Program pitch: Port Douglas, Rainforest and Reef

Stay in world-class accommodation and immerse in fine dining, Indigenous art and culture. Deep dive into the ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest. This three-day program showcases how groups can enjoy this remarkable region, an hour’s drive north of Cairns.

Take the stunning 67km (42mi) journey along the Great Barrier Reef Drive that winds its way from Cairns to Port Douglas between forest-clad mountains and Coral Sea beaches. Stop to lunch on a seasonal tropical menu at Osprey’s Restaurant in the Thala Beach Nature Reserve, a deluxe eco-accommodation overlooking the coast. Then travel onward to the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre where a Kuku Yalanji guide will welcome guests with a smoking ceremony then lead the group on the 90-minute Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk. Learn traditional stories and visit sacred sites, discover bush foods, make an ochre paint and try damper and bush tea. Check into your luxury accommodation at Silky Oaks Lodge, overlooking the Mossman River and adjacent to the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park. Immerse in the peaceful retreat, natural beauty and 40 luxury treehouses. Dine at Treehouse Restaurant on seasonal local produce curated into a modern Australian menu and matched by an extensive Australian wine list.

Breakfast and checkout, then transfer to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. After a 90-minute cruise, spend the day on the Reef Magic Pontoon located at Moore Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef.  This newest of the reef pontoons offers state of the art facilities for a 5-hour reef experience. Snorkel with a marine biologist or walk in a sea trek helmet. Take a diving lesson or the experienced can dive among corals and kaleidoscopic fish. Not swimming? Take a Glass Bottom Boat tour or view reef action from the underwater observatory. Savour a buffet lunch from the award-winning Ochre Restaurant. To end a fabulous day, helicopter from the pontoon to Port Douglas. Check-in at the 294-room Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas, located a short distance from the town centre on Four Mile Beach. Refresh for dinner at La Cucina in the Port Douglas town centre and dine on Italian cuisine made with local flavours, creating a contemporary twist.

Greet the dawn with an exclusive sunrise yoga session and breakfast on Four Mile Beach. Just 20-minutes north of Port Douglas, check-in for the 2-hour River Drift Experience on the Mossman River. Wetsuit on and your floating river sled in hand, follow your guide at an easy pace through the shallow or dry riverbed upstream and learn about the rainforest. Drift with the river’s calm currents in the tranquillity of this centuries old natural environment. Head back to Port Douglas to lunch with a view at Hemingways Brewery on the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. Refresh at your accommodation for your gala dinner under the stars at Nautilus Restaurant. From Port Douglas Village follow the hidden pathway to discover an enchanting venue surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Savour canapés and cocktails before a three course menu of local seafood, barramundi and premium meats, all served with seasonal local produce and local wines.