Far North Queensland Tropical Gardens & Food Plants

You'll be picked up from the Cairns pre-tour hotel at 10.30am. Begin the tour with a visit to Cairns Botanic Gardens, exploring a selection of garden habitats known for their tropical plant displays, across rainforest and wetland habitats, as well as historical gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a private garden visit before travelling to Palm Cove for a Welcome Dinner this evening. Stay Three Nights: Palm Cove, Reef House or similar (D)

Today travel south to visit a private tropical garden boasting an array of flowers and fruit, including flame trees, frangipani and six species of mango, among many others. Enjoy lunch here, then travel to Paronella Park, a dream garden built in the early 1900s by Spaniard Jose Paronella. Explore this magical property's heritage landscapes and lush rainforest, displaying some 7,500 plants, trees and ferns that Jose and his wife, Margarita, planted over 70 years ago. Later, continue on to Broken Nose Vanilla farm to learn about this very special orchid, which is sustainably grown here. (B/L)

This morning, travel in Royal Class aboard the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway to the rainforest township of Kuranda. Visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and explore the shops and Barron Gorge National Park before discovering a private rainforest garden and ceramic artist studio. Stop in at Limberlost Nursery, recognised as one of Australia's leading garden centres. The original homestead still stands and has been restored and transformed into a very popular cafe. After our visit, we return to Palm Cove. (B/D)

Travel to Mareeba to learn about coffee production at the beautiful Jacques Coffee Plantation before enjoying a uniquely blended Australian and Mediterranean lunch in Yungaburra. The spectacular countryside has been shaped and influenced by extinct volcanoes and features crater lakes, waterfalls and a World Heritage-listed rainforest. Continuing on to Malanda in the Tablelands region, we visit a cottage garden before stopping at Curtain Fig National Park. Later, arrive in Port Douglas, situated on the doorstep to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Stay Three Nights: Port Douglas, Peppers Beach Club or similar (B/L/D)

Today we edge our way into the stunning Daintree Rainforest, the world's oldest tropical rainforest. Commencing at Mossman Gorge, take in the gorgeous views of tropical walking trails and waterfalls, before taking a tour with local Kuku Yalanji guides to learn about the Indigenous history of the area. After lunch, travel to a 40-acre converted sugarcane farm, home to an extensive arboretum of weird and wonderful tropical plants. The afternoon will be spent at the exclusive and highly renowned Botanical Ark, famous for its amazing collection of rare plants from around the world. Most notable are the plants still used by Indigenous groups for their everyday needs. (B/L)

Today we travel to nearby Oak Beach and stop in at Pebbly Beach Garden, expertly created by a landscape and garden designer. Explore Thornton Beach and take the opportunity to wander along the Marrdja Botanical Trail to see some of the oldest rainforest in the world. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing afternoon treat at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, where we sample some of the many exotic fruit flavours from its organic orchard. A Farewell Dinner awaits this evening. (B/D)

This morning we visit a beautiful private garden in Cairn before our tour concludes at the Pullman Cairns at 1.30pm. (B)