After flying into Cairns, gateway to Far North Queensland, you'll travel to Cooktown, which stands at the place where Captain James Cook landed in 1770. It was the first White Settlement in Australia and Cook’s Pillar, a stone monolith on the banks of the Endeavour, marks where Cook beached his damaged vessel. Cooktown is covered in history with most stone buildings dating back almost a century. Here, you will enjoy an extended, half-day Rainbow Serpent tour, which will teach you some of the local Aboriginal history and stories about the landscape.
You'll move on to Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world. You'll take a river cruise through the Cape Tribulation section of the Wet Tropics World Heritage-protected rainforest, passing waterfalls and discovering the amazingly diverse ecosystems and wildlife. You'll visit Thornton Beach, where the rainforest meets the sea, have lunch under the rainforest canopy, and visit an exotic fruit orchard.
Next, you'll cruise by catamaran to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Stretching for 1,240 miles along the Queensland coast, this world-renowned reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, home to a huge variety of marine life. On your cruise, you'll visit three spectacular sites on the northern reefs at the very edge of the outer Great Barrier Reef, with magnificent drifts along the walls and canyons of the Ribbon Reefs. You'll have the opportunity to scuba dive, swim or snorkel though this remarkable marine wilderness.
Upon arrival at Cairns Airport you will be met by a representative of Southern Crossings who will hand over your Australian documentation and transfer you by private vehicle to your accommodation (approximately 30 minutes journey).
Palm Cove is a cosmopolitan beachside village with a palm fringed golden sandy beach and striking back drop of magnificent rainforest covered mountains. There are many restaurants to choose from, from dining al fresco to fine dining, there is a place and taste for everyone.
Today is at leisure and while in the Cairns area we suggest the following optional activities:
• Learn about the fascinating Aboriginal culture at the Tjapukai Cultural Centre
• Take the sensational Skyrail cable car ride over the rainforest canopy to historic Kuranda village in the rainforest
• Feel the excitement of a white water rafting ride
• Scenic flights over the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest
• Enjoy one of Far North Queensland’s excellent golf courses
ACCOMMODATION FOR TWO NIGHTS IN A KING VERANDAH SPA ROOM ON A ROOM ONLY BASIS AT: REEF HOUSE RESORT AND SPA, PALM COVE
Today you will be met at your accommodation by your private car and driver and transferred to Cairns Airport for your onward flight.
Fly Cairns to Cooktown (cost is included)
Upon arrival at Cooktown you will be met by your guide and driver for an extended half day Rainbow Serpent tour Commence your scenic touring with a drive to the outskirts of Hope Vale Aboriginal Community. En route you will learn some of the Aboriginal history and stories about the landscape. Once at the entrance to the sites continue on foot in the company of Nugal –warra Elder and story teller Willie Gordon.
Willie takes you through a dramatic landscape to several rock art sites, including the Rainbow Serpent cave and an ancestral Birth Site where his father and grandfather were born. Here he explains the significance of the paintings and the stones behind the art giving his guests a unique sight into Aboriginal philosophy and spirituality. As you walk the ancient tracks use by the Nugal People for centuries, Willie shares his vast knowledge of the land you are in , its bush tucker and medicines , creatures which forecast the weather , the flowers which give messages, leaves which make soap , how to interpret snake trances or you a lizard a drink. No two tours are ever the same, but whatever happens you will be enchanted and enthralled.
The tour includes an estimated 30-minute bush walk. There is a short climb to two of the sites, but generally the terrain is easy. The tour is not suitable for those with limited mobility or respiratory problems.
Early afternoon and upon conclusion of your touring you will be met transferred to Cooktown Airport for your onward flight.
Fly Cooktown to Cairns (cost is included)
Upon arrival at Cairns airport you will be met by your private car and driver and transferred to your accommodation.
This morning you will be met at your accommodation by your guide and vehicle for a full day small group tour to the Daintree Rainforest.
Travel through rich farming areas toward the World Heritage- listed forest region of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree River. On arrival at the river you will board a shared vessel and cruise through silent backwaters where crocodiles can often be seen basking on the muddy banks.
On the northern side of the river your tour enters the Cape Tribulation section of the Wet Tropics World Heritage-protected rainforest. Your journey travels up the beautiful Alexandra Range, passing through rainforest waterfalls and on to your first stop for home-style morning tea deep in the rainforest at the Jindalba boardwalk. Continuing along the Cape Tribulation road, then stop at the magical Thornton Beach. Here your guide will highlight the amazing wildlife and ecosystems unique to this part of the world – “where the rainforest meets the sea." Lunch today is a special treat of tropical rainforest-inspired local produce at a location deep under the Rainforest canopy.
After lunch, you will be taken to an exotic tropical fruit orchard, where, depending upon the season, you will see unusual, exotic fruit originating from the world’s tropical regions.
Your last stop and final lasting impression will be at the outstanding panoramic picture postcard view at Alexandra Range Lookout. Your tour will conclude at your accommodation in Mossman at approximately 5:00pm.
ACCOMMODATION FOR TWO NIGHTS IN A KING RIVERHOUSE INCLUDING BREAKFAST AT: SILKY OAKS LODGE, MOSSMAN
This morning you will be met at your accommodation and transferred to your awaiting cruise vessel.
Travelling out to the Outer Great Barrier Reef this is a unique and personalised experience with a maximum of only 38 guests.
This 19m vessel is a twin engine catarmaran custom built and only 3 years old and cruises at 24 knots. This tour can also cater to apprehensive swimmers and first time snorkelers.
Calypso snorkel optimises space and comfort with day bed style seating both inside and out.
You will visit 3 spectacular sites on the northern reefs at the very edge of the outer Great Barrier Reef, with magnificent drifts along the walls and canyons of the Ribbon Reefs.
4:00pm Upon completion of the cruise you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Today you will be met at your accommodation by your private car and driver and transferred to Cairns Airport for your onward flight.
Depart Cairns
Cost: Based on two people sharing a room cost per person is USD$ 2,680 (total cost for two people is USD$5,360) and includes:
• Private car transfers as noted
• Accommodation and meals as specified
• Return scheduled flights Cairns to Cooktown
• Shared touring at Cooktown
• Shared touring to the Daintree Rainforest
• Shared excursion to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling
• Australian Goods and Services tax GST at 10%
Price may be subject to seasonal fluctuarions and pubic holiday surcharges.
All services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
