DAY 1 - Kuranda Village, Kuranda Skyrail & Scenic Train
Your day starts with a coach transfer from your accommodation to Smithfield, where you'll board the Kuranda Skyrail. The train takes approximately one and a half hours to wind it's way through the rainforest to Kuranda. In Kuranda Village you'll have ample time to see the sights or visit the world famous Kuranda Markets. You'll return to Cairns via the spectacular Kuranda Scenic Railway. The tour terminates at Cairns Station, an easy walk to most people's accommodation, however return coach transfers are available for those who need them.
Skyrail
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.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
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.
Through our website you can investigate your options for a fabulous Kuranda day tour, make a reservation, visit our Gift Shop for exclusive shopping, follow our journey through the wonderful rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park, take a tour of the charming Freshwater & Kuranda Stations and enjoy the history of the Kuranda Scenic Railway. You can even view the plans of the original carriages still in service today.
Kuranda Village
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 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).
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DAY 2 - Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Pontoon
Your Great Barrier Reef Adventure starts with a fast catamaran cruise to Green Island. You can try snorkelling, relax on the beach or explore the island ride in your 2 hour stay. After a short cruise you'll arrive at the outer reef Pontoon for lunch, your semi sub ride and more snorkelling. This tour is great for everyone – as there is something for everyone – combines 2 reef tours in one day - half the day at Green Island and half the day at an outer reef pontoon. Includes semi submarine, underwater observatory, plus additional options such as scenic heli flights, seawalker (helmet diving) and scuba doo (underwater motorbike) and scuba diving. Better snorkling from the pontoon (outer reef) than from green island. Bigger boat – good for people who get seasick. Great for families with young children (as they will love the island and they have space to move around on the pontoon)/ also great for those with elderly family members and families with swimmers and non swimmers as everyone will be happy (plenty of activities for non swimmers)! A good all-rounder.
Coach transfers are not included in this day as most Cairns accommodation is close to the Marina, but they can be arranged if you like.
Green Island
Green Island is a beautiful 6000 year old coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – a premier world heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Just 27km from the hub of Tropical North Queensland, Cairns, Green Island is a 45 minute journey across the Coral Sea with Great Adventures’ high speed catamarans. With its unique reef and rainforest environment, this beautiful island provides the one-stop tropical experience.
Green Island is the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest growing on it! It is home to 126 native plant species, colourful birdlife, surrounded by magnificent coral gardens and is some 15 hectares (approx 37 acres) in size.
Revel in an array of activities or relax and let your day unfold in this tropical paradise. Stroll through magical rainforest, laze on the white coral sands, swim, dive or snorkel amongst an amazing display of tropical fish and coral gardens, or enjoy the well appointed day visitor facilities, including Green Island Resort's award winning Emeralds Restaurant.
Great Barrier Reef Pontoon
The beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is yours to experience when you cruise to our mulit-level reef activity platform. Situated on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, our spacious platform features undercover seating and tables to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, full bar facilities, a swimming enclosure for children, change rooms with freshwater showers, sundeck, and scuba diving facilities with a semi-submerged platform. You will be able to snorkel and dive amongst some of the most spectacular coral gardens and marine life diversity on the Great Barrier Reef.
Or if you choose to stay dry, you can still embrace the natural wonderland below in our underwater observatory and spacious, air-conditioned semi-submersible vessel!
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DAY 3 - Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas & the Daintree Rainforest
Cape Tribulation is where the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforests, meet the world’s greatest living tropical reef, the Great Barrier Reef. Nowhere else on earth do two natural World Heritage listed sites exist side by side. Such is the natural beauty and precious value of this truly stunning piece of paradise, that you will have ample time to explore and enjoy on this Cape Tribulation full day tour.
Commence the adventure with a scenic coastal drive from Cairns to Port Douglas. This is the far north’s very own great ocean road and provides panoramic views over the sparkling Coral Sea. Heading north our first stop is at Mossman Gorge, which is in the southern sector of the world famous Daintree National Park. This gorge has been carved out by the cold mountain waters of the Mossman River, which winds through large granite boulders, bordered by lush green rainforest. It’s a magical place and you’ll participate in a “Welcome to Country” with the traditional owners, the Kuku Yalanji people, who will also cleanse you of evil spirits with a smoke ceremony and apply traditional rainforest body paint to you. There’s the opportunity for you to enjoy a refreshing swim in the cascading waters.
Continuing north we cross the mighty Daintree River and head to the beach for lunch, at Cape Trib Beach House. This is absolute waterfront dining with the sand between your toes. After lunch, it’s time to explore this ancient rainforest environment on an interesting guided tour of the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk. Our highly trained guides will give expert rainforest interpretation, which will inform and impress.
