Cairns, Queensland 7-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Cairns & Car Pick-up

Arrive at Cairns Airport (CNS), pick up your pre-booked rental car.

Head to your accommodation in Cairns for check-in and to drop off luggage.

Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak season like July. Major rental companies are available at the airport.

Lunch in Cairns City

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants along the Esplanade or in the city center.

Relax at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Escape the tropical heat at Cairns' iconic saltwater swimming lagoon, offering a safe and scenic spot for a refreshing dip overlooking Trinity Inlet.

Free entry. Lockers are available for personal belongings.

Explore Cairns Aquarium

Discover the unique animals and ecosystems found in Australia’s Tropical North Queensland, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Book tickets online to save time. Rated 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor.

Dinner along the Marina

Enjoy dinner with views of the boats at Cairns Marina, offering various dining options from casual to fine dining.

Great Barrier Reef Tour

Embark on a full-day catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef.

Choose from snorkeling, diving (introductory or certified), or glass-bottom boat tours to explore this natural wonder.

Multiple operators available. Consider 'Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom' or 'Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Adventures' for highly-rated experiences. Booking well in advance is essential.

Dinner on Cairns Esplanade

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the many restaurants lining the Esplanade, offering a variety of cuisines and views.

Check out & Drive North

Check out from your Cairns accommodation and begin your scenic self-drive north along the Captain Cook Highway towards Port Douglas.

Enjoy stunning coastal views.

Arrive & Explore Port Douglas

Arrive in Port Douglas.

Settle into your accommodation. Afterwards, take a walk along Four Mile Beach, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and explore the boutiques on Macrossan Street.

Lunch in Port Douglas

Dine at one of Port Douglas's renowned restaurants, many offering fresh local seafood and views.

Flagstaff Hill Lookout

Drive or walk up to Flagstaff Hill Lookout for panoramic views of Four Mile Beach, the Coral Sea, and the surrounding coastline.

Excellent photo opportunities, especially in the afternoon.

Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas

Visit Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas to see a variety of Australian native animals in their natural habitats, including kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles.

Allows for close encounters and feeding experiences. Book tickets in advance.

Dinner & Sunset Drinks

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with a relaxed vibe, perhaps near the marina, and consider enjoying sunset drinks beforehand.

Drive to Daintree Rainforest

Begin your self-drive journey north into the ancient Daintree Rainforest.

Cross the Daintree River via cable ferry (cash only) and immerse yourself in the lush surroundings.

Daintree River Cruise

Take a guided river cruise to spot estuarine crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat along the Daintree River.

Several operators offer cruises. Book on arrival or in advance during peak season.

Cape Tribulation Boardwalks & Beach

Drive further north to Cape Tribulation, exploring various boardwalks like Dubuji Boardwalk and Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk to experience the rainforest up close.

Visit the iconic Cape Tribulation Beach where the rainforest meets the reef.

Stay on marked paths, be aware of marine stingers if swimming (seasonal) and crocodiles in waterways.

Lunch in Cape Tribulation

Enjoy a casual lunch at a cafe or restaurant in the Cape Tribulation area, amidst the rainforest surroundings.

Return Drive to Port Douglas

Begin your scenic drive back to Port Douglas, crossing the Daintree River ferry again.

Drive carefully, especially at dusk, due to wildlife.

Casual Dinner in Port Douglas

Enjoy a relaxed dinner after your day of rainforest exploration.

Check out & Drive South-West

Check out from your Port Douglas accommodation and begin your self-drive towards the Atherton Tablelands, a cooler and greener region known for its waterfalls and agricultural landscapes.

The drive takes you inland and upwards, offering different scenery.

Explore Kuranda Village

Visit Kuranda, the 'Village in the Rainforest'.

Explore its markets (Heritage and Original markets), art galleries, and shops. You can also visit attractions like the Koala Gardens or Birdworld (optional).

Markets are open daily. Parking is available. Rated 4.4/5 for Kuranda Scenic Railway, which also serves the village. Kuranda Scenic Railway: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255069-d3282630-Reviews-Kuranda_Scenic_Railway-Cairns_Cairns_Region_Queensland.html

Lunch in Kuranda

Enjoy lunch in Kuranda, with options ranging from casual cafes to restaurants offering local produce.

Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit

Drive through the lush Atherton Tablelands, visiting iconic waterfalls like Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls, and Ellinjaa Falls. Enjoy swimming opportunities and picturesque scenery.

The circuit is well-signed. Bring swimwear and towels. Allow time for short walks to each fall.

Check into Tablelands Accommodation

Check into your accommodation in a charming Atherton Tablelands town like Yungaburra or Malanda.

Dinner in Atherton Tablelands

Enjoy dinner at a local pub or restaurant in your chosen Tablelands town, savoring fresh regional produce.

Waterfall Circuit Drive

Embark on a scenic drive along the famous Waterfall Circuit, visiting iconic falls like Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls, and Ellinjaa Falls. Enjoy swimming at Millaa Millaa and capture stunning photos of the lush rainforest surroundings.

Ensure you have swimwear and a towel if you wish to swim. The circuit is well-signposted and easy to navigate by car.

Lunch in Yungaburra

Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the charming heritage village of Yungaburra, known for its historic buildings and country town atmosphere.

Explore local cafes and bakeries for fresh, regional fare.

Plenty of options available, from cafes to local pubs. Consider trying local produce.

Lake Barrine Crater Lake

Visit the tranquil Lake Barrine, a pristine volcanic crater lake surrounded by rainforest.

Take a leisurely walk around the lake's edge, enjoy a cream tea at the teahouse, or opt for a scenic boat tour to learn about the local ecosystem and wildlife.

Boat tours operate regularly. Look out for the ancient 'twin kauri pines' along the walking track.

Gallo Dairyland Visit

Experience local produce at Gallo Dairyland.

Sample their artisanal cheeses and handmade chocolates, and perhaps enjoy a refreshing ice cream. You can also see the dairy cows and learn about the farming process.

Great spot for souvenirs and gifts. Check tasting times upon arrival.

Dinner in Malanda

Dine at a local restaurant or pub in Malanda, a peaceful town in the heart of the Tablelands.

Enjoy hearty Australian cuisine, often featuring local ingredients.

The historic Malanda Hotel is a local landmark and offers dining options. Reservations are recommended for popular spots.

Atherton Tablelands Breakfast

Enjoy a final breakfast amidst the scenic beauty of the Tablelands before commencing your drive back to Cairns.

Many local cafes offer fresh coffee and breakfast options.

Look for cafes offering local coffee or fresh fruit dishes.

Scenic Drive to Cairns

Enjoy the picturesque drive back down from the Atherton Tablelands to Cairns.

You can take the winding Gillies Range Road for breathtaking mountain views or the Kuranda Range Road for rainforest scenery.

Take care on the winding roads, especially the Gillies Range. Allow for photo stops at scenic lookouts if time permits.

Lunch in Cairns City

Upon arrival back in Cairns, find a spot for lunch in the city center.

There are many cafes and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, from casual eateries to fine dining.

Explore options along the Esplanade or in the CBD. Seafood is a popular choice in Cairns.

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Spend some relaxing time at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, one of Cairns' best known landmarks.

This 4800 sq metre saltwater swimming lagoon offers a refreshing escape and great views of Trinity Inlet. It's a perfect spot to unwind before departure.

Public amenities and lifeguards are on duty. A fantastic free activity to enjoy the tropical climate.

Prepare for Departure

Head to Cairns Airport (CNS) for your departure.

Allow ample time to return your rental car, check-in for your flight, and clear security.

Cairns Airport is conveniently located approximately a 10-15 minute drive from the city center.