Day 1
Arrival
Morning
Arrive into Cairns International Airport and feel enveloped in the tropical warmth the moment you step off the plane. Welcome to Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef – the only place on the planet where two World Heritage listed areas coexist side by side. Nestled between the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this truly is the natural place to meet.
Image: Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Afternoon
Tantalise your taste buds and savour the view with a tropical welcome lunch overlooking the lush, sprawling oceanfront Esplanade before dialling up the adrenaline on the waterways of Cairns in a jet boat.
Image: Bad Fishy Jet Boat
Evening
Check in and check out the world-class hotels before taking over a fleet of Queensland fishing trawlers for your very own private, seafood extravaganza on the water overlooking the lights of the city before moving on to your exclusive speakeasy cocktail bar to sample the best of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’s unique, locally distilled gins featuring native botanicals of Davidson Plum, juniper berry and lemon myrtle.
Image: Prawn Star Cairns
Day 2
Great Barrier Reef
Morning
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world and the only living organism that can be seen from space. A marine biologist will deliver Reef education talks, including how visiting the reef contributes to its conservation.
Image: Helicopter over Great Barrier Reef
Afternoon
Consider a turtle release where a rehabilitated turtle is taken out on the boat and delegates get involved in the release. Those looking to dive deeper than snorkel on the surface have the option to try an introductory scuba dive. Learn about the Indigenous relationship to the reef on a private snorkel with a cultural guide so you can understand their ancient relationship to the ocean and surrounds. As the sun sets, enjoy sparkling wine from the back deck as you cruise past islands and sand cays listening to the engaging hum of the didgeridoo by your Indigenous sea ranger host.
Image: Turtle swimming in Great Barrier Reef
Evening
From the reef to the wet tropics, be surprised by your very own pocket of rainforest, dining under the stars and twinkling lights of the oldest living rainforest in the world whilst indulging in native foods and being warmed by Queensland hospitality.
Image: Dinner Setting at Rainforestation
Day 3
World Heritage Rainforest
Morning
Glide above the rainforest canopy in a glass-floor gondola before stepping onto the boardwalk to soak up the wonders of the world’s oldest living rainforest with a guided walk and view of the magnificent Barron Falls from the glass platform.
Image: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Afternoon
Remember your speakeasy? Why not learn how to make those cocktails yourself in a dedicated cocktail-making masterclass using local gins and fruits, instructed by masters of their craft?
Image: Wolf Lane Distillery
Evening
Tonight is about immersing in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef agricultural tradition, with sunset drinks on the lounge and dinner with a firey twist on a working sugar cane farm. Watch the sun set behind the majestic mountains of the Great Dividing Range before dancing the night away under the stars after feasting on the very best of tropical Australia’s food bowl.
Image: Cane Fields
Day 4
Choose your Own Adventure Before Departure
Morning
Spend the morning relaxing, wandering the city, or taking a boat tour across the inlet to the traditional country. Experience a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony before walking the Mayi Bugan Rainforest Trail to discover native foods and bush medicines while learning about ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs and artefacts.
Image: Selection of Native Fruits
Afternoon
Experience relaxed bliss floating down a crystal clear river in every Cairns local’s favourite floatie – a tube! Lie back and watch the green of the rainforest canopy pass by overhead and take a minute to reflect on your incredible three days in one of the world’s most beautiful natural environments.
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef then bids you farewell.
Image: Tubing Tour in Cairns