A tropical adventure through Cairns and Port Douglas

James shares his unforgettable journey through the tropical wonders of Cairns and Port Douglas, blending luxury, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty into the ultimate North Queensland!

Day 1: A chic start at Naumi Airport Hotel

Arriving in Auckland for my first night, I stayed at the Naumi Airport Hotel—a quirky gem that’s just a 10-minute Yellow Bus ride from Auckland Airport. Recently renovated in a funky, modern style, this hotel surprised me with its spacious rooms and super comfy beds. One of the coolest things? The self-check-in kiosk that issues your room keycard—how efficient is that? If you’re looking for a stylish stopover near the airport, this is the perfect choice.

Day 2: Off to Port Douglas via Palm Cove

Our day began in the Air New Zealand lounge at Auckland Airport before boarding our flight to Cairns. I scored an exit row seat, which meant extra legroom and a little more comfort for the 7-hour journey. The service on Air NZ is always relaxed and friendly, with a decent meal (and plenty of snacks in case you’re still hungry). The inflight entertainment didn’t hurt either.

Once we landed in Cairns, we hopped on a bus and made our way to The Reef House in Palm Cove for lunch and a site inspection. Nestled across from the beach, this charming property oozes history and hospitality. Originally a private home for Brigadier Scott Thomson and his wife Judy, it has kept the spirit of welcoming guests as friends, which is evident in its inviting, laid-back vibe. With 67 rooms, two pools, an honesty bar, and even a “Director of Sleep & Relaxation,” it’s a perfect place to unwind.

After a delightful meal, we headed to Port Douglas, where we checked into the Mantra PortSea Resort. This family-friendly resort is just 200 meters from the beach and offers spacious studio apartments, ideal for those looking for a casual stay. With a lagoon-style pool, tennis court, and BBQ area, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed getaway. For dinner, we ventured to Hemingway’s Brewery, a gastropub with excellent craft beers and hearty pub grub, overlooking the marina.

Day 3: Daintree, Mossman Gorge, and Cape Tribulation Tour

Today, we embarked on a full-day tour of the Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, and Cape Tribulation. While our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, I’ll admit the day felt a bit long, as we spent a lot of time on the bus. Mossman Gorge was breathtaking, though, with lush rainforests and serene rivers. We also cruised the Daintree River to spot saltwater crocodiles (and boy, are they impressive!). Dinner at Zinc Port Douglas was an absolute highlight. The food was exceptional, with typical Aussie service, informal yet very efficient.

Day 4: Sail Away to the Low Isles 

For something more relaxing, we took a catamaran out to the Low Isles, part of the Great Barrier Reef. The day started with morning tea as we sailed toward the island, and once there, we split into two groups for a guided snorkel. The visibility wasn’t great (thanks to the Cairns flooding), but we did get the chance to swim with a giant turtle, which was unforgettable. After lunch on board—lots of fresh salad, chicken, and prawns—we could either snorkel again, go for a walk, or just chill on the boat. A great day overall, but keep in mind the reef’s coral has taken a hit in recent years.

Dinner at Seabean Tapas Bar was a treat, offering creative tapas in a laid-back, beachy setting.

Day 5: River Drift Snorkeling and Peppers Beach Club

The morning kicked off with a peaceful River Drift Snorkeling experience, where two guides took us on a walk through the rainforest and then let us float gently down the river in clear, cool water. It was a relaxing and informative way to connect with nature, and even a non-swimmer in our group had a blast with the provided lifejacket.

Afterward, we visited Peppers Beach Club in Port Douglas—a sprawling resort complex with a stunning lagoon pool. It’s great for families, though I found it a bit too busy around the pool area.

Our evening was spent at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort—the resort that helped put Port Douglas on the map. Set on 140 hectares of gardens and with 2 hectares of saltwater swimming pools, this property feels more luxurious and resort-like compared to Peppers. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking to relax without leaving the resort. Dinner here was fantastic!

Day 6: Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure and Flynn by Crystalbrook

The day began with a Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure—a guided tour where we fed wallabies, patted koalas, and got up close with a crocodile being fed (definitely a thrilling experience!). The boat cruise on the river to see more crocs was equally exciting. The highlight? Trying crocodile meat at lunch (yes, it tastes like chicken!).

In the afternoon, we checked into Flynn by Crystalbrook in Cairns. This ultra-modern hotel offers luxury and style, with fantastic views over the bay. It’s in the heart of Cairns, close to the esplanade and all the main attractions, making it a perfect choice for couples looking for a chic base. Dinner at Flynns Italian was a treat, with a standout tiramisu.

Day 7: Tully River White Water Rafting

The highlight of my trip came today with an exhilarating white-water rafting experience on the Tully River. Known for being one of the best rafting rivers in Australia, this was an adrenaline-pumping adventure. We tackled grade 3 and 4 rapids while surrounded by stunning rainforest views. The thrill of navigating those rapids was unforgettable! If you’re seeking adventure, this is the perfect day out. Our last meal of the day was a casual pub dinner at the Feluga Hotel—nothing fancy, just good, hearty food after an action-packed day.

Day 8: Back to Auckland

We ended our adventure with a flight back to Auckland, where we stayed overnight at the Ibis Budget Airport Hotel—a no-frills stopover with tiny rooms and basic facilities. But hey, it’s super convenient for an overnight stay before heading home.

If you’re looking to explore the beauty of North Queensland, from pristine beaches to rainforests teeming with wildlife, this itinerary offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re cruising the Great Barrier Reef or rafting the wild Tully River, there’s something for every type of traveler in this tropical paradise.