paradise Links Resort or similar

Day 9 — Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation → Return to Cairns


Cross the Daintree River by ferry and explore boardwalks under ancient canopy to Cape Tribulation, where rainforest meets reef. Join an eco-friendly Daintree River cruise to look for crocodiles and birdlife before the scenic coastal drive back to Cairns. Tour concludes in Cairns (late afternoon/early evening).
Included Activities: Guided rainforest touring; Daintree River eco-cruise; coastal drive.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Distance: ~160 km
Walking Distance: Short, easy boardwalks (optional longer sections available)

Key Tour Info

Food & Accommodation

Where You’ll Be Staying & What You’ll Be Eating

Your Stays (Ensuite Comfort, Small-Group Route)
Hand-picked, well-located properties with private ensuites and air-conditioning. Typical routing for the 7-day itinerary:

  • Brisbane: The Point Hotel Brisbane or similar (1 night)
  • Airlie Beach: Mantra Club Croc or similar (2 nights)
  • Mission Beach: Mission Beach Resort or similar (1 night)
  • Cairns: Flynn Hotel Cairns or similar (2 nights)

9-Day Add-On (Port Douglas & Daintree)
Extension includes a stay in Port Douglas — usually at Paradise Links Resort or similar — before returning to Cairns to conclude. Exact night allocation varies by departure; your confirmation will show the final breakdown.

Rooming & Facilities

  • Twin Share (standard): Two beds, private ensuite; solo travellers paired with a same-gender guest. Includes towel, linen, TV and air-conditioning.
  • Private Rooms (Double/Twin/Single): Private ensuite; typically include a fridge, TV, lounge area, tea/coffee facilities.
  • Bags: Coach storage is limited—aim for 1 × 20 kg bag + 1 × 5 kg day pack; soft bags pack best.

Meals Included

  • Breakfasts: 6 hotel breakfasts (varies by property).
  • Lunches: 2 highlight days — Whitsundays cruise and Great Barrier Reef catamaran.
  • Dinners: None included on this tour (there’s an optional group dinner in Brisbane on Day 1).

Flexi Dining (pay-as-you-go)
Make the most of local flavours along the way:

  • Airlie Beach: casual foreshore eateries, fresh seafood, sunset bars.
  • Mission Beach: relaxed cafés; plan ahead if you have specific dietaries.
  • Cairns: lively Esplanade with plenty of options from market bites to modern Australian.
    Dietary needs are generally catered for on included meals when advised at booking.

Why this works
Comfortable ensuites and central locations mean easy mornings and simple evenings, while the included highlight lunches keep value high. Flexible dinners let you choose where (and how much) to eat with your new travel crew.

What's Included & What's Not

✅ What’s Included

Itinerary Activities

  • Welcome meet-up and Brisbane twilight orientation (Day 1)
  • Flight to the Whitsundays (Brisbane → Proserpine) and free time in Airlie Beach
  • Whitsundays day cruise: Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout, snorkelling (lunch included)
  • Scenic coastal transfer to Mission Beach
  • Atherton Tablelands touring: waterfall swim, Lake Eacham, Curtain Fig Tree
  • Great Barrier Reef catamaran day: snorkel gear + glass-bottom boat (lunch included)
  • 9-Day extension only: Port Douglas stay, Mossman Gorge rainforest walk, First Nations cultural experience, Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation touring + eco river cruise

Guides

  • Professional driver-guide throughout
  • Specialist local crew for included experiences (island/reef days, rainforest walks)

Accommodation

  • 6 nights (or 8 on the 9-Day) in boutique hotels/resorts with private ensuites
  • Twin share as standard; private Double/Twin/Single available

Meals

  • 6 × Breakfasts
  • 2 × Lunches (Whitsundays cruise & Great Barrier Reef day)
  • Dietary needs generally catered for when advised at booking

Transport

  • Comfortable air-conditioned mini-coach for overland segments
  • Domestic flight: Brisbane → Proserpine
  • Boat transfers/cruises per the itinerary
  • Brisbane meeting point / Cairns drop-off

Equipment & Support

  • Snorkelling gear provided on included reef/island days
  • Safety briefings, daily timings and hydration reminders
  • Park permits arranged for included activities

