Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree

Intrepid Travel · 5 days
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
5 Days
From AUD $2760
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(2 reviews)

Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree

Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree

Intrepid Travel · 5 days
Duration

5 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Journey through some of Australia’s greatest natural wonders on this five-day trip through Queensland.

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 oldest rainforest in the world, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, with an experienced guide. Ride an electric eco-boat along the Daintree River (Julaymba) and look for crocodiles along the way.
  • Snorkel of the Great Barrier Reef – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the underwater ecosystem and the fragility of the environment from professional marine biologists.
  • Join a local Aboriginal guide on a Dreaming walking tour. Learn about the local environment in Mossman Gorge, bush food and native plants before a morning tea of bush tea and damper.
  • See some of the best of Western Australia with curated included activities and limited free time. Make the most of your trip and directly support Greening Australia – an Intrepid Foundation partner working to tackle complex environmental challenges.

Trip Details

Duration

5 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Boat

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cairns, Australia

Finishes

Mossman Gorge / Palm Cove / Cairns, Australia

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: 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 the gorgeous Daintree Rainforest. Your adventure officially starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe walk through the Cairns Botanical Gardens, relax on the beach or find a local bar for a drink or two. After the group meeting, head out for dinner and get to know your fellow travellers.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Kuranda / Port Douglas
This morning, glide over the world’s oldest tropical rainforest on the Skyrail 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. 

Included Activities:

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

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation / Port Douglas
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.

Included Activities:

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

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Great Barrier Reef / Port Douglas
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.

Included Activities:

  • Port Douglas - Full-day Great Barrier Reef tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Mossman Gorge / Palm Cove / Cairns
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.

Included Activities:

  • Mossman Gorge - Ngadiku Dreamtime walk
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $2,760
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 5 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Journey through some of Australia’s greatest natural wonders on this five-day trip through Queensland.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 Apr 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Ben
Traveled, April 2024

05/01/2024

Took the tour hosted by Robert & Frederico. Robert was always full of energy when he spoke and he had lots of stories. Whenever we saw animals on the outback roads he stopped and allowed us to have a look and photograph them. He did this with camels. He found a dead snake on the side of the road and then pulled it into our van for us all to have a look at it. He found a thorny devil on the side of the road and pulled it into the van for all of us to look at it. He was very knowledgeable with explaining the story of the Southern Cross star constellation. I liked that the tour guides allowed us to swap seats in the van and sit up the front with Robert. I liked the number of stops we had including Erldunda at the geographic centre of Australia and the many photo opportunities on the side of the road. It was fabulous to see Uluru and I was amazed at the height and size of it. We saw the sunset over Uluru which changed the colour of the rock which was sensational. We also saw the sunrise over Uluru and I enjoyed visiting the Aboriginal cultural centre. Aboriginal art is stunning and the people are friendly.

4.0
Tatyana
Traveled, April 2024

04/29/2024

Hi, The trip was very relaxing and recharging for me. I enjoyed it very much. It was great opportunity to meet people from different parts of Australia and from overseas in the group on the tour. I had such a great time exploring Western Australia and trying out new things. The weather was perfect in April, and we did some bushwalking and swimming as well. The travel was comfortable and entertaining. The accommodation was good, aging at some locations but clean. Very interesting tours to vineries for tasting local wines, chocolates. If we had more time on the last two days, I would prefer spending it exploring Freemantle with the Guide. And I think more than one day needed to spend on Rottnest Island. And I wish we had more time allocated to spend in Basselton. Our guide Sean provided great care managing our all-ladies group and we always were on time at different points of our destination. The chosen location for having meals were good and the food was excellent. My diet restriction options (gluten free, vegetarian) were always met. I'm grateful to Sean for sharing his knowledge about Australian history of this region and Aboriginal culture. I'm impressed that he was able answering all our questions. It was very interesting journey into Ngilgi Cave and meeting with Aboriginal guide, who happily presented stories about life of his people. I highly recommend this tour for people, who are interested in active, relaxing and informative vocation. Thank you!

Tour Operator

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