Itinerary

A 21-day adventure in North East Australia sounds like a fantastic family getaway! With stunning beaches, lush parks, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into a relaxed-paced itinerary that balances nature, beach time, and family-friendly activities.

## Day 1: Arrival in Cairns

• Morning: Arrive in Cairns. Settle into your accommodation (consider a family-friendly Airbnb or a cozy guesthouse).
• Afternoon: Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade. Let the kids play at the Esplanade Lagoon.
• Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a local eatery. Try some fish and chips!

## Day 2: Cairns - Kuranda Scenic Railway

• Morning: Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the rainforest.
• Afternoon: Explore Kuranda Village. Visit the Kuranda Koala Gardens and the Rainforestation Nature Park.
• Evening: Return to Cairns and have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.

## Day 3: Daintree Rainforest

• Morning: Drive to Daintree National Park. Stop at the Daintree Discovery Centre for an introduction to the rainforest.
• Afternoon: Take a guided walk through the rainforest. Look for wildlife and enjoy the lush surroundings.
• Evening: Head back to Cairns. Relax and have a quiet dinner.

## Day 4: Cape Tribulation

• Morning: Drive to Cape Tribulation. Stop at the Mossman Gorge for a swim and a walk.
• Afternoon: Explore Cape Tribulation Beach. Enjoy a picnic lunch and some beach time.
• Evening: Return to Cairns for dinner.

## Day 5: Great Barrier Reef

• All ## Day: Take a family-friendly day trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours are great options for kids.
• Evening: Return to Cairns and have a relaxed dinner.

## Day 6: Cairns to Port Douglas

• Morning: Drive to Port Douglas (about 1 hour). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Visit Four Mile Beach. Let the kids play in the sand and enjoy the sun.
• Evening: Dinner in Port Douglas. Try a local seafood restaurant.

## Day 7: Mossman Gorge and Wildlife Habitat

• Morning: Visit Mossman Gorge again for a swim and a walk.
• Afternoon: Head to the Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas. Kids will love seeing kangaroos, koalas, and more!
• Evening: Dinner in Port Douglas.

## Day 8: Day Trip to the Atherton Tablelands

• All ## Day: Explore the Atherton Tablelands. Visit waterfalls like Millaa Millaa Falls, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.
• Evening: Return to Port Douglas for dinner.

## Day 9: Port Douglas to Mission Beach

• Morning: Drive to Mission Beach (about 2 hours). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Relax on Mission Beach. Enjoy swimming and beach games.
• Evening: Dinner at a local café.

## Day 10: Dunk Island

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to Dunk Island. Explore the island, enjoy the beaches, and have a picnic.
• Evening: Return to Mission Beach for dinner.

## Day 11: Mission Beach to Townsville

• Morning: Drive to Townsville (about 3 hours). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Visit The Strand, a beautiful beachfront promenade. Let the kids play at the water park.
• Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.

## Day 12: Magnetic Island

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to Magnetic Island. Explore the island, visit the koala sanctuary, and enjoy the beaches.
• Evening: Return to Townsville for dinner.

## Day 13: Townsville to Airlie Beach

• Morning: Drive to Airlie Beach (about 5 hours). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Relax at Airlie Beach Lagoon. Let the kids swim and play.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 14: Whitsunday Islands

• All ## Day: Take a family-friendly day trip to the Whitsunday Islands. Enjoy snorkeling and beach time at Whitehaven Beach.
• Evening: Return to Airlie Beach for dinner.

## Day 15: Airlie Beach to Proserpine

• Morning: Drive to Proserpine (about 30 minutes). Visit the Proserpine River wetlands for a nature walk.
• Afternoon: Explore the local area and have a picnic.
• Evening: Dinner in Proserpine.

## Day 16: Proserpine to Mackay

• Morning: Drive to Mackay (about 1 hour). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Visit the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the beautiful green spaces.
• Evening: Dinner at a local eatery.

## Day 17: Mackay to Eungella National Park

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Eungella National Park. Enjoy walking trails and look for platypuses in the wild.
• Evening: Return to Mackay for dinner.

## Day 18: Mackay to Rockhampton

• Morning: Drive to Rockhampton (about 3 hours). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Visit the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo. Perfect for the kids!
• Evening: Dinner in Rockhampton.

## Day 19: Rockhampton to Gladstone

• Morning: Drive to Gladstone (about 1 hour). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Visit Tannum Sands Beach. Enjoy some beach time and a picnic.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 20: Gladstone to Heron Island

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Heron Island. Enjoy snorkeling and exploring the island.
• Evening: Return to Gladstone for dinner.

## Day 21: Departure from Gladstone

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Take a final stroll along the beach or visit a local park.
• Afternoon: Depart from Gladstone.

Tips for Your Trip:

• Always check the weather and local conditions, especially for outdoor activities.
• Pack plenty of snacks and water for day trips.
• Consider booking activities in advance, especially for popular attractions.

This itinerary balances relaxation with adventure, ensuring that your family has a memorable time exploring the natural beauty of North East Australia. Enjoy your trip! 🌏🌊🌿