Be amazed at the huge diversity you will encounter, everything from low lying ferns and shrubs, to the massive rainforest canopy and even mangrove ecosystems all in one short easy walk. Next stop – Floravilla – which has 26 flavours of locally made ice-cream, including dragonfruit, coconut ginger, black sapote and goji berry with rainforest honey. Yum! [At own cost.]
Photo opportunity at the Alexandra Range Lookout (Walu Wugirriga), which provides sweeping views over the Daintree River, its rainforest delta and out to the Coral Sea. This afternoon it’s onto the river for a wildlife cruise where you might get to see a crocodile, while learning about the fragile ecosystem of this impressive serpent-like river system.
Then it’s back on to the bus for the return journey to Cairns, including a quick drive through Port Douglas, a picturesque beachside village with a laid back vibe and loads of bars and cafes.
Day 4 - Waterfalls & Tablelands
Travel south and discover the majesty and beauty of north Queensland’s most iconic waterfalls, a MUST see for anyone wanting to experience pristine rainforest, cascading waterfalls, stunning panoramas of Queensland’s highest peaks and maybe a glimpse of rare and unique native wildlife.
You will visit and be amazed by the legend of Babinda Boulders, steeped in Aboriginal history of trapped spirits and a tragic love story that will chill you to the bone. Next, your morning swim beckons amidst the lush rainforest and cascading crystal clear waters of Josephine Falls. A natural waterslide awaits the young at heart. Journey on to Australia’s most iconic waterfall Millaa Millaa Falls, made famous by Qantas. For lunch, we will stop and give you time to purchase or bring your own. Then it’s back into the waterfalls.
Mount Hypipamee, the Crater and Dinner Falls, WOW 3 great things in 1 location! Here you will have the opportunity to take a bush walk, swim behind a waterfall and gaze into an 85 meter deep volcanic crater and if that’s not enough, we quite often see the local Cassowary here too.
As the afternoon starts to roll on, we head to the Curtain Fig Tree. Here 15 meter high tree roots tower above, like a 3 story building; keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo.
Just before our last swim spot, we will take you down to a quiet little creek to search for Platypus and then off to our last stop of the day at Lake Eacham.
Rainforestation option
Set on 100 acres of World Heritage Rainforest, this unique tourist attraction is situated five minutes travel from Kuranda Village, and half an hour by Coach from Cairns. This eco-friendly Kuranda attraction hosts Army Duck Rainforest Tours, a Tropical Fruit Orchard, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and Kuranda's largest Koala & Wildlife Park.
Koala & Wildlife Park
Join a guided tour on our covered boardwalks providing excellent viewing of native Australian animals, including crocodiles, wombats, dingoes, snakes, lizards, frogs, and the cassowary. Handfeed kangaroos and wallabies, observe the tiger quoll, or have your photo taken cuddling a cute koala, or holding a small crocodile (optional extra).
Army Duck Rainforest Tours
Experience the tropical rainforest from a totally unique perspective – aboard an amphibious World War II Army Duck. See fascinating plants and wildlife as you pass by, before splashing into the lake for a cruise. With propeller engaged, your Army Duck cruises up to the water’s edge whilst turtles, fish and eels swim up close.
Tropical Fruit Orchard
Take time to meander through the Tropical Fruits Orchard, which features over 40 different species of exotic tropical fruit trees. This tranquil setting provides the perfect opportunity to view and learn about fruits of the region and the world including jackfruit, paw paw, lychees, mango, cocoa, carambola, star apple, and pineapple.
Pamigirri Aboriginal Experience
Learn about aboriginal culture with this interactive experience. Watch a traditional dance performance depicting animals, food gathering, and hunting.On the guided Dreamtime Walk you’ll try your hand at boomerang throwing, and observe spear-throwing and didgeridoo playing. At the Cultural Centre, you can also purchase authentic artworks.
Some popular add-ons to this package
Cairns Dinner Cruise
A Cairns Dinner Cruise is the perfect way, to end a perfect day in paradise. Boarding our sailing catamaran at the Marlin Marina, you’ll enjoy an evening of calm water cruising on Trinity Inlet, taking in the sights and sounds of this tropical port city and its surrounding mangroves, as they transition from day to night.
Every journey begins with bubbles, as all good dinner cruises should. With your glasses charged, stroll the interior or exterior decks and admire the view as the sky transforms from blue to red to orange and finally a silky black, filled with thousands of sparkling stars.
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