- DAY 1: ITINERARY (Daintree & Cape Tribulation)
- Departs Cairns: Approx 7.30am
- Returns Cairns: Approx 6.30-7.00pm
Heading north along the scenic coastal drive, our first stop is at Mossman Gorge. This is in the southern sector of the world famous Daintree National Park and the gorge has been carved out by the cold mountain waters of the Mossman River. It’s a magical place with large granite boulders surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. You will experience a “Welcome to Country” with the traditional owners, the Kuku Yalanji people, who will cleanse you of evil spirits with a smoke ceremony. There is also the opportunity to enjoy a quick refreshing swim afterwards.
Continuing north we cross the mighty Daintree River on the ferry and head straight to Cape Tribulation for lunch.
After lunch, it’s time to explore this ancient rainforest with a relaxed interpreted guided walk along the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk. You will view everything from low lying ferns and shrubs, to the massive rainforest canopy and even mangrove ecosystems.
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 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. (Not included on the Budget option).
Then it’s back on to the bus for the return journey to Cairns, including a quick drive through Port Douglas, which is a picturesque beachside village with a laid back vibe and loads of bars and cafes.
- DAY 2: ITINERARY (Atherton Tablelands & Waterfalls)
- Departs Cairns: Approx 7.30am
- Returns Cairns: Approx 6.30pm
Travelling south of Cairns our first stop is Babinda Boulders. You will be amazed by the legend of this area which is 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. Here a natural waterslide awaits the young at heart and the beautiful backdrop scenery provides great photo opportunities and wildlife spotting.
Then we journey on to the popular waterfall, Millaa Millaa Falls, made famous by Qantas and Herbal Essence (hair shampoo) commercials by the iconic “hair flick”. This 18m single drop waterfall lies in the heart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage listed rainforest.
For lunch, we will take you to Australia’s largest timer pub and fill your belly with some good old fashioned country cooking. 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. This is a dormant Volcanic Crater lake filled with turtles and surrounded by wildlife. We’ll watch the sunset over a truly spectacular location as our days adventure ends.
