Conquer reef and rainforest on a Cairns & Great Barrier Reef adventure

Ready for the ultimate Queensland adventure? Cairns & Great Barrier Reef  is calling.

Where else can you dive the world's largest coral reef in the morning and bungy jump into ancient rainforest by afternoon?

Pack your sense of adventure (and maybe some reef-safe sunscreen). This 8-day itinerary is too great to wait – and will have you swimming with the Great Eight, chasing waterfalls, and soaking up Indigenous wisdom from one of the oldest continuing cultures on Earth.

Day 1: Hello, paradise!

Touch down at Cairns Airport and make the scenic drive to Port Douglas – the road hugs the coastline so you’ll have about an hour of unbeatable eye candy to enjoy. Pull off at as many lookout points as you like: these views are best savoured. Check into the luxurious Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, where tropical gardens meet the beachfront bliss of famous Four Mile Beach.

As the evening arrives, slip into something comfortable for your sunset sailing adventure with Indigo. BYO drinks and toast to the start of your tropical escape as golden hour paints the sky and the Coral Sea bobs beneath you. Not a bad way to kick things off, right?

Day 2: Great Barrier Reef magic

Rise early for an unforgettable adventure – the Great Barrier Reef awaits! Board Sailaway VII, a luxury eco-catamaran that'll whisk you to the pristine outer reef. This isn't just any reef trip – Sailaway's Master Reef Guides bring this underwater wonderland to life.

Plunge into crystal waters at Mackay Coral Cay, where colourful coral gardens and curious fish await. Never snorkelled before? No worries! The team provides full instruction and in-water help. Between dips, refuel with a spectacular tropical buffet lunch.

Can't get enough reef knowledge? Hop on the glass-bottom boat tour for a dry perspective on this underwater metropolis, and feel good knowing your ticket contributes $20 to local reforestation through the Eco Shamba initiative.

Evening brings a culinary treat at Harrisons Restaurant, a Port Douglas institution helmed by Chef Spencer Patrick, renowned for the unique flavours he creates with North Queensland produce. Harrisons is a star player in Taste Port Douglas, Queensland's favourite tropical food festival returning August 7-10, 2025 (foodies, take note).

Day 3: Rainforest revelations

From ocean to ancient forest – today belongs to the Daintree. Back Country Bliss Adventures takes you deep into the world's oldest rainforest for a once-in-a-lifetime river drift experience, where 180 million years of evolution surrounds you. Feel tiny beneath towering trees, spot rare wildlife, and learn why this ecosystem is unlike anywhere else on Earth.

The afternoon, head to Cairns to check into the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino – perfectly positioned for your next adventures.

Day 4: Heart-racing heights & seafood delights

Forget the latte: your shot of adrenaline is served differently this morning. Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett offers the ultimate rush – bungy jumping and giant swing plunges with unbeatable rainforest and coastal views. There’s an entire menu of jumps to test your leap of faith, along with a tower climb and lookout.

After your heart rate returns to normal, return to town and stroll towards Cairns Esplanade for ocean breeze and lagoon dips. This vibrant waterfront precinct begs for a leisurely afternoon – perhaps with a refreshing drink at Hemingway's Brewery?

As evening falls, grab dinner at Prawn Star. This quirky casual dining spot serves up the freshest seafood, on board a moored trawler. Crack open some prawns, twist open a cold one, and chat with fellow travellers as boats bob nearby.

Love to get a taste of nightlife when you travel? Take the opportunity to discover Cairns up late tonight if you wish – your next two nights will be far more serene.

Days 5 - 7: Dive deep

Time to level up your reef experience with Pro Dive Cairns' liveaboard adventure. For the next three days and two nights, your home is a comfortable dive boat accessing stunning Great Barrier Reef sites beyond day-trip range.

Dive by day (with expert instruction if you're new), spot reef sharks and turtles, then experience the magic of night diving as the reef transforms after dark. Between dives, swap stories on deck, feast on hearty meals, and spot dolphins playing in the bow wave.

Curious about a liveaboard experience? Discover more. 

Don’t quite have your sea legs? Road trip further off the beaten path instead. Perhaps steer yourself to the laidback paradise of Mission Beach for coastal adventures and cassowary spotting, or discover the flavour-packed Atherton Tablelands. 

Day 8: Chase waterfalls

Your final day is all about Queensland's liquid treasures – waterfalls! Jump in the car and head south to Josephine Falls (about an hour's drive). A 700-metre walk rewards you with nature's perfect waterpark – crystal pools and a natural rock slide that'll bring out your inner child.

Post-swim, pop into Babinda Bakery for their famous cream bun (trust us, it's worth every calorie). Just 10 minutes away lies Babinda Boulders, where granite boulders create emerald swimming holes beneath the rainforest canopy. Take a final refreshing dip, but stick to marked areas – the Devils Pool section has strong currents.

Back in Cairns  treat yourself to a memorable dinner for your final night. Choose Ochre for award-winning cuisine featuring native ingredients, or Salt House for stunning waterfront views at Marina Point. Either way, you’ll be treated to one last sunset to savour.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef packs more wonder into a week than most places offer in a month – so why wait?