The Explorer

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

Highlights:
• Exploring Daintree and Wooroonooran National Parks
• Private outback homestead and cattle station
• Intensive wildlife viewing at Mareeba Wetlands Reserve
• Aboriginal culture & didgeridoo performance
• Optional early morning hot air balloon flight
• Live aboard sailing to the outer Great Barrier Reef
• Eco-lodge and beacchfront resort with contemporary Australian cuisine

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusions
FAQs

Overview - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Our eco-lodge is an Advanced Ecotourism certified wilderness retreat

On this active small group adventure, sample a variety of environments for which the region is known: ancient UNESCO World Heritage rainforest, classic outback and the Great Barrier Reef.

With an emphasis on viewing wildlife, this journey will also give you a glimpse of near-extinct finches, the elusive duck-billed platypus, and kangaroos from the basket of a hot air balloon.

Travel in the company of no more than nine other guests and a professional naturalist guide and meet interesting local people that define what it means to be an "Aussie".

Learn secrets of the rainforest from the Kuku Yalanji aboriginal people, feed the birds with the owners of your eco-lodge, and chat with the friendly outback cattle station graziers whose family has lived here for generations.

Lodging is in three unique locations: a stylish hotel in the Cairns city centre, a secluded eco-lodge in the Cairns Highlands, and an absolute beachfront hotel on Mission Beach. Combined with an optional hot air balloon ride, an overnight trip to the Great Barrier Reef, and seeing Aussie animals in their natural habitat, The Explorer captures the essence of wild Australia.

Day 1: Arrival, Welcome Orientation and Sunset Cruise

Welcome to the tropics. We transfer from the Cairns airport to our accommodation at The Hotel Cairns, a breezy, sophisticated 4-star hotel only a block from the ocean.

In the afternoon, we are greeted by our guide who will lead us through a welcome orientation over drinks and tapas. Just a short walk from our hotel is Cairns' wharf and our awaiting boat, on which we look for crocs in the mangroves and watch the sun slip below the horizon. Following our cruise, we savour 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, Animal Refuge and Port Douglas

Powdery beaches and arching palm trees drape the coast heading north from Cairns, considered one of the most scenic drives in Australia. We walk in a protected swath of wilderness important to the native Kuku Yalanji, and the rainforest comes alive in the company of an aboriginal guide. We discover how the Kuku Yalanji found their way through dense rainforest and learn what native plants were used for food, medicine, and even soap. Our guide also explains the tribe's rites of passage, the meaning of rock art and body painting, and the significance of the boomerang. We leave with a greater understanding of Dreamtime stories and the traditions of this ancient culture.

Our next destination, praised for its authentic mixed-immersion exhibits, is home for a mosaic of Australian animals such as forest dragons, emus, koalas and crocs. The refuge's unique design lets us walk freely among the animals, and we can quite easily interact with animals such as wallabies and kangaroos,colourful Eclectus parrots and cockatoos. Our guide will give us insight into the endangered wildlife, such as the giant cassowary and the tree kangaroo, which are unique to Australia's tropical north.

We visit Port Douglas in the late afternoon, a seaside town known for its sugary 4-Mile Beach and its status as a preferred holiday destination for the likes of Bill Clinton, Nicole Kidman and Keanu Reeves. We enjoy dinner at an oceanside restaurant before heading back to Cairns.

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

Day 3: Mareeba Wetland Reserve and Granite Gorge

Mareeba Wetland Reserve, located on the East Asian-Australasian flyway, is a rich and diverse sanctuary for almost all of Australia's tropical water birds. A ranger takes us on an electric-powered boat ride and we can expect to see sea eagles, black swans, magpie geese, cranes, whistling ducks in the hundreds, pelicans, pink-eared ducks and even Australia's only stork, the jabiru. In addition, the tropical savanna woodlands boast eastern grey kangaroos, agile and whiptail wallabies, wallaroos, possums and gliders. We learn how staff rescue native wildlife and then facilitate their release into this untouched natural wonderland.

In the afternoon, we visit Granite Gorge, where a boulder-filled canyon offers limitless opportunities to discover cracks and crevices, streams and side canyons and where rock wallabies (a cousin to the kangaroo) come out to play. We stop in Yungaburra for dinner at an exquisite local's favourite restaurant. At sunset we look for the elusive platypus at their preferred swimming hole before heading to our eco-lodge: a superb set of bungalows designed by our hosts, John and Peta.

Accommodation: Rose Gums Wilderness Eco-Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Optional Sunrise Balloon Flight or Crater Lakes National Park, Outback Pioneer Homestead, and The Waterfalls Circuit

Today we rise early for an optional balloon flight (extra cost) over the Cairns Highlands. Peaceful and silent, our balloon glides over the tablelands, affording us a magnificent view of the rising sun and of kangaroos going about their daily routine. For those of us who choose not to balloon, we pay tribute to Yungaburra's high-profile resident—a massive curtain fig tree—and one of the area's ancient crater lakes, tucked away in a national park.

