The Voyager
Highlights:
• Discovering the World-Heritage Daintree rainforest - the oldest on earth
• Jungle canopy zip line, sea kayaking and horse riding
• Sharing in an authentic cultural experience with aboriginal people
• Wildlife spotting at night in their natural habitat with a naturalist guide
• Daintree rainforest hotel, highlands eco-lodge and delicious cuisine
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- FAQs
Overview - 4 Days / 3 Nights
Our luxury
eco-lodge is an Advanced Ecotourism certified wilderness retreat
Far north Queensland has long been celebrated as the most ecologically diverse places in Australia, if not the world. During this 4-day adventure, we join a private naturalist guide for an intimate 4-day introduction to the region's flora, fauna and culture.
We discover some of the oldest known rainforest on earth in the Daintree - home of massive fan palms and the giant flightless cassowary. Night walks offer us a glimpse into a spectacular nocturnal world.
Tasty mussels, crab and other delectable seafood and sauces decorate our plates after an afternoon of hunting and culture with aboriginal brothers of the Kuku Yalanji tribe. Then at Captain Cook's famous Cape Tribulation, we have a choice of flying above the rainforest canopy on a jungle zip line, paddling the Coral Sea in a kayak, or cantering along a palm-fringed beach on horseback.
Our guide introduces us to an abundance of other marvels, from Boyd's Forest Dragons to the secret haunts of the unique duck-billed platypus. A delightful Cairns Highlands eco-retreat and a remote Daintree rainforest lodge keep us comfortable as we explore this biological and cultural wonderland.
Click on an image to view the gallery.
Day 1: Aboriginal Culture, Wildlife Sanctuary and Daintree Rainforest
This morning we are greeted at our hotel by our naturalist guide. After introductions, head north along to the coast to a remote section of beachfront. Here we walk with two gentle aboriginal guides of the Kuku Yalanji tribe along the coast they've called home for thousands of years. Two brothers will teach us to throw a spear and we try our hand at catching food the traditional way -- hunting for fish, mud crabs, mussels and other "bush tucker" (food) among the mangroves.
At our indigenous guide's home we meet the family, hear tales of the native "Dreamtime" and feast on what we've caught. This is an authentic interaction with aboriginal people that allows us to see how indigenous traditions are integrated into the modern world.
Next we visit an open-air wildlife park that is made up of three open and interactive environments for guests and animals to mingle in a natural setting. The park's residents include kangaroos, wallabies, gliders, quolls, snakes, lorikeets, cockatoos, owls, koalas and an assortment of other Aussie animals. The park's wildlife care centre serves as a hospital and rehabilitation centre for countless injured, sick, and orphaned animals. In addition, the care centre operates a successful Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo breeding program for this locally endemic species. The goal of the centre is to eventually re-release the animals into the wild, if they are not deemed "unreleasable" for various reasons.
By way of ferry, we then enter the Daintree and our guide teaches us about the significance of magical place. At 135 million years old, the Daintree is some of the oldest rainforest in the world. The Daintree contains 30% of the country's marsupial, frog and reptile species alone, along with 430 species of birds. In this special place, we find our lodge for the night - accommodation with garden loft rooms, an attractive swimming pool, day spa, and a few minutes walk to the blissfully secluded beach. Dinner is a sumptous 3-course meal made with local ingredients.
Accommodation: Ferntree Lodge
Included: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Daintree Rainforest: Jungle Zip Line, Sea Kayaking or Horse Riding
In the early morning the animals stir, the rainforest sings with birdcalls, and we can explore the world of wildlife that comes to life when the sun rises. This morning we can check out Cape Tribulation beach or the Kulki boardwalk that runs through rare tropical lowland rainforest and see why this area, also part of the Kuku Yalanji tribal area, has great spiritual and cultural significance.
Then we have our choice of one of three adventures: horse riding, sea kayaking or riding a jungle zip line. A morning of horse riding is perfect for absolute beginner riders through to the more experienced rider. Trails meander through scenic bushland and rainforest, crossing mountain streams and out onto the spectacular Cape Tribulation Beach. We can canter down the beach--the wind in our hair--to complete our tropical paradise dreams.
Alternatively, we can take to the water with a sea kayaking guide and follow him to his secret places while looking for sea eagles, stingrays, dolphins, dugongs and the occasional migrating whale.
Or you can experience the art of "jungle surfing": an exhilarating zip line 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. At the highest point you fly over 22 metres above the valley, and the flight choice is yours – slow, fast, or even upside down.
In the afternoon, we ascend the Great Dividing Range and cross into more arid outback country. 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.
Tonight we settle in to our accommodation in the Cairns Highlands: award winning eco-friendly luxury "tree houses" with total privacy. This superb collection of bungalows with cozy wood fireplaces and spa baths sit on 230 acres of private forest with views to Bartle Frere – Queensland's tallest mountain.
