Intrepid Travel: Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree

This morning, glide over the world’s oldest tropical rainforest on the Skyrail cable car that connects Cairns to the mountain village of Kuranda. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore this rainforest town and its surroundings – Kuranda is a delightful mix of colourful characters and natural beauty, perched at the top of a rainforest-clad mountain. Maybe wander through the Kuranda Markets and village shopping or simply kick back and relax at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes, where outdoor dining is one of the joys of the cooler mountain climate. Later, take in scenic views of the ocean and cliffs covered in native flora as you drive along the coast to Port Douglas. Tonight, head out on an orientation walk around town, stopping at Trinity Bay Lookout Point to see the distinctive crescent of sand and surf. Later, head to a local restaurant for drinks and dinner with your fellow travellers. 

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. Please note that in 2026 the Skyrail cable car is undergoing maintenance and upgrade works which means that it may not or only partially operate on certain dates. Should the Skyrail be partially closed on your departure date you will be doing the ride on the Skyrail from Kuranda to Barron Falls instead. In case of full closure days you will travel from Cairns to Kuranda on the Scenic Railway (the historic railway line).

Activities:

• Kuranda - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
• Kuranda - Kuranda Markets
• Kuranda - Kuranda Village Visit
• Port Douglas - Leader-lead Orientation Walk

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Today, you’ll visit the ancient Daintree Rainforest. When you arrive, head out on a 1-hour crocodile and wildlife spotting boat tour along the Daintree River (Julaymba). On the electric Solar Whisper, you’ll hear the sounds of nature as you look out for crocs, birdlife, snakes, frogs, crabs and fish. Your experienced tour guide will be accustomed to the nuances of the river, the rainforest and the mangroves, meaning you’ll be able to find wildlife you wouldn’t be able to find on your own. After you find some feathered friends and long-toothed foes, head north to Cape Tribulation, stopping at Jindalba Boardwalk and a local ice cream factory on the way. Later, head back to your accommodation and maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Activities:

• Daintree National Park – Solar Whisper Daintree River Wildlife Cruise
• Daintree National Park - Nature Walk
• Daintree National Park - Cape Tribulation Lookout & Beach Walk

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning, head out on a daytrip boat tour from Port Douglas to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Explore the stunning Coral Cays on the reef on a sailing boat guided by marine biologists, who will share their passion and knowledge of the reef as you float along the expansive blue waters. Learn about the fragile environment and head to an exclusive site for a spot of wildlife-focused snorkelling. There are vast coral gardens to explore – as a protected and shallow area, you’ll see corals, giant clams, turtles and fish in their natural habitat. Enjoy a buffet lunch and afternoon tea on board, while you continue to spot wildlife from the glass-bottomed boat. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner and toast to the final night of your trip.

To participate in the snorkelling activity, you must be a confident swimmer in open water and have the capacity to swim unassisted. All passengers intending to snorkel will be asked to complete a medical declaration. The experienced crew will discuss any issues relating to medical conditions and swimming ability. The supplier reserves the right to decline any passenger from snorkelling if they are concerned about your health condition and/or swimming ability.

Activities:

• Port Douglas - Full-day Great Barrier Reef tour

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

After breakfast, travel to Mossman Gorge. When you arrive, set out on a Ngadiku Dreaming walking tour led by a local Aboriginal guide. Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) means stories and legends from a long time ago in the local Kuku Yalanji language. As you walk, listen to these stories, visit culturally significant sites, traditional bark shelters and rainforest streams and learn about traditional plant use, bush food sources and the connection to this tropical environment. Watch a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad spirits, then sit down to a bush tea and damper (a loaf or cake of flour and water that’s baked in wood ashes). After, drive south to Palm Cove to explore the scenic beachside town and maybe grab some lunch. You can end your trip here or carry onto Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 4 pm.

Your leader will choose the most appropriate walk in Mossman Gorge for your group today. They vary from easy to moderate in difficulty and may include boardwalks, small lookouts, suspension bridges, slippery steps and may be up to 45 mins in length.

Activities:

• Mossman Gorge - Ngadiku Dreamtime walk