Tour Introduction
Escape to the tropical beauty of **Far North Queensland** on our fabulous **10 Day Cairns to Cooktown Winter Escape**. From the lush rainforests of Kuranda and the ancient Daintree to the rugged Bloomfield Track, historic Cooktown and beautiful Port Douglas, this journey showcases some of Queensland’s most spectacular landscapes. Ride the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway, cruise crocodile country, explore the Great Barrier Reef at the Low Isles and enjoy plenty of time to relax along the way. With wonderful food, beautiful stays and plenty of Sisterhood company, it’s the perfect Australian winter escape.Highlights
Ride the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway through lush tropical rainforest
Glide above the rainforest canopy aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Enjoy a free day to relax and explore tropical Cairns
Travel the spectacular Great Barrier Reef Drive
Explore beautiful Mossman Gorge and the ancient Daintree Rainforest
Cruise the Daintree River in search of saltwater crocodiles
Journey along the adventurous Bloomfield Track by 4WD
Stop for lunch at the legendary Lion’s Den Hotel
Take in panoramic Coral Sea views from Grassy Hill Lookout
Enjoy a sunset cruise along Cooktown’s Endeavour River
Discover Cooktown’s fascinating history and heritage
Travel through Queensland’s historic Palmer River goldfields country
Stay three nights in beautiful Port Douglas
Cruise by luxury catamaran to the stunning Low Isles
Snorkel the colourful coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef
Enjoy a free day to relax, shop and explore Port Douglas
Stay in quality accommodation throughout our Far North Queensland adventure
Friends for company
Inclusions
Hosted throughout by a Sisterhood Hostess, ensuring a smooth, supported and memorable travel experience
Return economy airfares ex Melbourne to Cairns (other departure cities available upon request)
All transportation throughout
All sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
All meals as detailed in the itinerary
Quality accommodation with private facilities
Willing to share option (subject to availability)
Notice
Activity Level:
This tour is perfect for travellers with an easy level of fitness who enjoy relaxed sightseeing, tropical scenery and nature-based experiences at a comfortable pace. Throughout the journey we'll explore gardens, rainforest, coastal towns and local attractions, with much of the touring undertaken by coach, scenic railway, Skyrail and cruise vessel.
Travellers should be comfortable with gentle walking on most sightseeing days, including rainforest boardwalks, garden paths and occasional uneven natural surfaces. You'll need to be able to board and disembark coaches, trains and boats independently, manage occasional steps and gentle inclines and stand for periods during sightseeing. Tropical heat and humidity can also add to the physical demands of some days.
Activity Factors:
✔ Gentle walking on most sightseeing days
✔ Walking through Cairns Botanic Gardens
✔ Exploring Kuranda Village and Heritage Markets
✔ Rainforest boardwalks at Red Peak and Barron Falls
✔ Boarding and disembarking the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail independently
✔ Gentle rainforest walk at Mossman Gorge
✔ Daintree River Cruise
✔ Elevated walkways at the Daintree Discovery Centre
✔ Walking on boardwalks and occasional uneven natural surfaces
✔ Some steps and gentle inclines
✔ Tropical heat and humidity
✔ Extended periods standing during sightseeing
✔ Boarding and disembarking coaches and cruise vessels independently
✔ Independent luggage handling when required
✘ No compulsory hiking or trekking
✘ No sustained steep climbs
✘ No long-distance walking days
✘ No technically challenging terrain
Additional Meal Allowance:
A wonderful selection of breakfasts, lunches and dinners is included throughout our tropical North Queensland adventure, with several opportunities to enjoy local cafés and restaurants at your own leisure. As a general guide, allow approximately AUD20–30 for a casual lunch and AUD35–50 for dinner. Coffees, alcoholic beverages and premium dining will naturally cost a little more. For comfortable budgeting, we recommend allowing approximately AUD300 per person for meals not included, together with coffees, drinks and incidental snacks throughout the tour.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Tuesday 11 May 2027
Melbourne - Cairns (D)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. Meet your Sisterhood hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne airport for our flight to Cairns. Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight.
Upon arrival, we'll enjoy the lush Cairns Botanic Gardens for a quick stroll, before a relaxed lunch (own expense) at Tank 64. From here, we visit the serene St Monica’s Cathedral before heading to our hotel to freshen up and drop our luggage after the early start.
For those who would like to explore further, the Cairns Museum is an easy walk from the hotel and can be visited at leisure. This evening, we enjoy a culinary haven at Coco's Kitchen + Bar, the perfect chance to get to know your fellow travellers and toast the start of our journey.
Overnight - Pullman Reef Hotel Casino (or similar)
Day 2 - Wednesday 12 May 2027
Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail (B, D)
Today we journey deep into the tropical rainforest for a day of stunning scenery. We begin with a heritage ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway from Freshwater Station, ascending through tunnels and across bridges with waterfall views.
In Kuranda Village, we enjoy time at leisure to explore the Heritage Markets and purchase our own lunch. In the afternoon, we glide above the canopy on
the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, descending to Smithfield Terminal with stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls for rainforest boardwalks.
After a day of wonder, we return to Cairns for dinner at Dundee’s Waterfront Restaurant.
