The Adventurer

8 Days/7 Nights - Fully guided, all-inclusive trip

Highlights:
• Whitewater rafting the Tully river’s Class III-IV rapids
• Aboriginal-guided rainforest walk and indigenous legends
• Diving or snorkeling the outer Great Barrier Reef
• Mountain biking the scenic Mulgrave Valley
• Discovering waterfalls and Australian wildlife
• Hiking UNESCO World Heritage Daintree rainforest
• Award-winning restaurants and stylish accommodation

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusions
FAQs

Overview - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Our featured lodge named "Best beachfront Lodge in The World" by Frommers 2011

On this multi-sport tour, you and no more than nine other travellers will sample the region's best adventures in the company of a naturalist guide.

Discover two UNESCO-World Heritage sites, jungle-draped mountains, tumbling rivers and rainforest ripe for exploration. Pedal among ancient rainforest, paddle the Tully River’s raging rapids, hike to refreshing waterfalls and snorkel The Great Barrier Reef.

Follow in the footsteps of the local aboriginal people, learn about their bush food and medicine, and understand how they integrate traditions with modern life.

Nights bring delicious meals, lively conversation with your fellow travellers and unique hotels in superb locations.

Along the way meet colourful local characters, soak in the beauty of the tropics, and delight in the wild abundance of this extraordinary region.

Day 1: Arrival, Welcome Orientation and Sunset Cruise.

After transferring from the Cairns airport, we settle into our accommodation. Our 4-star hotel is in the heart of the city, only a block from the ocean, and is surrounded by lush foliage and swaying palms. This locally-owned boutique hotel is conveniently located among Cairns shops and restaurants, and boasts a sparkling pool, workout room, and eco-friendly SmartCars available free for guests.

We gather in the afternoon for a welcome orientation over drinks and tapas with our guide who will accompany us the whole trip. Then we board a sunset boat cruise on Trinity Inlet—a perfect introduction to Cairns and its harbor. Afterwards we enjoy an elegant meal at one of Cairns restaurants in the heart of the city, where we have an opportunity to sample classic Australian cuisine.

Accommodation: The Hotel Cairns
Included: Dinner

Day 2: Aboriginal-Guided Hike, Daintree Rainforest, Animal Refuge and Port Douglas.

Considered one of the most scenic drives in Australia, the Captain Cook Highway winds north from Cairns and treats us to views of golden beaches and the translucent sea. Traveling inland, we are welcomed by an aboriginal guide for a hike to see the rainforest through the eyes of the indigenous Kuku Yalanji. We discover how these aboriginal people found their way through dense rainforest and learn what native plants were used for food, medicine, and even soap. We listen for the call of the wild cockatoo or the laughing kookaburra, and perhaps paint our faces with traditional ochre rock paint. Our guide recounts stories from the aboriginal Dreamtime, and a sonorous didgeridoo demonstration completes our morning.

In the afternoon we visit a refuge for Australian animals such as the endangered cassowary, crocodiles, kangaroos, koalas, and countless exotic birds. Our guide educates us about these different species, and we 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. This evening we have time for a stroll and a savory seaside dinner in the charming town of Port Douglas before returning to Cairns.

Accommodation: The Hotel Cairns
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Hiking Wooroonooran National Park and Josephine Falls, The Waterfalls Circuit.

Wooroonooran National Park hosts some of the oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world, and the park reaches its highest diversity in the area of today’s hike. We hike to an enchanting set of waterfalls, where Douglas Creek drops in a narrow, uninterrupted, 50 meter fall from a basalt parapet. This magical section of the park also has a special connection to the Wari and Dulgubara aboriginals who once lived here.

Next we explore the Waterfalls Circuit: a series of three grand waterfalls under which we can swim or view from above. Our guide educates us about Australia’s unique rainforest species like the brilliant blue Ulysses Butterfly, the giant tree frog, and the musky rat kangaroo, which we may spot along the way.

