International Baccalaureate CAS Tour

• Help save the amazing marine life on the Great Barrier Reef through several service projects
• Get first-hand experience with Aboriginal Culture, Art and History
• Spend the night among the chatter and life in the jungle at a Rainforest Research Station
• Soar high above the Daintree rainforest in JCU’s canopy crane
• Challenge your skills and creativity in raft building – and test it in the water afterwards
• Ride the waves aboard a catamaran on a quest to find Nemo and assess the state of the reef
• Discover medicinal and edible plants with Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal guides
• Give back to nature by planting trees and monitoring a revegetation site
• Spend an evening at the beach dancing, gazing at the stars and enjoying a beach BBQ

15+ students: $2898 AUD per person (inc GST)
10-14 students: $2987 AUD per person (inc GST)

Includes:

• Risk assessment
• All activities as described in the itinerary
• Cairns airport transfers
• Transportation to activities
• Small World Journeys guide on Day 2
• Marine naturalist on Day 3
• Marine biologist on Day 4
• 6 nights Cairns 3-star hotel (2, 3 or 4-share single-gender rooms)*
• 1 night Daintree Rainforest research station (4 or 6 bed dorm-style rooms)
• All continental breakfasts
• All lunches
• 5 dinners
• Mask, fins, snorkel hire on Fitzroy Island and reef trip
• Stinger suit hire during the wet season
• 101 Marine Animals of the Great Barrier Reef field guide for each student
• National Park and Marine Park taxes and levies
• Reusable water bottle and cloth shopping bag
• Donation made to Reef Restoration Foundation to the “Care for Coral” program on behalf of your group (we give you a certificate on your trip)
• NEW: we offset the carbon emissions from your trip activities AND your flight to Cairns through Reforest

*Cairns accommodation – Two teacher rooms (private twin or triple share rooms) are included in the trip price for groups of 15 students or more.  For trips with low numbers (10-14), one teacher room is included. A supplement is charged if an additional private room is required for the trip (please ask us for pricing). If teachers are happy to share a room, no additional costs are incurred. Single supplement is not available at the Daintree Rainforest Research Station, teachers and guides may be required to share dorms here.

Small World Journeys reserves the right to change the order of activities for logistical reasons.
Prices are valid for travel until 31 March, 2026 outside of peak travel times.

Peak times: 1-7 April  | 21 June – 13 July | 19 September – 6 October 2026

• Airfare to Cairns
• Group travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Dinner Day 2 and 5
• Personal expenses (phone, laundry, etc.)

Planning Your Trip

ACCESSIBILITY MENU: Small World Journeys’ website provides an accessibility menu. Visitors to our website can click on the “person” icon on the right side of the screen to bring up this menu. Options include increasing/decreasing font size, increasing/decreasing contrast, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and the ability to hide images, among other things.

BOOKING FORM: On our online booking form, we ask all participants to list any special needs they have, be them medical, dietary, or accessibility needs. We also offer free sensory packs to our guests who are neurodivergent, which include headphones, a timer for transitions, a squeezy fidget toy, and other treats to appeal to the senses like flavoured lip balm.

WAIVER FORMS: We understand that not all of our participants’ parents have a strong command of written English and therefore understanding and signing our on-line waiver may prove challenging. We therefore have our wavier form available in the following languages on request: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.

Arrival at Cairns Airport

ACCESSIBLE TOILETS: Public toilets are located throughout the terminals. Each toilet facility includes an accessible toilet suitable for wheelchair access.

TGSI and HEARING LOOPS: The Cairns Airport makes use of Tactile Ground Service Indicators (TGSI) and Hearing Loops to assist people with vision impairments and hearing difficulties, respectively.  For example, Braille is included on toilet doors/signs to assist a person with vision impairment locate the correct facility.

ASSISTANCE FOR HIDDEN DISABILITIES: If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, you can request a hidden disability lanyard through a form here.  Wearing a sunflower lanyard when you are at Cairns Airport is a discreet way for you to indicate to the airport team that you may need a little extra help, guidance or time with the airport processes. The airport team has been trained to recognise the lanyard and provide the assistance and support you may need. Some of the airport staff will also be wearing a Sunflower badge on their shirts or lanyards to help you feel a little more at ease.

