Sailaway, Mackay Cay, QLD © Sailaway Cape Tribulation

Sailaway, Mackay Cay, Queensland © Sailaway Cape Tribulation

Sailaway, Mackay Cay, Queensland © Sailaway Cape Tribulation


Trip Overview

10 days
car, plane
3,507km (2,178mi)

Day 1: Cairns

Arrive in Cairns, known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, via a direct domestic flight from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne. Settle into the small town, tropical feel.

Day 2: Day trip to Kuranda

1.5hrs 58km (36mi)

A quaint village in the rainforest, Kuranda is an ideal day trip from Cairns.

Day 3: Great Barrier Reef

Today, dive into one of the world’s greatest natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef. Experience it above and below the water.

Day 4: Cairns to Port Douglas

1hrs 66km (41mi)

Pack your bags and head to Port Douglas. It’s a beautiful drive that will bring you to the edge of the ancient Daintree Rainforest – a living museum of flora and fauna dating back at least 135 million years.

Day 5: Port Douglas to Perth via Cairns

6.5hrs 3,507km (2,178mi)

It’s time to cross the county from east to west. Make your way to Cairns Airport and hop on the five-hour flight to Perth, the capital of Western Australia.

Day 6: Perth

You’ll be hitting the highlights of Perth today, including the port city of Fremantle and an island full of smiling quokkas.

Day 7-8: Perth to Exmouth

2hrs 1,096km (681mi)

A two-hour flight north from Perth will bring you to Exmouth, one of the bases for exploring the beautiful Ningaloo Marine Park. This magical reef is most famous for its whale shark migration.

Day 9: Exmouth to Perth

2hrs 1,123km (697mi)

Fly from Exmouth back to Perth to finish your trip in this beautiful west coast city.

Day 10: Day trip to Swan Valley

1hrs 50km (31mi)

It’s just a 30-minute drive to the vineyards of the Swan Valley. Enjoy local wine, sweets and beer as you taste your way around town.