3 Day Queensland Tour Packages

Queensland Itineraries for 3 days

Compiled by

MelissaQueensland travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Great Barrier Reef Itinerary, incl. Cairns and Reef Diving Sites

  A 3-day Queensland adventure showcases prime Great Barrier Reef locations from Cairns. Marine life encounters await during daily guided snorkeling sessions across multiple sites. The dive boat provides comfortable accommodation with 7 meals and professional instruction for approx. $180 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cairns to Great Barrier Reef

    Get to Cairns Marina by 7:30 AM to beat the crowds. The boat ride to the outer reef takes about 90 minutes. If you get seasick easily, take motion sickness tablets before departure since the Coral Sea can be rough. Early morning trips usually have the best water visibility and calmest conditions for snorkeling. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a light long-sleeve shirt to protect yourself from the sun between swims. Your boat will stop at specific dive spots selected for their rich sea life and clear waters.

    
  • Day 2

    Full Day on the Reef

    Get up early to catch the sunrise over the Coral Sea. If you're into photography, be ready by 6 AM for the best shots. You'll visit new reef spots today with 2-3 chances to dive or snorkel. Each location offers something different. The northern sites usually have bigger fish and sea turtles while the southern spots show off more coral varieties. Water temperatures range from 21-29°C (70-84°F) depending on the season. You might want to use a thin wetsuit which the boat provides. Between water activities, the crew gives interesting talks about the reef's ecosystem.

    
  • Day 3

    Final Reef Exploration and Return to Cairns

    Take advantage of your last morning with an early swim before the day gets too hot. The boats visit different locations each day so you'll see new parts of the reef. Look for giant clams near the coral walls. Some are over 100 years old. Boats usually leave for Cairns around 2 PM and arrive by 4 PM. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout your trip. The sun, salt water and boat motion can leave you dehydrated quickly.

    

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• 3 Day Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Itinerary, incl. Esk and Yarraman

  Cyclists cover 161km from Yarraman to Fernvale on this 3-day Queensland route. Historic railway stations and native wildlife dot the path, with overnight stay at Wivenhoe Motor Inn in Esk. Daily rides wind through rainforest and outback terrain.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival in Esk

    Drive to Esk, a classic Queensland country town about 1.5 hours northwest of Brisbane. The Brisbane Valley Highway route gives you great rural views. Plan to arrive before sunset since kangaroos often cross country roads at dusk. You can stay at the Wivenhoe Motor Inn which offers secure bike storage. This is particularly useful since summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms.

    
  • Day 2

    Yarraman to Esk (42-65km)

    Start your ride early to avoid the Queensland heat which usually hits 30°C (86°F) by midday. After breakfast you'll transfer to Yarraman at the trail's highest point. From here it's a nice downhill ride. The 42km section to Linville takes you through bushland where wallabies are often active in the morning. Make sure to bring plenty of water as towns are far apart. One of the best parts today is riding through the heritage-listed Yimbun Tunnel from 1910. The tunnel stays cool but you'll need a headlight since there's no lighting inside. Stop for lunch at the Linville Hotel which offers that classic Queensland pub experience. You can then either get a transfer to Esk or bike another 23km through grazing land. Watch for emus they often cross the trail.

    
  • Day 3

    Esk to Fernvale (40km)

    Your final day has the easiest terrain as you head south toward Ipswich. Get going after breakfast in Esk but try to start before 9 AM for the best wildlife viewing. The trail changes from open farms to shaded forest sections. Keep looking up near Coominya as koalas often hang out in the eucalyptus trees. Bring snacks since you won't find many food stops until Fernvale. The old railway stations make perfect rest spots. Lowood Station is particularly nice for photos. The trail is usually hard-packed gravel but gets muddy after rain. Bikes with wider tires (35mm+) work best. The tour ends with a transfer back to Esk where you can shower before heading home. You'll cover about 100km total depending on your choices. It's a good ride for anyone with moderate cycling experience.

    

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• 3 Days in Tropical North Queensland, incl. Cairns and Cape Tribulation

  The natural wonders of Kuranda, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, and Cape Tribulation unfold over 3 days. Solar Whisper wildlife cruises complement Kuku Yalanji cultural experiences and rainforest walks. 4-star accommodations and expert guides enhance this Queensland expedition.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cairns to Port Douglas

    Get to the Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns by 9:45 AM for the 10 AM departure. Take the Skyrail gondola ride over the Daintree canopy to Kuranda. Book a morning ticket before 11 AM when visibility is best and before the afternoon heat sets in. The gondola trip takes about 90 minutes round-trip, giving you time to explore Kuranda's markets before heading north.

    
  • Day 2

    Port Douglas & Mossman Gorge

    Visit Port Douglas' morning markets before 9 AM to beat the tropical heat. Take a walk on Four Mile Beach in the early hours. The northern end near the surf club offers safe swimming spots with stinger nets during jellyfish season (November to May). In the afternoon, take the guided walk through Mossman Gorge on elevated boardwalks that keep you above the wet ground during typical afternoon rain. Don't miss the Kuku Yalanji cultural experience to learn about traditional rainforest life.

    
  • Day 3

    Daintree & Cape Tribulation

    Cross the Daintree River by ferry, which runs every 15 minutes starting at 6 AM. Book the afternoon Solar Whisper cruise when the water is warmer and crocs are more active. The rainforest boardwalks at Cape Tribulation can get slippery in the rain so bring shoes with good grip and insect repellent. Plan for about 2.5 hours to drive back to Cairns on the coastal road, getting you there around 6 PM.

    

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