Fees & Impact

  • All listed national park entry fees included
  • Each booking contributes to a counter-impact that funds landscape restoration to balance tour emissions (see Impact page for the current approach)

🚫 What’s Not Included

  • Meals not listed above (kept flexible so you can try local spots)
  • Optional activities and any hire equipment (e.g., introductory/certified scuba on the Reef day)
  • Pre/post-tour accommodation and hotel transfers to/from meeting or drop-off points
  • Personal travel insurance — strongly recommended
  • Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
  • Flights before/after the tour outside the included Brisbane → Proserpine sector
  • Single supplement if choosing a private single room
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Baggage beyond limits (coach space is limited: ~1 × 20 kg bag + 1 × 5 kg day pack)
Weather Expectations

Seasonal Weather Expectations

Route climate at a glance: This itinerary sits in tropical Queensland. Expect a wet season (roughly Nov–Apr) with heat, humidity and summer storms, and a dry season (May–Oct) with warm days, lower humidity and clearer skies. Inland on the Atherton Tablelands is cooler than the coast, especially at night.

Summer (Dec–Feb)

  • Airlie Beach / Whitsundays: ~24–31 °C, humid; afternoon storms possible. Sea ~27–29 °C.
  • Cairns / Port Douglas / Mission Beach: ~24–32 °C, very humid; frequent showers and the highest chance of heavy rain.
  • Notes: UV is extreme; hydrate often. Reef trips may adjust sites or timing to suit conditions.

Autumn (Mar–May)

  • Whitsundays: ~22–28 °C; humidity easing through April–May; sea ~25–27 °C.
  • Cairns / Port Douglas: ~22–30 °C; rainfall tapering; waterfalls are full from the wet.
  • Tablelands: Pleasant days, cooler evenings—pack a light layer.

Winter (Jun–Aug)

  • Whitsundays: ~18–24 °C; dry and sunny; sea ~22–24 °C.
  • Cairns / Port Douglas / Mission Beach: ~18–27 °C; dry, warm days and mild nights—prime reef and rainforest weather.
  • Tablelands: Cool mornings/evenings; a jumper helps.

Spring (Sep–Nov)

  • Whitsundays: ~21–28 °C; warming quickly, rising UV.
  • Cairns / Port Douglas: ~22–31 °C; humidity building toward the wet season.
  • Sea temps climb; conditions are generally settled, with occasional windy days.

Rain, storms & cyclones

  • Heaviest rain is typically Dec–Mar. Cyclone season is generally Nov–Apr; systems are monitored closely and plans adjust if needed. Short tropical downpours are common—fast-drying clothing is useful.

Wind & sea state

  • Trade winds can freshen, especially around the Whitsundays (common mid-year). Reef/island operators choose the most sheltered sites available on the day; occasionally timings or routes change for comfort and safety.

Marine stingers (jellyfish)

  • In Far North Queensland, the higher-risk period is usually Nov–May. Stinger nets may be in place at some mainland beaches, and stinger suits are commonly used on reef trips in season—check with the crew on the day and follow local advice.

Sun, heat & hydration

  • UV is high to extreme year-round. Bring a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, reef-safe SPF 50+, and a 1 L+ refillable bottle. Light, breathable clothing works best; add a light jacket for cooler Tablelands evenings.

Weather flexibility

  • If rain, wind or park notices affect conditions, the itinerary may be re-sequenced or adjusted to keep the experience safe and enjoyable.
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What To Pack

What to Pack

Pack light: coach space is limited. Aim for 1 × 20 kg soft bag + 1 × 5 kg daypack.

Essentials

  • Photo ID/passport (if required), travel insurance details
  • Phone, chargers, power bank, and AU Type-I plug adaptor (if needed)
  • 1 L+ refillable water bottle
  • Sunglasses (polarised if you have them) + wide-brim hat

Clothing

  • Light, breathable shirts/shorts (quick-dry fabrics work best)
  • Long-sleeve sun shirt/rash top for boat days
  • Light rain jacket or packable shell (summer storms)
  • Warm layer (fleece or jumper) for cooler Tablelands evenings
  • Sleepwear, underwear, socks

Footwear

  • Closed-toe walking shoes/sneakers for short walks and lookouts
  • Thongs/sandals for beach and evenings