VISUAL AND WRITTEN STORY GUIDES: Visual Story Guides are available for Domestic Arrivals and have been designed to help you to understand how an airport works and what to expect. Written Story Guides are also available for Domestic Arrivals.

Our Safety Talks

Our arrival safety talk is done verbally but is supported by cards that illustrate the main talking points. Similarly, our snorkelling safety talk is done in the same manner, supported by cards with pictures and illustrations.

We can provide a transcript of our safety talk to any hearing-impaired guest.

Transport

Our buses have two steps up of approximately 40 cms to get inside. There is no lift for a wheelchair or mobility device. Similarly, on occasion we hire large coaches for bigger groups and those buses also have two steps up of about 40 cms to get inside. All buses are equipped with seatbelts.

Presentations & Workshops

OUR OFFICE & PRESENTATION SPACE: We use the Small World Journeys office space for presentations, workshops and some community service projects. There is a rise of approximately 2 cm to enter the presentation room. We have one accessible, gender-neutral toilet block with shower.

In the outside area of our office, planes fly overhead frequently and the noise can be startling and confronting. However, as part of the terms of construction, the entire building has sound mitigation devices (double glazed windows, etc.) which creates the opportunity for multiple breakout spaces for neuro-divergent people who desire a quiet space with reduced stimuli.

Our presentations are designed to appeal to both visual and auditory learners.   We can provide a transcript of our presentations to any hearing-impaired guest.

NOVOTEL PRESENTATION SPACE: We also use Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort for presentations at dinnertime.

Overall accessible resort information:

• All entries to the hotel are wheelchair-accessible
• 2 accessible spaces in the on-site car park, near lifts
• 1 accessible toilet in hotel lobby (hand rail | grab bar)
• Most walkways within the hotel are wheelchair-accessible
• Well-lit main areas
• All meeting rooms are accessible
• Braille call buttons for lifts on each floor (external)
• On-site restaurant & breakfast buffet is mostly accessible – Please ask for assistance at hot food station.

Hotels

FLEXIBILITY WITH ACCOMMODATION: We have flexibility with the accommodation we choose; therefore if we know in advance that we have a guest with a wheelchair, mobility scooter or is short statured, we can choose hotels that cater accordingly.

PREFERRED HOTEL 1:  One of our preferred Cairns hotels is centrally located and one block from the waterfront.  The reception and breakfast room are widely accessible through a double automatic door as there are no steps or thresholds. Accessible guest rooms are all on the ground level.  The staff are happy to move the furniture around if required, and the rooms are fitted with a zipped-together queen bed or two single beds depending on preference. The under-bed clearance is 40mm, and there’s around 1000mm of space between the side of the bed and the wall. Unfortunately, the balconies have sliding door tracks and may not be completely accessible. Light switches are all large dish-style type and located 1000mm from the floor in accessible locations. The air conditioning can be remotely controlled. Moving into the bathroom: the hotel boasts accessible showers and toilets that are hobless and fitted with a fold-down seat. Both horizontal and vertical grab rails are fitted and the shower is home to a hot and cold flick mixer tap. The lifts which provide access to the third accessible room provide ample space for wheelchairs, and also boast buttons fitted with Braille.

PREFERRED HOTEL 2:  A second preferred hotel is also centrally located.  With accessible rooms that boast a double bed and a single bed, the staff at Coral Tree Inn are also happy to move the room furniture around to suit guests who use a wheelchair or mobility device. With a coffee and tea making space and a small bar fridge at hand, the TV can also be controlled by the remote. It’s worth noting that at this hotel the air conditioning unit cannot be operated by a remote. There is an accessible combined toilet and shower facility fitted with grab rails and a fold-down set. The shower is also hobless for added accessibility. Unfortunately, the balconies have sliding door tracks and may not be accessible to all guests, and there are also no designated accessible parking bays. However, there is ample room for drop offs immediately in front of reception.

