First time in Cairns
Discover the Best of Cairns: A Perfect First-Time Itinerary
Cairns is a tropical paradise and the gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, our recommended itinerary will ensure you experience the very best this vibrant region has to offer.
Accommodation: The Reef House, Palm Cove
For your stay, we’ve selected The Reef House in Palm Cove, a luxury boutique hotel known for its laid-back elegance, beachfront location, and exceptional service. With its colonial-style architecture, tranquil day spa, and award-winning restaurant, it’s the perfect base for your Cairns adventure. If you prefer to stay closer to the city, Cairns also offers a variety of excellent accommodations to suit every style and budget.
Day 1: Explore the Great Barrier Reef
No trip to Cairns is complete without experiencing the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Start your adventure with a day cruise aboard Sunlover Cruises, where you’ll snorkel, dive, or take a glass-bottom boat tour to witness the vibrant marine life up close. Alternatively, for a slightly different reef experience, enjoy a day trip to the stunning Fitzroy Island, where you can explore coral beaches, hike through rainforest trails, and relax in crystal-clear waters.
Day 2: Discover the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the ancient Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation with Down Under Tours. This guided tour takes you deep into the heart of the world’s oldest rainforest, where you’ll have the chance to spot native wildlife, cruise on the Daintree River, and stroll along the pristine beaches of Cape Tribulation—where the rainforest meets the reef.
Day 3: Kuranda Village and Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Visit the charming mountain village of Kuranda, accessible via a scenic journey on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Explore local markets, wildlife sanctuaries, and lush rainforest walks. After Kuranda, continue the wildlife adventure with a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, where you can get up close with saltwater crocodiles, cassowaries, and other native species.
Day 4: Sunset Harbour Cruise
Cap off your Cairns experience with a relaxing sunset harbour cruise. Set sail along Trinity Inlet as the sun sets over the Coral Sea, offering breathtaking views of Cairns’ skyline and surrounding mountain ranges. Enjoy a drink and light refreshments on board as you soak in the stunning scenery.
The Great Barrier Reef For a Day
Great Barrier Reef Tours
Welcome to Sunlover Reef Cruises, your premier destination for extraordinary Great Barrier Reef tours. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, family traveller, experienced diver or on your first trip to the Great Barrier Reef, our expert team will deliver a unique reef tour experience for you.
Immerse yourself in the marvels of Moore Reef with Sunlover’s Great Barrier Reef day trip. With a wide range of inclusive activities and exclusive access to our custom-designed outer reef pontoon, visitors of all ages and skill levels can explore and delight in the wonders of this extraordinary natural wonder. Moore Reef offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, abundant marine life, and friendly resident turtles and Maori wrasse, creating the ultimate destination to experience the magnificence of the outer reef.
Choose your preferred way to discover the reef, whether snorkelling in the natural lagoon or stay dry with our semi-submersible and glass bottom boat tours. Explore the fascinating underwater world at our underwater observatory, where you can marvel at the most impressive natural fish tank and engage with marine life during our captivating fish feeding presentation. Younger guests can enjoy fun-filled moments in our enclosed ocean pool or experience the thrill of swirling down Sunlover’s 30-metre spiral waterslide into the tropical ocean. A trained lifeguard is always on watch from an elevated lifeguard station, and there’s easy entry to the water from two snorkel platforms, both of which are accessible by stairs. Calypso Reef Imagery is on board all day to capture your favourite reef memories, both on board and underwater. All photos are available for purchase during your trip home – no waiting for photos to develop; the photos are sent straight to your phone!
For those who want even more adventure, you can add to your experience a guided-snorkel tour, Seawalker helmet dive, introductory and certified SCUBA dives or take to the sky for a scenic helicopter flight.
Images taken by Sunlover 14 August 2024
Fitzroy Island Day Tours
Fitzroy Island, a favourite for Cairns locals, is a tropical paradise just a short ride away. Maximize your day by selecting the perfect package below. With exclusive tours and experiences available only through Sunlover Reef Cruises, we have tailored our offerings to meet your every need.