Finally we take a short hike through the jungle to Josephine Falls—where the triple tiered cascades end with a natural waterslide and a refreshing swimming hole. In the late afternoon we travel to Mission Beach, home of at least 33 rare and threatened plants, including endangered ferns, orchids and flowering plants. Here our stylish lodge boasts absolute beachfront property, spa and delicious meals al fresco.

Accommodation: Castaways Resort
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Whitewater Rafting the Tully River

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.

From our eco-lodge we travel a short distance to our put-in at Tully Gorge National Park. There we are fitted with life jackets and helmets and after a safety briefing we are on the water. We raft through UNESCO World Heritage rainforest and below waterfalls that tumble from the walls of the gorge. Rousing rapids with evocative names like The Staircase, Corkscrew and Alarm Clock mark the start of our day, after which we paddle through another 41 rapids, stopping midway for a riverside BBQ. We return to our beachfront lodge in the evening.

Accommodation: Castaways Resort
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Mountain Biking the Little Mulgrave Valley

Mountain biking in Cairns is a biker’s dream: mild to challenging singletrack, fun rolling terrain, gorgeous vistas and little-seen wilderness areas. We are fitted to superbly crafted Canadian Norco mountain bikes, and mountain biking basics are reviewed for the first-time biker or the more timid. Each person can choose from one of two options: a thrilling singletrack circuit in the Little Mulgrave Valley, or a more relaxed scenic route. Either path rewards us with a gorgeous ride ending at a refreshing swimming hole. Not to miss Australia’s other watering hole, we stop for “a stubbie” at a classic Aussie pub at the route’s end. We have this evening free to explore Cairns and the Cairns Esplanade waterfront only steps from our hotel.

Accommodation: The Hotel Cairns
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6: The Great Barrier Reef: Snorkeling and/or SCUBA Diving.

Found perhaps on every traveler’s “must-see” checklist, The Great Barrier Reef—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—lies just off Cairns’ coast, luring snorkelers and divers alike to its underwater universe. Early this morning we set sail for the outer Great Barrier Reef on a 65-foot yacht with a crew dedicated solely to our group of 10 people. Our group size allows for intimacy, flexibility, and personal service not available on larger boats. We can take the opportunity to trim the sails, learn to jibe, and steer the vessel or instead simply soak up the sun on deck.

When we arrive at the reef, snorkelers will delight in viewing the incredible array of life and colors that exist just below the surface. Snorkelers can also take advantage of the chance to try an introductory SCUBA dive—or several intro dives if they wish. SCUBA divers can log up to 5 dives during these two days, including a phenomenal night dive on the reef. In the evening our crew offers up a hearty meal, good conversation, and perhaps a round of karaoke. Boat accommodation is single beds and shared bathrooms, and we have the option of sleeping on deck under the stars.

Accommodation: Live aboard boat
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: The Great Barrier Reef: Snorkeling and/or SCUBA Diving

Today we spend another day exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. A roving marine park permit allows us the flexibility of choosing different sites at which to snorkel or dive, most of which are exclusive to us. We 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. We 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, we are likely to see dolphins swimming and playing alongside us, while in the winter season both humpback and minke whales may make an appearance. This evening we return to Cairns for a celebratory dinner and a recounting of our group’s adventures over the past week.

Accommodation: The Hotel Cairns
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Trip Conclusion or Extension

After breakfast, we prepare for our journey home or enjoy a few optional activities such as the Kuranda Skyrail, a sunrise balloon flight or a scenic helicopter tour.

