Where The Tropical Rainforest Meet the Reef...

A land of flowing waterfalls, ancient aboriginal culture, and wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Cairns is blessed with a superb location between tropical rainforest, classic outback and the Great Barrier Reef. Find yourself in jungle-draped canyons, red rock country and a turquoise underwater universe.

Superb national park trails lead you to swimming holes, Kuku Yalanji aboriginal elders share with you secrets of the rainforest,and kangaroos come out to play. On a trip with Small World Journeys, you discover why Cairns, with its tropical weather year-round, is the adventure capital of Australia.

Sample Detailed Itinerary
7 days / 6 nights

This is just a sample of what we can arrange. We can shorten or lengthen the trip, add or subtract activities, or create an entirely new itinerary for you.

Arrival in Cairns, Free Afternoon

Today you fly to tropical Cairns. One of the Small World Journeys staff will warmly greet you and you will be transferred to your accommodation. Settle into your stylish hotel only a block from the Cairns oceanfront, accessible to shops, cafes, the lovely swimming lagoon and Cairns celebrated Esplanade.

Aboriginal Art & Culture, Traditional Fishing & Tracking, Jungle Walk

Today's small group guided tour takes you on several different adventures in the care of a knowledgeable guide. Perhaps the best way to learn about aboriginal culture, first you walk with two aboriginal brothers of the Kuku Yalanji tribe along the coast they've called home for thousands of years. Their specialty is helping you find mud crabs, mussels, and other "bush tucker" among the mangroves. In a small group, learn how to throw spears and try your hand at catching food the traditional way. Later you learn about local customs, hear tales of the indigenous "Dreamtime" and eat your day's catch.

Then you will continue north to a Mossman art gallery, where you'll meet Binna, an aboriginal artist-in-residence. You will share in an authentic Aboriginal art experience with him, taking home a memento of your experience and learning more about aboriginal culture as well. Then it's off to a private waterfall that is reached by a short twisty path through the jungle. A natural swimming hole beneath the falls is a perfect cool-off spot at the end of the day. You arrive back in Cairns this evening. (B,L)

National Parks, Waterfalls and Crater Lake or Whitewater Rafting

The lush mountains of the Dividing Range rise up from Cairns, and today you explore with a guide the Highlands' fantastic natural wonders. Wooroonooran National Park boasts Queensland's highest mountain, Bartle Frere, from which pour countless cascades. Josephine Falls is perhaps the park's most picturesque, and you arrive at the base of the falls by way of a short guided hike through the jungle. Here you can glide down an exhilarating natural waterslide that ends in a perfect, clear swimming hole.

You will also walk at the enchanting Babinda Boulders, where mysterious giant boulders stand in a swirling river. You learn from our guide about the spiritual significance of this mysterious place and why it has given rise to aboriginal legends. You'll swim in an ancient volcanic crater, have a home cooked meal at a traditional Aussie teahouse and see Millaa Millaa Falls from behind its watery veil. Finally, near sunset, look for the unique and elusive duck-billed platypus in its natural habitat. This is fun-filled day with a vivacious guide, a taste of Aussie culture, and plenty of lively music to keep everyone entertained while you travel the Highlands.

OR You can choose the optional whitewater rafting day trip. The Tully River ranks high with rafting enthusiasts around the globe for its stunning course through national parklands, thrilling Class III-IV rapids, and its reliable year-round flows. First timers and experienced rafters alike will be spoiled by the Tully's non-stop action and gorgeous pristine wilderness. (B, L)

Snorkeling and/or Diving The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - is considered one of the world's top natural wonders, and it lies just off Cairns' coast. Explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. A roving marine park permit allows the boat the flexibility of choosing different sites at which to snorkel or dive, most of which are exclusively yours. You can expect to see a thousand shades of hard and soft corals, angelfish and "Nemos" in anemones, elusive white-tipped reef sharks, and giant turtles. You learn about different coral species, the unusual mating habits of some undersea animals, and the conservation issues facing the reef today.

On the sail back to civilization, you can keep an eye out for dolphins swimming and playing alongside you, while in the winter season both humpback and minke whales may make an appearance. After you arrive back in Cairns, perhaps have a drink at a trendy pub on The Pier with your new friends or enjoy one of the seafront restaurants. (B, L)

Wildlife Sanctuary, Crocodile-Spotting Cruise, Daintree Rainforest

Considered one of the most scenic drives in Australia, the Captain Cook Highway winds north from Cairns and treats you to views of golden beaches and the translucent sea. Travel today in the company of a guide and small group to the famed Cape Tribulation, the site at which explorer Captain Cook ran aground. It is here where two World Heritage areas also lie side by side. Along the way, visit a refuge for Australian animals such as crocodiles, kangaroos, koalas, and countless exotic birds. A guide will educate you about these different species, and you'll have an opportunity to interact with the animals up close, whether it's holding a python, feeding a lorikeet or meeting a mother kangaroo and her joey.

Next you'll take a croc-spotting river cruise on the Daintree River where you can look for these magnificent reptiles in the wild. Then you cross the Daintree river by way of car ferry and enter the Daintree, home of the magical ancient rainforest. At one hundred and thirty-five million years old, the Daintree is the oldest rainforest in the world. Your guide takes you on a rainforest walk to discover some of the area's unique flora and fauna. If you're lucky you'll spot the Peppermint Stick insect on the pandanus palms, or the Daintree's endangered and giant flightless bird, the cassowary. Your Daintree lodge boasts an attractive swimming pool, day spa, and a superb location in the rainforest. (B, L)

Cape Tribulation, Optional Jungle Zip Line or Horse Ride

Today experience you enjoy the beautiful beaches of Cap Tribulation or choose to add some optional activities to your trip. We advise to you to try the art of "jungle surfing": an exhilarating flying fox ride among the tree tops. By clipping into a series of steel cables arranged in the trees, you can fly across the rainforest canopy and get a bird's eye view of the world. During this unique adventure led by naturalists and scientist guides, keep an eye out for Boyd's Forest dragons and the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly. For those who want a tamer option, choose a horse ride (optional) through the jungle and then canter down the beach with the wind in your hair. Top the morning off with a dip in a private swimming hole. (B)

Optional Activities, Extension or Departure

After breakfast today you can do the optional activity of taking the Skyrail above the rainforest canopy, learn to throw boomerangs and watch traditional dancing at an aboriginal culture park. You will be transferred to Cairns International Airport for your flight home or another destination in Australia. (B)

Contact us for more information

Want to travel on an all-inclusive small group trip instead?

Then check out our Small Group Travel.
With a maximum of 10 guests, our Explorer and Adventurer trips stil give you a fantastic sample of what Cairns has to offer, but with accommodation in 4-star boutique hotels, meals in upscale restaurants and a professional local guide throughout

Customise my trip

Want to make your trip unique ? Discover all the other activities you can add or substitute to custom your own trip…

• Go on a sunrise hot air balloon ride
• Take a scenic helicopter flight over the rainforest or Barrier Reef
• Visit an outback pioneer homestead
• Decorate and learn to play your own didgeridoo
• Mountain Bike the Crocodile Track and fun singletrack routes
• Sea kayak at a tropical island
• Skydive from 14,000 feet
• Bungy jump at night
• View rare orchids at the Botanic Gardens
• Hike on the Walsh's Pyramid
• Walk to Crystal Cascades - a popular swimming hole for locals
• Wine tastings at a local distillery
• Try emu pate or crocodile wontons at a local restaurant

Inspire yourself with our independent trips...

 

...or small group trips (around Cairns)