Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree

Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree

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5 Days From

$2330

$1864

Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree

5 Days Starting and ending in Cairns

Visiting: Cairns, Kuranda / Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation / Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef / Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge / Palm Cove / Cairns

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PZKQ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $2330 $1864 Operator discount: -$466 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

On this five-day deep dive into some of Australia’s greatest natural wonders, you’ll explore ancient rainforests and one of the seven natural wonders of the world – the Great Barrier Reef. With an expert leader, you’ll start your trip in Carins and make your way to Kuranda, where you’ll fly over the tropical rainforest and the quaint mountain town on the 7.5 km Skyrail. Then, head to Port Douglas – a paradise town in Queensland surrounded by palm trees and warm sands. Explore the Daintree Rainforest – the oldest living rainforest in the world – and head out on a crocodile and wildlife-spotting boat tour. Keep sailing with a full-day snorkelling adventure aboard a catamaran, accompanied by expert marine biologists, then end it all with a walking tour of Mossman Gorge with a local Aboriginal guide who will teach you about the area and its links with Dreaming.

Highlights

  • Soar over the world’s oldest rainforest on the Skyrail – 7.5 km of cableway that takes you to the mountain village of Kuranda.

  • Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest – the oldest rainforest in the world – with a crocodile spotting boat tour on an electric eco-boat with an experienced guide.

  • Take a full-day sailing and snorkelling tour of the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas, learning about the underwater ecosystem and the fragility of the environment from professional marine biologists.

  • Head out on a Dreamtime walking tour with a local Aboriginal guide, learning about the local environment in Mossman Gorge, bush food and native plants before a morning tea of bush tea and damper.

  • Wander around the gorgeous Palm Cove, with free time to explore the beachside town – maybe opt to end your trip here and extend your stay.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Greening Australia. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges, restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Greening Australia. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges, restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: dinner

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 the gorgeous Daintree Rainforest. Your adventure officially starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Cairns with time to spare, why not check out the Cairns Botanical Gardens, a lush tropical wonderland. Or simply wander the waterfront promenade, popping into any local bars that take your fancy.After the group meeting, head out with your group for an included dinner. 

Day 2: Kuranda / Port Douglas

Location: Kuranda / Port Douglas

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

This morning after breakfast, soar over the world’s oldest tropical rainforest via the Skyrail that connects Cairns to the picturesque mountain village of Kuranda. You’ll glide along 7.5 km of cableway and admire the ancient landscape from a truly unique perspective. You’ll have some free time to explore this charming 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. You might like to check out the famous Kuranda Markets and village shopping or 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. Drive along the coast to Port Douglas, taking in the ocean views and the cliffs covered in native flora. Tonight, head out on an orientation walk around Port Douglas, stopping at Trinity Bay Lookout Point to admire the perfect crescent of sand and surf. Then, head to a local restaurant for drinks and dinner with your fellow travellers before returning to your accommodation for the evening. 

Included Activities:
-Kuranda - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
-Kuranda - Kuranda Markets
-Kuranda - Kuranda Village Visit
-Port Douglas - Leader-lead Orientation Walk

Day 3: Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation / Port Douglas

Location: Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation / Port Douglas

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: lunch

Today, you’ll visit the ancient Daintree Rainforest. When you arrive, head out on a one-hour crocodile and wildlife spotting boat tour along the Daintree River (Julaymba). On the electric Solar Whisper, you’ll hear the sounds of nature around you as you look out for crocs, birdlife, snakes, frogs, crabs and fish. Your experienced 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.  

Included Activities:
-Daintree National Park – Solar Whisper Daintree River Wildlife Cruise
-Daintree National Park - Jindalba circuit track
-Daintree National Park - Cape Tribulation Lookout & Beach Walk

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef / Port Douglas

Location: Great Barrier Reef / Port Douglas

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: lunch

This morning, you’ll head out on a fantastic full-day boat tour from Port Douglas. Explore the stunning Coral Cays on the Great Barrier 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, enjoy presentations on the reef by experts on board and head to an exclusive site for a spot of wildlife-focused snorkelling (equipment provided). There are vast coral gardens to explore at your own pace – as a protected and shallow area, you’ll see corals, giant clams, turtles and fish in their natural habitat. Enjoy a buffet lunch (including prawns) and afternoon tea on board (including local Daintree produce) while you continue to spot wildlife from the glass-bottomed boat. Tonight, enjoy a night to relax in Port Douglas after a spectacular day on the water.

