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Cooktown, Daintree & Outback 3 Day Tour

$2,004 / Person

Rates

Price Now
1976
Product note
Secure your spot with a 10% deposit
Book Now Link
https://booknow.operatorhub.travel/?token=eaadf676a008f52216ecada10cb5b3f1&productid=14461
Enquire Link
/contact
Price From
2195
Price Child
1755
Price Concession
2015

Tour Info

Ages
4 years+
Trip Code
DC3
Card Badge Label
Secure your spot with a 10% deposit.
Card Badge Color
6292A0
Trip Styles
Multi day Tours
Duration
3 days
Physicality
5/10
Group size
2-13
Destinations
Cairns and Far North Queensland

About This Tour

This exclusive 3-day tour takes in the best bits of North Queensland’s history and amazing natural beauty, with everything taken care of. It ticks all the scenic boxes, with stops at the Daintree National Park, Cooktown and the Atherton Tablelands, touring with a small or family group in air-conditioned comfort. Visit historic Cooktown and its many surrounding attractions, learning about the region’s areas of historical special interest from Captain Cook’s first encounters through to the Gold Rush. This tour also spends time in the iconic, world heritage listed Daintree Rainforest and visits Cape Tribulation, where the Great Barrier Reef meets the rainforest. Our very experienced local Naturalist Tour Guide will provide informative commentary on the local flora and fauna throughout. A showcase of people, place and past.

Highlights

  • Mossman Gorge
  • Daintree River Cruise
  • Daintree Rainforest
  • Thornton Beach
  • Cape Tribulation Beach
  • Bloomfield Track & Falls
  • Lion's Den Hotel
  • Cooktown
  • James Cook Museum
  • Archer Point Lighthouse
  • Black Mountain
  • Palmer River Roadhouse
 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 4.8 on Tripadvisor (1,118 Reviews)

Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns to Cape Tribulation via the Daintree
After pick-up from your accommodation in Cairns or Port Douglas, we travel north along the picturesque Captain Cook Highway, one of the nicest coastal drives in the world. Our first stop is Mossman Gorge, located in the southern section of the Daintree National Park, where you’ll be immersed in the rich traditions of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal culture on an extended guided walk. From here we arrive at the famous Daintree River for our cable ferry crossing. Once on the other side, it’s time for a 1-hour cruise on the Daintree River, where crocodiles and varied native bird species are spotted — your chance to see one of the longest and most diverse river systems in the world through the eyes of a local naturalist guide. After the cruise, it’s a short drive to the Daintree Tea House for a special lunch, at one of the Daintree region’s oldest established restaurants. You have the choice to try delicious Barramundi fish (other menu items are available) and exotic tropical fruits. Continuing north, we stop at the Alexandra Lookout for spectacular views over the Daintree River and beyond, to the Great Barrier Reef and Snapper Island, before pulling in at Thornton Beach — adjacent to Queensland’s fourth highest mountain, Thornton Peak (1,374m) — for a stretch of the legs and some amazing photos. We then continue on to Cape Tribulation, where the Great Barrier Reef meets the rainforest. You’re free to take a walk on the beach and head up to Kulki Lookout before settling into our overnight accommodation.
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Overnight in Cape Tribulation. Single/ Twin/ Double (ensuite)
Day 2: Cape Tribulation to Cooktown via the Bloomfield Track
After breakfast, we engage 4WD and head north along the Bloomfield Track, enjoying many scenic spots including the Bloomfield Falls, Cedar Bay National Park, a boardwalk and more. Continuing on, we arrive at the famous, historical Lion’s Den Hotel for lunch (included) and a refreshing drink (own expense). This truly is an Aussie icon built on the banks of the little Annan River, surrounded by 100-year-old mango trees. You can sign the wall, like hundreds of visitors from all over Australia and the world have done before you, over many years. From here, we continue on to Cooktown and our accommodation, with time in the late afternoon for a first look around this historic town before dinner.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Overnight in Cooktown. Single/ Twin/ Double (ensuite)
Day 3: Cooktown to Cairns via the Atherton Tablelands
After breakfast, enjoy a town tour of Cooktown and head up to the Grassy Hill lookout for fantastic views over the town and its famous “River of Gold”. Then it’s onto the historic Captain James Cook Museum, one of Queensland’s best museums, showcasing the remarkable history of this historic town. The museum follows the story of Captain James Cook’s enforced seven-week stay at the Endeavour River, during which the first meaningful contact between Europeans and Indigenous Australians took place. It covers the days of the Palmer River gold rush, as well as showcasing personal stories and items from Cooktown’s early residents. Now that you’ve been enriched in Australia’s true history, we head south, deviating off the bitumen for a visit to Archer Point Lighthouse, a beacon to guide ships along the Great Barrier Reef, before continuing past the mysterious Black Mountains. We stop at the Palmer River Roadhouse for lunch, then continue south through the Savannah Country and the small communities of Mount Carbine and Mount Molloy to Bob’s Lookout with sweeping views to the South, stopping for afternoon tea along the way. From here we pass through the Rural Service Centre of Mareeba and our ‘exclusive permit’ allows us to 4WD through the forest and river crossings into the Clohesy River World Heritage Rainforest Boardwalk, where you’ll see a giant Strangler Fig Tree. We then descend the Kuranda Range, enjoying amazing views through the forest, over Cairns and the Coral Sea beyond, before dropping you back to your accommodation in Cairns or Port Douglas in the early evening.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Return to Accommodation

