21 day itinerary
North East Australia
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 . 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 -
- Morning: Take the . Enjoy the breathtaking views of the rainforest.
- Afternoon: Explore . Visit the and the .
- Evening: Return to Cairns and have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 3: Daintree Rainforest
- Morning: Drive to . Stop at the 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 for a swim and a walk.
- Afternoon: Explore . Enjoy a picnic lunch and some beach time.
- Evening: Return to Cairns for dinner.
Day 5:
- All Day: Take a family-friendly day trip to the . 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 . Let the kids play in the sand and enjoy the sun.
- Evening: Dinner in Port Douglas. Try a local seafood restaurant.
Day 7: and
- Morning: Visit again for a swim and a walk.
- Afternoon: Head to the in Port Douglas. Kids will love seeing kangaroos, koalas, and more!
- Evening: Dinner in Port Douglas.
Day 8: Day Trip to the
- All Day: Explore the . Visit waterfalls like , and enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.
- Evening: Return to Port Douglas for dinner.
Day 9: Port Douglas to
- Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Relax on . Enjoy swimming and beach games.
- Evening: Dinner at a local café.
Day 10:
- All Day: Take a ferry to . Explore the island, enjoy the beaches, and have a picnic.
- Evening: Return to for dinner.
Day 11: to Townsville
- Morning: Drive to Townsville (about 3 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit , a beautiful beachfront promenade. Let the kids play at the water park.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 12:
- All Day: Take a ferry to . 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 . Let the kids swim and play.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 14:
- All Day: Take a family-friendly day trip to the . Enjoy snorkeling and beach time at .
- 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 . Enjoy the beautiful green spaces.
- Evening: Dinner at a local eatery.
Day 17: Mackay to
- All Day: Take a day trip to . 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 . 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 . Enjoy some beach time and a picnic.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 20: Gladstone to
- All Day: Take a day trip to . 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! 🌏🌊🌿
