Experience Overview
Mix outdoor activities and cultural education on a six-day 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 and learn about bat rehabilitation at Australia’s largest facility. Then explore the Mareeba Wetlands as the sun goes down, swim in Mossman Gorge, walk and hike through rainforest, spot tropical fish, turtles and birdlife by watering holes and enjoy loads of free time to truly make the adventure yours.
Highlights
- Start your trip with an eco-tour of Mandingal Bay in Cairns with a First Nations guide and experience a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.
- Visit the Daintree Rainforest – the oldest rainforest in the world – and Cape Tribulation on a stunning day that ticks off two UNESCO World Heritage areas (nature lovers rejoice!).
- Hang out at Tolga Bat Hospital – the country’s largest rehabilitation facility for the famous upside-down critters – and learn about their research and advocacy projects.
- Watch the sunset over the Mareeba Wetlands on a unique wildlife spotting experience hosted by Forever Wild – an organisation focused on combatting climate crises with community and conservation-based activities.
- Witness the expansive and iconic Great Barrier Reef on a snorkelling adventure, where you can see the colourful corals and tropical fish as you swim with turtles off the Daintree coast.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2392
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Boat
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: PZSD
Starts: Cairns, Australia
Finishes: Daintree Rainforest / Palm Cove / Cairns, Australia
Duration: 6 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (5), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,762 ($294 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Cairns! Known as 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, you might like to check out the Cairns Botanical Gardens or simply wander the waterfront promenade, popping into any of the local bars that take your fancy.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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. Then, 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.
Included Activities:
- Cairns - Mandingalbay First Nations tour
Optional Activities:
- Cairns - Art gallery - Free
- Cairns - Botanical Gardens - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, enjoy breakfast and then drive to Kuranda – perched at the top of a mountain. Start with a visit to nearby Barron Falls lookout for the best photo spots, then head into town. 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, 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. 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.
Included Activities:
- Atherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat Hospital
- Mareeba Wetlands - Forever Wild sunset wildlife experience
- Kuranda - Kuranda Markets
- Barron Gorge National Park - Din Din Barron Falls lookout
Optional Activities:
- Kuranda - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (68 AUD)
- Kuranda - Kuranda Scenic Railway (55 AUD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, 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 the Daintree Rainforest. Head off on another nature walk 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.
Included Activities:
- Daintree National Park - Mossman Gorge
- Daintree National Park - Nature Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Great Barrier Reef - Half Day Cruise & Snorkelling Experience
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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. Next, head to another boardwalk for a scenic circuit that takes you through dense lowland forests and mangrove-lined creeks. Then visit Mason’s Swimming Hole for a gorgeous tropical swim among lush flora and friendly fish and turtles, where you'll have time to have lunch. When you’re refreshed from a dip in the water, continue to Cairns via the idyllic Palm Cove. On arrival in Cairns your trip will come to an end at around 5 pm. If you want to extend your stay and explore Cairns further, just speak to your booking agent.
Included Activities:
- Cape Tribulation - Kulki walk & lookout
- Cape Tribulation - Mason’s Swimming Hole
- Daintree National Park - Nature Walk
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Barbara - Traveled, April 2024
This was a great trip with a varied itinerary that touched on many interesting things. Highly recommended itinerary for anyone to enjoy this area and our guide Nicole was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2024
Nigel - Traveled, July 2023
Intrepid joins the dots on Far North Queensland - Cairns, Kuranda, the Daintree, Cooktown and the tableland. Snorkel the Reef, it's special. Included breakfasts are great to start the big days. The drives are broken up well with forests, waterfalls and beaches (watch for crocs). The Sovereign Resort in Cooktown topped it off.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/04/2023
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.