Gallery

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Inclusions

  • Knowledgeable and experienced tour guide
  • Pick up from your accommodation in Cairns or the Northern Beaches
  • Fresh, healthy meals (2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners and snacks)
  • Hotel or Motel Ensuite accommodation (Twin or double with private ensuite bathroom)
  • Small group - offering unrivalled, friendly and personalised service
  • Modern 4WD vehicle
  • All National Park entry fees
  • Daintree River Cruise
  • All Attractions as per the itinerary.
*Please note that the specific accommodation listed in the itinerary and inclusions is a preferred option and may be subject to change based on availability.

Tour Map

FAQ

What fitness level is required?
This tour is suitable for guests with a basic level of fitness. The experience includes only short, easy walks designed to be accessible and enjoyable for most travellers. Please note that some sections of the journey take place on 4WD tracks, which can be bumpy at times. Guests should also be comfortable spending time outdoors and consider the heat throughout the day, particularly during warmer months.
What is the minimum age to join this tour?
Please note this tour is not suitable for children under 4, unless on a Private Charter.
Medical requirements
Please advise any medical conditions on your Passenger Information Form prior to travel. Due to the remote nature of the tour, unadvised requests may not be possible to accommodate. Bring all required medications for the duration of the trip. If refrigeration is required, please note this in advance so arrangements can be made.
What time do you normally start and finish this tour
Pickups start from Cairns CBD at 7 am. You will return to your accommodation by 6 pm on the final day.
What should I bring with me?
Luggage is restricted to One Soft Bag per passenger (no suitcases), weighing no more than 10kgs + One Small Backpack/Day Pack.
  • Small Overnight Style Soft Bag (No Hard cases or Suitcases)
  • Swimmers & towel, if you wish to swim anywhere during our trip. Accommodation has pools.
  • Lightweight clothing (shorts & t-shirts are fine).
  • Jacket for cooler evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Hat, sunscreen & insect repellent.
  • Water & water bottle.
  • Your camera.
  • Cash / cards for purchases of beverages and souvenirs.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, we cater for most dietary requirements if you notify us when you complete your online check-in.
What type of accommodation is included?
You will stay in 3-to-4-star Hotel accommodation. Single/ Twin or Double rooms with ensuites are available at all accommodations.
What is your cancellation policy?
Click here to view the booking terms & conditions.

Reviews

Reviews
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Reviews

Overall Rating 4.8 (1331): Google 4.8 (196), Tripadvisor 4.8 (1135)

  1. ShazBenn1 ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great places to visit

    The itinerary and our driver were great. We visited some beautiful places and learned a lot along the way. We really enjoyed morning tea, lunch, and some local ice cream. The option to swim in Mossman Gorge, or relax and take photos from the lookout, was the best part of the trip.

  2. Jade M ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    GREAT DAY BLOODY AWESOME.

    Love the communication with our guide Caston.awesome driving skills reminds me off my own driving and doesn't muck around👌everything on this tour was a lifetime experience and loved everything throughout the day.

  3. Mary M ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great day

    Enjoyed the day. Carsten was an excellent guide.

  4. Graham P ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Ecology at its best

    Had a great day with our guide Mario. He was knowlegable and informative throughout, taking every effort to ensure we all had a good time. His instructions for different drops and collections during the day were clear and concise to ensure the day went smoothly. The food stops included morning tea, a full lunch, and a visit to a fruit farm for quality ice cream! Mario kept us informed during the journey pointing out landmarks, plant species, and local and geological history. All in all an easy and enjoyable day leaving us all well educated on the oldest rainforest in the world.