Swim & Sun

  • Swimwear + compact/quick-dry towel
  • Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  • After-sun moisturiser/aloe (optional)

Daypack & Small Items

  • 18–25 L daypack for daily essentials
  • Small dry bag or zip-locks (handy on boat days)
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal medications + simple blister/motion-sickness remedies
  • Camera/GoPro + spare cards/batteries
  • Reusable tote for snacks/market finds
  • Small torch/headlamp (optional)

Documents & Money

  • Debit/credit cards + a little cash
  • Booking confirmations and emergency contacts (digital + paper backup)

Seasonal Notes (Tropical QLD)

  • Nov–Apr (wet season): extra quick-dry layers, light umbrella or poncho, electrolytes.
  • May–Oct (dry season): add a light jumper for cooler mornings/evenings on the Tablelands.
  • Marine stingers (approx. Nov–May): stinger suits are commonly used on reef trips in season—follow crew advice. If you prefer extra coverage, bring a long-sleeve rashie/leggings.

Reef & Whitsundays Day Tips

  • Daypack with hat, sunglasses, swimwear, compact towel, water, and light snacks
  • Snorkel gear is provided for included reef/island days; bring your own mask/snorkel only if you prefer your own fit
  • If you get seasick, pack tablets and take them before departure (per instructions)

Port Douglas & Daintree Add-On (9-Day)

  • Lightweight long pants/long sleeves for mossies in the evening
  • Extra repellent and a spare dry bag for rainforest showers

Laundry is easy to find in coastal towns—packing a couple of detergent sheets helps keep the bag lean.

Co2 Footprint
Your Tour Offsets drive far more than Tree Planting — We Go Climate Positive By Design | Click Here to View the Method

CO₂ Footprint

Results Summary (Topline)

  • Estimated per guest (7-day): ~0.90 t CO₂e (~901 kg, incl. +10% uncertainty uplift)
  • Estimated per guest (9-day): ~0.97 t CO₂e (~972 kg, incl. +10% uplift)
  • Estimated per tour (12 guests): ~10.82 t CO₂e (7-day)~11.67 t CO₂e (9-day)
  • Offset applied: 200% of the above estimate
  • Method note: High-estimate approach using DEFRA-aligned factors with Well-to-Tank and RF = 1.9 for aviation; includes a single-origin feeder routing, all meals (included + off-tour), one wildlife boat day (see notes), and a +10% uncertainty uplift.

Purpose

Provide a clear, conservative estimate of greenhouse emissions for this itinerary so travellers can understand and counteract their impact.

Key Tour Info

  • Tour: Whitsundays, Reef & Rainforest | Brisbane → Cairns (7/9 Days of the Far North)
  • Group/Style: Small-group (max ~16), comfort accommodation
  • Route (7-day): Brisbane → Airlie Beach (flight) → Mission Beach → Atherton Tablelands → Cairns → finish
  • Route (9-day add-on): As above + Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge & Daintree → return to Cairns → finish
  • Nights: 6 (7-day) or 8 (9-day)

Scope & Boundaries

Included:

  • Mini-coach travel across the itinerary
  • Boat travel: Whitsundays cruise + Great Barrier Reef catamaran (7 & 9-day); Daintree eco-cruise (9-day)
  • Domestic flight Brisbane → Proserpine
  • Feeder travel to/from the tour using a single origin hub (see next section)
  • Accommodation: hotel/resort nights (HCMI per room-night, twin-share allocation)
  • Meals: all meals consumed during the tour window (included + off-tour) using a per-meal factor
  • One wildlife boat day: assumed by default; counted as optional on the 7-day, and covered by the included Daintree cruise on the 9-day
  • +10% uncertainty uplift applied to totals

Excluded:

  • Pre/post-tour stays and activities outside the itinerary window
  • Souvenirs and other personal purchases

Feeder Hub — Single Origin City

  • Origin hub used: Brisbane (BNE) (the tour starts here).
  • One-way routing assumption: Guests are in Brisbane at the start; after the tour, they fly Cairns → Brisbane to return to the origin hub. (If a guest travels differently, their personal figure will vary.)

Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults

  • Mini-coach: 0.089 kg CO₂e / passenger-km
  • Wildlife/Small boat: 0.180 kg CO₂e / passenger-km
  • Hotels: 30 kg CO₂e / room-night15 kg per guest-night (twin share)
  • Meals (mixed diet): 1.8 kg CO₂e / meal
  • Aviation (short-haul economy, WTT + RF=1.9): 0.254 kg CO₂e / passenger-km
  • Uncertainty uplift: +10% to the whole result

Activity Data

7-Day Base

  • Road (mini-coach): ~765 km
  • On-water: Whitsundays ~46 km + Reef ~30 km = ~76 km
  • Wildlife boat (assumed optional): ~30 km
  • Hotels: 6 nights (twin-share allocation)
  • Meals: 21 meals (7 days × 3/day)
  • Internal flight: Brisbane → Proserpine ~990 km
  • Feeder flight (return to hub): Cairns → Brisbane ~1,390 km

9-Day Extension (adds Port Douglas & Daintree)

  • Extra road: ~285 km (Cairns ↔ Port Douglas + Daintree day) → Road total ~1,050 km
  • Extra on-water: Daintree eco-cruise ~20 km (wildlife boat day considered included here; no extra optional added)
  • Hotels: 8 nights total
  • Meals: 27 meals (9 days × 3/day)
  • Flights: as per 7-day (internal BNE→PPP and feeder CNS→BNE)

Results — Per Guest (before +10% uplift)

7-Day

  • Mini-coach: ~68 kg
  • Boats (Whitsundays + Reef): ~13.7 kg
  • Wildlife boat (assumed optional): ~5.4 kg
  • Hotels (6 nights): ~90 kg
  • Meals (21): ~37.8 kg
  • Flight Brisbane → Proserpine: ~251.5 kg
  • Feeder flight Cairns → Brisbane: ~353.1 kg
    Subtotal: ~819.5 kg~901 kg CO₂e with +10% uplift

9-Day

  • Mini-coach: ~93.5 kg
  • Boats (Whitsundays + Reef + Daintree): ~17.3 kg
  • Hotels (8 nights): ~120 kg
  • Meals (27): ~48.6 kg
  • Flight Brisbane → Proserpine: ~251.5 kg
  • Feeder flight Cairns → Brisbane: ~353.1 kg
    Subtotal: ~883.9 kg~972 kg CO₂e with +10% uplift

Results — Per Tour

  • 12 guests (7-day): ~10.82 t CO₂e
  • 12 guests (9-day): ~11.67 t CO₂e
    (For a full group of 16, totals scale proportionally.)

Assumptions

  • Twin-share rooms on average; private singles slightly higher per guest.
  • One wildlife boat day is included by default: optional on the 7-day; covered by the Daintree eco-cruise on the 9-day.
  • Mixed diet for meals; vegetarian/vegan choices reduce the meal component.
  • Economy class flights. Distances rounded; minor routing changes can shift totals slightly.

Versioning

  • Model: ZT CO₂e v1.7 (2025-09-08)
  • Method: DEFRA-aligned factors with WTT + RF=1.9 for aviation; HCMI for hotels; higher mini-coach passenger-km; +10% uncertainty uplift.
  • Note: Estimates support comparison and 200% counter-impact planning; not for formal carbon accounting.
Local Insights

Local Insights

Country & Culture

  • You’ll travel on the lands of the Turrbal/Yuggera, Yuwibara, Djiru, Yidinji, Djabugay, Kuku Yalanji and Eastern Kuku Yalanji peoples. Respect signage at cultural sites; ask before photographing people or ceremonies.
  • Reef and rainforest areas are living cultural landscapes. Local guides may share Traditional Owner perspectives—listen first and follow guidance.

Best Time to Go (Comfort vs. Crowd)

  • Great all-round: May–Oct (dry season) brings warm days, lower humidity and clearer water.
  • Quieter value windows: Mar–Apr and Sep–Nov outside school holidays.
  • Peak periods: Australian school holidays (esp. late Dec–Jan, Easter) fill Airlie Beach, Cairns & Port Douglas quickly—pre-book popular restaurants and reef/flight add‑ons.

