- Pricing From TBA
- Single Supplement TBA
- From Cairns
- Duration 7 Days
- Max Group Size 18
- Activity Level Moderate
- Departs Jul 2025
- Returns Jul 2025
Join Bill Peach Journeys for an exploration of Far North Queensland’s spectacular highlights from the Great Barrier Reef to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Marvel at the magnificent coastal sights of Port Douglas and Mission Beach and take in the breathtakingly beautiful Mossman Gorge inland. Soak in the tropical warmth on a full day outer Great Barrier Reef experience and explore the lush world of the Atherton Tablelands’ hypnotic cascades on the famed Waterfall Circuit. Be awed by the natural beauty of World Heritage-listed waterfalls including Josephine Falls and the majestic and picturesque Millaa Millaa Falls surrounded by a stunning tropical rainforest.
We will discover the natural ecosystem which exists in this remarkable region while cruising on Lake Barrine and learn about its unique flora and fauna. Uncover the region’s timber and mining history in Mareeba and learn about the unique fruit farming techniques of today. Truly an enchanting Sojourn of pristine wilderness complemented by Bill Peach Journeys style including two nights in a tropical nature reserve at the renowned Thala Beach Reserve, a night at Castaways Resort and three nights at the luxurious Shangri-La Resort, Cairns.
Highlights
- Spend 2 nights at Thala Beach Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World
- 3 nights at the luxurious Shangri-La Resort, Cairns
- 1 night beachfront at Castaways Resort and Spa set in the natural beauty of Mission Beach
- Experience the magic of the outer Great Barrier Reef from above and below the surface
- Enjoy a wildlife cruise on serene Lake Barrine
- Discover the history of the region in Mareeba
- Explore unique & fascinating local farming techniques
- Visit World Heritage-listed Millaa Millaa Falls and Josephine Falls on the famed Waterfall Circuit
- Walk under the tropical canopy of the Heritage-listed Daintree Forest and visit iconic Mossman Gorge
- All meals included - breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Escorted throughout by a dedicated Journey Director
Tour Departures
Hotels
Bill Peach Journeys understands the importance of selecting the right accommodation to complement each journey. In this case, a selection of exceptional properties have been chosen to showcase the incredible destinations visited throughout this journey.
Experience the warmth of genuine Australian hospitality at Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns. The hotel sits between Trinity Inlet, the Coral Sea and Esplanade parklands to frame views across Marlin Marina to the mountains surrounding the settlement. Laze by the swimming pool, linger in the leafy green tropical gardens, breathe in the relaxed casual Cairns Guests staying in Executive Marina View Room will enjoy contemporary elegance and stunning uninterrupted views of the Marlin Marina.
Castaways Resort and Spa Mission Beach is an absolute beachfront escape in the tropics. Idyllically bound by the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest, Castaways is the perfect destination to experience the Queensland tropics. Mission Beach remains one of the yet to be discovered jewels of the Tropical North. A tropical playground located just 90 minutes south of Cairns. Castaways Resort and Spa is flawlessly positioned on coconut lined lawns just twenty metres from the white sands of Mission Beach and the sparkling waters of Coral Sea. The resort features a day- spa, restaurant and cocktail bar and accommodation all boasting expansive views across the Coral Sea.
Situated on the northernmost headland of a 2km stretch of private, untouched coastline the views from Thala Beach Nature Reserve are panoramic, taking in the Far North Queensland coast from Double Island to Cape Tribulation, and from the sparkling waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the World Heritage Forests that cover the coastal ranges.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve provides a natural and secluded environment, a tranquil haven. Whether strolling at sunrise on the private tropical beach or relaxing with cocktails watching the sunset over the coastal ranges, you will be enchanted by your surrounds. The accommodation is nestled amongst the Eucalypt forest, which has been carefully preserved. There is a great variety of forest, which provide habitats for some extraordinary birds, plants and animals. The bungalows are spread throughout the forest canopy, providing a magical and unobtrusive relationship with the natural world surrounding them. Thala Beach Nature Reserve is an incredibly special destination in itself.
Shangri-La Resort
The 5-star Shangri-La Hotel offers luxury accommodations with stunning views of the Cairns Marlin Marina.Castaways Resort
Beachfront accommodation set in an unspoilt tropical paradise at Mission Beach.Thala Beach
Thala is a resort that has achieved the highest level of Advanced Eco Certification and is a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.
Transfer from Cairns Airport to the luxurious Shangri-La Resort, set on the marina surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Tonight there will be a welcome dinner at the iconic Cairns waterfront precinct.
