We arrive in Cairns and meet our guides who will lead us through the week. We travel together south toward Mission Beach, watching the landscape shift from city to coastline and rainforest. After settling into our accommodation, we unpack, sort gear, and start our trip briefing. It's the briefing that really brings the journey to life — looking over maps, routes and islands we’ll soon be paddling to. Dinner is relaxed and social, filled with excitement, questions and first impressions as we prepare for our first day on the water. Accommodation: Hotel/hostel Mission Beach

Meals:  D

Today we launch for real! From South Mission Beach, we paddle across open water toward Dunk Island, watching the coastline fall away behind us. Reaching the island feels like crossing a threshold into expedition mode. After setting up camp, we trade paddles for hiking shoes as we work our way through forest to the summit of Mount Kootaloo. The sweeping views of the Coral Sea that we are met with at the top make the hike well and truly worth it. We make our way back to our campsite to complete the 7km total journey and finish off with a dip in the sea to cool off. It's another night camping under the stars and enjoying our coastal paradise. Accommodation: Dunk Island Camping

Meals:  B,L,D

An early start rewards us with calm water before winds pick up. Today we paddle around the full coastline of Dunk Island. We move past rocky headlands, quiet beaches and familiar camp views seen from a whole new angle. Breaks on shore give time to swim, snack and explore before shifting into deeper learning about sea-country and island ecology. In the afternoon, we take part in hands-on cultural art activities with Djiru knowledge holders, adding deeper meaning to the place we’re travelling through. It's a wholesome experience connecting our physical adventure with this cultural learning and we leave more connected to Country than when we arrive. Accommodation: Dunk Island Campground

Meals:  B,L,D

We pack up camp and push off toward Wheeler Island, focusing on steady paddling, navigation and teamwork as the island slowly grows larger ahead of us. Landing feels earned and we're proud of our individual and collective effort. During lunch we have a chance to expand our knowledge - working with maps, bearings and making team decisions on our itinerary. The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring tidal zones, rock shelves and shallow channels around the island. As the afternoon closes in, we prepare camp and talk out the next phase of the expedition. It's a great time in the trip to adopt more leadership roles and decision making responsibility and we're ready for it. Accommodation: Wheeler Island camping

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a fun small-island adventure day. We paddle out and scout three small islands affectionately known as the 'Triplets' weaving past exposed rock formations and noticing the unique characteristics of each. The coastline here is dramatic, and it really feels like we are explorers in discovery mode! We stop at Palm Tree Beach for lunch, a swim, and relax before turning back toward Wheeler Island where we started. The return paddle is nice and relaxed with the sight of our home-island a welcome view. The day ends with a dinner, a sunset reflection, and another night of sharing stories and stand out moments. Accommodation: Wheeler Island Camping

Meals:  B,L,D

The pace changes today - instead of a longer kayaking journey, we stay close by and spend a bit more time under the water than on top of it. We start with slipping into the water at a great snorkelling site with sheltered waters and plenty of coral and fish below us. Snorkelling is a nice contrast to paddling - it's slow and quiet and relaxed and gives a completely different perspective to our tropical playground. We all build more confidence with snorkelling and identifying wildlife underwater. In the afternoon we spend time refining our paddling skills through games and fun challenges both on land and in the water. In the evening we take part in a nature-based art session, capturing the textures and colours of the islands and reflecting on how far we’ve travelled. Accommodation: Wheeler Island Camping

Meals:  B,L,D

It's our last full paddling day and we make the most of. By now we're very confident with the process of a kayaking journey and it takes us no time to pack up camp and hit the water. We paddle away from Wheeler Island and back toward Dunk Island utilising the skills we practiced yesterday. Our guides give us more responsibility and leadership over the day and we embrace the challenge. After we navigate our way to Dunk Island, set up camp, and have lunch, we switch our paddles for our hiking boots. The afternoon is spent completing the Palm Track Circuit. The track takes us through rainforest to Coconuts Bay and then back along the coast. It's beautiful to see the transition from ocean to forest and get a different perspective of this island. We ensure to have a fun last night together, eating all our leftover snacks, playing games, and sharing insights into all this trip has meant to each of us. Accommodation: Dunk Island Camping

Meals:  B,L,D

It's been an amazing week and we pack down camp a little tired but buzzing from all we've achieved. We transfer back to the mainland where we'll have a chance to get changed to prepare for our flight home. Then it's on to Cairns Airport to say our farewells to our wonderful guides before boarding our plane. The trip ends with the remains of salt on our skin, strong memories, and a real sense of having travelled somewhere special together!

Meals:  B