Included Activities:
-Port Douglas - Full-day Great Barrier Reef tour

Day 5: Mossman Gorge / Palm Cove / Cairns

Location: Mossman Gorge / Palm Cove / Cairns

This morning, you’ll head to Mossman Gorge for a fascinating Ngadiku Dreamtime 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 and you’ll learn about these stories on a guided walk along private, gentle tracks, visiting culturally significant sites, traditional bark shelters and cool rainforest streams. Witness a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad spirits and then stroll through the lush rainforest, learning about traditional plant use, bush food sources and the connection to this unique tropical environment. After, enjoy a traditional bush tea and damper (a loaf or cake of flour and water that’s baked in wood ashes). Drive south to Palm Cove, stopping along the way to explore the scenic beachside town where you can grab some lunch. You can end your trip here or carry on to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 4pm.

Included Activities:
-Mossman Gorge - Ngadiku Dreamtime walk

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (4 nights)

  • Kuranda - Skyrail (one-way)

  • Kuranda - Kuranda Markets

  • Kuranda - Kuranda Village Visit

  • Port Douglas - Leader-lead Orientation Walk

  • Daintree National Park – Solar Whisper Daintree River Wildlife Cruise

  • Daintree National Park - Jindalba circuit track

  • Daintree National Park - Cape Tribulation Lookout & Beach Walk

  • Port Douglas - Full-day Great Barrier Reef tour

  • Mossman Gorge - Ngadiku Dreamtime walk

  • Meals

    1 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

show more

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Private vehicle , Boat

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

  • START & END TIMES
  • The trip starts in Cairns with a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 at our joining point hotel. The trip finishes in Palm Cove on Day 5 early afternoon or in Cairns at our finish point hotel at approximately 4 pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request (Cairns only).
  • SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
  • A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle , Boat

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with good fitness and mobility. See information about specific walks in the itinerary.

    Some activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity.

    This trip forms part of some longer combination tours. If you would like to continue exploring Australia with us, consider booking our Best of Australia (PZKAC) trip. See our website for details.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

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24-Aug-2023

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LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

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15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

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26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

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Nicole  

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Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

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1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Monday

Jan 16, 2025 - Jan 20, 2025
$2330 $1864

Operator discount: -$466

Thursday - Monday

Jan 30, 2025 - Feb 03, 2025
$2225

Thursday - Monday

Feb 13, 2025 - Feb 17, 2025
$2224 $2002

Operator discount: -$222

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$2120

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$2105

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$2315

Thursday - Monday

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Thursday - Monday

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Thursday - Monday

Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025
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Thursday - Monday

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Thursday - Monday

Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025
$2210

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$2105

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$2210

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$2315

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Thursday - Monday

Jan 15, 2026 - Jan 19, 2026
$2210

Thursday - Monday

Jan 29, 2026 - Feb 02, 2026
$2210

Thursday - Monday

Feb 12, 2026 - Feb 16, 2026
$2105

Thursday - Monday

Feb 26, 2026 - Mar 02, 2026
$2105

Thursday - Monday

Mar 12, 2026 - Mar 16, 2026
$2105

Thursday - Monday

Mar 26, 2026 - Mar 30, 2026
$2105

Thursday - Monday

Apr 23, 2026 - Apr 27, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

May 21, 2026 - May 25, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Jun 11, 2026 - Jun 15, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Jun 18, 2026 - Jun 22, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Jul 02, 2026 - Jul 06, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Jul 16, 2026 - Jul 20, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Jul 30, 2026 - Aug 03, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Aug 13, 2026 - Aug 17, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Aug 27, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Sep 10, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Sep 24, 2026 - Sep 28, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Oct 08, 2026 - Oct 12, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Nov 05, 2026 - Nov 09, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Nov 19, 2026 - Nov 23, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Dec 03, 2026 - Dec 07, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Dec 17, 2026 - Dec 21, 2026
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Dec 31, 2026 - Jan 04, 2027
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Jan 14, 2027 - Jan 18, 2027
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Jan 28, 2027 - Feb 01, 2027
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Feb 11, 2027 - Feb 15, 2027
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Feb 25, 2027 - Mar 01, 2027
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Mar 11, 2027 - Mar 15, 2027
$2200

Thursday - Monday

Mar 25, 2027 - Mar 29, 2027
$2200

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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