Included: Breakfast

What’s Included:

Fully guided trip with a local naturalist guide
Four nights central Cairns boutique hotel (deluxe room)
Two nights beachfront resort (resort room)
One night live aboard reef boat (twin share cabin with private bathroom)
All breakfasts
All lunches
All dinners (except one free choice dinner) - we choose elegant and unique restaurants
All activites as specified in the itinerary
A 5 square metre rainforest block adopted in your name by Rainforest Rescue and certificate
All transportation during the trip in air-conditioned 12-passenger vans or smaller
Snorkeling gear and wetsuit rental
Norco Mountain bike and helmet rental
Whitewater rafting gear
Background information and cultural etiquette tips
24 hour local support
A basic field guide of local flora and fauna
Small World Journeys water bottle and cloth carry bag
Carbon offsetting through Sustainable Travel International's ClimateCare™ portfolio to neutralise your carbon footprint

What's not Included:

Airfare to Cairns, alcohol, Items of a personal nature, $40 AUD Reef tax payable on board the boat, 1 dinner as specified in the itinerary, optional guide gratuities, optional SCUBA diving (includes equipment hire).

Optional SCUBA diving:

Certified SCUBA diving: $50 AUD for a 7-dive package, including a night dive. Includes wetsuit and equipment hire.

Intro Dive with a dive instructor: $200 AUD for a 5-Intro Dive package. Includes wetsuit and equipment hire.

All divers must fill out a diving medical form, and some medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and certain medications may disqualify a guest from diving. Tell us if you are interested in SCUBA diving, and we will forward you the medical form in advance.

Please remember to bring your certification card. Please note that if you are a certified diver, then you are able to dive with a buddy and without a dive master. If you wish to have a dive master accompany you, it is $15 AUD per person, per dive.

Other Destinations in Australia, Pre or Post Trip:

Ask us about continuing your Australian adventures in Sydney, Melbourne & The Great Ocean Road, or Uluru (Ayers Rock) and The Red Centre!

Once I arrive at the Cairns airport - what next?

Please plan to transfer on your own to The Hotel Cairns on the corner of Florence and Abbott Streets, Cairns when you arrive at the Cairns airport. The transfer is approximately 10 minutes. You may take a taxi cab (immediately outside terminals; fare is about $18 AUD) or use Sun Palm Transport (airport shuttle bus service located in arrival halls at either terminal; fare is $10 AUD per person to Cairns)

What is the weather like in Cairns?

Cairns is a tropical place, and outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round. In our summer (December-February), the weather is at its warmest and wettest. You can expect hot days with occasional tropical storms, producing lush green hillsides and plenty of waterfalls. Average temperatures are 23-31 degrees Celsius/73-87 Fahrenheit.

In our winter (June-August), the climate is at its most mild, with warm days, cool nights, and little rainfall. Average temperatures are 18-26 degrees Celsius/64-78 degrees Fahrenheit.

In spring (September - November), days are warm to hot and in autumn (March - May) temperatures are still warm to hot, with more chacnes of rain than in spring.

How active will we be on this tour?

You do not have to be an athlete or a fitness buff to join our Small Group Travel; however, our trips are NOT “sight-seeing tours”. Our trips are active, and we will be outside the majority of the day, every day. We can accommodate a range of fitness and skill levels within one trip, and you will always have options.

The Adventurer is rated as follows: MODERATE

Activities: Day hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, snorkeling and optional SCUBA diving

Hiking: Hikes up to 3.5 miles/5.7 kms, gentle grade walking tracks.

Biking: Easier Option is up to 12 miles/20 kms, 3 hours with light rolling terrain, dirt track (no mountain biking experience necessary). More challenging option is up to 10 kms, 3 hours, with technical tracks and significant ascents and descents (Previous mountain biking experience required)

Whitewater Rafting: Grade III-IV rapids, approximately 5 hours of rafting. No previous experience necessary.

Snorkeling: Swimming ability required, but no previous snorkeling experience necessary.

SCUBA Diving: SCUBA certification needed; Intro Dives require no previous SCUBA diving experience, but participants must pass an easily arranged Queensland medical exam if they have any medical conditions.

What should I bring with me?

We will provide you with a suggested packing list in your Confirmation Packet. Some important things to remember to bring are lightweight clothes for the tropics, sunscreen, hat, swim suit and SCUBA certification card (if applicable).

