10-Day Itinerary: Spend Christmas in The Great Barrier Reef

Morning: Arrive in Cairns, collect your motorhome at Cruisin’ Motorhomes’ branch. Stop at the supermarket to get some groceries, and check into your caravan park to settle in the motorhome.

Afternoon:  Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon, a family-friendly waterfront area with picnic spots and views.

Evening: For the first night, enjoy a home-made dinner in the luxurious kitchen of your motorhome. Alternatively, appreciate some seafood and tropical cocktails at Salt House.

Campsite recommendation: NRMA Cairns Holiday Park, 12-30 Little St, Manunda QLD 4870. Powered site.

Tip: Read our 14-day Cairns Itinerary for more inspirations!

Image: Cruisin’ 6-berth Deluxe, perfect for families

All day: Embark on a full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise. Choose an operator like Cairns Reef Tours or Reef Magic for snorkelling, scuba diving, or semi-submersible tours. Admire the amazing corals and turquoise waters. You might even encounter reef sharks!

Evening: Return to your motorhome. Cook a simple meal like stir-fried veggies and rice in the fully equipped kitchen of your Cruisin’ Motorhome.

Campsite recommendation: NRMA Cairns Holiday Park, 12-30 Little St, Manunda QLD 4870. Powered site.

Image: Great Barrier Reef, Cairns

Morning: Drive south along the scenic Captain Cook Highway. Stop at Babinda Boulders for a swim, especially if it’s warm!

Afternoon: Arrive in Mission Beach. Relax by the beach or walk the Ulysses Link walking track. Named after the brilliant blue Ulysses butterflies that you frequently see in Mission Beach, the 1.5 kilometre walking track winds its way along the beachfront taking in the breathtaking views. For the most adventurous, you could even Skydive and land on Mission Beach!

Evening: Dine at Mission Beach Tavern, known for its local seafood and beachfront ambience.

Campsite recommendation: Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village, 58-60 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach QLD 4852. Powered site.

Image: Cruisin’ Sandpiper, ideal for couples

Morning: Depart Mission Beach and stop at Cardwell Spa Pools en route for a refreshing dip.

Afternoon: Arrive in Townsville. Visit Reef HQ Aquarium or take a short ferry ride to Magnetic Island for koala-spotting. It is an island paradise of endless sunshine, koalas, hiking trails, topless cars, snorkelling adventures, and more! 

Evening: Enjoy dinner inside the motorhome with a BBQ-style meal using fresh local produce.

Campsite recommendation: BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Rowes Bay, 46 Heatleys Parade, Belgian Gardens QLD 4810. Powered site.

Image: Spot families of Koalas on Magnetic Island

Morning: Depart from Townsville and enjoy a scenic drive along the Bruce Highway to Airlie Beach. Stop for a quick coffee at the Burdekin Bridge or stretch your legs at Home Hill Comfort Stop.

Afternoon: Arrive at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, set up your motorhome, and relax. Celebrate Christmas with a beach picnic at Airlie Beach Lagoon. Pack festive treats like sandwiches, fruit, and Christmas cookies from local stores.

Evening: Prepare a Christmas dinner in your motorhome, using the well-equipped kitchen. Ideas include fresh seafood from Fish with salads and a dessert like pavlova or Christmas pudding. Wind down with a stroll under the stars along the Airlie Beach Boardwalk.

Campsite recommendation: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, 25/29 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802. Powered site.

Image: Cruisin’ 6-berth Deluxe, Christmas Picnic

Morning: Start the day with a relaxed breakfast in the motorhome. Try fresh local mangoes, toast, and coffee. Stroll along the Bicentennial Walkway, a picturesque path connecting Airlie Beach Lagoon to Cannonvale Beach.

Afternoon: Visit Coral Sea Marina to browse boutique shops and enjoy the bustling waterfront vibe. Alternatively, take a short drive to Cedar Creek Falls, where you can swim in the natural pool surrounded by lush rainforest.

Evening: Treat yourself to dinner at Fish D’vine, famous for its seafood platters and tropical cocktails. Enjoy the casual yet vibrant atmosphere.

Campsite recommendation: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, 25/29 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802. Powered site.

Image: Cedar Creek Falls

All day: Join a full-day cruise to the Whitsundays, departing from Coral Sea Marina. The tour includes stops at Whitehaven Beach, a world-renowned beach with pristine white silica sand; and Hill Inlet Lookout, offering breathtaking views of the swirling turquoise waters.

Afternoon: Snorkel at Fringing Reefs, explore hidden coves, and enjoy a buffet lunch on the boat. Relax on the cruise back, taking in the sunset over the Whitsundays.

Evening: Return to the motorhome and cook a simple dinner like spaghetti bolognese or a fresh salad with grilled chicken.

Campsite recommendation: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, 25/29 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802. Powered site.

Image: Aerial view of Hill Inlet Lookout, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Take a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, including the iconic Heart Reef. Book with a local operator like Air Whitsunday for an unforgettable aerial view.

Afternoon: Explore Conway National Park, home to easy hiking trails like the Coral Beach Track. Take a short trek for panoramic views of the Coral Sea. Alternatively, rent a kayak for a self-guided paddle along the coast.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at Fat Frog Beach Cafe, a relaxed venue with ocean views and a laid-back tropical vibe.

Campsite recommendation: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, 25/29 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802. Powered site.

Image: Heart Reef, Scenic Flight over the Great Barrier Reef

Morning: Drive back up to Townsville. Stop at Peter Faust Dam for a peaceful picnic and admire the serene landscape. Visit the Big Mango for a fun photo opportunity and refreshing mango sorbet.

Afternoon: Stop at Billabong Sanctuary, a wildlife park located just south of Townsville. Spend time interacting with iconic Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. Enjoy the sanctuary’s educational shows and feed the kangaroos or hold a koala for a memorable experience.

Evening: Treat yourself to dinner at Jam Corner, a popular local restaurant known for its modern Australian cuisine and creative flavours. Return to your caravan park and relax in the motorhome.

Campsite recommendation: BIG4 Townsville Gateway Holiday Park, 88 Minehane St, Cluden QLD 4811. Powered site.

Image: Selfie at The Big Mango, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Begin your drive back to Cairns nice and early to make the most of your last day. Stop at Paronella Park, an enchanting historical site with castle ruins, stunning gardens, and cascading waterfalls.

Afternoon: Head to Josephine Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest, perfect for a refreshing swim and nature walk. Arrive back in Cairns and return your motorhome before 3:30 pm.

Evening: Celebrate the end of your journey with dinner at Ochre Restaurant, renowned for its unique Australian dishes like kangaroo, emu, and fresh seafood.

Tip: Want to visit more waterfalls? Check out this Itinerary Around Cairns!

Image: Paronella Park, Tourism and Events Queensland