Day 1 - Green Island Cruise - 1.00pm to 5.00pm
Green Island is a beautiful coral cay situated approximately 27 km's from Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. Green Island is a Marine National Park with unique rainforests, surrounded by white sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs and abundant marine life. |
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Green Island has a long and rich tourism history and has always been one of the most popular tours to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Being a coral cay, it was created by the wind and wave action and is in fact the only coral cay on the whole reef to support it's own rainforest ecosystem. |
| This half day option is popular with families, time-short visitors and non-swimmers alike, however we're sure that pretty much anyone would enjoy this cruise. The island features beautiful white sandy beaches as well as large shaded boardwalk areas, so everyone should be able to find their own perfect place to relax and take in the sights of this tropical paradise. Included in the basic cruise price is the choice of either a half hour glass bottom boatride or the use of snorkelling gear whilst on the island. If you want both you can have choose both options (for a small fee) - you will have enough time to experience both options.
The snorkelling is perfect for kids and/or beginners, as you enter the water directly from the beach, not having to jump into deep water as with boat based reef cruises. There is lots of supervision on offer and buoyancy vests are available for poorer swimmers. |
| If you're not planning on spending your whole time snorkelling we highly recommend you choose the PAK 6 option that includes the Semi Submarine. It's a half hour mini-tour and while similar to the Glass Bottom Boat, it gives you a much better view of the fish and coral. Basically with a glass bottom boat you are looking through the floor, while with the semi-submarine you are actually seated below the waters surface and looking out the windows. It's almost like a divers eye view without the hassle of all the gear. |
Day 1 - Kuranda Skyrail & Train - 10.30 - 5.30pm
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Kuranda Skyrail
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Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Cairns Australia, is a world first in environmental tourism taking you on an amazing experience over Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy and deep into the forest.
The Skyrail experience, spanning 7.5kms over pristine rainforest, allows you to explore the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth.
Gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins, the Skyrail journey immerses you in an intimate rainforest experience where you’ll see, hear, smell and become part of the tropical rainforest environment.
For a small fee you can even upgrade your Skyrail experince to a Diamondview Gondola. (pictured left)
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Kuranda Scenic Train
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Our world famous railway experience is a must-do when visiting Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, Australia. You will discover the pioneering history of the tropical north from way back in the late 1800's, be astounded by a magnificent engineering feat and explore some of the great characters involved in the construction of this great railway.
The introduction of Gold Class has provided a premium experience never before seen on the Kuranda Scenic Railway service. It offers customers wanting that extra comfort and little bit of luxury, and a most memorable experience. Experience your scenic journey in the splendour of KSR Gold Class. Take pleasure in the luxury and heritage of hand crafted Victorian inspired decor and club class lounge seating. Enjoy a drink and dine on locally produced delicacies brought to you by your dedicated attendant. On arrival at Kuranda station, enjoy an exclusive tour of the heritage listed Signal Cabin at Kuranda station. Gold Class is available on the 9.30 train from Cairns and the 3.30 train from Kuranda.
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Kuranda Village
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Kuranda has come a long way from its initial origins as a centre for those choosing an alternative lifestyle in the late 60’s. Historic Buildings from the villages past now house a variety of upmarket restaurants, cafes and bars. It is still laid back, but with a style and sophistication that sets it apart from other Cairns Highlands Venues and Attractions.
Kuranda’s shops and world famous markets with their exotically handcrafted goods, Aboriginal artifacts, restaurants and coffee shops make Kuranda a well known day destination. Kuranda has many varied lunch options (own cost).
Many people also include a visit to one of Kuranda's unique attractions as part of their day. You can easily fit one, or even two of the following attractions in your day. Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Rainforestation are all either centrally located in Kuranda or just a 5 minute bus ride away.
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Day 1 - 40 minute Scenic Flight - various times
This 40 minute Reef Scenic Flight is the perfect way for you to gain an appreciation of the immensity of the Great Barrier Reef. During your flight you will see up to 140 km of the Outer Barrier Reef as well as many inner islands, reefs and sand cays. We also fly over Port Douglas and the Northern Beaches of Cairns. You will also easily see your cruiseship from the air.
This 40 minute Reef Scenic Flight is the perfect way for you to gain an appreciation of the immensity of the Great Barrier Reef. During your flight you will see up to 140 kilometers of the Outer Barrier Reef as well as many inner islands, reefs and sand cays. We also fly over the Northern Beaches of Cairns.
During your Reef Scenic Flight you will fly over Green Island. Green Island is a picturesque coral cay situated 26 kilometers north east of Cairns. At certain times of the year pods of whales are often spotted in the vicinity of Green Island.
Day 1 - Horseriding - 10.30am - 2.15pm
What better way to experience the Aussie bush, rainforest and spectacular views than on horseback.