Accommodation: Rose Gums Wilderness Eco-Retreat
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Platypus, Crater Lakes, Giant Trees and Nocturnal Wildlife Spotting
We start our morning by joining our hosts in feeding the king parrots and lorikeets that come to call on the veranda each day. Then we look for the unique and elusive duck-billed platypus--without question the most unique mammal on earth--in its natural habitat. Seeing a platypus in the wild is a truly fascinating experience, and the unique features of the platypus (an egg-laying mammal) make it an iconic symbol of Australia.
Later we explore Crater Lakes National Park, where ancient volcanic craters—or maar—are now protected. Easy walking tracks around the lakes pass through several different rainforest communities, and here with our guide we look for the enchanting creatures of the rainforest like the Dainty Green Tree Frog, Boyd's Forest Dragons and one of the few species of marsupial active during daytime — the small musky rat-kangaroo.
We also pay tribute to a local high-profile resident – a massive curtain fig tree, and learn how these giants straight out of Lord of the Rings eerily "strangle" their hosts.
Tonight after dinner at Mt. Hypipamee National Park we explore a rare type of volcanic pipe - a.k.a "the Crater"- and the abundance of nocturnal wildlife that appears in this high-altitude rainforest once the sun goes down. Our guide will help us look with torches (flashlights) for unique mammals and marsupials like Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroos, Green Ringtail Possums, Sugar Gliders, and numerous other kangaroo and wallaby species that hide in the forest.
Accommodation: Rose Gums Wilderness Eco-Retreat
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Wooroonooran National Park, Waterfalls, and Canopy Walkway
We start our day at Millaa Millaa Falls, the icon of tropical north Queensland and one of the most photographed natural sites in the region. If we’re keen we can swim out to the peculiar columnar basalt and view the falls the falls from behind.
Then we visit one of the most diverse places in the UNSECO Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Our guide will lead us on a gentle hike in Wooroonooran National Park, known for its enchanting falls and fern covered-canyon walls at trail's end. In this swath of rainforest, elkhorn and basket ferns drape the canyons, elegant fig trees extend their massive buttress roots and both the red-legged pademelon and the agile wallaby forage for food.
Later the MaMu canopy walkway gives us a bird’s eye view of the rainforest we have just hiked. Elevated walkways, a cantilever and observation tower allow for panoramic views of the North Johnstone River gorge and beyond.
Our guide returns us to Cairns late this afternoon and we bid goodbye to our new-found friends.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
What's Included:
- Fully guided trip with a local naturalist guide
- One night Daintree rainforest lodge (garden loft room)
- Two nights Cairns Highlands eco-lodge (treehouse bungalow)
- All activites as specified in the itinerary
- Three breakfasts
- Four lunches
- Three dinners - 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
- 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, travel insurance, alcohol, items of a personal nature, optional guide gratuities.
Other Post-Trip Optional Add-Ons:
Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef: Travel on an eco-certified catamaran to two locations on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Unlimited snorkelling and lunch included. $149 AUD adult and $99 child (to 14 yrs.) Certified SCUBA diving or Intro Dive is $70 AUD and second certified or Intro dive is $45 AUD and includes all equipment.
Skyrail, Kuranda Village and Historic Train: Soar above the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail eco-attraction, explore the markets in Kuranda mountain village, and wind down through Barron River Gorge on a historic train. $111 AUD adult and $56 child includes transport from Cairns.
Whitewater Rafting the Tully River: A full day paddling Class III-IV rapids through UNESCO World-Heritage rainforest. No experience necessary. Minimum age 13 years. $195 AUD which includes pay-on-board levy of $30 and transport from your hotel.
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!
Where does the trip start?
Your guide will meet you at your hotel reception at approximately 8:00 am on Day 1. Please be sure to advise us of your accommodation on booking, or we would be happy to arrange your pre-and post-trip hotel.
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 Voyager 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.
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).
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.
Other Questions?
Once you book your trip, we will send out a Confirmation Packet to you with detailed information that should answer most of your questions. In addition, you can feel free to email us anytime at: info@smallworldjourneys.com.au
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| Single Supplement: | $385 AUD |
| Days: | 4 Days/ 3 Nights |
| Dates: | See Below |
| Starts/Ends: | Cairns, Australia |
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+ Our Guides
+ Testimonials
+ 10 Reasons Why We're Eco
+ Terms & Conditions
+ Travel Insurance
| Begin | End |
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| 23 Jan | 26 Jan |
| 6 Feb | 9 Feb |
| 20 Feb | 23 Feb |
| 5 Mar | 8 Mar |
| 19 Mar | 22 Mar |
| 2 Apr | 5 Apr |
| 16 Apr | 19 Apr |
| 7 May | 10 May |
| 21 May | 24 May |
| 11 Jun | 14 Jun |
| 25 Jun | 28 Jun |
| 9 Jul | 12 Jul |
| 23 Jul | 26 Jul |
| 6 Aug | 9 Aug |
| 20 Aug | 23 Aug |
| 3 Sep | 6 Sep |
| 17 Sep | 20 Sep |
| 1 Oct | 4 Oct |
| 15 Oct | 18 Oct |
| 5 Nov | 8 Nov |
| 19 Nov | 22 Nov |
| 3 Dec | 6 Dec |
| 17 Dec | 20 Dec |
Not available on these dates? Ask us for your own departure!
