Reef & Indigenous Queensland

Welcome to Queensland! You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in Port Douglas where the remainder of the day is yours at leisure. Port Douglas was the traditional home to the Yirrganydji People before it was converted into a fishing village after European settlement. Enjoy exploring the marina and strolling along stunning beaches or simply relax at your hotel.

Overnight Thala Beach Nature Reserve Resort or similar

An early start this morning as you set off into the Queensland outback with your expert guide as you learn all about the region you are traversing and its history. Stop at a quirky café for morning tea at Mt Molloy as you start to set the scene for your outback adventure.

Continuing on, you will reach the old Jowalbinna Station where you can see Red Bluff in the distance. Nearby, is the historic Cobb and Co staging post and the Patrick Mail Hotel site with the remains of the sandstone floor and kitchen. Cobb and Co were a true pioneer for Australian travel in the gold rush years taking travellers between colonies and mining towns as well as further into the outback. Cobb & Co were also instrumental in setting up the mail delivery system in Australia.

Well on the way, following the 4WD only Laura – Maytown Coach road adventure track, you will see the pick axe marks in the sandstone from the ‘old timers’ who forged the road. Natural formations in the sandstone like Jockey Cap will also be seen. Hop out of your vehicle, stretch your legs and head into the bush to learn about native bush tucker, traditional bush medicine as well as many other interesting facts about the Australian bush.

Arrive at Jarramali bush camp around lunch time. Enjoy lunch and be shown to your comfortable camping tents. After lunch, venture on a short walk to your interpretive guided rock art tour.

Following your guided tour, you will have some free time to wonder and explore the wilderness or simply enjoy the jaw dropping scenery at the lookout. Wash off the day’s red dirt in our hot water bush shower overlooking the deep gorge and rocky cliff-faces. In the evening, curl up around the fire as the sounds of the Yigi Yigi (didjeridoo) echo through the valley while your roast dinner cooks on the coals. Then it’s billy tea and yarns around a campfire.

Slip into nightfall and become part of the incredible landscape – roll out a swag or cosy up in your tent with beds that will make you forget you’re camping. Five star? How about a billion stars? 

Overnight Private Bush Camp

Wake up and watch the beautiful sunrise coming up over red sandstone, escarpment country. A hot bush breakfast over the campfire will be served followed by some free time to wander and explore this rugged outback or soak up the views. When you’re ready, journey back to Cairns. Enroute, time permitting, stop along the way for a crystal clear creek swim with lunch. There is nothing quite like an Australian bush swim! Return to Cairns in the early evening. 

Overnight Shangri La Cairns or similar

This morning, you will be transferred to Cairns airport for your flight to Weipa. Fly over the rugged outback terrain as you venture north. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your private Robinson R44 helicopter. Jump on board for an exhilarating helicopter flight from west to east coast landing on one of the most remote and private island resorts in Australia, Haggerstone Island.

Enjoy a half day adventure in your private helicopter as you experience Australia’s most phenomenal stretches of raw, captivating wilderness. See remote areas of the Great Barrier Reef rarely seen by others. Explore the land and marine life, dugongs, turtles and sand dunes both from above and also as you land on remote islets. Spot salt-water crocodiles in their natural habitat or why not try your hand at heli-fishing for barramundi and many other species. Following your heart stopping adventure, you will land at your home for the next four nights – Haggerstone Island which offers an unparalleled adventure experience and is the ultimate in barefoot luxury.

Spend the evening enjoying sunset drinks in front of the large fire on the front deck of the main pavilion as the sky changes from mauves to hot reds to a warm golden glow. 

Overnight Haggerstone Island or similar

Over the next three days, enjoy the activities on offer at Haggerstone Island. Everyday, the islands 45 foot jet boat departs offering guests an array of activities including snorkelling, various types of fishing, beachcombing and general adventuring such as visiting sand dunes. No two days are the same.

This area is completely untouched and demonstrates what coral and fish life used to be before mass human interference. Float over florescent gardens or plunge into the cavernous formations created by centuries of uninterrupted growth. Expect to see Green Turtles, Manta Rays and prolific fish life during your stay.

Blue Water Fishing is available on the island. With knowledge of the area built from thirty years of experience, the team at Haggerstone have the pleasure of guaranteeing an unparalleled fishing experience. Although the island relies on freshly caught seafood for meals, Haggerstone maintains a high catch and release ration for the fish they don’t need. Some examples of the common species caught are Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Finger mark, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefin Tuna, Queen fish, Dog Tooth Tuna and Giant Trevally.

Estuary and River Fishing: Haggerstone is fortunate to be situated near an uninhabited stretch of coastline. This provides guests access to untouched river systems. The rivers are both beautiful and teeming with life – a great place to explore, fish and discover. Some examples of the common species caught are Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Fingermark and Estuarine Cod. Saratoga can also be targeted.

Crayfishing/Spearfishing: With Haggerstone’s remote location comes unparalleled numbers of fish and crayfish. All levels of spear-fishermen can enjoy the abundant reefs in the area. All equipment is provided and coaching for beginners is always near at hand. Some of the species often caught are Crayfish, Coral Trout, Fingermark and Spanish mackerel. 

On Haggerstone, the team cook a lot of the fresh seafood caught by guests which makes for an incredible experience and cuisine. 

Spend an afternoon with Aperol Spritz in hand watching fish and turtles pass lazily under the jetty, or why not take a lap around the island on the jetski? Watersport equipment available for your use includes wakeboarding, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, snorkelling and beach fishing. There are also plenty of hiking trails to explore on foot. 

Overnight Haggerstone Island or similar

This morning, enjoy your last breakfast in paradise before you board your helicopter and fly back to Weipa. On arrival to Weipa, you will connect to your flight back to Cairns where your tour ends on arrival. 

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