Our Horse-riding tour offers a safe, relaxing way to meander through rainforest pockets, mangrove wetland, sugarcane fields and native bush! With a stable of horses to suit all ages and levels, this is a perfect family adventure. Our horses have a friendly, mature nature and will be matched to each riders experience and ability. Draw up on horse-back alongside our 18 acre billabong for a look at some spectacular native bird life and the chance to see a croc in the wild!
Our Horse-riding trails meander through beautiful bushland and rainforest, allowing you to get in amongst nature and experience it first hand. Our trails are perfect for absolute beginner riders through to the more experienced rider. We hand pick your horse for your particular skill level, provide you with a safety and introductory riding lesson and then split groups into skill levels so as to ensure you have a safe and fun horse riding experience.
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DAY 2 - Agincourt Outer Reef Pontoon 10am to 4.30pm
Choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a Agincourt Cruises semi-sub, just one metre underwater.
Watch the fish feeding from Agincourt Cruises unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef.
Whichever way you choose, you'll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder.
Agincourt Ribbon Reefs
Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognised as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef's environment.
Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth and supports spectacular marine life. As the region's outer reef pioneer, we chose the best location available to show you nature's finest.
Comfort and Space - Too much of a good thing is wonderful. Your journey is as important as your destination. It's a modern voyage, travelling in safety and air-conditioned comfort with state-of-the-art vessels that glide across the water to spacious platforms floating at the reef's edge.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most unique and amazing marine spectacles and is the largest reef structure in the world. It extends for 2300 kilometres along the north-eastern coast of Australia and consists of about 2900 individual reefs - covering an area about the same size as the United Kingdom, half the size of the State of Texas or the length of the entire Japanese island chain.
This World Heritage listed marine park supports the greatest concentration of life on the planet with over 1500 species of fish, 350 different corals, 4000 species of molluscs and 10,000 species of sponges. Whales are often encountered in these waters from May to September.
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DAY 2 - Low Isles sailing cruise 10am to 4.30pm
Imagine sailing aboard Islanddancer to the Great Barrier Reef island of your dreams, lying under a palm thatched umbrella, then slipping into the water to drift over coral gardens alive with brilliantly coloured fishes... Low Isles
Visitors are limited to protect the reef's ecology, so you'll experience this island heaven with a select few. So Relax - the whole of this beautiful, palm fringed island beach is yours to explore and enjoy.
Low Isles is a historic part of The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Named by Captain Cook in 1770, the cays were the site of the first extensive scientific study of a coral reef anywhere in the world in 1928, and their landmark lighthouse has greeted visitors since 1878.
Low Isles and its historic lighthouse were registered on the Commonwealth Heritage List in June 2008 in recognition of their place in Australia's cultural and Indigenous heritage. Relax - the whole of this beautiful, palm fringed island beach is yours to explore and enjoy
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Day 2 - Hartleys Creek Crocodiles - 10.15am to 2.45pm / 4.30pm
Located just 30 minutes south of Port Douglas, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is simply the best place to see crocodiles and local wildlife in Tropical North Queensland. With over 2100 metres of timber boardwalks and pathways leading you on a journey of discovery through woodlands and rainforest where you can see an array of wildlife, including beautiful tropical birds, reptiles, insects and other native fauna.
Lagoon Cruises - Boats depart at 9.00am, 10.30am, 11.45 am, 1.00 pm, 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm. Upon arrival, visitors are issued with a pass indicating their time of departure. During busy periods extra cruises are scheduled. The length of each cruise is approximately 25 minutes and complements all the other daily presentations.
Daily Presentations - High quality wildlife presentations are a major part of a day at Hartley’s. Research has shown that visitors have a more satisfying experience if all their senses are engaged - sight, hearing, touch and, sometimes, smell! Effective communication means that information, understanding and enjoyment are, or should be, indivisible.
- 11.00am Crocodile Feeding - Come and watch a whole bunch of highly motivated Estuarine Crocodiles that know exactly what the time is, where to be and what to do. While they're being hand fed listen to the keeper put them in their environmental and evolutionary perspective in a presentation which also includes our less extroverted native Freshwater Crocodile.
- 1.30pm Crocodile Farm Tour - If you missed the morning farm tour then here is another chance to learn about the crocodile industry, what’s in it for us and, perhaps more importantly, what’s in it for the wild crocodiles.
- 2.00pm Snake Show - Australia has a reputation for deadly snakes. Some overseas visitors expect to see them on the airport tarmac! How real is their threat? How should you behave around them and what should you do if you are bitten? Our keepers separate the facts from the fallacies. Experience the beauty, mystery and diversity of these elegant Australians.
- 3.00pm Crocodile Attack Show - "The Best Crocodile Show in Australia ". A professional, experienced zookeeper gets into the water with a professional, experienced crocodile! What happens next?
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