  5. paul walker ★★★★★
    on Google

    A very nice tour, beautiful places and nature. A guide very knowledgeable and kind

  6. pan1k1962 ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great day to Cape Tribulation

    Excellent day out Great way to get an experience of the beaches and rainforest Our guide Ron was highly knowledgeable and informative

  7. Emma B ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great tour for all ages!

    Fantastic experience, our guide had great knowledge and provided facts, insights and jokes that kept us enlightened throughout the day. The jungle walk, the river boat cruise and the swim were the highlights!

  8. John Michael K ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Daintree and Cape Tribulation

    Wonderful well rounded experience. Our guide Steve was knowledgeable and entertaining.

  9. Robyn H ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Daintree

    Lovely day, for guide Steve was great, very knowledgeable, funny, attentive to his passengers needs. The day was long however we certainly covered alot of ground and sights.

  10. Greg Knight ★★★★★
    on Google

    Our trip was a great experience. Our guide Darren was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We had a great day

  11. Dawn S ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Cairns trip

    Steve was great! Very knowledgeable and just the right amount of energy. We appreciated his professionalism, keeping the tour on track.

  12. Anna ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Consigliato

    Massima puntualità nel prelievo e per gli spostamenti. La nostra guida è stata impeccabile. Peccato solo aver pagato così tanto ed non aver visto nemmeno un coccodrillo.

  13. angela Urquhart ★★★★★
    on Google

    Great tour, would highly recommend any tour with Carsten. He was amazing.

  14. Andries Kraaijeveld ★★★★★
    on Google

    Wij hebben de Daintree and Cape Tribulation premium tour gedaan. Alles top georganiseerd. De spots die we bezochten waren supermooi, lunch was top, krokodillen cruise was ontzettend gaaf. Je zit in totaal wel wat veel in de bus, maar dat is onvermijdelijk om de verschillende spots te kunnen zien. Maar de verschillende etappes zijn ook weer niet enorm lang en je rijdt bovendien door een mooi en afwisselend landschap. Het is dus heel goed te doen. Tot slot: de gids was ontzettend sympathiek en enthousiast.

  15. Eloise Grainger ★★★★★
    on Google

    Great guides, vehicles and day out. Day trips are ideal to see a highlight reel of all notable sites.

  16. Ryan Y ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    A day trip to Daintree Rainforest

    Had a wonderful day with Carsten! The trip was very well organized, and what made it even more enjoyable was our guide and driver, who was incredibly fun, friendly, and entertaining. There was never a dull moment throughout the journey. Thank you, Carsten, for such a memorable and enjoyable experience!

  17. Ryan F. ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great tour!

    From beginning to end, the tour was great. But the star of the show was Carsten. He is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, funny, and engaging. We felt lucky that he was guiding us!

  18. Rebecca S ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Excellent Day Tour

    The day was exceptional. From the drive along the coast to the drive through the rainforest. We enjoyed all the scenic stops for picture taking. Karsten our guide did a great job sharing information about all the sights. We enjoyed the riverboat ride and were able to see several large crocodiles. Lunch was great. We tried the barramundi and kangaroo loin. Both dishes were very good as well as the tropical fruit served with our meals. I would highly recommend this day tour.

  19. Es B ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Highly recommended

    Our guide Stev was absolutely fantastic. He went above and beyond. The trip was more than what we expected. Thank you!

  20. Trevor B ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Daintree tour

    The tour was fantastic. Steve was an amazing tour guide, and he really went above and beyond to make sure we had a great tour. His knowledge of the area is truly impressive, and I had a very enjoyable trip. Thank you Steve!

  21. amore62 ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    A truly PREMIUM full day tour, it fulfills everything agreed upon.

    My guide-driver was Pierre. Passionate about the jungle, he gave us a lot of information about animals and birds of the oldest jungle on the planet. He was efficient, fast, and safe in his responses. Punctual pickup at my hotel, and everything went according to what was agreed. At lunch there were several options to choose from, fish, chicken, kangaroo, vegetarian. The tour lasted 11:45 hours, just as it is pre-established in the conditions. Highly recommended. The weather, which does not depend on the agency, was rainy at times, but that is nature. Thank you Pierre.

  22. Doris Bohndorf ★★★★★
    on Google

    Great tours and guides!! I did a few of their tours in Cairns. Totally impressed with their knowledge and organisation of the tours.

  23. Anna Januszko ★★★★★
    on Google

    Tour guide Sean was great, favourite part of the drive were his dad jokes at red lights. Lunch at the Daintree Cafe was beautiful, it was a highlight of the experience to taste the local fruit.

  24. burningblue2018 ★★★★★
    on Tripadvisor

    Great day out

    Excellent day out, Ron was excellent. Wholly recommend.

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