Overnight: Shangri-La Resort or similar
This morning takes us to the Mareeba Heritage Museum which hosts a wide variety of incredible exhibits that teach us about the local area’s rich and fascinating history. Following lunch we drive to serene Lake Barrine to learn about one of the most complex and amazing rainforest eco-systems in the world during a wildlife cruise around the volcanic crater brim.
Overnight: Shangri-La Resort or similar
A day to remember as we cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Experience the magic of the Reef above and below the surface as we spend the day taking in the majesty of this natural wonder. Marvel at the abundant sea life on a glass bottom boat tour and semi-submersible boat tour. There is an opportunity to enjoy snorkelling in the lagoon for anyone interested.
Overnight: Shangri-La Resort or similar
Heading south, visit Josephine Falls, a tiered cascade fed by rains falling on Queensland’s highest peak, Bartle Frere. Renowned for its crystal clear waters, World Heritage-listed Josephine Falls is located in Wooroonooran National Park. Following lunch, we visit the award-winning Fruit Forest Farm to learn about their unique and innovative style of growing exotic fruit trees in the tropics. Check in to our beachfront accommodation set in an unspoilt tropical paradise of a World Heritage-listed rainforest.
Overnight: Castaways Resort & Spa or similar
After breakfast, we visit Charley’s Chocolate Factory, one of the only places in the world where you can experience the journey of chocolate from “Tree to Bar”. Heading further north, we explore the breathtaking Waterfalls Circuit, including the majestic and picturesque heritage-listed Millaa Millaa Falls, hoping to spot platypus and secretive tree-kangaroos along the way. Next we visit the Curtain Fig Tree, unique because its extensive aerial roots, that drop 15 metres to the forest floor, have formed a ‘curtain’. Transfer to the luxurious Thala Beach Nature Reserve, a deluxe eco and wildlife retreat containing 58 hectares of native forest adjacent to secluded Oak Beach.
Overnight: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
This morning we visit The Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, an award-winning ecotourism experience that introduces us to the world’s oldest living rainforest, the Daintree and the Indigenous communities who have lived here for centuries. Walk beneath the towering canopy of the rainforest, beautifully framed by the striking mountains. The Daintree National Park, in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area features lush plants and flowers, shady paths, trails, trickling streams and waterfalls where crystal-clear water cascades over large granite boulders.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the remarkable Thala Beach Nature Reserve or spend the afternoon in Port Douglas, a chic relaxed seaside village located on the sublime turquoise of the Coral Sea. This evening we enjoy our farewell dinner at Thala Beach Nature Reserve.
Overnight: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
After a leisurely breakfast transfer to Cairns Airport. Say farewell to new friends and take away fond memories of a delightful reef and rainforest Sojourn.
About Sojourns
Our Sojourn programmes are short break journeys put together in conjunction with themes, events or experiences. These programmes range from cruising New Zealand’s North Islands to world-class sporting events and unique experiences throughout Australia and New Zealand.
About Single Traveller Journeys
We recognise the specific requirements of single travellers and that’s why a number of our journeys are single supplement free, affording you the benefit of your own single room, without any or with significantly reduced extra cost. In fact, over 40% of our guests travel alone and return to Bill Peach Journeys again and again. In this way, you can enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow travellers during the day, along with the safety and security of travelling with an escorted group, but still retire to your own personal room in the evening. Note: The single supplement free offer cannot be taken in conjunction with any other offer.
Fully inclusive
When you travel on a Sojourn with Bill Peach Journeys everything is included and arranged before you even leave home. That includes all sundries like tips, taxes and transfers. In fact, you won’t even need to carry your bags.
Enjoy the finest level of accommodation, dining and service all in one fare. From the very moment your journey begins, your seamless travel experience with Bill Peach Journeys begins.
Coaches
The coaches that we use for the ground component of this journey are fully air-conditioned.
Pre Tour
Flights from your home port to Cairns are not included in the journey price. Should you require flights to and from Cairns, we can provide a competitive quote on airfares and pre and post-tour accommodation in Sydney, at the commencement and conclusion of your journey.
Level of Fitness Required – Moderate
This journey is more challenging and designed for the more active traveller who is looking to venture off the beaten path. To fully participate in all activities, the traveller must be able to walk up to 1km on even surfaces unaided, travel by four-wheel drive vehicles along ungraded roads and walk up steps unassisted.
We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey, in respect for your fellow travellers. Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover you against such things as personal illness or accident, cancellation, loss of baggage etc. Please make sure you carry a copy of your Travel Insurance policy with you at all times.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to the T&C’s for more information. Terms & Conditions (PDF)
* Free Single Supplement Offer – is limited and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Conditions apply, please contact Bill Peach Journeys for details.
* Due to current travel restrictions, there may be operational / date changes required. We will continue to work with suppliers to monitor the situation.