Entering the reception may also be a little difficult as the door is manual, but staff are always happy to assist (and man the desk 24 hours). There are wide paths that lead from the reception to every area of the resort, including the BBQ area, the pool and the adjoining dining room.

PREFERRED HOTEL (DAINTREE): Wheelchair users will be pleasantly surprised by how accessible the property is. The two Escape Cabins are especially convenient. There are no lifts to these two cabins, no stairs, the room is large and the light switches are low. The bathrooms is suitable for wheelchair access. There are spots on site where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli or retreat to his/her room.

Meals & Restaurants

FLEXIBILITY WITH RESTAURANTS & CATERING: We have quite a bit of flexibility with the restaurants we choose; therefore if we know in advance that we have a guest with a wheelchair, mobility scooter or is short statured, we can choose restaurants that cater accordingly.

We offer flexible menu options for people who have food allergies or intolerances, and in many cases religious requirements relating to food.

Guests are given space on our online booking form to specify their allergy, intolerance or religious requirement. On arrival we then give them a bag containing, for example, lactose-free milk, nut-free cereal and snacks, and/or other food items that cater to this allergy or intolerance. Unfortunately, we are not able to guarantee catering for preferences like low carb meals or FODMAP.

Similarly, we inform all caterers and restaurants of our guests’ food allergies or intolerances.  Breakfast is typically served at the hotel, whilst lunches are often boxed lunches as we move around quite a bit on our tours.

Activities

If we are informed in the planning phase of your trip about  any participants or (potential participants) who have disabilities or special needs, we can suggest certain activities over others or suggest certain boats to the reef.  For example, one boat that travels to the reef has a lift for a guest in a wheelchair to get in and out of the water which is a great choice for guests with wheelchairs or mobility devices. Conversely, we know that the facilities on the boat that travels to the Fitzroy Island reef is not well set up for those with wheelchairs or mobility devices.  We also can include activities such as the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which recognises and supports the Sunflower program for people with hidden disabilities.

On this particular trip, there are quite a few activities:

Tree Planting

There are no accessible toilets at the tree planting site and no provisions for people who use a wheelchair or mobility device.  There is a spot on site where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli. People with hearing impairments can easily be shown visually how to plant the trees and those with vision impairments will also be assisted by our guides.

Mossman Gorge Walk

The Visitors’ Centre and toilets are accessible for wheelchair or mobility devices. People using a wheelchair or mobility device can access the the river track & first 500m to the look-out on board walk. Groups can be kept to under 10 people for guests with mild to moderate hearing impairments so guide can project their voice loud enough for guest to hear; guides like to have one on one conversations & questions if guests needed.  There are many quiet spots in the park where people who are neurodivergent can rest.

The Inner Reef Trip

• The boat cannot accommodate persons using wheelchairs and mobility devices.
• Safety instructions are given verbally (no written instructions available).
• The captain is the first point of call for any questions or queries in regards to accessibility and/or special requirements that guests may have on the day.
• Assistance dogs are permitted, but must be confirmed with the reservations team prior to the trip.
• The boat uses pictogram signs (for example a pictogram showing feet standing on coral with a red line through it) to assist people with low literacy levels or who speak English as a second language. The company also has risk snorkel assessment forms in Japanese & Chinese for those nationalities.
• The distance from the Reef Fleet terminal to the vessel is approximately 150 metres; unfortunately no assistance is available for guests with mobility impairments.
• Lunch catering is sourced from a third party contractor who supply very detailed ingredient lists on request. Most dietary restrictions (gluten or lactose free, vegan, nut-free) can be accommodated.
• Although the boat itself does not have a specific low-stimulus quiet area, there are places on the island that could serve in this capacity.
• The island has dirt tracks and uneven terrain to get to the turtle rehab centre, and the beach front is mostly coral rubble.

