Surrounded by Nature – Eco Self Drive

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BRISBANE

DAY 2: MONTVILLE

This morning, departure by boat from the Cultural Center of Brisbane for the Sanctuary of Lone Pine

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was opened in 1927 as a shelter for sick, injured and orphaned koalas at a time when the species was slaughtered for the fur trade. The founder, Claude Reid, recognised that something had to be done to help protect one of Australia’s most iconic species. Today, Lone Pine remains a destination for local and international visitors, not only to see Australia’s endemic animals, but also to connect and learn, and to be inspired to make small positive changes in their daily lives to help protect their wildlife and habitat.

Return by boat to the Cultural Centre and rest of the morning at leisure.

Drive to the beautiful Glass House Mountains National Park, near the village of Montville.

Perched on the Blackall Range, this picturesque village is home to art galleries, cozy cafes, and shops where you’ll find everything from handmade clothes to unique sculptures by local artists. There are many city accommodation options, including cabins in the rainforest inland. First settled in 1887, Montville is located near Kondalilla National Park – an ideal place for hiking, walking, picnicking or cooling off in a waterfall.

Overnight stay at Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat. Narrows Escape is a luxury retreat with six sumptuously appointed independent pavilions nestled in the rainforest. Each lodge is perfectly located so you can enjoy breathtaking views of the canopy and observe the local wildlife.

DAY 3: MONTVILLE

DAY 4: BARGARA

DAY 5: HERON ISLAND

DAY 6: HERON ISLAND

A day dedicated to exploring the island and the marine life around it.

Heron Island is famous worldwide for its spectacular coral reef, an extraordinary variety of marine life, migrating whales, nesting turtles, and abundant birdlife. Underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau named Heron Island as one of his favorite dive sites on Earth.

Overnight at Heron Island Resort.

DAY 7: ROCKHAMPTON

DAY 8: AIRLIE BEACH

This morning, visit the Capricorn Caves.

Then road to Eungella National Park. Queensland’s most ecologically diverse park and Australia’s longest subtropical region.

Don’t miss Cape Hillsborough National Park, located 45 minutes north of Mackay, where eucalyptus forests meet the sea, a favorite habitat for many species such as the Kookaburra, kangaroo and koala.

End of the day at Airlie Beach, a cozy little seaside resort and gateway to the Whitsundays archipelago.

Overnight at Airlie Beach Eco Cabins. Located in a subtropical Australian environment, your cabin is surrounded by eucalyptus trees and native palm trees. Wake up to the chirping of local birds and enjoy your own menagerie of birds, including the Kookaburra and Cacatua, from the comfort of your balcony. The huts are a sanctuary for local marsupials, including the Agile Wallaby, the northern brown Bandicoot, and the brush-tailed Possum. A quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist centre.

DAY 9: WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

DAY 10: WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

Today, explore the archipelago.

Wake up at the first reef site to snorkel the coral fringes of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. After a tropical breakfast, explore the corals and discover the myriad of fish and turtles that populate the reefs.

Take your second swim of the day and explore a new snorkeling site chosen specifically for its wide range of fish and coral.

Enjoy a buffet lunch and a tropical fruit platter.

In the evening, back to Airlie Beach.

Overnight at Airlie Beach Eco Cabins.

DAY 11: PALUMA RANGE NATIONAL PARK

This morning, driving to Paluma National Park.

Along Paluma Range Road, you will encounter Little Crystal Creek and Big Crystal Creek, two great places to picnic, swim and walk in the bush.

Beyond the village of Paluma, the small town of Hidden Valley is home to Hidden Valley Cabins, an eco-refuge offering home-cooked meals and day trips with the platypus.

Tonight you can observe the local wildlife of the region in the company of an experienced guide.

Overnight at Hidden Valley Cabins. Hidden Valley Cabins are an outstanding example of true ecotourism and have been certified as an advanced ecotourism operation – the highest level of certification – by Ecotourism Australia.

DAY 12: PALUMA RANGE NATIONAL PARK

Day at leisure to enjoy this fantastic place.

You will have the opportunity to observe the platypus in its natural environment during a guided safari.

Overnight at Hidden Valley Cabins.

DAY 13: DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK

Today, I leave early in the morning for Daintree Rainforest National Park.

Beautiful and dense, the Daintree National Park abounds with plant and animal species rare and unique to Australia, which has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You’ll discover unique places of great cultural significance for Aborigines.

On the way, don’t miss the Babinda Boulders, a magnificent granite gorge formed millions of years ago that offers the opportunity for incredible horse riding and swimming.

Overnight at Daintree Wilderness Lodge, designed to ensure minimal impact on the natural environment. Considerable efforts have been made to reduce waste, pollution and noise. From the very beginning of the construction of the lodge, measures have been taken to preserve the rainforest, making it a highly valued example of eco-housing in this region.

DAY 14: THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

This morning, you will leave for the cliffs of Mackay and Undine aboard the Ocean Safari.

The tour begins on the beach of Cape Tribulation where you will board the boat bound for the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. After 25 minutes of the trip you will have the chance to see a multitude of tropical fish, as well as sea turtles, sea eagles, giant clams and starfish.

Return to Cape Tribulation at the end of the morning and the rest of the day off to enjoy this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a cruise to see the sea crocodiles, zip-line through the treetops, or sample local fruit on a local farm.

Overnight at Daintree Wilderness Lodge.

DAY 15: END OF ITINERARY

Last day to enjoy this beautiful region.

Be sure to make one last stop at the seaside resorts of Port Douglas and Palm Cove before your return.

Leave your rental car at Cairns airport before you take the return flight.

Our services are over, see you soon!