Reef & Rock

Drive to Port Douglas, gateway to the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Here you’ll set sail on a cruise to the corals, with the opportunity to dive or snorkel among the technicoloured fish. You’ll also join thrilling scenic helicopter flight over the reef, the perfect way to take in its size and beauty. Don’t forget your camera! While in Port Douglas you’ll also visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, where you’ll learn more about the Aboriginal culture and watch some traditional dancing.

Continue to Mossman, located on the Mossman River and just a stone’s through from the beautiful Mossman Gorge. Here, you’ll explore the landscapes on a Dreamtime Gorge Walk with an indigenous guide, who will show you the most culturally significant spots and share some intriguing local legends with you. If you like, you can even take a refreshing dip in a rainforest glade, the perfect way to cool off from the afternoon sun.

Chill out on the glorious beaches of Palm Cove, a peaceful beach resort around 30 minutes’ drive north of Cairns. Other than enjoying the soft sands and perhaps signing up to a few water sports, you’ll have time to explore the inland rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands under your own steam. Here you can take the famous train and Skyrail to Kuranda village, deep in the heart of the forests and home to various markets, some pretty waterfalls and a number of wildlife sanctuaries.

Drop your hire car back in Cairns and fly to Uluru, where you’ll set off on a walk around the base of this world-famous rock, a giant protrusion from the dusty sands of the Red Centre. Later, enjoy canapés and sip sparkling wine as you observe the rock turn various shades of purple, pink and orange as the sun sets then, as dark descends, watch over 50,000 lights come to life as you enjoy a three-course dinner overlooking the Field of Light art installation.

Travel to Alice Springs via some impressive Outback scenery: think red sands, wind-smoothed sandstone rocks and plenty of breath-taking views. You’ll stop off among the dramatic cliffs of Kings Canyon, where you can explore on foot, choosing to walk some of the canyon rim or head down to the creek bed. Once in Alice Springs, you can choose to browse the markets – a great place to pick up traditional aboriginal dot paintings – or take a look around the Alice Springs Desert Park.