DAY 1 - Kuranda Village, Kuranda Skyrail & Scenic Train
Your day starts with a coach transfer from your accommodation to Freshwater Train Station, where you'll board the Kuranda Scenic Railway. 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 Skyrail Cablecar. This is the preferred direction of travel. A coach will then transfer you back to your accommodation.
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).
Like this tour but don't like the package? - Click here to book this tour by itself.
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 the Hotel Cairns is only a short 5-7 minute walk to the Marina, but they can be arranged if you like. (extra cost)
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!
Like this tour but don't like the package? - Click here to book this tour by itself.
DAY 3 - Daintree Rainforest & Indigenous Culture
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 the Active Tropics Explorer 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 Cape Tribulation for lunch. After lunch, it’s time to explore this ancient rainforest environment on an interesting guided tour of the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk and Cape Tribulation beach. 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.
Your Cairns Accommodation
Nestled in the heart of Cairns, close to all the best attractions, restaurants and bars. Coral Tree Inn stands as a private oasis offering you a tropical sanctuary away from the busy city life.