Pre and Post Touring in Cairns
Day 1
Arrival
A vibrant, tropical city, Cairns offers conference delegates the opportunity to wind down in nature’s playground. Enjoy a city escape, branch out into the idyllic Tablelands region, dive into the Great Barrier Reef or just relax by the pool – Cairns
has something for everyone. Stay a few days after your event and explore Cairns, Palm Cove and the Atherton Tablelands.
A melting pot of urban luxury, bespoke experiences, natural beauty and unique Australian hospitality, the coastal city of Cairns is the tropical north gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest.
Image: Crystalbrook Riley
Morning/Afternoon
If you’re flying in a few days ahead of your Cairns conference or checking out from your business attire following the farewell event, this half day of leisure will set the tone for the days ahead.
Take a drive to the coastal hamlet of Palm Cove and take in the beach view at Nu Nu Restaurant before returning to Cairns and dialing up the adrenaline on the waterways of Cairns in a jetboat.
Image: Nu Nu Restaurant
Evening
Check in and check out the world-class hotels before heading to the Marina for a seafood extravaganza on the water overlooking the lights of the city. Move on to enjoy the city nightlife at speakeasy Wolf Lane to sample the best of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’s unique, locally distilled gins, Mexicairns for some serious competitive fun or head over to Bar36 at the Casino to dance the night away to the best of the city’s live music.
Image: Mexicairns
Day 2
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world and the only living organism that can be seen from space. Choose your own adventure and the experience that suits you!
Combine the reef with culture on board Reef Magic or Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel and learn the First Nations history from indigenous Sea Rangers.
Image: Reef Unlimited
For those who want a little sand between their toes, enjoy both an island adventure to Green Island and the magic of the outer reef on board Great Adventures.
Image: Quicksilver Group
For a double dose of island life, head out with Big Cat and experience both Green Island, and the magical Fitzroy Island in the same day!
Image: Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
Those seeking a truly back to nature experience can travel with Entrada to the Frankland Islands, or try diving on board Aquaquest or Silverswift who visit three different dive sites in a day.
Image: Entrada Travel Group
For those travelling with kids, Sunlover also offers the adrenaline of a water slide straight into the ocean!
Image: Sunlover Reef Cruises
Join Passions of Paradise and sail on a catamaran, wind in your hair, to the reef or jump on board a fast catamaran to one of the regions Outer Barrier Reef pontoons for snorkelling, SCUBA diving, helmet diving, marine biologist presentations and semi submersible tours.
Image: Passions of Paradise
And if you don’t want to sail, Nautilus Aviation will take you home with a bird’s eye view!
Image: Nautilus Aviation
Day 3
World Heritage Rainforest
Glide above the rainforest canopy in a Skyrail 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
Explore the village of Kuranda with its markets, cafes and galleries. Get up close to Australian wildlife at Kuranda Koala Gardens, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Birdworld, or head down to Rainforestation and jump on board an Army Duck for one of the most unique tours of the rainforest in Tropical North Queensland. Take the Dreamtime walk through the park and learn about traditional indigenous dance, spear and boomerang throwing – you can even give it a try (the boomerang, not the spear!)
Image: Rainforestation Nature Park
Take the iconic Kuranda Scenic Rail back down to Cairns, before heading to Hemingway’s Brewery for a beer overlooking the inlet before heading out for dinner at the vibrant Salt House or native cuisine specialists, Ochre Restaurant.
Image: Salt House
Day 4
Choose your Own Adventure
Spend the morning relaxing, wandering the city, or take a boat tour across the inlet to the traditional country with Mandingalbay. 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: Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours
Alternatively, experience relaxed bliss floating down a crystal clear river with Cairns Adventure Group in every Cairns local’s favourite floatie – a tube! If you prefer to stay dry, learn a little more about the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest while exploring the Cairns Aquarium. Don’t miss a back of house tour of the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre!
Image: Cairns Adventure Group
Explore the foodie in you on board Brett’s Outback Tasting Tours. The abundant food bowl of the Atherton Tablelands is waiting for you to try tropical fruits, liqueurs and spirits, chocolates and cheese, coffee and ice cream!
Image: Brett’s Outback Tasting Tours