Awesome optional extras (Turtle Talk, Nature Walk, Rainforest Walk and Kayak Tours) are available to add on at an additional cost.
Cape Tribulation Daintree Day Touring
Mossman Gorge
Visit the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre for morning tea before boarding your shuttle for the transfer into Mossman Gorge. Your driver/guide will take you for a guided walk, sharing their knowledge of this enchanting rainforest environment. Learn about the fascinating secrets of one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests.
Daintree River Cruise
On this one hour cruise reach an understanding of this wildlife environment; habitat of birds, tree snakes, unique plants and of course the estuarine crocodile.
Tropical Lunch
Enjoy a tasty tropical Lunch in the rainforest at Heritage Lodge overlooking the crystal clear waters of Cooper Creek.
Cape Tribulation
Walk on this world-renowned rainforest beach and admire the coastline and fringing coral reef from the Kulki Lookout.
Daintree Ice Cream Company
Enjoy an afternoon refreshment at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Included is a delicious cup of exotic fruit ice cream, made from fruit grown on their on-site orchard. Gluten / Dairy free options are available.
Alexandra Lookout
After winding through the rainforest of the Alexandra Range, enjoy this spectacular lookout over the Daintree River estuary, Snapper Island and beyond to the Coral Sea.
Experience Kuranda
Have you ever wanted to explore one of the world’s oldest rainforest? Kuranda tours with Tropic Wings are the best way to get up and personal with the Kuranda rainforest and the animals which live in it.
We offer daily Kuranda tours, allowing you to explore the picturesque tropical rainforest nestled among the peaks of the Great Dividing Range. With only 25km to travel from Cairns, Tropic Wings Tours are one of the best ways to access this World Heritage Listed area.
Grand Kuranda
The ultimate day of adventure to Kuranda, located in World Heritage Rainforest. On your Kuranda day tour you will visit to the delightful Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Australia’s largest butterfly free flight aviary with 1200 free flying local rainforest butterflies. Explore the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park where you can take a tour on a historic World War II Army Duck, as well feed a kangaroo and meet a Cassowary in the Koala & Wildlife Park. Take part in the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, which includes boomerang and spear throwing and traditional Aboriginal dances. You will also enjoy the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as part of your transfers.
Tour Highlights
Return transfers to and from hotel accommodation
100% Electric Coach*
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Entry to Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
Entry to Award Winning Rainforestation Nature Park
Aussie BBQ Lunch
Koala & Wildlife Park
Army Duck Rainforest Tour
Classic Kuranda
An amazing full day experience to Kuranda, located in World Heritage Rainforest. Your Kuranda experience includes a visit to the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park, where you can take an educational tour on a historic World War II Army Duck, as well as hand feed a kangaroo and meet a Cassowary in the immersive Koala & Wildlife Park. Take part in the authentic Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience which incorporates boomerang and spear throwing and traditional Aboriginal dances. Ride the world’s most beautiful railway journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and soar over the rainforest canopy on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as part of your transfers.
Tour Highlights
Return transfers to and from hotel accommodation
100% Electric Coach*
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Free time in Kuranda Village
Entry to Award Winning Rainforestation Nature Park
Aussie BBQ Lunch
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
Koala & Wildlife Park
Army Duck Rainforest Tour
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
The Reef House Palm Cove
Our House
The Reef House Adults Retreat is a North Queensland treasure providing the opportunity to relax and revive for over 47 years.
At The Reef House, our goal is to deliver an exceptional experience to every individual through friendly ‘our house’ service and attention to detail. Our luxury accommodation options are at the heart of this philosophy, covering a broad range of rooms, suites and apartments suiting couples, singles or small groups of every size and interest.
Whether you’re here to relax with your partner on a beautiful honeymoon or are looking to getaway to a tropical destination with friends, we’ve got a 5 star accommodation option to suit you.
The Reef House is designed as an adults-only escape for rest and relaxation for guests aged 16 years and over.
