EPISODE ITINERARY
Day 1
9am - Reef Fleet Terminal
In this episode, Greer is staying close to home in Tropical North Queensland. One of the most diverse and beautiful parts of Australia, known for its incredible reef, lush rainforest and laidback lifestyle.
To show her around, she’s meeting Nat, a fellow Flight Centre consultant who knows Tropical North Queensland very well, and promises a packed itinerary. With plenty to do and only 48 hours, the girls meet at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns, to catch Raging Thunder’s Fitzroy Island Transfer to Fitzroy Island nestled amongst the Great Barrier Reef.
9:45am - Fitzroy Island
The girls arrive on the island excited and ready to explore after spotting a pod of Humpback whales on the ferry ride over. They hike from the harbour to Nudey Beach, winner of best beach in Australia. The girls walk through the lush rainforest before arriving on the small stretch of pristine white coral sand on the southwest shore. Surrounded by coral and colourful marine life, it’s the perfect spot to snorkel and the girls have a quick swim before their ferry back to the mainland.
12pm - Drive to Palm Cove
Greer and Nat jump in the car and make their way to Palm Cove, driving along the Captain Cook Highway.
12:30pm - Nu Nu Restaurant
After a big morning exploring and swimming, it’s time for lunch. Nat has just the place for Greer, in fact it’s one of her favourites...and she knows Greer loves her food. Nat has organised a special lunch at the beachfront Nu Nu Restaurant which has spectacular views of the Coral Sea, framed by stunning palm trees.
4pm - Barron Falls White Water Rafting
Next up Nat throws Greer into the deep end with some white water rafting at the picturesque Barron Falls. Jacob from Raging Thunder guides the girls (and the rest of the film crew) through the grade 3-4 pumping rapids. Along the way the girls get a chance to jump into the cool water and have a swim, taking in the beauty of the surrounding World Heritage Rainforest.
5:30pm - Spa at Peppers Beach Club, Palm Cove
There’s plenty more to pack into the first day in TNQ but after all of the excitement of the rafting, it’s time to take things down a notch. The girls head to Peppers Beach Club & Spa and indulge in a little pampering. A tailor made ‘Mirri Facial’ is on the agenda, designed to refresh, revitalise and regenerate. The perfect way to prepare for the evening’s special dining experience.
7:30pm - Flames of the Forest - Rainforest Dining & Aboriginal Cultural Experience
As the night sky lights up with twinkling stars, the two head for dinner and it’s going to be one to remember. Flames of the Forest is Australia’s only rainforest dining experience, located near Port Douglas. This unique rainforest adventure comes alive at night combining local produce with the stunning beauty of the surrounding forest. The girls meet the indigenous stars of the show, and talk about their traditions and what to expect from the evening.
Day 2
7:30am - Breakfast at Lime & Pepper, Peppers Beach Club & Spa
As the sun is rising, the girls enjoy a colourful breakfast of fresh regional produce with a spectacular beachside view. Nat tells Greer what she has planned for the day which includes driving from Palm Cove to Mission Beach and with just 28 hours to go.
9:15am - Scenic Heli Flight over the Great Barrier Reef
The first activity of the day sees Greer and Nat take to the skies with GBR Helicopters operated by Raging Thunder. The girls take-off from the super convenient Cairns City Central Heliport before soaring high above the city and coastline out to see the Great Barrier Reef from above.
Greer has been lucky enough to experience several helicopter flights throughout her travels but seeing the kaleidoscope of blue and green colours of the GBR made this one of her favourite flights to date.
10am -Skyrail Cableway
Landing back in Cairns city, the girls drive over to the nearby Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (with tickets that were already organised and delivered by Down Under Tours), a unique 7.5 km scenic cableway running above the Barron Gorge National Park, in the wet tropics of Queensland’s World Heritage Area.
11:30pm - Lunch at Skybury Tropical Plantation
The pair head inland for lunch driving through the lush interior of the Atherton Tablelands on their way to Mission Beach. Nestled in the heart of one of Australia’s most diverse and richest food bowls on the Atherton Tablelands is Skybury Tropical Plantation – home to Skybury Coffee and Papaya. Just 10 minutes west of Mareeba, this family owned plantation has been growing the country’s best coffee and tropical fruit for the past 30 years. The girls take a tour of the plantation with the business development manager, Paul Fagg, before trying the delicious produce overlooking the farm.
3pm - Diving the Great Barrier Reef with Mission Beach Dive
Arriving in Mission Beach and the girls are back out onto a boat to experience one of the most incredible dives in the world. The girls take the Mission Beach Dive boat ‘Island Spirit’ to Dunk Island and board ‘MV Reef Goddess’, which takes them to two different dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef. Darryl their dive instructor guides Greer on her dive while Nat snorkels above.
7pm - BBQ at Sunset provided by Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach
Another day down, and the two sit back, relax by the campfire, and watch the sunset with views of the Hull River National Park and Lugger Bay. Once the coals are warm the girls get to work cooking up a seafood feast, a magical bespoke experience organised by Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach.
Day 3
7:30am - Breakfast with Bibesia Restaurant at Castaways Resort & Spa
The last morning spent in TNQ , the pair wake up early at Castaways Resort & Spa and head straight for breakfast. Time is ticking but they are lapping up the pool and beachside view from Bibesia Restaurant and get stuck into the colourful fruit platter and freshly baked pastries. Nat gives Greer a little sneak peak at what she has planned for their last morning.
9:30am - Paronella Park
Saving one of the best activities for last, Nat brings Greer to Paronella Park, and this isn’t just any park, instead what lies ahead is an enchanting castle in the middle of the rainforest. Nat and Greer meet Les, one of the park’s tour guides who takes them around and explains the story of José Paronella.
Finally, it’s time to say goodbye, so Greer and Nat reflect on what has been an amazing 48 hours in Tropical North Queensland.
