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Airlie Beach to Port Douglas Flexi Self Drive Holiday 12D/11N

Experience the ultimate tropical road trip along Queensland’s Pacific Coast Way on this unforgettable journey from Airlie Beach to Cairns. Blending vibrant coastal cities, laidback beach towns, ancient rainforests, and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of scenic drives, immersive nature experiences, and relaxed time to explore at your own pace.

Tour Highlights

  • Drive the stunning tropical coastline from Airlie Beach to Cairns, stopping at iconic sights including Bowen’s Big Mango and the crystal-clear waters of Horseshoe Bay

  • Discover Townsville’s lively waterfront lifestyle with panoramic views from Castle Hill, cultural galleries, and relaxed dining along The Strand

  • Marvel at Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall at Wallaman Falls and unwind on the golden beaches of Mission Beach, where rainforest meets reef

  • Snorkel, dive, or cruise above the vibrant coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef with a full-day adventure from Port Douglas

  • Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, then soar above the treetops on Skyrail and return via the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway

Price from

$3,390.00

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Tour Information

Inclusions:

  • - 13 day automatic, 4 door intermediate sedan car hire with Avis or Budget, on NIL excess rate.
  • - 11 night accommodation in 4 star hotels, standard guest room, room only.
  • - Cape Tribulation, Daintree & Mossman day tour from Port Douglas, including lunch.
  • - Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef cruise from Port Douglas, including lunch.
  • - Kuranda Skyrail & Scenic Rail from Skyrail Smithfield Terminal.
  • - Cairns Aquarium twilight guided tour from Cairns, including 3 course dinner.

Departures:

Daily, all year round.

Additional Information:

  • - The car type can be upgraded to a compact SUV, Full Size Sedan, standard SUV, Large SUV, 8 Seater Van or Large 4WD.
  • - The accommodation in each destination can be upgraded or can be changed to self contained apartment style or lodges, breakfast can be added at the hotels or lodges with suitable facilities.
  • - All drivers must have a physical open valid drivers license to present on pick-up.
  • - There is no maximum age limit. The drivers under 21 years old must pay a daily surcharge direct on pick-up.
  • - Child safety seats and booster seats can be provided with an extra cost, to be paid direct on pick-up. The child seats and the booster seats have to be requested at the time of booking.
  • - Roof racks, snow chains and tow bars are not allowed.
  • - If you return the vehicle earlier than agreed, you will not be entitled to a refund.

Please Note:

  • - One way fee and/or airport pick-up & drop-off fee may apply, please check with your V Travel Network sales consultant.
  • - This is a suggested self drive itinerary, the itinerary can be done in the opposite direction, the number of nights in each destination can be extended or reduced.
  • - Offered tours can be removed or more day tours & activities can be added.
  • - The itinerary is suitable for solo travellers, couples & families.

Itinerary

Day 1: Airlie Beach to Townsville via Bowen

Collect your vehicle from Airlie Beach downtown or Proserpine Airport and drive north to Townsville. (274 km, 3 hours 15 minutes drive)

Stop in Bowen on the way and take a photo with the ‘Big Mango’.

Swim in the serene waters of Horseshoe Bay and visit the Flagstaff Hill Cultural Centre.

Overnight Townsville. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 2: Townsville

This tropical city overflows with community spirit and cultural experiences.

Today catch the views from the top of Castle Hill and visit the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

Stroll The Strand, take a dip in the ocean pool, and grab a waterside drink at one of the many bars lining the foreshore.

Overnight Townsville. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 3: Townsville to Mission Beach via Wallaman Falls

In the morning,  continue your Pacific Coast Way adventure and drive to the Wallaman Falls lookout (162 km, 2 hours and 15 minutes drive). Australia’s highest single drop waterfall and the spritzy beauty is absolutely staggering.

Mid-afternoon head to Mission Beach, where rainforest meets reef and the pace slows right down. (174 km, 2 hours and 20 minutes drive)

Overnight Mission Beach. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 4: Mission Beach

Famous for its long stretch of golden sandy shores, Mission Beach has over 14km of pristine coastline that’s perfect for relaxing & soaking up the sunshine.

Overnight Mission Beach. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 5: Mission Beach

Today explore Bingil Bay, North Mission, Wongaling Beach and South Mission.

Catch a boat across to Dunk Island and hike Mount Kootaloo for stunning views over the Coral Sea.

Overnight Mission Beach. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 6: Mission Beach to Port Douglas

Today travel at your own leisure, make a stop at Etty Bay or visit the Josephine Falls. (204 km, 2 hours and 45 minutes drive)

Overnight Port Douglas. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 7: Port Douglas & Great Barrier Reef

For your experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver’s wavepiercing catamaran and friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance.

Choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a Quicksilver semi-sub, just one meter underwater.

Overnight Port Douglas. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 8: Port Douglas

Today enjoy the laidback tropical town of Port Douglas, take a walk on the Four Mile Beach and discover the Macrossan Street.

This leafy boulevard is where shopping, dining, culture, and tropical charm come together.

Overnight Port Douglas. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 9: Port Douglas, Daintree, Cape Tribulation & Mossman

This morning you will be collected from your accommodation and start your full day guided tour to Cape Tribulation; through some of the oldest rainforest in the world.

Included is morning tea and a driver guided walk at Mossman Gorge, a cruise on the Daintree River, delicious tropical BBQ lunch set amongst the rainforest, walk on famous Cape Tribulation Beach, a delicious exotic fruit ice cream at the Daintree Ice Cream Company & a photo stop at Alexandra Lookout.

Overnight Port Douglas. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 10: Port Douglas to Cairns via Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Rail

Early morning drive to Skyrail Smithfield Terminal. (55 km, 1 hour drive. Free parking at the terminal) (Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda departs at 9:45 am).

Upon arrival in Kuranda, the village in the rainforest, free time is allowed to explore the many attractions including the colourful Kuranda Markets.

In the afternoon, catch the Kuranda Scenic Rail to the Freshwater Terminal and then you will be transferred to the car park at Smithfield Terminal.

Then drive to Cairns. (13 km, 15 minutes drive)

Overnight Cairns. (Paid parking)

Day 11: Cairns

Explore Cairns at your own pace and visit the Esplanade Lagoon.

This man-made swimming hole right in the centre of town is one of the best attractions in Cairns.

Late afternoon head to the Cairns Aquarium and join an exclusive guided tour to witness this remarkable transition as day slides into sunset.

Then enjoy a 3 course dinner at the aquatic themed restaurant.

Overnight Cairns. (Paid parking)

Day 12: Cairns Airport

Today return your vehicle at Cairns Airport AVIS or Budget depot.