Ocean & Reef Savvy

  • Swim between the red‑and‑yellow flags at patrolled beaches. Rips can occur on otherwise calm days.
  • Stingers (jellyfish): Higher risk typically Nov–May; stinger suits are commonly used on reef trips in season—follow crew advice.
  • Trade winds can freshen mid‑year in the Whitsundays; operators choose the most sheltered sites available on the day.

Wildlife Etiquette

  • You may encounter turtles, rays, reef fish, and, on land, cassowaries near Mission Beach. Sightings are never guaranteed. Keep distance, do not feed wildlife, and store food securely.
  • Cassowary caution: If encountered, keep space, do not run or approach, and never attempt to feed.

Rainforest Realities (Daintree & Tablelands)

  • Expect humidity, mossies and short, heavy showers, even in the dry. Light long sleeves and repellent help.
  • Boardwalks can be slippery after rain; wear treaded shoes and use handrails.
  • Freshwater systems (like Lake Eacham) are delicate—avoid soaps and sunscreen in the water where advised.

Getting Around & Connectivity

  • Mobile coverage is generally good along the coast, but patchy north of the Daintree River. Download offline maps and playlists.
  • Public transport cards: If you extend your stay, Brisbane uses go card; Cairns is more car/foot oriented with local buses.

Money & Tipping

  • Australia is largely cashless. Cards/tap-to-pay are standard, with small minimums at some kiosks. Tipping is optional—rounding up or adding a small amount for great service is appreciated, not expected.

Food & Water

  • Tap water is safe to drink—carry a 1 L+ bottle. Reef days often have chilled water refills aboard.
  • Excellent access to diet-friendly options in Airlie Beach, Cairns & Port Douglas. Mission Beach is smaller—plan snacks if you have specific requirements.

Events & Season Notes

  • Whale migration passes the coast roughly Jun–Nov; keep an eye out from headlands (no guarantees).
  • Wet season (approx. Nov–Apr) brings lush rainforest, full waterfalls and occasional storm systems; itineraries can be resequenced for safety.

Drones & Rules

  • Drones are restricted or prohibited in many parks and near wildlife. Always check local signage and regulations before flying.

Leave No Trace

  • Use formed tracks/boardwalks, pack out all rubbish, use reef‑safe sunscreen, and keep soaps out of natural waterways. Small habits, big impact.
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Tour FAQ's
Where and when is the meeting point?

Meet the group at 5:00 pm in Brisbane (typically The Point Hotel Brisbane) for a short orientation. Final meeting details are confirmed in the pre-departure information.

What level of fitness is required?

Easy overall. Expect short walks (roughly 1–7 km on selected days), warm weather, and a few steps/boardwalks. You should be comfortable walking unaided and getting on/off small boats.

Is this good for solo travellers?

Yes. It’s easier to meet people in a small group, logistics are handled, and shared twin rooms help keep costs down. Solo travellers booking Twin Share are paired with a same-gender roommate; Private Single rooms are available (limited, higher rate).

More FAQ's

Where does the tour finish?

In Cairns after breakfast on Day 7 (or Day 9 if you add the Port Douglas & Daintree extension).

Is a flight included?

Yes. A domestic flight Brisbane → Proserpine (Whitsundays) is included. Return or onward flights after the tour are self-arranged.

How big is the group?

Small and social—up to ~16 guests.

What level of fitness is needed?

Easy. Expect short boardwalks and lookout walks, relaxed reef and island days, and one longer coach travel day.

What meals are included?

6 breakfasts and 2 lunches (Whitsundays cruise and Great Barrier Reef day). Other meals are flexible so you can try local spots.

Are national park fees and listed activities included?

Yes. All listed entries and guided experiences are covered, including the Whitsundays cruise and Great Barrier Reef day.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?

Generally yes—advise at booking so the operator can plan with hotels and cruise partners.

How much luggage can I bring?

Coach space is limited: 1 × 20 kg bag + 1 × 5 kg daypack works best. Airline checked baggage limits apply to the included domestic flight (see final documents).

Is this suitable for solo travellers?

Yes. Solo travellers booked in Twin Share are paired with a same-gender guest. Private Single rooms are available (supplement applies).

What’s the accommodation like?

Hand-picked boutique hotels/resorts with private ensuites in Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach and Cairns (plus Port Douglas on the 9-day).

Do I need to be a confident swimmer?