Crossing over the Dividing Range, we enter the outback where we are welcome guests at a traditional cattle station and homestead. In the company of our "fair dinkum" cowboy friends--Kate and Peter--we have a quintessential Aussie BBQ, and take a walk back through time to the age of the early pioneers.

On the way back down the range, 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.

Our home tonight is at Mission Beach, host 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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Wooroonooran National Park, Waterfalls and Reef Presentation

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 we arrive at the base of the falls by way of a short guided hike through the jungle. Here we can glide down an exhilarating natural waterslide that ends in a perfect, clear swimming hole. We also hike at the enchanting Babinda Boulders, where mysterious giant boulders stand in a swirling river. We learn from our guide about the spiritual significance of this mysterious place and why it has given rise to aboriginal legends.

Back in Cairns, the waterfront is atmospheric at twilight, and we have the evening on our own to explore the Esplanade and sample some of the local fare. As a special treat this evening, we are welcome guests at a fun and dynamic presentation given by a local marine biologist on the fascinating creatures that live at the Great Barrier Reef.

Accommodation: The Hotel Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfst and Lunch

Day 6: Sailing to the Great Barrier Reef, Snorkeling or SCUBA Diving

No trip to Cairns is complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef--a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily one of the world's top natural wonders. On this journey, we avoid the crowds and do the reef in style aboard a 65-foot yacht with a crew dedicated solely to our group of 12 guests. Unmatched in personal service, our journey affords us an intimate experience of the outer reef, flexibility of locations, and spontaneity not available on larger boats.

Snorkelers will find most of the abundant life and colours exist right beneath the surface at the reef. Within reach are giant clams, angel, butterfly and parrot fish, turtles, sea stars and corals of a thousand hues. Snorkelers can also opt to learn about SCUBA diving one-on-one from the dive instructor—an intro dive is a fantastic way to see the reef without having a certification. SCUBA divers can log up to 8 dives during these two days, diving along bommies and coral walls with mysterious swim-throughs that dance with light.

This evening divers can also experience the magic of the reef with a phenomenal night dive. Afterwards we enjoy a sumptuous meal, perhaps a raucous game of Pictionary, and the option to sleep on deck beneath a blanket of stars. Boat accommodation is single beds and shared bathrooms.

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

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

Today we can rise early for a fantastic sunrise over the ocean, with a cup of hot coffee in our hands. We spend another day exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, moving to several sites which offer us exclusivity and pristine environment. Included in the boat's roving marine permit are sites at Elford, Thetford and Briggs reefs, as well as Michaelmas and Upolu cays that only we visit.

Among the 1,800 species of fish and 450 species of coral, we can expect to see "Nemo" clown fish in anemones, Wally the giant wrasse, elusive white-tipped reef sharks, fan corals, sea cucumbers and stag horn coral gardens.

On the sail back, the crew is happy to teach us about sailing techniques, and we are welcome to "take the wheel" if we choose. We are likely to see dolphins swimming and playing in our wake, while in the winter season both humpback and minke whales may make an appearance.

Tonight we mark the closing of our journey with a celebratory feast at one of Cairns top restaurants.

Accommodation: The Hotel Cairns
Meals 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 & historic train, whitewater rafting or a more extensive aboriginal culture day.

Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included:

Fully guided trip with a local naturalist guide
Four nights central Cairns boutique hotel (deluxe room)
One night Cairns Highlands eco-lodge (treehouse bungalow)
One night beachfront resort (resort room)
One night live aboard sailboat (shared accommodation)
All activites as specified in the itinerary
All breakfasts
All lunches
All dinners (except one free choice dinner) - we choose elegant and unique restaurants
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
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 hot air balloon flight, optional guide gratuities, optional SCUBA diving (equipment hire is included)

Optional SCUBA diving:

Certified SCUBA diving: $180 AUD for a 4-dive package. Includes wetsuit and equipment hire.

Intro Dive with a dive instructor: $150 AUD for a 3-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 chances 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 Adventure is rated as follows: EASY ACTIVE

Activities: Day hiking, aboriginal culture, wildlife viewing, snorkeling and optional SCUBA diving

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

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:	$600 AUD
Days:	8 Days/ 7 Nights
Dates:	See Below
Starts/Ends:	Cairns, Australia

Begin	End
12 Mar	19 Mar
21 May	28 May
2 Jul	9 Jul
13 Aug	20 Aug
8 Oct	15 Oct
10 Dec	17 Dec