We can design an itinerary around the following themes:

Marine Biology at The Great Barrier Reef

• Spend several days at an island marine research station, meet researchers, use the wet & dry labs and lecture room, "touch tank" and other facilities.
• Join one of our marine biologist guides for lectures on a liveaboard boat at The Great Barrier Reef.
• Learn more about The Great Barrier Reef’s main plant and animal groups, how to identify its fish, cleverly evolved fish cleaning stations and evolution and phylogeny in reefs.
• Particpate in pool and theory classes over 2 days and then practice open water dives to become PADI SCUBA certified.
• Participate in Bleach Watch or beach clean-up service projects.
• Spend time sailing to the The Great Barrier Reef for snorkeling and interacting with its abundance of life. More on our Great Barrier Reef programs

Aboriginal Culture

• Spend a day or two with an aboriginal family learning how to hand-craft a didgeridoo to take home.
• Learn to throw spears to catch sea food in the tradtional way and then cook up what you've caught.
• Visit with aboriginal elders who will give you insight into modern indigenous-white relations in Australia.
• Learn the significance of and how properly throw a boomerang.
• Watch a dance performance by members of the Tjapukai tribe.
• Walk the rainforest with an aboriginal elderto discover the secrets of the Kuku Yalanji.
• Understand the creation myths and Dreamtime stories of local tribes and how their incorporate their beliefs into modern life. Read more our Aboriginal Culture programs

Rainforest Ecology and Conservation

• Explore different types of rainforest communities in the lowlands, uplands and tablelands.
• Learn more about the area's different ecosystems in the company of a noted zoologist and field guide author.
• Go "spotlighting" to see noctural animal species.
• Contribute to Rainforest Rescue's seed propagation efforts in the Daintree Rainforest.
• Learn the traditional aboriginal uses of rainforest plants.
• See the rainforest canopy from a jungle zip line.
• Search for the elusive duck-billed platypus - one of the world's only two egg-laying mammals.
• Study mangrove ecology in one of the area's best mangrove communities.
• Visit a rare type of rainforest, known as "mabi", found only in small patches in north Queensland.
• Discover giant fig trees of the forest and learn how they eerily strangle their hosts.
• Visit a seed nursery to understand how rainforest species are helping in the field of medicine. Read more our Rainforest Ecology programs.

Adventure

Cairns is the adventure capital of Australia, so you can combine these activities into a largely curriculum-based trip for added excitement.

• Work and paddle as a team to navigate
• Class IV rapids on the Tully river.
• Mountain Bike the lush Little Mulgrave
• Valley and fun singletrack routes.
• Hike to the highest peak in the Lamb Range, where views over Cairns are endless, and then descend to a gorgeous swimming hole and creekside campsite.
• Ride a thrilling rainforest zip line and look for wildlife in the jungle canopy.
• Skydive, bungy jump, or hanglide for a pure adrenaline experience.

Sustainability and Ecotourism

This region of Australia is on the cutting edge of sustainability efforts, with many operators gaining praise for innovative green practises.

Meet with key leaders in the field of ecotourism in an effort to better understand the sustainability movement, and learn what operators are doing to break new ground. Attend a lecture from a James Cook University professor on ecotourism and then visit both accommodation and attractions that are paving the way for responsible tourism.

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.

You 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. We'll tell your options within that budget. Use our sample itineraries for ideas. Just Email us with your request.

Choose Your Accommodation Style.

Choices for accommodation include budget options (hostels, camping and basic hotels), mid-range (hotels, holiday units and B&B's) and higher end (upscale hotels and lodges). Just 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 guests who are on a very tight budget as well as those looking for a bit of luxury.

Pick Your Dates. Visit Year-Round.

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.