Cairns City Short Break

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside customs exit and delivered to your Cairns accommodation.

Cairns has been home to indigenous Australians for more than 40,000 years and was settled by Europeans in 1876 who arrived in search of gold. These days, Cairns is seen as the city "where the rainforest meets the reef" as it is the gateway to both the 100-million-year-old Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The main tourist centre in town is along the Esplanade, which has a swimming lagoon, bustling weekend markets, and plenty of great food options.

Cairns is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and Queensland's tropical north. It is a laid-back town with a relaxed way of life, ideal for people who enjoy the outdoors and tropical nature. Have a stroll along Cairns esplanade, discover open-air markets, and grab a coffee in one of the brilliant al fresco cafes. After that, you can cool off in the sparkling Esplanade Lagoon. This saltwater pool is lined with parks, shady banyan trees, boardwalks, and barbeques. If you feel active and energised, you can join free outdoor exercise classes, such as yoga, zumba, pilates, or beach volleyball, held six mornings a week along the Esplanade. In the afternoon, you can visit Cairns Botanic Gardens, with their spectacular plant collection. The gardens feature rainforest vegetation and many interesting species of flowers. You can bring your own snacks for the picnic or grab a snack in the cafeteria. You should also explore the Cairns Aquarium, which is dedicated to local species and habitats, with over 16,000 specimens on display. It is home to incredible sea creatures, from sharks to snakes. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood in one of the gourmet restaurants or a refreshing cocktail i a waterfront bar with its amazing ocean views and great vibes.

Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome has many exhibits for all ages to explore a large range of diverse wildlife. You will see crocodiles, lizards, koalas, turtles, snakes, and over 200 birds. You can learn more about the animals in various educational presentations, including Koala Talk, Feeding Tours, Reptile Presentation, and interesting Insects Talks. You can also try some of the exciting ZOOM activities, such as the Dome Climb, Power Jump or Ziplining, or upgrade to a Private Wildlife Experience. These are an additional expense, please let your consultant know if you would like to include these activities.

Take the giant leap into the heart of the rainforest. Teetering 50 metres above a deep natural lagoon, the AJ Hackett Bungy Jump is the most epic experience. With 16 jump styles unique to Skypark, there’s a jump for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time jumper or a seasoned thrill seeker, this jump will push your limits to the max!

A Cairns dinner cruise is the perfect way to end a perfect day in paradise. Board the sailing catamaran and enjoy an evening of calm water cruising on Trinity Inlet, taking in the sights and sounds of this tropical port city and its surrounds as they transition from day to night.

The Frankland Islands archipelago is a natural wildlife haven and a protected national park. Travel on the Turtle Islander through the Mulgrave River to the beautiful Normanby Island, surrounded by pristine sandy beaches, with rock pools and healthy fringing reefs which can be snorkelled from the beach.

Experience this scenic journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the 'village in the rainforest'. Your day begins in Cairns as you board the train for a morning departure. Travel through unsurpassed views of World Heritage-listed rainforest and waterfalls, including Stoney Creek Falls and the breathtaking Barron Gorge. You will wind your way through 15 tunnels and over 37 bridges on your journey before reaching Kuranda, where you will have several hours to explore the village and visit Rainforestation Nature Park. Here there are over 100 acres of parklands to explore where you can also enjoy an Army Duck tour and the Pamagirri Aboriginal experience. In the afternoon you will board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a journey up and over the rainforest canopy, back to the Skyrail terminal where you will be transported back to the Cairns railway station.

The mountain retreat of Kuranda Village is nestled into the world's oldest living tropical rainforest, just 25 kilometres northwest of Cairns. The tiny town is a vivid mix of quirkiness, interesting characters and natural beauty all perched atop a mountain. The colourful village is accessible by either driving up the mountain range, travelling up in the Skyrail Cableway, or winding through the Barron Gorge on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Once you are here, there are a range of things to experience. To get your fix of retail therapy, head to the Kuranda Markets and quaint stores throughout the village. Experience the surrounding nature on a river cruise, and get friendly with the local wildlife at the Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda.

This morning you will be collected from your accommodation before dawn and taken to the launch site to begin your adventure. Watch on as the balloon inflates and be amazed at its sheer size. Your guide will have you in the balloon ready for launch as the sun begins to rise, setting the scene for your breathtaking experience as you gaze out the views of the Atherton Tablelands and the Great Barrier Reef that greet you. As the flight is coming to an end, your pilot will slowly guide the balloon back to the landing point where the fun continues. Once you have landed, experience the pack down of the balloon and come together with the pilot and crew to share a toast with a glass of bubbly to celebrate your unforgettable experience.

You will be picked up from your Cairns accommodation and taken to the Cairns Airport.

Farewell Australia today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consult about planning your next stop!