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Australia Multisport

Australia Multisport

Home to dense jungle, fascinating wildlife, endless strands of white beach and the world’s largest coral reef, Australia’s Far North Queensland provides the spectacular setting for this unforgettable, adventure-filled trip. Pedal through Cedar Bay National Park on remote dirt roads that rarely see travelers. Explore unspoiled beaches and woodland, looking for tree frogs, kangaroos and colorful birds. Kayak the astoundingly clear aquamarine waters off Cape Tribulation and sun yourself on silky-soft sand. Bike into Daintree National Park, the oldest living rain forest on Earth, and learn about the area’s history and Aboriginal culture on intimate guided walks. Cap it all off by snorkeling or diving at the Great Barrier Reef. Come evening, you’re embraced by warm Aussie hospitality at the region’s most exquisite and unusual lodgings. Join us Down Under and experience Queensland at its wildest and fun-loving best!

Day 1 Helenvale

Meet in Cooktown  Head out from Endeavour Lions Park on a beautiful bike ride through quaint historic Cooktown and its stunning countryside, a wonderful introduction to the region’s rugged beauty  Keep your eyes open for Australia’s amazing wildlife - owls, tree kangaroos and rare stream frogs  At Archer’s Point, enjoy a signature Backroads picnic and soak in the sounds of the surf  Shuttle - or pedal if you’re feeling ambitious - down eucalyptus-lined roads to our rustic home for the night, nestled in the rain forest.

Days 2-3 Ayton

Bike on dirt roads through Cedar Bay National Park, watching for wildlife  Take a scenic boat ride across Weary Bay to reach our exclusive lodge  Follow gently rolling trails through the rain forest, seeking out Australia’s most unique birds  Enjoy a cruise up the Bloomfield River, said to be the most stunning waterway on the Coral Coast  Relax in the idyllic surroundings of our hotel, where you can nap poolside, indulge in a spa treatment or go fishing.

Day 4 Cape Tribulation

Boat back to "civilization" and hop in a four-wheel-drive vehicle for a true Australian jungle adventure on Daintree National Park’s untamed roads - prepare for stream crossings, steep hills and potholes With a stunning backdrop of rain forest and mountain peaks, paddle open-deck kayaks near secluded Cape Tribulation, a World Heritage site. 

Days 5-6 Mossman

Bike along paved forest-lined roads through Daintree National Park, the world’s most ancient rain forest  Hike at Cooper Creek, Daintree’s central tributary, keeping an eye out for colorful parrots and Boyd’s forest dragons - giant lizards indigenous to Queensland’s rain forests Pedal over the Alexandra Range  Stroll in the river-carved Mossman Gorge, a land inhabited by the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal tribe Spend an evening with a local naturalist learning about the region’s abundant reptile population - don’t be surprised if he brings along one or two slithering friends  Enjoy a candlelit barbecue overlooking the Mossman River.

Days 7-8 Port Douglas

Board the Poseidon, a spacious catamaran, and sail to the Great Barrier Reef for an unforgettable snorkeling or scuba excursion  Encounter some of Australia’s multicolored luminescent, iridescent, polka-dotted and zebra-striped residents  Cap off your adventure with mellow spin on rolling terrain through gorgeous rain forest or spend the morning relaxing in Port Douglas.

big map Australia Multisport

SLUMBER IN STYLE: Premiere Inns

Mungumby Lodge (1 night): Mungumby Lodge may not be luxurious - in fact, its bungalows are the definition of basic - but it is perfectly located along our route and offers a wonderful setting. (There aren’t a lot of options out here!) Enjoy the sights and sounds of Australia’s Tropical Rainforest National Park from your rustic cabin’s patio or while dipping in the pool.

Bloomfield Wilderness Lodge (2 nights): One of Australia’s most exclusive retreats and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this deluxe wilderness lodge - with its unspoiled idyllic location, incredible spa, pool and gourmet cuisine - is one you’ll never want to leave.

Cape Tribulation Resort & Spa (1 night): Just steps from a white-sand beach and cradled by the Daintree Rain Forest, this upscale resort’s elegantly appointed guest rooms, two free-form swimming pools, deluxe spa and outstanding location provide a unique and truly peaceful experience.

Silky Oaks Lodge (1 night): This splendid resort, with its luxurious cottages (complete with hammocks!), refreshing pool and renowned Healing Water Spa, is set amid the oldest rain forest on the planet, with views of the Mossman River.

Peppers Beach Club (2 nights): A sense of peace and calm overtakes you upon entering this open-air Mediterranean-style resort that offers a spa, fitness center, swimming pool and sophisticated ambience.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8

Our biking routes follow moderately rolling terrain with some challenging sections. Much of the biking, especially on the first two days, is on uneven and potholed dirt roads with stream crossings, making the riding feel more challenging than the mileage would suggest.

Australia Multisport
Trips For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level Average Time Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Guest Trip Reviews

Australia is beautiful and seeing it with Backroads has helped me to become familiar with a country I barely knew. From the 300-million-year-old rain forest to the Great Barrier Reef to the unbelievably beautiful beaches (and I'm from Florida!) to the really delicious food (outstanding seafood, and the beef and lamb were excellent too!) to the really nice accommodations, plus all of the knowledge and friendship I have gained, I have truly returned to the States a different person - much for the better.
Rosanne Duane - Palm Beach Gardens, FL