Tropical North Queensland: 8-Day Small-Group Tour with Low Isles Cruise, Daintree Visit & Indigenous Experiences
Reconnect with Australia’s Indigenous past and natural beauty on an eight-day small-group tour of Tropical North Queensland (max. 14 travellers). Moving from colourful reef to 20,000-year-old rock art, let the Traditional Owners of the land guide you through the Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Cooktown and Laura.
Travelling in a private vehicle accompanied by an expert local driver-guide, discover what true connection to our country feels like. Take a peaceful Low Isles cruise, visit the UNESCO-listed Daintree and Mossman Gorge to learn about the Kuku Yalanji — the area’s Traditional Owners — and embrace conservation at the private ethnobotanical Botanical Ark. Take in the wonder of the world’s oldest rainforest by cruise, bush-bash through the Bloomfield Track and visit the heritage-listed Cooktown Cemetery before watching the daylight fade while sharing stories around the fire and listening to the sounds of the didgeridoo reverberating through Jarramali Campsite. In Laura, you will find magnificent rock art dating back as far as 20,000 years, as you visit the outback museums of Magnificent Gallery and Rainbow Serpent Gallery.
Enjoy unique accommodation, including an incredible stay at the acclaimed Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa, a five-star resort in the heart of Port Douglas, an authentic Indigenous camping experience under the night sky in Cape York, and a decadent night at the luxe Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns.
Your tour includes:
- Seven nights of hand-selected accommodation including two nights at the acclaimed Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa, a two-night camping experience at Jarramali Campsite and one night at the brand-new designer Crystalbrook Flynn on the glistening Cairns Esplanade
- Daily breakfast, four lunches and three delicious dinners, including a welcome dinner and Chef’s Table lunch at the Botanical Ark in the Daintree
- Soak up the peace and tranquillity on a Low Isles cruise with a welcome drink and delicious canapés
- Take a guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk through the rainforest canopy alongside the waters of Mossman Gorge
- Participate in an authentic smoking ceremony and learn about the uses of plants in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park
- Discover the Botanical Ark, a private ethnobotanical garden and enjoy an interpretive garden tour with the founder
- Take a journey down the Daintree River and bask in the magic of the world’s oldest rainforest, rich with crocodiles, snakes, butterflies and birds
- Travel along the Bloomfield Track, one of Australia’s most iconic outback roads, through dense sections of rainforest, steep climbs and challenging creek crossings
- Voyage to Grassy Hill and experience panoramic views over Cooktown, the Coral Sea and Endeavour River
- Take a guided walk through Cooktown Botanic Gardens and the heritage-listed Cooktown Cemetery
- Immerse yourself in ancient stories while uncovering the rock art of the Kuku Yalanji people and their connection to the land at Jarramali, Cape York region
- The services of an expert driver-guide who will accompany you throughout
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, including complimentary bottled water
- All sightseeing and national park entry fees as per the itinerary
Your journey takes you to: Cairns — Port Douglas — Daintree National Park — Cooktown — Laura — Cairns.
Book with 100% confidence: If you are unable to travel as a result of Government travel restrictions, Luxury Escapes will assist you with a date change, provide you with a credit or process a refund for your booking less any non-recoverable costs. See Fine Print for details.
Covid-19 health and safety practices: Our expert Tours team is working hard to ensure the highest health standards at every point of your journey. Find out more.
The Experiences – Where the wonders of the reef meet the sounds of the rainforest and ancient rock art
From the vivid tapestry of glistening coral gardens to misty rainforest-clad mountain tops and spectacular oases in the remote outback, it’s impossible not to be enchanted by Tropical North Queensland.
Take a one-and-a-half-hour sail to the idyllic Low Isles. Enjoy spectacular mountain views whilst enjoying a welcome drink of champagne, wine or beer, and canapés.
Learn of Ngadiku Dreamtime stories with a guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park’s rainforest canopy alongside the waters of Mossman Gorge, before an interactive smoking ceremony. This is a unique opportunity to connect with the land while hearing tales of how its Traditional Owners used the surrounding flora and fauna.
Enjoy unique experiences throughout including travelling along the iconic Bloomfield Track, cruising the Daintree River, taking in panoramic views from Cooktown’s Grassy Hill and learning about conservation and sustainability in tropical environments at the Botanical Ark.
