Daintree & Cape Tribulation Adventure

SUMMARY

Balance outdoor activities and cultural education on a nature-lovers adventure to the Daintree Rainforest (the oldest rainforest in the world, which finds its home in tropical North Queensland) and Cape Tribulation. Starting in Cairns, you’ll take guided First Nations walks, visit waterfalls, learn about bat rehabilitation at Australia’s largest facility, explore the Mareeba Wetlands as the sun goes down, swim in Mossman Gorge, walk and hike through rainforest, search for soaring views, spot tropical fish, turtles and birdlife by watering holes and enjoy loads of free time to customise your adventure with optional activities – by kayak, Skyrail, boat or boardwalk.

TOTAL DURATION : 6 Days

GROUP SIZE : MIN 1 MAX 16

TOUR ITINERARY AND DATES

START : Cairns

END : Cairns

COUNTRIES VISITED : Australia

Validity : 01 APR 2024 To 31 MAR 2025

Day :1

Location : Cairns

Welcome to Cairns! Or Gimuy in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Cairns is now located. This is the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Cairns with time to spare, why not check out the Cairns Botanical Gardens, just 5 minutes from the CBD. Or simply wander the waterfront promenade, popping into any of the local bars that take your fancy.

Day :2

Location : Mandingalbay / Cairns

This morning after breakfast, head out on a First Nations-guided eco-tour of Mandingal Bay. The traditional owners of this land will teach you about Country, where mountains are home to rainforests and vast wetlands are home to local birdlife. Walk to Hills Creek, where the sea meets the fresh water and attend a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Join your guide on a rainforest trail and learn about ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs and artefacts as you listen to the sounds of nature. After, you have a free afternoon in Cairns to grab some lunch, head to a local art gallery, explore the aquarium or just soak up some sun on the promenade.

Day :3

Location : Kuranda / Mareeba

This morning, enjoy breakfast and then drive to Kuranda – perched at the top of a mountain. You’ll have some time to explore this charming rainforest town and its surroundings at your own pace. Maybe check out the famous Kuranda Markets, take the Skyrail, or relax at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes, where outdoor dining is one of the joys of the cooler mountain climate. After, head to nearby Barron Falls and walk to the lookout for the best photo spots. Continue to Mareeba, where you’ll take a leader-led orientation walk. This afternoon, visit the Tolga Bat Hospital – Australia’s largest bat rehabilitation facility. Here you’ll learn about the facility's research, advocacy and community education and make some new upside-down friends. Tonight, you’ll head to the Mareeba Wetlands for an exciting wildlife spotting experience at sunset, hosted by Forever Wild – an organisation that creates community and nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises. After dark falls, head back to your accommodation for an included group dinner.

Day :4

Location : Mareeba / Mossman Gorge / Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation

This morning, maybe head out bright and early for a unique birdwatching experience in the wetlands – the best time to witness the local birdlife in their natural habitat! Then, enjoy some breakfast and head to the idyllic Mossman Gorge for a refreshing morning swim and a nature walk. After, you’ll continue to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage areas – Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest. Take the Jindalba circuit – Jindalba is the traditional Kuku Yalanji people's name for this area, meaning 'foot of the mountain'. Take the scenic boardwalk and immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the rainforest, keeping your eye out for local birdlife. Daintree is over 135 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest in the world! This afternoon, continue exploring the area or kick back and relax at your accommodation.

Day :5

Location : Great Barrier Reef / Cape Tribulation

After breakfast, head out on an early morning tour of the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll swim with turtles and snorkel in the pristine waters off the Daintree Coast, visiting two different snorkel locations. What better way to spend a morning!? The rest of the day is free to relax on the beach, swim, take a hike or just find a good spot to sit and people-watch. This is a nature-lovers paradise, so there are plenty of activities and laidback options to choose from.

Day :6

Location : Daintree Rainforest / Palm Cove / Cairns

This morning visit Kulki Lookout, where you can stroll along the boardwalk for some iconic views of Cape Tribulation and steep, rainforest-covered slopes that meet the sandy beaches below. Then, visit Mason’s Swimming Hole for a gorgeous tropical swim among lush flora and friendly fish and turtles. When you’re refreshed from a dip in the water, head to Madja boardwalk for the scenic circuit that takes you through dense lowland forests and mangrove-lined creeks. You'll then continue to Cairns via the idyllic Palm Cove, where you'll have time to explore and have lunch. On arrival in Cairns your trip will come to an end at around 4 pm. If you want to extend your stay and explore Cairns further, just speak to your booking agent.