Seven Days at the Reef House
DAY ONE
WELCOME to the special piece of paradise that is Palm Cove.
Your unique welcome to The Reef House begins with a (optional gin-infused) welcome drink and a cool towel as we invite you to savour our friendly, relaxed
vibe. Allow your body and soul to relax as we welcome you to your home-awayfrom-home, where tropical breezes are infused with colourful blooms from lush
gardens and Palm Cove’s famed beach is but a few languid steps away.
Meanwhile, your luggage is whisked away and your room awaits, softly scented by
lime and coconut essential oils.May we suggest you slip into relaxed holiday mode poolside and become acquainted with all The Reef House has to offer you from a sun lounge shaded by palm trees. As you slip beneath the water allow the tranquil tropical surroundings to
work its gentle magic.
EVENING
Don’t miss the convivial tradition where guests gather at dusk each day for Brigadier’s Punch and Canapes hosted by ‘Brigadier’ Norm. Share a yarn and hear
his fascinating insights into Palm Cove and learn about The Reef House’s intriguing history. Norm is also a talented woodworker and his craftwork is displayed in the
boardgames dotted about the Brigadier Lounge. Dinners on The Reef House deck are particularly special, accompanied by a soothing soundtrack of wavelets washing ashore while trade winds waft gently through palm fronds overhead. With the Coral Sea horizon bathed in fairly floss hued pink and mauve pastels, candlelight dances upon the trunks of 300-year-old melaleuca trees. Fairy lights are strung between their gnarled trunks casting a soft glow on linen-draped tables. Executive Chef French-born Nicolas’ specialties embrace the abundance of seafood along with fresh produce locally sourced from the Atherton Tablelands food bowl. Your exceptional dining experience influenced by European and north Queensland flavours begins with an Amuse bouche to
cleanse the palate and provides a tantalising taste of the culinary delights to follow.
DAY TWO
MORNING
Awake to the soothing sounds of water lapping gently on the beach while rainbow lorikeets twitter in the treetops. Take an early walk to enjoy sunrise
filtered through palm trees, feel the sand between your toes and breathe in rejuvenating frangipani-infused tropical air. Settle onto a yoga mat amongst the lush palm grove for a Vinyasa Flow Yoga class, allowing the serenity to enhance your yoga practice. The ancient Assyrian people’s beliefs held that palm trees growing beside a watercourse championed the ultimate symbol of life and enriched the mind, body and soul – an apt metaphor for this tranquil beachfront enclave. Continuing the whole-of-body rejuvenation and enrichment focus, visit the Reef House Day Spa to talk all things skincare at the Champagne Mimosa at The Day Spa gathering. Guided by the elegant hands of Swiss-born, French-trained Spa Director Isabelle Neil, gain professional advice and insightful information on therapies, massage and anti-ageing treatments.
AFTERNOON
With two swimming pools – the adults only Tranquillity Pool and heated Mineral Pool – along with two spa pools, this afternoon is all about relaxing on a poolside
sun lounge. Choose a book from the library or bring your own that you’ve longed to read. Order lunch or cocktails from the poolside butler service, enjoy
refreshing cold towels and while away a restful afternoon. Stimulate your senses as our wait staff deliver delicious sorbet delights to your sun lounge, with a different tropical flavour served each afternoon.