The Outer Reef Trip

• One boat in the fleet can accommodate persons using wheelchairs (again, if a wheelchair user is in the group, kindly let us know in the planning stage for your trip)
• Safety instructions are given verbally (no written instructions available).
• The captain is the first point of call for any questions or queries in regards to accessibility and/or special requirements that guests may have on the day.
• Assistance dogs are permitted, but must be confirmed with the reservations team prior to the trip.
• The boat uses pictogram signs (for example a pictogram showing feet standing on coral with a red line through it) to assist people with low literacy levels or who speak English as a second language. The company also has risk snorkel assessment forms in Japanese & Chinese for those nationalities.
• The distance from the Reef Fleet terminal to the vessel is approximately 150 metres; unfortunately no assistance is available for guests with mobility impairments.
• Lunch catering is sourced from a third party contractor who supply very detailed ingredient lists which are displayed for guests at the buffets. Most dietary restrictions (gluten or lactose free, vegan, nut-free) can be accommodated.
• Students with ASD can retreat to the boat whilst the other passengers are on the pontoon for quiet and reduced stimuli.

Drain Stencilling Project For The Reef

There are no accessible toilets at the sites where we do this project and no provisions for people who use a wheelchair or mobility device. There are not necessarily any spots on site where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli. People with hearing impairments can easily be shown visually how to do this project and but there are no special accommodations for those with vision impairments.

Skyrail

The entire Skyrail experience is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate most standard wheelchairs. Due to size restrictions and loading requirements, some types of wheelchairs cannot be carried on the cableway. Skyrail also provides complimentary use of wheelchairs (subject to availability) during your Skyrail experience. Certified support dogs and assistance animals are permitted to travel on Skyrail, subject to conditions. Skyrail is located within the Barron Gorge National Park (a World Heritage Area) hence operates in accordance with strict environmental legislation, laws and obligations as prescribed by the Queensland Government including Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

Skyrail is part of the Sunflower Program for hidden disabilities. If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, you can request a hidden disability lanyard through a form here.  Wearing a sunflower lanyard when you are on The Skyrail is a discreet way for you to indicate to the airport team that you may need a little extra help, guidance or time with the airport processes. The Skyrail team has been trained to recognise the lanyard and provide the assistance and support you may need.

Mangroves Workshop

There are no accessible toilets at the mangroves boardwalk and the sites where we do this project and no provisions for people who use a wheelchair or mobility device. There are not necessarily any spots on site where a person who is neurodivergent could find a quiet space with reduced stimuli. People with hearing impairments can easily be shown visually how to do this project and but there are no special accommodations for those with vision impairments.

Departure at Airport

VISUAL AND WRITTEN STORY GUIDES: Visual Story Guides are available for Domestic Departures and have been designed to help you to understand how an airport works and what to expect. Written Story Guides are also available for Domestic Departures.

Excursion Safety & Compliance Checklist

1. Check Small World Journeys Safety Record

• ☐ Demonstrated excellent safety record with thousands of high school students – both Australian students and international students

• ☐ Teacher safety references available on request

• ☐ Proven experience delivering school excursions and educational tours

2. Risk Management & Documentation

• ☐ Written risk assessment completed for every excursion

• ☐ Risk assessment provided to organising teacher prior to departure

• ☐ Activities governed by documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• ☐ Crisis Management Plan in place and available to schools

• ☐ Daily risk review conducted by guides during the program

3. Student Safety Briefings

• ☐ Mandatory student safety briefing delivered during program orientation

• ☐ Briefing addresses local environmental hazards and regional risks

• ☐ Clear expectations for student behaviour and group safety

4. Transport Safety

• ☐ All buses fitted with seatbelts for every passenger

• ☐ Vehicles exceed Queensland minimum legal requirements

• ☐ Daily vehicle safety checks conducted by guides

• ☐ Buses undergo Department of Transport inspections every 12 months

5. Guide Qualifications & Child Safety

• ☐ All guides hold current Senior First Aid certification

• ☐ All guides hold current CPR certification

• ☐ Valid Driver’s Authority held by guides when driving

• ☐ Valid Working With Children Check (Blue Card)

• ☐ Guides have undergone thorough background screening

• ☐ Guides trained in duty of care, code of conduct with teenagers and risk management

6. Supervision & Duty of Care

• ☐ Appropriate student-to-guide supervision ratios

• ☐ Teachers supported by experienced trained guides

• ☐ Clear lines of responsibility for student wellbeing and incident response

7. Compliance Assurance

• ☐ Program aligns with school excursion policies and approval requirements

• ☐ Documentation suitable for principal approval and risk review

• ☐ Ongoing communication with schools before and during the excursion

Arrival:

You arrive in Cairns, Far North Queensland, where you are warmly welcomed at the airport by one of our local staff. After your transfer, you receive a comprehensive trip orientation, outlining what to expect during your Great Barrier Reef and rainforest educational experience.