Overnight - Pullman Reef Hotel Casino (or similar)
Day 3 - Thursday 13 May 2027
Free Day in Cairns (B)
Today is a free day to relax and unwind at our own pace in Cairns. Feel free to lounge poolside, stroll the scenic Cairns Esplanade lagoon and boardwalk, browse the local shops, galleries and markets, or simply enjoy a lazy tropical morning after a busy few days on the road.
You might like to enjoy a reef trip or spa treatment, while others prefer to simply relax. Your Sisterhood hostess is on hand to assist with any optional activities.
In the evening, we regroup for a relaxed dinner at a nearby restaurant, and afterwards we may choose to wander through the vibrant Cairns Night Markets for some last-minute shopping and people-watching.
Overnight - Pullman Reef Hotel Casino (or similar)
Day 4 - Friday 14 May 2027
Mossman Gorge - Daintree - Cape Tribulation (B, L, D)
This morning, we check out of our Cairns hotel and travel along the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef Drive to Mossman Gorge, where our coach driver guides us on a gentle walk-through ancient rainforest, followed by morning tea.
Next, we embark on a peaceful Daintree River Cruise, hoping to spot saltwater crocodiles, before lunch en route to the renowned Daintree Discovery Centre, where elevated walkways reveal the rich biodiversity of the world’s oldest living rainforest.
This evening, we check in to the charming Heritage Lodge in Cape Tribulation and dine at the atmospheric "On the Turps" Restaurant, surrounded by nature and candlelight.
Overnight - Heritage Lodge, Cape Tribulation (or similar)
Day 5 - Saturday 15 May 2027
Bloomfield Track - Cooktown (B, L)
We begin the day with a tranquil rainforest breakfast before heading north on the scenic and adventurous Bloomfield Track, one of Australia’s great 4WD coastal drives. Along the way, we pause at Myall Beach for a short walk along the reef-meets-rainforest coastline. Continuing through rugged terrain, we arrive at the historic Lion’s Den Hotel for a hearty lunch and outback hospitality.
On reaching Cooktown, we stop at Grassy Hill Lookout for panoramic views of the Coral Sea, before enjoying a relaxing sunset cruise along the Endeavour River, a magical way to end the day. Dinner this evening is at leisure.
Overnight - Sovereign Resort Hotel, Cooktown (or similar)
Day 6 - Sunday 16 May 2027
Discover Cooktown (B, L, D)
Today we discover this historic frontier town, visiting iconic sites including the heritage-listed Cooktown Cemetery, the James Cook Museum, and the Cooktown Botanic Gardens and Art Gallery, followed by lunch at Nature’s Powerhouse.
The afternoon is ours to relax at leisure, browsing local galleries, wandering the foreshore, or simply soaking up the relaxed pace of this historic outpost.
This evening, we gather for dinner at a local restaurant, savouring the charm of the far north before continuing our journey the following day.
Overnight - Sovereign Resort Hotel, Cooktown (or similar)
Day 7 - Monday 17 May 2027
Cooktown - Port Douglas (B, L, D)
This morning, we bid farewell to Cooktown and travel south to Port Douglas via the outback, a striking
contrast to the rainforest scenery experienced on our journey north.
Along the way, we stop at Black Mountain National Park Lookout, Byerstown Lookout and the historic Palmer River Roadhouse, where remnants of the 1870s gold rush era remain, when tens of thousands of miners flocked to the region in search of fortune.
We arrive in Port Douglas late this afternoon and check into Peppers Beach Club & Spa for the next three nights. This evening, we enjoy dinner together at the resort’s restaurant.
Overnight - Peppers Beach Club & Spa (or similar)
Day 8 - Tuesday 18 May 2027
Low Isles Cruise (B, L)
Today is dedicated to experiencing the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. We board the luxurious Wavedancer catamaran and set sail to the Low Isles, a protected coral cay surrounded by a tranquil lagoon. Enjoy guided snorkelling over vibrant coral gardens, explore the island with a marine biologist, or simply relax on the sandy shores beneath a palm tree, with a delicious buffet lunch served on board. This tour offers an unforgettable reef experience without long travel times or deep water, perfect for all levels of swimmers.
This evening, enjoy dinner at leisure in Port Douglas. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - Peppers Beach Club & Spa (or similar)
Day 9 - Wednesday 19 May 2027
Free Day in Port Douglas (B, D)
Today is ours to enjoy the tropical paradise of Port Douglas at our own pace. Take a gentle stroll along the iconic Four Mile Beach, browse the boutique shops and galleries along Macrossan Street, or treat yourself to a spa treatment or a long, leisurely lunch at one of the many excellent cafes and restaurants nearby. With no set activities planned, this free day is the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge and reflect on the wonderful adventures we have shared together.
This evening, we regroup at the resort for our final dinner together, a fitting way to celebrate the many memorable experiences shared throughout our journey.
Overnight - Peppers Beach Club & Spa (or similar)
Day 10 - Thursday 19 May 2027
Port Douglas - Cairns - Melbourne (B)
Our final morning in paradise begins with a leisurely breakfast before we bid farewell to beautiful Port
Douglas.
We travel back along the coast to Cairns Airport for our return flight home to Melbourne,
bringing our unforgettable Far North Queensland adventure to a close.
As we reflect on the amazing natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the wonderful friendships formed along the way, we carry home lasting memories of adventure, laughter and connection. From the rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands to the history of Cooktown and the reef off Port Douglas, it has been a fantastic Sisterhood adventure.