
Adult Specialty Groups
- Activity Choices
- Pricing
Custom Tours on Your Terms.
For groups who don't want the 'cookie-cutter' set itineraries offered by large companies, we welcome you. Let us introduce you to the extraordinary ecosystems, rare wildlife and two UNESCO World Heritage sites that await in our back yard, on your terms.
Big Kids Welcome.
Small World Journeys offers special group travel experiences for educational groups of all kinds, not just kids. However, the sheer beauty of this region tends to bring out a childlike awe and wonderment in us all. Don't be surprised once you've flown across the rainforest canopy on a jungle zip line, slid down a natural rock waterslide, or swam with the turtles at The Great Barrier Reef, that you find you're not quite the serious grownup you were when you arrived.
Experts in the Field.
For specialty groups, we employ a diverse group of field experts. These naturalists, birders, ethnobiologists, marine biologists, authors, and indigenous guides are chosen for their knowledge, resourcefulness and flexibility. At the same time, their approach is distinctly Australian: casual, direct, and spiced with humour. They are just as comfortable "in the bush" as they are having cocktails, mixing on-site lectures with informal chats over dinner.
We can craft your trip around the following activities or your special requests:
Birdwatching
The rainforests of Tropical North Queensland are considered one of the most ecologically rich and evolutionary significant sites in the world, and home of more than 300 species of birds. Let us put together a special charter trip that caters especially to bird enthusiasts, exploring both highland rainforests and wet sclerophyll woodlands. You will be in the care of an expert leader who routinely guides bird clubs, Audobon Societies, and natural history documentary makers. Common sightings include Satin and Tooth-billed bowerbirds, Victoria's riflebird and King parrots, whereas a couple of our past guests have also spotted the rare Golden bowerbird. Listen to the song of the Chowchilla, a characteristic sound of upland rainforests, and the iconic laugh of the kookaburra. We will provide you with full species lists as well as access to top-rated optics such as Swarovski binoculars, a Swarovski AT80 HD spotting scope, and a Canon digital SLR camera with an image-stablized telephoto lens. Spend your nights in stylish eco-lodges and dine on delicious Australian cuisine.
SCUBA Diving The Outer Great Barrier Reef
Look no further than the outer Great Barrier Reef for superb biodiversity and a mosiac of marine life. As one of the premier dive destinations in the world, The Great Barrier Reef has also attracted a host of dive boats from which to choose, from budget to full luxury. Let us recommend our favourites. If desired, we'll send out with your group a renown marine life expert/author/photographer to add depth to your dive trip. Visit the pristine Ribbon Reefs, the world-famous Cod Hole, or a variety of remote reef sites that see few visitors. We can arrange a group dive trip as the featured activity on your trip, or as an add-on to another excursion.
Wildlife Viewing
Supporting some of the greatest biodiversity and endemism on the planet, the Cairns region is a treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts. We can arrange your group to spend a few days or weeks discovering wildlife of both upland and lowland rainforests, tablelands, Misty Mountains and savanna "outback" country. Join an expert guide/biologist to observe some of the Australia's most unusual animals, such as Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo, swamp wallabies, northern leaf-tailed geckos, Masked and Lesser Sooty Owls, and rare ringtail possums. Rise early to spot the elusive and crepuscular duck-billed platypus, or watch Eastern Grey kangaroos against a red outback sunset. Explore with our guide a private 300-acre preserve that adjoins the largest single tract of rainforest remaining in Australia, open only to your group. A variety of day itineraries can be created based on the desires of the group, complimented by hearty meals and accommodation in unique eco-lodge retreats.
Hiking and Bushwalking
At 135 million years old, the rainforests of this region are magical places for walking. The Cairns region also hosts a wide spectrum of environments - from the cool highlands to the red-rock outback - ripe for exploration. Join us on a series of enchanting day hikes or multi-day backcountry hikes that access little-seen wilderness areas, waterfalls, and jungled-draped canyons. We supply the tents, backcountry cooking equipment and the marshmallows!
Environmentally & Socially Conscious Trips.
We are proud to say that we are a carbon-neutral company--rare in the travel industry, but most certainly appreciated by your group. Small World Journeys pays to offset the carbon emissions that result from all of our office activities and our trips. Through Sustainable Travel International (STI), our emissions are calculated and offset by our financial support of sustainability projects around the world, all of which are in the myclimate™ portfolio. We also make financial and in-kind donations to local conservation and indigenous community groups. For more information on our responsible tourism practices, see Why We're Eco
Interested, But Don't Know Where to Start?
Even if you don't see your group's interest above, chances are we can make it happen. Our trips are hand-crafted for those who cannot find exactly what they want from the inflexible set itineraries of large tour operators.
Call or email to see what we can offer your group!
Pricing your trip
Prices vary depending on the size of a group, level of accommodation, type of activities, and how many of our guides you need on your trip.
Specify a budget you're comfortable with.
can tell us a per day amount you'd like to work within, or a total trip budget. We will then create an itinerary quote based on what you'd like to do, and we'll tell your options within that budget.
Accommodation Choices.
Choices for accommodation include budget options (hostels and camping), mid-range (basic hotels, holiday units and B&B's) and higher end (upscale hotels and lodges). Email us with your request.
No trip too short and no budget too small.
We have arranged 3 day trips as well as month-long journeys. We have also catered to groups who are on a very tight budget as well as those looking for more creature comforts.
Pick your dates. Visit anytime.
Cairns is a tropical destination and therefore outdoor activities can be enjoyed year round. We can arrange your trip on any dates you wish. In our winter (June-August), days are mild with little rainfall and nights are cool. In our summer (December-February), days are hot and nights are warm. This is the best season for waterfalls and wildlife viewing.
Want itinerary ideas?
Then check out our Small Group Travel. WIth a maximum of 10 guests, our Explorer and Adventurer trips are set itineraries that give your group a fantastic sample of what Cairns has to offer. Includes 4-star accommodation, meals in upscale restaurants and a professional local guide throughout.