No. Reef and beach swims are optional. Snorkel gear is provided on included boat days, and non-swimmers can enjoy the glass-bottom boat.

What about jellyfish (stingers)?

In tropical QLD, stinger risk is typically higher Nov–May. Operators commonly provide/require stinger suits in season; follow crew advice on the day.

I get seasick—any tips?

Bring motion-sickness tablets and take them before boarding (per instructions). Staff choose the most sheltered sites available on windy days.

Will there be free time?

Yes. Airlie Beach, Cairns (and Port Douglas on the 9-day) include unstructured time for cafés, markets, and optional add-ons.

Is travel insurance required?

Strongly recommended for medical, cancellation and disruption coverage. Keep policy details handy.

Is the tour suitable for mobility-impaired travellers?

Unfortunately no. Guests should be able to walk unaided on short tracks, steps and uneven or sandy surfaces.

Are there age limits?

Minimum age 12. Travellers 12–17 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Not suitable for children 11 and under.

What happens if weather disrupts plans?

Safety first. The operator may re-sequence or adjust activities (e.g., reef sites, daily timings) to suit conditions.

Who runs this tour—how does booking work?

Zero Trace Tours is a marketplace. A vetted operator runs the tour and provides on-ground logistics and final confirmations. Booking is made through Zero Trace Tours; the operator delivers the experience.

How “green” is this trip?

Each booking funds a counter-impact to balance estimated emissions, with a 200% offset applied to the itinerary’s CO₂e estimate. See the Impact page for the current approach.

Anything else I should pack?

A 1 L+ refillable bottle, reef-safe SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses, lightweight long sleeves for sun, a light rain shell, and a warm layer for cooler Tablelands evenings. A small dry bag is handy for boat days.

This Tour Has An estimated footprint of :

-1.0tCO₂e
-1.0t 10.0t
0–2 t Low · 2–4 t Moderate · 4–6 t High · 6–8 t Very High · 8+ Extreme
What That Means

Still looking for your next adventure? Here’s what’s next..

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Travel

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Bookings with Us

1. Choose Your Tour

1. Choose Your Tour

Browse our curated selection of adventures for the one that speaks to you.

2. Pick Your Dates

2. Pick Your Dates

Each tour lists upcoming start dates. Select the one that suits your schedule.

3. Reserve Your Spot

3. Reserve Your Spot

Book to lock in your preferred departure and await confirmation email

4. Plan Your Logisitics

4. Plan Your Logisitics

Tours Confirmed! It’s time to make any arrangements to reach the tour’s start point on time.

5. Your Adventure Begins

5. Your Adventure Begins

You'll be connected with your expert guides, fellow travelers, and begin adventuring.

FAQ's

Is Zero Trace a tour company or a booking platform?

Zero Trace Tours is a curated marketplace, not a tour operator.

We handpick the best guided adventure tours from expert local operators and bring them together in one place. Think of us as your shortcut to the world’s most unforgettable, low-impact travel experiences—without the overwhelm of researching every operator yourself.

How do I know the tours are legit and safe to book?

We only partner with & list high-quality, trusted operators.

Every tour you see on Zero Trace is run by a professional provider with proven experience, proper licensing, and strong safety practices. We don’t just take anyone—each operator is thoroughly vetted before their tours go live. You’re not just booking an adventure. You’re booking peace of mind.

What makes these tours “Zero Trace”?

Every tour on our platform includes a built-in environmental offset.

We calculate the footprint of each experience—from travel to food to gear—and contribute directly to landscape restoration projects that heal degraded environments (Twice Over!!).

It’s not a vague promise—it’s built into the business model. You travel, we restore.

What kind of traveller are these tours designed for?

If you’re into off-the-beaten-path, small-group, experience-rich travel—this is for you.

These aren’t cookie-cutter trips. They’re for people who care about nature, love a bit of challenge, and value quality over quantity. Some are rugged, some are luxurious—but all are run by experts who live and breathe the places they guide in.

What happens if I need to cancel or change my booking?

Each tour follows the cancellation policy set by its operator, which is clearly listed before you book.

Zero Trace handles all your booking admin, so if your plans change, just reach out to us—we’ll coordinate directly with the operator to get it sorted. No call centre runaround, no being passed off. We’ve got your back from booking to departure.

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