Future of the Reef Talk:

In the evening, you attend an engaging marine science presentation on the future of the Great Barrier Reef. Led by your Small World Journeys marine guide, the session explores the current health of the reef, addresses common misconceptions about coral bleaching and climate change, and provides an honest overview of the benefits and pressures of reef tourism. You examine the four key threats facing the Great Barrier Reef and learn how scientists are applying innovative techniques such as assisted evolution, selectively breeding corals with greater tolerance to rising ocean temperatures. Most importantly, you leave with practical, actionable strategies for how individuals can help protect the reef and continue reef conservation advocacy long after returning home.

Accommodation: Cairns 3-star hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
CAS outcomes: Activity, Knowledge, Reflection & Action

Environmental Service Project to Help the Great Barrier Reef:

This hands-on service-learning project directly supports the International Baccalaureate (IB) Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) framework, with a strong emphasis on Service and Activity. Working collaboratively, students take meaningful action to protect local waterways, coastal ecosystems, and the Great Barrier Reef. By stencilling environmental messages on stormwater drains, students raise community awareness of urban stormwater pollution and its impact on marine environments. This activity encourages global citizenship, ethical responsibility, and reflection on how individual actions affect shared ecosystems, reinforcing the IB learner profile in a real-world context.

Mangrove Boardwalk:

Your next stop is the Jack Barnes Bicentennial Mangrove Boardwalk, where students explore a critical mangrove ecosystem that functions as a nursery and breeding ground for marine and freshwater species. Guided learning on mangrove adaptations, water filtration, and coastal protection helps students connect theory with lived experience, supporting CAS outcomes related to environmental understanding, engagement with global issues, and reflection on sustainability. Students examine how healthy mangroves underpin reef resilience and community wellbeing.

Creek Clean-Up:

Students then take part in a creek clean-up, targeting a waterway that flows through mangrove systems and into the ocean. Equipped with gloves and collection bags, students work in teams to remove household rubbish, demonstrating initiative, perseverance, and collaboration—key IB CAS learning outcomes. Results are recorded and compared, encouraging reflection on impact, responsibility, and the effectiveness of collective action. This tangible contribution reinforces the CAS principle that service is most meaningful when it addresses real community and environmental needs.

Accommodation: Cairns 3-star hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
CAS outcomes: Activity, Service, Knowledge, Engagement & Reflection, Collaboration & Leadership

Ferry Ride:

This morning, you travel by ferry to the pristine Fitzroy Island, a tropical island fringed by a sheltered coral reef ecosystem. Over time, this fringing reef has formed a protected habitat for a wide variety of reef fish and coral species, making Fitzroy Island an ideal location for hands-on marine science learning within the Great Barrier Reef.

Guided Snorkelling:

With full access to snorkelling equipment for the day, you enter the water directly from the beach to explore the vibrant reef surrounding the island. Guided by your marine naturalist, you observe real-world examples of marine biodiversity and reef ecology. Topics discussed may include coral biology, fish populations and behaviour, endangered species, coral predators, threats to reef health, human impacts on marine ecosystems, and climate change, allowing students to connect theory with first-hand observation.

Raft Building:

Next, you apply creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork during a raft-building challenge. Using only tyres, ropes, and plastic containers, your group collaborates to design and construct a floating raft, which is then tested on the water. This activity develops communication, leadership, and resilience, while reinforcing the value of collaboration in achieving shared goals.

CoralWatch Data Collection:

In the afternoon, you take part in a CoralWatch citizen science project with your marine naturalist, addressing global concerns around coral bleaching and climate change. You learn how and why coral bleaching occurs, identify different coral types, match coral colours to a waterproof CoralWatch chart, and record observations in pairs. Your data can be submitted to the University of Queensland CoralWatch global database, contributing to long-term reef health monitoring and global bleaching data. This will allow you to receive a graph of your results, reinforcing scientific data analysis and interpretation.