What about sharks or jellyfish?

The ocean is home to sharks, but the ones you may encounter at the Great Barrier Reef are small and pose little threat to swimmers. In fact, divers and snorkelers often consider themselves lucky to spot one of these shy, magnificent creatures. Australia's famed Great White sharks prefer cold water, and therefore are not found at the Great Barrier Reef.

Box jellyfish, irukandji and other jellyfish, collectively known as "stingers" breed along the coast in estuaries and are not commonly found at The Great Barrier Reef. Therefore, they do not pose a major threat to snorkelers or divers at the reef. However, as a precaution you can use a full body lycra suit from the reef boat (provided free) so that you may still enjoy snorkeling and/or diving. Stingers are only a consideration between November and April/May.

How do I arrange airfare?

We do not arrange airfare in house, however we do work closely with several travel agents. In Australia, we recommend Kim Salter, our Sydney-based travel agent. Contact Kim at kims@travelmanagers.com.au or call + 61 0433 324 455 or toll free within Australia 1 300 640 821.

In the US, we recommend:
Sandra Marron at Millennium Travel California. Contact Sandra at
milltrav@aol.com or call toll free at 1-888-700- 2182.

or Peggy Lichter at Wiser World Travel Colorado. Contact Peggy at peggy@wiserworldtravel.com or call 1-303-443-0604

Do I need a visa to visit Australia?

All visitors to Australia need a visa, with the exception of visitors from New Zealand. An Australian entry visa, commonly known as an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) will let you spend up to three months in Australia. In most countries it is easily obtained by the travel agent who issues your ticket, and should be free of charge. You can also get an ETA on line by visiting www.eta.immi.gov.au. There is no need for you to visit an Australian diplomatic office to submit an application, and you do not need a stamp or label in your passport. Upon check in at the airport, the airline agent will be able to confirm your ETA electronically. All visitors will also need a passport, valid for at least six months after the planned return date.

Do I need to bring my own snorkelling or dive equipment?

You may bring your own equipment if you wish; however mask, fins and snorkel are provided on the outer Barrier Reef trip for snorkelers and all dive equipment is included in the dive package.

Why should I travel with Small World Journeys?

LOCAL SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE
Our office is in Cairns – this means we are right around the corner for 24-hour support, to answer your questions, or if you have an emergency in the middle of the trip.

Local knowledge means we know the restaurant owners who catch their own fish (and then deliciously prepare it for you!), where to buy the real indigenous-made souvenirs, and where the mobs of people will be on the morning of the eclipse (hint: we’re not going there.)

ECO-CREDENTIALS
Being an “eco” tour operator means more to us than just offering walks outdoors. It means we pay to offset the carbon emissions from your trip, give a percentage of profits to local environmental and community organizations, plant trees, recycle, and participate in Rainforest Rescue’s Adopt-a-Square program. See 10 Reasons Why We’re Eco for more on what we do for our environment and community.

HUNDREDS OF HAPPY GUESTS
We could tell you that we provide highly professional customer service, respond attentively and consistently exceed our guests’ expectations. But don’t believe us! Read some of our testimonials or ask us for references from past guests who are willing to tell you all about their experience with Small World Journeys.

GOODIES!
You get a Small World Journeys water bottle, a cloth carry bag, a regional field guide, and a 5 square metre of Daintree rainforest adopted in your name, plus a certificate detailing where your rainforest square is located. Plus you get an unforgettable trip too.


Single Supplement:	$530 AUD
Days:	8 Days/ 7 Nights
Dates:	See Below
Starts/Ends:	Cairns, Australia

Begin	End
9 Jan	16 Jan
7 Feb	14 Feb
5 Mar	12 Mar
9 Apr	16 Apr
18 Jun	25 Jun
9 Jul	16 Jul
6 Aug	13 Aug
17 Sep	24 Sep
8 November*	15 November
20 Dec	27 Dec