Tropical North Queensland is home to some of Australia’s most spectacular natural experiences, where World Heritage rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re craving adventure, tranquillity, or a bit of both, this 4-day itinerary through Cairns, Tully, and Mission Beach offers the perfect balance.
Whether you’re seeking reef snorkelling, river rafting, rainforest hikes, or a day trip to Dunk Island, this itinerary packs it all in.
Day 1: Welcome to Cairns – The Gateway to the Reef
Fly into Cairns and ease into the tropics. The city’s laid-back vibe makes it the perfect launchpad for adventure. Take a walk along the Cairns Esplanade, dip into the Lagoon pool, and grab dinner at one of the buzzing markets. If time permits, consider a reef sunset cruise to start your trip in style.
Arrive in Cairns – pick up your rental car and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Barron Gorge National Park (40 min NW of Cairns):
- Din Din Lookout Track – an easy elevated boardwalk leading to Barron Falls, ideal during the wet season when the tiered cascade is at its most dramatic.
- Tip: Bring a rain jacket during the Tropics’ “green season” for misty views.
Kuranda Village:
- Explore Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets and Kuranda Heritage Markets for local crafts, fudge, tea and candies.
- Try local experiences: Koala Gardens, scenic riverboat tours, an adventurous rainforest ATV ride, and aerial views via Skyrail Rainforest Cableway lasting 7.5 km and showcasing deep canopy vistas.
Evening at Salt House, Cairns Marina:
- Enjoy sunset over Trinity Inlet with wood-fired Argentinian-style cuisine and cocktails.
- Or opt for casual drinks and share plates at the outdoor bar.
- Don’t miss crepes from the Esplanade Night Markets.
Cairns Accommodation options:
Peppers Beach Club and Spa – Palm Cove
Day 2: Into the Rainforest – Babinda, Josephine Falls & Tully
Leave the coast behind and head south into the lush tropical rainforest. Start your morning at Babinda Boulders, where a short walk leads you to deep, crystal-clear pools. Just up the road, Josephine Falls offers a perfect spot to swim and slide over smooth rocks shaped by centuries of water flow.
Spend the night in Tully — a small town surrounded by sugarcane fields and known for its high rainfall, which feeds the mighty Tully River.
Caffiend Café, Cairns (from 8 am):
- Known for artistic vibes and locally sourced fare, try their tropical French toast and great coffee.
(Fri–Sun) Rusty’s Markets: Fresh local produce—perfect for picnic supplies.
Babinda Boulders (11 am):
- Crystal-clear pools at the base of Mount Bartle Frere—ideal for swimming.
- Don’t miss the Devil’s Pool legend—a cultural tale about lost love and caution.
- Always heed signs and swimming restrictions.
Wangan Bakery, Innisfail:
- Famous for classic Aussie pies—perfect for a mid-morning snack.
Paronella Park, Mena Creek:
- Explore an enchanting 1930s castellated park with rainforest surrounds, gardens and cascade walks.
- Suspension bridge spanning Mena Creek Falls.
Drive through the Djiru National Park to reach Mission Beach by late afternoon:
- A laid-back village with 14 km of palm-fringed beach, artistic shops, cafés, and hinterland trails.
Sunset walk or bike ride along the beach.
Dinner at The Garage Bar & Grill – tapas, sliders and local craft beer.
Day 3: White Water Rafting & Arrival in Mission Beach
Thrill-seekers, this one’s for you. Join a guided Tully River rafting tour and take on grade 3–4 rapids through ancient rainforest. It’s an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the region’s rugged beauty.
Afterwards, dry off and take the scenic coastal route to Mission Beach, where palm-fringed sands and coral sea breezes await.
Drive inland to Tully, Australia’s wettest town (4.4 m annual rainfall).
Snap a photo at The Golden Gumboot, a quirky local landmark.
Tully Gorge National Park:
- Walk the 800 m track to Tully River Lookout, reach areas of the cascading 300 m falls in wet season.
- Hike the Mount Tyson summit (678 m) or undertake the Butterfly Walk (best Sept–Feb).
- Keep an eye out for cassowaries in the rainforest.
Raging Thunder Adventures – Tully River Rafting (full day, grade 3–4 rapids):
- Departures from Cairns, Mission Beach or Tully; 11–12 hours out; includes safety tuition, equipment, hearty pub dinner at the Feluga Hotel, and return transfers. Prices from A$229+levy
Return to Mission Beach in the evening.
Dinner at Bingil Bay Café: Beachfront locale with eclectic menu (seafood laksa, Thai fish cakes), often featuring live music.
Day 4: Explore Dunk Island – Reef, Rainforest & Relaxation
Highlights:
- Ferry to Dunk Island from Mission Beach
- Snorkelling, hiking & beachcombing – Find tours here
- Camp on the amazing Dunk Island beach
Catch a Dunk Island ferry or other transport options in the morning and set off for a day of tropical island exploration. Swim or snorkel straight from the beach, hike up to Mount Kootaloo for panoramic views, or simply stretch out under a palm tree with a book.
Nature lovers can explore Dunk’s walking trails, which wind through dense forest and lead to secluded bays. There are also several camping areas for those wanting to extend the island experience overnight.
1. Outer Great Barrier Reef with Mission Beach Dive
- Mission Beach Dive – take a small-group trip aboard the MV Reef Goddess to explore two reef sites like Eddy Reef—a marine haven of coral ridges, tropical fish, gorgonians, nudibranchs and more.
- Activities: snorkelling, SCUBA (intro or certified).
- Includes morning tea, gourmet BBQ lunch, licensed bar, and afternoon tea.
2. Dunk Island Day Trip
- Board any of the Mission Beach Dunk Island transport options (10 m enclosed vessel) from Mission Beach mainland. Discover tours and covering Dunk, Bedarra and more.
- Enjoy beachcombing, swimming, snorkelling, shaded walks, and a climb up Mount Kootaloo (360 m) for breathtaking vistas.
- Optional overnight Dunk Island camping or private charter services are available.
Late-day extras at Mission Beach
- Charley’s Chocolate Factory – farm-to-bar experience.
- Mission Beach Adventure Hire – kayak, SUP, blokart hire.
- Hike Bicton Hill in Clump Mountain National Park or Kennedy Track in South Mission Beach.
- Mission Beach Takeaway – fish’n’chips for a seaside finale.
Travel Tips
- Getting There: Cairns is serviced by major domestic airlines. From Mission Beach, return to Cairns by car or coach book here.
- Packing Essentials: Lightweight hiking gear, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottle.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October offers dry weather and warm days ideal for outdoor exploration.