Microplastics Service Project:

Following your visit to the turtle rehabilitation centre, you take part in a marine conservation service project focused on microplastics pollution. Using beach quadrats and sieves, you identify and remove microplastics and other debris that pose risks to sea turtles and marine life. This hands-on clean-up activity ensures you leave the reef in a better condition than when you arrived, contributing directly to reef sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship.

Accommodation: Cairns 3-star hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CAS outcomes: Creativity, Activity

Boat Ride to Reef:

Your day begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned catamaran journey to the outer Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth. During the journey, your marine guide outlines what you are likely to see on the reef and introduces the Eye on the Reef program, including an overview of the Rapid Monitoring Survey used to assess reef health.

Snorkelling and Data Collection:

On arrival, you dock at a floating reef pontoon, where a vibrant underwater world awaits. During a guided snorkel session, you explore coral gardens filled with hard and soft corals, sea turtles, and a wide variety of reef fish. Common sightings may include butterflyfish, giant Maori wrasse, parrotfish, and clownfish (“Nemo”), offering outstanding opportunities for marine observation and species identification.

Data Collection & Service:

Next, you receive in-water training on how to conduct the Rapid Monitoring Survey developed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA). Your marine guide highlights key reef features, answers questions, and leads a practice survey with the group. During a timed snorkel session, you record observations using waterproof data slates, identifying marine species, estimating benthic cover, and looking for signs of coral bleaching and coral predators—critical indicators of reef health. Your collected data is submitted to GBRMPA’s central reporting system, contributing to the long-term management and sustainability of this globally significant reef system.

Other Activities:

Additional reef experiences are available, including semi-submarine and glass-bottom boat tours, an underwater observatory, and a marine life touch tank. The double-storey pontoon also features a unique highlight—a long waterslide that finishes directly in the reef lagoon. Lunch is a tropical buffet served on board, rounding out a full and engaging day on the Great Barrier Reef.

Field Guide: 

101 Animals of The Great Barrier Reef, written by Dr. Martin Cohen, helps you to better understand the underwater world and is yours to keep.

Accommodation: Cairns 3-star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
CAS outcomes: Activity, Service

Art Project with Indigenous Artist:

This morning you meet an Indigenous artist and educator whose work has been exhibited across Australia. You learn about the inspirations behind her artwork and gain insight into her Indigenous heritage and cultural connection to Country. You then take part in a hands-on Aboriginal art project that reflects themes of spirituality, identity, and connection to land. During the session, you are introduced to the concept of totems and explore which totem best aligns with your personality. Your finished artwork reflects the distinctive style of Indigenous Australian art and becomes a meaningful cultural souvenir to take home.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway:

This afternoon, you experience one of Cairns’ premier eco-attractions and a multiple ecotourism award winner. Your guide introduces you to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a unique journey above and through Australia’s World Heritage–listed tropical rainforest. Spanning 7.5 kilometres across Barron Gorge National Park, the Skyrail includes a scenic gondola ride with stops at two rainforest mid-stations, offering opportunities to explore the forest, learn about rainforest ecology, and enjoy panoramic views of the canopy.

Kuranda Mountain Village:

At the end of the Skyrail journey, you arrive in the mountain village of Kuranda. Enjoy lunch together before exploring the village’s local markets, browsing arts and crafts, and sampling regional food. Optional attractions in Kuranda include Koala Gardens, The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and Birdworld*** (*entry at additional cost).

Optional Evening Activity – Documentary Film:

Documentary films are a powerful way to inspire reflection, discussion, and action, while reinforcing the themes explored throughout your trip. This evening, you have the option to watch one of several environmentally focused documentary films, offering deeper insight into global and local environmental issues (no extra cost).

