Delve Deep: Australia North Queensland

Strap on those hiking boots: this morning we’re heading to Mossman Gorge. Home to the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people for thousands of years, this sacred site is a tropical maze of ancient woodland, bubbling creeks and sparkling waterfalls. Wait, is that a turtle? Then: *Daintree Rainforest joined the chat*. It’s time to delve deeper into this magical wonderland. We’ll play spot-the-croc as we cross the Daintree River (they’re more scared of you than you are of them... jk). After an included lunch smack-bang in the middle of this fairytale forest, Cape Tribulation is our final stop of the day. Gawp at the immense mountain and ocean views from Mount Alexandra Lookout. And keep your eyes peeled for cassowaries – aka ‘the world’s most dangerous bird’. Hard pass on saying hi.

It’s Great. It’s a Barrier Reef. And today it’s yours to explore = WIN. There's an optional full-day tour of this bucket-list topping world wonder on the cards, so make the most of it. Get the lowdown from a marine biologist on how we can help protect this incred place for gens to come. Then: dive in and find Nemo! It’s time to get snorkelling and meet the locals – we’re talking clownfish, manta rays, giant clams and turtles, all going about their business in a watery neon nightclub. Sebastian the crab was right – it IS better under the sea. Rather keep your hair dry? Opt for a day tour of Kuranda instead: a tropical mountain village 1000% more charming than your latest Hinge matches. Guaranteed.

So long and thanks for all the fish, Great Barrier Reef. This morning we’re voyaging through the day-glo-green sugarcane fields towards Mission Beach. But first: you like boulders? We knew it. We’ll check out the beaut Babinda Boulders (just chillin’ in crystal-clear water), explore the surrounding rainforest, and grab a lunchtime feed of our choice in town. When we pull up at our final stop for the day, head out on a mission for coffee, craft beer and tropical vibes at a local café. Or just lounge poolside with the swaying palm trees back at the hotel. It’s a mood. And this eve? We’re heading to Clump Point Lookout for all the sunset feels. No filters required.

Another day, another magical coastal landscape. Today we’re on the move to Airlie Beach – BFF of the Whitsunday Islands. After a stop off at Townsville to grab our own lunch, when we roll into Airlie it’s time to settle into beach life. Go for a hot girl walkabout along the marina. Get involved in the lagoon pool. Or just soak up some good times in the lively bar scene along the bay. Tonight, we’ll fill up at our included dinner. All this adventuring is HUNGRY work, amirite?

All aboard! The REAL way to explore the gobsmackingly gorgeous Whitsundays? By boat, duh! Expect: a tropical jigsaw of greener-than-green forests and dreamy turquoise waters. Snap on those goggles – there’s a whole Little Mermaid world under the water’s surface, including turtles, stingrays and baby lemon sharks in the shallows. Lunch is on us today: sweeeeet. Then... did someone say banana boat? Time to show off your mad skills (read: cling on for dear life). When we drop anchor later, sunset bevvies are *highly* recommended. Bliss.

Two words: Free. Day. After a full day perfecting those mermaid skills, it’s time to relax on land. Throw on your bathers and top up your tan lagoon-side (it’s worth the second visit, pinky swear). Beach sesh anyone? Boathaven is the place to be. Calm waters and endless views – yes plsss. Later, rock up at the boardwalk and watch the ocean turn 50 shades of pink. Cue: alllll the goosebumps.

Rise n shine! We’re swapping beaches for city vibes today. You got a taste for Townsville on Day 5. Now, you’re bouta see it for real. Need some hot tips for your free afternoon? *Grabs foam finger and points at Trip Leader* – they’ve got it covered. Think: running up that hill (Castle Hill to be exact) for incred views of the entire city. Look out for the WW2 bunker and imagine American soldiers standing exactly where you are today. Mind. Blown. Or head to Riverway Lagoons. Mood: chill. Bigger than three Olympic swimming pools means you can practice your backstroke in peace. Perf.

You ready for today? Cos we are. Paradise is calling and we’re not bouta let it go to voicemail. Caller ID: Magnetic Island. Glorious beaches. Bluer than blue ocean. Cute koalas. Plentyyyy of bush walking through wilderness. And a game of spotting Barbie cars. Iykyk. Your local TL has alllll the deets. Tonight: it’s back to Townsville for our final group dinner. No crying. Let’s give this unreal Aussie adventure the send-off it deserves!

Nobody panic – it’s our last day, but there’s more exploring in store yet. Northwards! Prepare for a refreshing (spoiler: it’s freezing) dip at Millaa Millaa Falls in the Wet Tropics rainforest. Fun fact: the Herbal Essences advert was filmed here. Slo-mo hair flicks complete, next we’ll discover the monster Curtain Fig Tree – a ginormous ‘strangler fig’ that grows on other trees and then kills them. Savage. After we’ve soaked up the lush AF scenery of the Atherton Tablelands, we'll roll into Cairns where it's time to say our goodbyes. Swap those digits and lock in a date for the reunion. We hear Topdeck’s New Zealand trips are pretty legendary...