Dip a toe: Cairns and Great Barrier Reef three day itinerary
Itinerary
By Danielle Reckless
Short on time, but want to explore the world’s most famous reef and its lush surrounds? In just a long weekend, you can dive the outer Great Barrier Reef, sail the turquoise Coral Sea, immerse yourself in the world’s oldest rainforest, and wine and dine in award-winning restaurants in Palm Cove and Port Douglas.
Dip your toe into Queensland’s tropics and you’ll be longing for more. But to see the major sights, use this Cairns and Great Barrier Reef three day itinerary.
Day One
10AM: Start your adventure at great heights
You would have spotted the impressive mountains of the Great Dividing Range and World Heritage-listed rainforest as you land on an early-bird flight into Cairns.
You might have only just touched down, but your first stop will take you back into the air. Hire a car and head 10 minutes north to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a bird’s eye view of the rainforest, mighty Barron Falls and views out to the reef. Explore the lookouts, walk through the forest floor, and then take the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway back at 2pm.
Jump in the car and head 50 minutes north on the Captain Cook Highway to serene village Port Douglas. Whether you want to right base yourself right in the action, or on your own private beach, there’s accommodation to suit.
7pm: Dine amongst the world's oldest rainforest
Dining deep within the Daintree under a canopy of candlelight is an experience you’ll never forget.
The seven-course Flames of the Forest is food for your stomach, and your soul – and a must-do on your Great Barrier Reef three day itinerary.
Set in the traditional grounds of the Kuku Yalanji people, connect with the world’s oldest living culture in the world’s oldest living rainforest, as Aboriginal brothers share their music, stories and history.
It’s a magical feeling to be surrounded by nature in this way, and return coach services from your hotel in Port Douglas or Cairns makes it a fuss-free night to take it all in.
Day Two
8am: Dive into the reef
You can see it from space, but it’s time to see it up close. There are plenty of ways to access the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas or Cairns, so it’s easy to find an activity to match your appetite for adventure (and budget).
Head out for a full day on the Outer Reef with Quicksilver Cruises or Calypso Reef Charters. Complete an introductory dive, snorkel ‘til you’re pruny or ogle the vibrant marine world through the underwater viewing platform or glass-bottom boat tour.
Alternatively, step aboard a full-day or half-day sail to Low Isles with Sailaway on a luxury catamaran. Sailaway leads the charge in eco-tourism, and you’ll have the benefit of qualified marine biologists on board to guide your day and share their passion for this unique ecosystem.
If you’re feeling adventurous – and up for an unforgettable night’s sleep - stay out on the reef overnight with Sunlover by Starlight.
To do this, you’ll need to drive to Cairns early in the morning (or base yourself here on Friday night) and jump on the cruise to Moore Reef Marine Base. Spend your day exploring the reef from above and below the water, before settling into your swag on deck for an evening under the stars. Waking up to sunrise in the middle of the reef will be one of those pinch-yourself moments you'll remember forever.
7pm: Feed your appetite
Photo by @salsaportdouglas
It’s time to refuel after a long day on the water, and Port Douglas is brimming with dining options.
For something smart casual, make a bee-line for Salsa Bar & Grill. Its refreshing coastal menu draws global influences full of fun and flavour, with a cocktail menu that will have you settle in for the night.
For a more upscale option worthy of its price tag, dine among the palm trees of Island Point Hill at Nautilus. The food here showcases the best Queensland produce from Moreton Bay Bugs and mud crab caught from the Gulf, to tropical desserts that’ll have you begging for the recipes (the coconut mango souffle is worthy of its cult status).
Day Three
7am: Get an early start
Photo by @_deigh_
It’s not just the tropical heat that has Queenslanders rise early even on the weekends. When the views are this good, we can’t get enough.
Make the most of your last morning by jogging along Four Mile Beach to Trinity Bay Lookout with other fitness buffs before breakfast, or tee off early for nine holes of golf at the Palmer Sea Reef.
12pm: Indulge once more before jetting home
Drive 40 minutes south to pretty coastal pocket Palm Cove for lunch at the award-winning Nu Nu.
The flavours here are as big as the views along the palm lined esplanade and out to the Coral Sea. Its laid-back barefoot luxury vibe is decidedly Queenslander, while the commitment to using local and organic produce is just one of the reasons Nu Nu has scored a Good Food hat three years running.
Once the food settles, get a quick introduction to the many things to do in Palm Cove. Get wet on a Hobie cat, paddle wheel bike or jet-ski, stroll the palm-lined beach, or dial back with a Kodo massage using ancient Aboriginal techniques at Peppers Beach Club and Spa.
The Palm Cove Markets are held on the first Sunday of every month between April and December (except in September), and are well worth checking out.
You could easily spend a weekend here in Palm Cove, but it’s now time to make the 35 minute drive back to Cairns for your flight home.