Accommodation: Cairns 3-star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
CAS outcomes: Activity

Rainforest Discovery with Indigenous Guide:

Today you explore the Daintree Rainforest at Mossman Gorge, an area of deep cultural significance to the Kuku Yalanji Traditional Owners. Your experience begins with a traditional smoking ceremony, before walking rainforest tracks with an Indigenous guide who shares how Aboriginal people navigated dense rainforest, built shelter, and identified native plants used for food, tools, and medicine. Through storytelling, you learn how seasonal cycles shaped daily life, the meaning of men’s and women’s business, and traditional skills such as making fire in the rainforest and fishing techniques. During the walk, you have the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear freshwater pools among granite boulders and may take part in traditional ochre face painting. The experience concludes with billy tea and freshly made damper, served with native honey.

Daintree Tree Planting:

Next, you discuss the loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitat caused by agriculture and development in tropical regions. Under the guidance of revegetation experts, you take part in a hands-on tree planting project, planting native species to help regulate temperature and humidity, restore habitat, and create ecological niches for plants and animals. This area is recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, and your service work contributes to protecting a buffer zone adjacent to a World Heritage–listed rainforest. Through planting, watering, and caring for seedlings, you work alongside local volunteers, actively supporting environmental restoration and community-led conservation.

Daintree Rainforest Observatory Accommodation:

Your accommodation for the night is at the Daintree Rainforest Observatory, located deep within the rainforest. Students stay in single-gender dormitory rooms with four or six beds, while teachers are accommodated separately. Facilities include a communal industrial kitchen, with a nearby amenities block providing bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities, allowing you to stay immersed in the rainforest while remaining comfortable.

Accommodation: Daintree Rainforest Research Station
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CAS outcomes: Creativity, Activity

Environmental Debate:

This morning, you take part in an interactive environmental debate focused on development, sustainability, and impacts on biodiversity. Students are provided with background information and a summary of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) relating to a proposed major resort development in Cairns, then assigned the roles of different community stakeholders. You argue for or against the development by evaluating economic, social, and environmental impacts, as well as proposed sustainability measures. This engaging activity encourages critical thinking and evidence-based discussion, using a real-world case study that has attracted significant national media attention.

James Cook University Canopy Crane:

Next, you visit the James Cook University (JCU) canopy crane at the Daintree research station, a unique scientific facility used for rainforest research. After a safety briefing and an expert discussion on the ecological significance of the Daintree Rainforest, you board a suspended gondola with the crane operator. The crane lifts you above the rainforest canopy and rotates 360 degrees, offering a rare opportunity to survey the extraordinary rainforest biodiversity that underpins the Daintree’s UNESCO World Heritage status. (Please note: students must be at least 15 years old to participate.)

Service Project:

While some students are in the crane, others take part in a hands-on environmental service project at the research station. Hundreds of native trees have been planted on site for rainforest regeneration, and students learn how to conduct tree condition assessments using methods applied by field biologists and botanists. You explore concepts such as pioneer species, herbivory, and forest succession, and learn to use scientific tools including clinometers and DBH tapes to measure tree growth. Your collected data contributes to ongoing JCU research assessing the success of reforestation and habitat restoration efforts.

Beach Party:

On your return journey to Cairns, you stop at the beach for a relaxed celebration featuring music, games, and a classic Australian BBQ dinner. This social experience provides a fun and memorable way to conclude your time in Cairns, reflecting on a day of learning, research, and environmental engagement.

Accommodation: Cairns 3-star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CAS outcomes: Activity, Service

After breakfast this morning you have free time for last-minute shopping or swimming at the lagoon.  If you leave later in the day, you can choose following option:

OPTIONAL Service Project:
Alternatively, you may choose to take part in a community service project supporting people experiencing homelessness in Cairns. Working with upcycled materials, you create practical care bags for a local charity, helping reduce costs while promoting sustainability. Each bag is filled with essential food and hygiene items most needed by people living on the street. The completed packs are distributed by a charity, and you learn  about the causes of homelessness within the Cairns community and how your contribution provides direct, meaningful support. No artistic skills are required—the bags are simple to assemble—and the focus is on empathy, teamwork, and positive social impact. (Available on request, no extra cost)

Then you are transferred to the Cairns airport for your flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast
CAS outcomes: Creativity, Activity