Australia Adventure Vacation: Marine Life Adventure to the Great Barrier Reef

On this Australia Adventure Vacation, explore the one and only Great Barrier Reef, discover the secrets of the Daintree Rainforest, and hand-feed wild dolphins!

This Australia Adventure Vacation was planned for a couple who loved the beach and wanted unique experiences in Australia. And of course, they wanted to see the one and only Great Barrier Reef! This vacation was the perfect beach getaway with plenty of fun adventures.

They started their Australia Adventure Vacation in sunny Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. They loved seeing the art and culture of this cosmopolitan city. Then they transferred out to Spicers Peak Lodge for some relaxation in the Australian bush.  They spent two days hiking, wine tasting and viewing the local wildlife.

Next for their Australia Adventure Vacation, they headed to Port Douglas so they could explore the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. They spent a day on the reef snorkeling in 3 different spots, swimming with fish and coral they had never seen before. They even got to see a few reef sharks! They also took a day to explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide who gave them exclusive access to secluded areas of the rainforest. They learned about the medicinal uses of the unique plants, visited a hidden-away swimming hole, went spear fishing for mud crabs, and gained unique insight into the local Kuku Yalanji culture.

They returned home with memories to last a lifetime—and some amazing pictures from their time in Australia. On the plane home, they were already planning their next visit!

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Australia! Arrive into Brisbane and enjoy a private transfer to your fabulous hotel on the banks of the Brisbane River. This evening is at your leisure to relax, shake off your jet lag, and dine at one of the many trendy and delectable restaurants in town.
Emporium Hotel South Bank

Day 2
Today is yours to explore Brisbane at your own pace. Combine art and outdoor adventure on the banks of the Brisbane River, where cultural institutions and restaurants meet riverside gardens and a gorgeous lagoon. Take a paddlesteamer ride along the river, ferry over to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, soak up some sun on man-made beaches, or stroll through the City Botanic Gardens.
Emporium Hotel South Bank

Day 3
A private transfer takes you to Spicers Peak Lodge. Spicers Peak Lodge is as far from the pressure of everyday life as it is possible to be. Set on 8,000 acres with a backdrop of World Heritage Listed national park, this exclusive Lodge provides the ultimate location for an all-inclusive luxury getaway. Escape to Spicers Peak Lodge and enjoy an award winning gourmet experience, relax with a treatment at Spa Anise, explore on a self-guided walk or simply take in the view. Here, relaxation and revitalisation comes naturally.
Spicers Peak Lodge

Day 4
Today is yours to spend at your leisure, doing as much or as little as you like. Take advantage of the experiences offered by the lodge.
Spicers Peak Lodge

Day 5
Another catamaran ride and private car will bring you to the Brisbane airport today. Take a short flight to Cairns and enjoy a private transfer to the beautiful Shantara Resort Port Douglas. Make yourself at home and enjoy 4 fabulous nights in Port Douglas, where 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet: the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
Shantara Resort Port Douglas

Day 6
Get ready for the experience of a lifetime: exploring the Great Barrier Reef! Quicksilver’s wave-piercing catamarans and friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf. You can choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a Quicksilver semi-sub, just 1 meter underwater. Time to cross the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list!
Shantara Resort Port Douglas

Day 7
Today, you have the chance to enjoy a truly unique cultural experience with an Aboriginal guide as you explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest (at 135 million years old, it was around before the dinosaurs!). See living examples of ancient plants you’ll find nowhere else and learn about the intimate relationships the Kuku Yalanji still have with their land. You’ll also stop at a secluded swimming spot and try your hand at spear fishing for crabs.
Shantara Resort Port Douglas

Day 8
Rise early this morning for a fabulous hot air balloon ride in the morning light. After your hour-long balloon ride (with complimentary digital photos), enjoy a gourmet beachside breakfast complete with sparkling wine. The rest of the afternoon is free to soak up some sun on Four Mile Beach, enjoy the hip cafes and restaurants in town, or simply relax at your resort.
Shantara Resort Port Douglas

Day 7
It’s time to say goodbye to Australia! Enjoy a private transfer to the airport, where you’ll begin your journey home.

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Does not include the cost of airfare


Based on
7 day stay
2 travelers

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