Over two nights at the exclusive Jarramali Camp, immerse yourself in its ancient stories while uncovering the rock art of the Kuku Yalanji people and their connection to the land. Be taken to ‘Magnificent Gallery’ — a pristine and culturally significant Quinkan Rock Art site — which archaeologists predict is a 20,000-year-old outback museum home to over 450 pieces of art. A knowledgeable Kuku Yalanji guide will take you through the gallery and interpret the art for you.
Your Accommodation — From the height of luxury to the heart of nature
Find your corner of tropical heaven at the acclaimed Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa, a sprawling five-star resort famous for its inviting lagoon pool and easy access to the delights of Port Douglas and wider Tropical North Queensland. Experience that unmistakable holiday feeling as soon as you step into the Bali-style open foyer and further into the resort’s lush, tropical gardens. Stroll to the nearby Four Mile Beach at dawn, then spend sunset poolside, sipping a cocktail as you watch the colours of sunset glitter on the waters.
Immerse yourself in an authentic, Aboriginal cultural experience like no other at Jarramali Campsite, accessible via an exclusive four-wheel-drive adventure track near the small town of Laura. Prepare to feel a world away from home amid the remote backdrop of Cape York Peninsula. Through authentic hidden rock art, delve deeper and unravel the ancient stories of the Kuku Yalanji people to learn more about Australia’s Indigenous history and culturally meaningful rock art sites. Discover the Kuku Yalanji people’s connection to the country, learn about the rejuvenation of land and, at night, enjoy the southern night sky in all its glory… stargazing in the open outback, with the sounds of the Australian bush lulling you to sleep in your cosy tent.
Set on the iconic Cairns Esplanade Lagoon — Cairns’ famous waterfront destination packed with buzzing nightlife, entertainment such as the renowned Cairns Night Markets and rooftop bars — Crystalbrook Flynn is all about laidback luxury. This luxe haven puts the warm, tropical water centre stage with a world-class glass pool and rooms that embrace the sprawling waterfront vistas. A social butterfly on the edge of the iconic Esplanade, with impossibly turquoise harbour and Coral Sea views, this distinctive designer retreat features stylish interiors with two shimmering glass pools and a whole new level of world-class dining options.
Your tour begins and ends at Cairns Airport (CNS).
Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately.
Private airport transfers are included on the first and last day only.
Please book your flights to arrive at Cairns Airport by 3pm on Day 1 and depart any time after breakfast on Day 8.
Do not book flights until the tour is confirmed, see Fine Print for details.
You MUST complete your booking form within 48 hours of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements.
When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements, contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
Time zone: AEST GMT +10
Telephone: +61
Currency: AUD
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Language: English
Climate: Moderate to warm with an average temperature of 29 degrees.
Day 1: Arrive Cairns — Port Douglas
Upon arrival at Cairns Airport (CNS), you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your accommodation in Port Douglas, the five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa. This sprawling resort is famous for its inviting lagoon pool and easy access to the delights of Port Douglas and wider Tropical North Queensland. Experience that unmistakable holiday feeling as soon as you step into the Bali-style open foyer and further into the resort’s lush, tropical gardens.
The day is spent at your leisure, before a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers this evening.
Accommodation: Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa (One-Bedroom Apartment)
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Port Douglas
After a morning at leisure, you’ll make your own way to Port Douglas Marina and enjoy a 90-minute sail to the idyllic Low Isles. Enjoy spectacular mountain views with a glass of champagne, wine or beer and a selection of delicious canapés.
The evening is at leisure to relax in the tropical heart of Port Douglas. Stroll to nearby Four Mile Beach or spend the evening poolside, sipping a cocktail.
Accommodation: Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa (One-Bedroom Apartment)
Meals: Breakfast
Please note: the Low Isles cruise is valid for guests aged 18 years and over. Children are not permitted.
Day 3: Port Douglas — Daintree National Park
Today, embark on a tour exploring the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, dating back as far as 180 million years.
Take a guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk through the peaceful rainforest canopy alongside the glistening waters of Mossman Gorge. Along the way, you’ll find yourself transported to a natural paradise while learning about the significance of the land and the age-old traditions of the Kuku Yalanji people. Participate in a smoking ceremony — said to ward off bad spirits — and learn about the different uses of plants in an unforgettable experience that takes you closer to the land’s rich Indigenous importance.
Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the Botanical Ark, a private ethnobotanical garden in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Take an interpretive garden tour with the founder of this tropical oasis and become inspired by the intrinsic links between the rainforest’s plants and cultures. You will be given the opportunity to sample some of the most unusual and interesting tastes and sights imaginable, before retiring to the verandah of this beautiful Queensland home to experience their renowned Chef’s Table lunch.
Before returning to your accommodation for an evening at leisure, a cruise along the Daintree River offers an opportunity to spot some of the resident crocodiles, birds and other wildlife in the water and dense foliage onshore.
Accommodation: Daintree Ecolodge (Canopy Bayan)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Please note: the included cruise is valid for guests aged 18 years and over. Children are not permitted onboard.
Day 4: Daintree National Park — Cooktown
After a leisurely breakfast, cross the Daintree River and bask in the magic of the world’s oldest rainforest.
Travelling along the Bloomfield Track, one of Australia’s most iconic outback roads, journey through dense sections of rainforest, tackling steep climbs and several challenging creek crossings along the way. Accompanied by your expert driver-guide, enjoy fascinating stories along this famous 4WD-only drive before stopping for lunch at the Lions Den Hotel — one of Queensland’s oldest pubs, established in 1878.
Upon arrival in Cooktown, a journey to Grassy Hill will provide incredible panoramic views of Cooktown, the Coral Sea and Endeavour River. Your expert driver-guide will then take you to the heritage-listed Cooktown Cemetery, before a guided tour at the James Cook Museum and walk through the Cooktown Botanic Gardens.
Your driver-guide will transfer to your Cooktown accommodation for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: The Sovereign Resort Hotel (Resort Room)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Please note: the included cruise is valid for guests aged 18 years and over. Children are not permitted onboard.
Day 5: Cooktown — Laura
Transfer to Laura, where you’ll hop into an All Terrain Warriors truck for a 90-minute 4WD drive via the Cape York Peninsula (please note, some guests will be accommodated in an ATV or Landcruiser).
Your local Indigenous guide will introduce you to the land, which has been his family’s home for many years and escort you to your base for the next two nights, Jarramali camp. Afterwards, be taken to ‘Magnificent Gallery’ — a pristine and culturally significant Quinkan Rock Art site — which archaeologists predict is a 20,000-year-old outback museum home to over 450 pieces of art. A knowledgeable Kuku Yalanji guide will take you through the gallery and interpret the art for you.
A short drive takes you to the recently discovered rock art site of the Rainbow Serpent Gallery. Lunch will be offered before returning to your Jarramali Campsite for an afternoon at leisure. Be sure to enjoy a hot water bush shower overlooking the deep gorge and rocky cliff faces.
This evening, curl up around the fire as the sounds of the Yigi Yigi (didgeridoo) echo through the valley in anticipation of your roast dinner, cooked over the coals. Enjoy yarns and billy tea before retreating to your cosy tent for the night.
Accommodation: Jarramali Campsite, Cape York region
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Laura
Rise early to watch a beautiful sunrise over the red sandstone escarpment country. Savour a hot bush breakfast cooked over the campfire before setting out to explore the pioneering history of this remote and rugged part of Australia with your Indigenous guide.
Tonight, spend a magical evening stargazing. See the rings of Saturn, view various constellations and planets, and hear stories of how the Kuku Yalanji people viewed the night sky, before retreating to your cosy tent.
Accommodation: Jarramali Campsite, Cape York region
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Laura — Cairns
After breakfast, be transferred back to Laura to rejoin your driver-guide for your journey back to Cairns via the Mulligan Highway. You will stop briefly at Black Mountain and the Palmer River Roadhouse before an evening at leisure in Cairns.
With its year-round good weather and compact CBD, the town is a breeze to explore and offers a myriad of opportunities to shop, dine and relax. Stroll down the busy Esplanade to find an abundance of stylish bars, art galleries, boutique shops and innovative eateries, head out of town to embrace the region’s natural beauty or join locals at the waterfront lagoon for a swim and an ice cream.
Accommodation: Crystalbrook Flynn (Urban Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Depart Cairns
Wave goodbye to Cairns this morning as your eight-day luxury small-group tour comes to an end with a transfer to Cairns Airport.
Meals: Breakfast