Cairns, Daintree, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge

Our Carbon Neutral flights arrive into Cairns, where we board our opulent ‘Diamond Class’ coach and make our way into the city, travelling responsibly knowing all coach emissions are 100% offset.

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This morning we immerse ourselves in the local indigenous culture with a visit to the lush Mossman Gorge, where we meet our indigenous guide and set off through the enchanting rainforest on a guided nature walk. Learn about the ecosystem through the lens of Aboriginal culture as your guide relates Dreamtime stories and local tribal customs while pointing out plants used for traditional medicine and bush tucker. Witness the traditional welcome ‘smoking’ ceremony and enjoy traditional bush tea and damper. Next, we travel to Port Douglas where we enjoy lunch and time to wander the main street.

Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway, where you’ll learn about the region’s history as the train winds through Barron Gorge National Park, offering breathtaking views as it curves around the mountains. Your Gold Class rail journey includes comfortable lounge style individual seating, beverage and a light meal. Upon arriving in Kuranda village, embark on a 45-minute rainforest river cruise with the Kuranda Riverboat, gliding through the wet tropics and spotting local flora and fauna along the Barron River. Take some time to explore the village markets before returning to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which provides a stunning aerial perspective of the rainforest as you soar above the treetops.

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Today, we explore Daintree National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Australia’s largest tropical rainforests. This park serves as a vital sanctuary for unique plants and animals. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Daintree River, where we may spot saltwater crocodiles, reptiles, exotic birds, and butterflies that thrive in the mangrove wetlands. After crossing the Daintree River by vehicular ferry, we continue to Cape Tribulation. We’ll stop at Mount Alexandra Lookout, where, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Great Barrier Reef. Next, we head to Heritage Lodge in the Daintree for lunch.

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Discover the treasures of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on this half-day tour to Green Island, a protected coral cay. Cruise with Advanced Eco-Certified Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises from Cairns aboard a luxury catamaran and enjoy ample time on the island to spend as you wish. Observe the underwater world where you might spot giant clams, tropical fish, and coral gardens aboard a glass-bottom boat. The waters around the island are home to a large population of sea turtles who are often found in the seagrass and reefs close to shore. This tropical island paradise is also home to over 120 plant species and vibrant bird life. After exploring the reef and island we return to Cairns where you can enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

**Lunch is at your own expense today.

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This morning we make our way to the township of Dimbulah for morning tea, before making our way to visit the remains of the Chillagoe copper smelters. Afterwards we head to Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, where we join a ranger guided tour and explore the Chillagoe Caves, exploring the passages and 11 chambers in one of the largest cave systems in the area. Unexpected shafts of daylight, fig trees, glimpses of darting bats, naturally sculptured limestone formations and ancient marine fossils are highlights of this tour. Breaking for lunch in Chillagoe, we make a quick stop at Balancing Rock before our return to Cairns.

**Please note: There are many steep ramps and stairs located at the caves.

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Enjoy one last Far North Queensland breakfast, maybe take some time to walk through the esplanade markets before we transfer to the airport for our respective flights home.