EVENING
After the daily sundowner ritual of Punch and Canapes in the Brigadiers Lounge, enjoy Chef’s six course Degustation Menu as you’re taken on a memorable
gastronomic journey through tropical Queensland. Our Sommelier is on hand to recommend accompanying wines and aperitifs from a carefully curated wine list
featuring Australian and Europe’s most awarded vineyards
MORNING
Today is all about whole-of-body wellness as we indulge in a decadent day of pampering. After breakfast, settle in poolside beneath the shady pavilion for a gentle Stretch and Breathe class led by a qualified yoga instructor. Enjoy total relaxation of the mind and body through guided breath work, meditation and gentle stretching as any lingering stresses melt away. Then, book into the Day Spa and give yourself over to whole-of-body rejuvenation, reinvigoration and relaxation. Immerse yourself in healing spa rituals as you saunter softly through a sojourn ministered by skilled therapists. Allow at least three hours for the Reef House’s Signature Spa Ritual, the ultimate sensory immersion. Utilising marine or botanical Phytomer products, begin witha body exfoliation and hydration massage, followed by a hair treatment and head massage. The final treatment is a replenishing and hydrating facial, guaranteed
to bring out your inner Goddess. Whether you share this rejuvenating treatment with your partner or travelling companion to create memorable moments
together, or spoil your solo self, you’re assured of an enchanting experience to lift your spirits and enhance your whole body.
AFTERNOON
Rest, relax and rejuvenate amidst the afterglow of your spa treatment, either poolside or in the comfort of your well-appointed room. Wherever you choose
to spend the afternoon, we recommend you stay hydrated with chilled water and savour the unique post-spa feeling of contentment. Help yourself to beer, wine,
aperitifs or soft drinks from the Brigadier’s Honesty Bar, a tradition originating from the early days when Brigadier Thomson and his wife Judy first welcomed
friends to their guest house in the 1950’s.
EVENING
Nu Nu’s Restaurant is one of Cairns’ most awarded restaurants – and is considered a Palm Cove institution – led by Head Chef Nick Holloway. Just a short walk along the beachfront where you may dine beachside beneath the coconut palms, Nu Nu’s is highly recommended.
DAY FOUR
MORNING
Explore Palm Cove on two wheels and take a complimentary cruiser bicycle for a leisurely ride. Whether you head southwards on the path all the way to Clifton
Beach or northwards, your ride follows a beachfront path winding through landscaped gardens. Ride on Palm Cove’s famed jetty which juts out into the Coral Sea towards the island known as Scouts Hat. It’s a favourite with fishermen, dog walkers and joggers. Looking north across the Coral Sea, Double Island dominates the view –you may be lucky enough to see Cape Tribulation in the far distance. Follow the path adjacent to the caravan park over the boardwalk to admire tropical gardens of local residents. Take time to savour the unique sights and sounds of the native mangrove forest, keeping an eye out for feathered inhabitants like sulphur
crested cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets gorging on fruits of the forest.
AFTERNOON
Learn the art of cocktail mixology at an interactive Cocktail Class led by our talented Head Bartender. You’ll create two unique cocktails during the hour-long
class which takes a fun meander through the art of cocktail creation. Channel your own inner mixologist and create your own twist on classic favourites.
Exclusive to inhouse guests, you’ll get to enjoy your creations in between ‘lessons’ on the alfresco deck adjacent to the bar.
EVENING
Take to the water for a leisurely sunset cruise onboard the luxuriously appointed 17m Lagoon catamaran Sailaway VI. Departing from Port Douglas Marina in time
to see the sun sink below forest-clad mountain ranges, Sailaway offers an intimate
cruise for a small number of guests. Sip champagne on the foredeck or upstairs bridge deck and feel the wind in your hair, or savour the view through panoramic
views from an airconditioned saloon. Linger in Port Douglas for dinner after your cruise, where world-class restaurants like Salsa, Watergate and Nautilus are highly
recommended
MORNING
With most of the exercise action taking place beneath the surface, it’s easy to suppose that an Aqua Aerobics class requires little energy output. In fact the
opposite is true, with an aquatic exercise class an invigorating workout. Burn up excess calories, increase cardio-vascular fitness and enjoy a fun session with
fellow guests in the Mineral Pool. A 30 minute class led by a fitness instructor is cjust long enough to work off any (guilty) holiday indulgences. Allow your heart
rate to gently resume a normal pace in the spa tub as water jets caress any weary muscles.
