Spend a little time exploring the beguiling city of Brisbane. The Capital of the Sunshine state, Brisbane boast a vibrant café culture to match its classic relaxed Gold Coast vibe. While away the morning hours by meandering the city’s river banks which are lined with busy malls, riverfront plazas, outdoor man-made beaches, water parks, botanical gardens and wildlife parks. If time allows, head to Moreton Island, a quiet retreat of sandy dunes, bush and lagoons.

After you disembark from the comfort of the Spirit of Queensland, the balmy air and the azure waters of Cairns will transport you into a tropical paradise. The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns enjoys thriving tourism, but a leisurely pace of life prevails here. Take a stroll along the Cairns Esplanade, enjoy the ocean views in the beautiful evening light and try some of the Balinese-inspired cuisine in one of the harbour-front restaurants.

You’ll enjoy a full day to explore Cairns and its lush tropical environs. From trips to Cape Tribulation and the Atherton Tablelands, nature lovers will be spoilt for choice here. Take a daytrip out to Green Island, a nearby national park or alternatively, visit the beautiful Cairns Botanic Gardens. Join one of the garden’s daily walking tours to discover exotic flowers and dedicated beds for Aboriginal plant use in the Gondwana Heritage Garden.

Today you’ll be transported to the enchanting rainforest village of Kuranda. Here you’ll embark the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, for a journey through the Barron Gorge National Park. Marvel at the menacing roar of the Barron Falls before you return to Kuranda for a visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. You’ll continue your nature discovery at the Rainforestation Nature Park. After a sumptuous lunch overlooking the lake, you’ll return to Cairns in style. Alighting the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, you’ll glide over the lush green canopy of the rainforest, admiring the incredible landscape vistas and the turquoise ocean beyond.

Originally home to the Yirrganydji and Yidinji peoples, Cairns offers a rich range of cultural attractions. Discover some of the incredible indigenous artwork at Cairns Art Gallery or delve into the town’s remarkable history at Cairns Museum. Continue your Marine life education with a visit to Cairns Aquarium. Renovated in 2017, the impressive displays and exhibits represent not only reef life but also rivers, estuaries and billabongs. Round off your Cairns discovery by sampling some of the fusion flavours with views over the harbour or simply enjoy the sun set with a cocktail.

Extend your Cairns discovery and pick up a hire car to embark on a road trip to the town of Port Douglas for a 3-night stay. Make your way North along the coastline to make the most of the incredible Queensland climate and coastline and explore more of its beautiful rainforest terrain. Pay a visit to the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, a sanctuary for Queensland’s native wildlife. Get up close to kangaroos, crocodiles, cassowaries and more and get the adrenaline pumping by walking across the ‘Predator Plank’ a walkway across the saltwater croc enclosure. Take a drive out to Flagstaff Hill and enjoy a picnic overlooking spectacular views over Four Mile Beach.