Daintree & Cape Tribulation Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 6 days

4.8

2 Reviews

Duration

6 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

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.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (5), Dinner (1)
Accommodation: Hotel (3 nights), Cabins (2 nights)

Highlights

Visit the Daintree Rainforest – the oldest rainforest in the world – and Cape Tribulation on an adventure-filled day that ticks off two UNESCO World Heritage sites (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.
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.
Be immersed in First Nations traditions with a cultural evening in Atherton and a sunset cruise through one of the world’s most biodiverse mangrove forests, accompanied by Mandingalbay Yidinji guides.
Discover the raw beauty of Mossman Gorge, located at the entrance to the Daintree. Go for a swim, walk along a nature trail, then continue into the rainforest for more photo-worthy vistas and wildlife.

Trip Details

Duration

6 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, Boat

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cairns, Australia

Finishes

Cairns, Australia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns

Welcome to Cairns! Known as Gimuy in the language of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people, who are the Traditional Custodians 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)

Day 2: Kuranda to Herberton

This morning after breakfast, drive to Kuranda – perched at the top of a mountain, this town is surrounded by the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest. 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 as well as meeting some new upside-down friends. Next, head to Atherton and immerse yourself in a First Nations cultural experience where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the traditions, stories and connections to Country that have been passed down through generations.

Included Activities:

Atherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat Hospital
Kuranda - Kuranda Markets
Barron Gorge National Park - Din Din Barron Falls lookout
Atherton Tablelands - First Nations Cultural Experience

Optional Activities:

Kuranda - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (79 AUD)
Kuranda - Kuranda Scenic Railway (63 AUD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Mossman Gorge (Manjal Dimbi) to Cape Tribulation

This morning, head to 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 this epic 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:

Cabin (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Cape Tribulation

After breakfast, head out on an early morning tour of the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll swim with turtles and snorkel in the clear waters off the Daintree Coast, visiting two different snorkel locations. What better way to spend a morning? The rest of the day is free for you to relax on the beach, swim, take a hike or just find a good spot to sit and people-watch. This is a nature-lover's paradise, so there are plenty of activities and laid-back options to choose from.

Included Activities:

Great Barrier Reef - Half Day Cruise & Snorkelling Experience

Accommodation:

Cabin (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Cairns

This morning, visit Kulki Lookout, where you can stroll along the boardwalk for some iconic views of Cape Tribulation and the 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 tropical swim among lush flora and friendly fish and turtles, where you'll have time for lunch. When you’ve refreshed with a dip in the water, continue to Cairns via Palm Cove. This evening, embark on a sunset cruise accompanied by Mandingalbay Yidinji guides. Cruise through the wetlands and mangrove forests of East Trinity Reserve – an Indigenous Protected Area. The cruise will begin with a Welcome to Country, then your guides will share their traditions, culture and dialects as you float through the waterways of one of the world’s most diverse mangrove forests, home to more than 30 species of mangrove.

Included Activities:

Cape Tribulation - Kulki walk & lookout
Cape Tribulation - Mason’s Swimming Hole
Daintree National Park - Nature Walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Cairns

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Cairns, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Included Activities:

Cairns - Mangrove Sunset Cruise with Mandingalbay Yidinji Guide

Optional Activities:

Cairns - Art gallery - Free
Cairns - Botanical Gardens - Free

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
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 will do 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.

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 $3,195

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 6 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 03 Apr 2027

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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

Barbara

Traveled, April 2024

04/16/2024

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.

4.5

Nigel

Traveled, July 2023

08/04/2023

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.

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

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