AFTERNOON
Delve deep into the art of winemaking with a Wine & Digestif Tasting class. Join our in-house Sommelier in the Brigadier Room as he takes you on a vigneron’s
journey into the world of wines and digestives. With tastings of at least three different varietals, you’ll learn to distinguish herbal from floral, spice from oak and
discuss your impressions in a relaxed, convivial session with fellow guests.
EVENING
Dine in style and create treasured memories over a romantic dinner for two with a Private Dining experience on your own patio or balcony. Choose your customised
menu and wine list in advance (24hr notice required), for a fine dining experience served by your own dedicated waiter
MORNING
Take a leisurely beachfront walk accompanied by a soundtrack of whooshing
palm fonds overhead and lapping waves at your feet. Early mornings are best to
catch the sunrise filtered through the palm trees. Head south on the beachside
path which meanders through Palm Cove’s famed coconut palm grove, passing
through Upulo Nature Reserve and beachside parklands all the way to Clifton
and Kewarra Beaches.
If you’re more the hunter/gatherer type, borrow a fishing line and tackle box and
join the local fisher-folk on the Palm Cove jetty to hook a prized local species.
Later, linger over a leisurely breakfast on the shady deck, starting with a freshpressed seasonal juice to stimulate the palate. Feeling decadent? Why not order
a glass of French champagne, a Champagne Mimosa or a Bloody Mary to add a
touch of pizazz to your day.
AFTERNOON
Follow the Captain Cook Highway northwards as it winds around the coast to the
beachfront village of Ellis Beach. Here, all the way to Port Douglas lay endless
kilometres of beaches where the only footprints are likely to be your own. Forestclad ranges tumble down to the sea where golden-sand beaches are bookended
by rocky headlands. During mango season (approx. December to March) you
can pluck wild mangos from ancient mango trees lining the road at Ellis Beach.
Wedged between the mountain range and the Coral Sea, Ellis Beach is home to a
caravan park, surf club and the Ellis Beach Bar and Grill where its laidback sandbetween-your-toes vibe and dreamy sea views makes it a favourite with locals.
Time your visit on a Sunday afternoon to catch live music on the beachfront deck.
EVENING
On your last evening in Palm Cove there is no better way to create ever-lasting memories than feeling the gentle tropical breeze as the sun sinks below the mountain ranges at the rear of the Reef House. Before diving into Chef’s delicious culinary pleasures, start with a signature cocktail like a Kaffiroska, the Reef House’s
special twist on the classic Capriosca, infused with tropical lime and lemongrass. As Brigadier Thomson said in the early days of The Reef House’s evolution, ‘there
cannot be good living where there is not good drinking.’ It’s hard to argue with such logic – we think the Brigadier might have been on to something!
Channel the tranquil energy from the enchanted environment of a beachside palm grove as you move through a Yoga Slow Flow class. This class is a
meditative, rejuvenating session focusing on calming the mind through poses enhanced by lengthened breathing.
As your Palm Cove getaway comes to an end, a gentle yoga class is an enchanting activity to impart lasting memories and a rejuvenated spirit.
As we bid you farewell, au revoir, bon voyage and wish you safe onward travels, we thank you for choosing The Reef House. It has been our pleasure to help you 7create treasured memories, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Cairns Dinner Cruise
A Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise is the perfect way to end a perfect day in paradise. Board our sailing catamaran and enjoy an evening of calm water cruising on Trinity Inlet, taking in the sights and sounds of this tropical port city and its surrounds as they transition to night.
We’ll welcome you on board with a refreshing pre-dinner drink. With your glass charged, stroll the interior or exterior decks and admire the view as the sky, filled with thousands of sparkling stars. Your journey takes you deep into the heart of Trinity Inlet and across the waterfront precinct of Cairns, from the Cruise Liner Terminal to the Esplanade.
The water is calm, the weather mild and the night is yours to enjoy. Inside our air-conditioned dining room, sit down to a sumptuous buffet meal with a wide range of hot and cold dishes, fresh seafood, and delicious local produce.
Our luxurious Spirit of Cairns sailing catamaran is fully licensed, selling a range of beverages to compliment your meal and enhance your evening.