City Breaks for Australia

The gateway to the region, Cairns is the adventure capital of Australia - a great place to learn to dive, go hot-air ballooning or white water rafting. The region's palm-fringed sandy beaches start just north of the city at Trinity Beach and spread to Kewarra Beach and Palm Cove.

It's worth remembering during the months of November- April the coastal waters contain box jellyfish however most beaches have swimming enclosures. The waters of the reef are not generally affected so it's safe to take a cruise or stay on one of the islands.

Cairns Esplanade, Queensland

Package Itinerary

Day 1. Arrive Cairns.

On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel as chosen below. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight you may like to try the local seafood.

Day 2. Great Barrier Reef Cruise.

Travel on Quicksilver's magnificent wave piercing catamaran to the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. You can choose whether to dive, snorkel or view the abundant sea life from the underwater observatory, or semi-submersible submarine. A delicious smorgasbord lunch is included.

Day 3. Rainforest, Kuranda & Aboriginal Experience.

Transfer to the Kuranda Scenic Train for a spectacular narrow gauge ride to charming Kuranda, famous for its markets. Travel into the towering rainforest on an amphibious army duck. Enjoy an Aussie barbecue lunch and an authentic aboriginal cultural performance under the canopy of the rainforest.

Experience a "Dreamtime" walk with an aboriginal guide. Throw a boomerang! You will also see and touch Australian native animals including koalas and kangaroos. Return to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Glide over the lush canopy and stop at the rainforest interpretive centre. Coach transfer back to your accommodation.

Day 4. Depart Cairns.

Today is at leisure until you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Stay longer if you wish.

Cairns and Palm Cove hotels available

Extension Ideas

Full Day Certified Dive Trip

This full day dive trip includes visits to 2 unique dive spots on the Great Barrier Reef. Includes roundtrip transfers from Cairns, a tropical smorgasbord lunch, morning and afternoon tea, a guided snorkel tour, all snorkelling and scuba equipment and wetsuits. People wishing to snorkel only can do so. Rate for snorkel only is available upon application.

Angupha Ilana Aboriginal Tour

This half day tour will see you travelling to the Yarrabah Aboriginal Community with your indigenous guide who will share historical background information.

Visit the Memuny Aboriginal Museum before taking a cultural bush walk. Your guide will talk about medicine, food and aboriginal tradition.

Hot-Air Balloon Flight

LIFT OFF! Rise with the sun! Enjoy the experience of watching your balloon being prepared and filled by the crew as the sun rises to unveil the surrounding beauty. Come back to earth with a superb champagne breakfast, served in an especially selected retreat.

You are offered an assortment of homemade muffins with freshly prepared tropical fruits from the local district, locally grown teas and coffee, juices and Australian sparkling wine. Includes round-trip transfers from accommodation in Cairns and the Northern Beaches, breakfast, 'Flight Certificate' recording the details of your hot-air experience. Minimum age 6 years.

Cape Tribulation

Today experience a relaxed and personalised day with fellow travellers who share a sense of adventure and a love of nature. You will be picked up from your accommodation then head north to Mossman Gorge and Daintree. Enjoy a rainforest walk or a refreshing swim followed by morning tea.

Cross the Daintree River by Cable Ferry and drive through the rainforest-clad mountains, once at Cape Tribulation indulge in a beach walk and delicious lunch at a rainforest lodge. Your guide will enlighten you with the secrets of rainforest life along the Marrdja Botanical Walk. Join the wildlife river cruise and spot crocodiles and other wildlife before returning to Port Douglas or Cairns.

Daintree River Birdwatching

Depart Port Douglas as the sun rises, this is the best time to spot birds, tree snakes & crocs. This small group of enthusiasts for a pre-breakfast cruise along the Daintree with an expert local Guide - it is really worth the effort. Then head on over the river towards Cape Tribulation & who knows maybe get a glimpse an elusive Cassowary!

At Cape Tribulation take a walk on the beach & in the Daintree National Park meander the rainforest boardwalk. River crossing & breakfast are included.

Fly and Sky Day Tour

Start early with a seaplane flight to Green Island, where you enjoy 2 hours of snorkelling and relaxing. Fly back to the pier where you will enjoy a seafood lunch on the water. A private car will then pick you up and take you to skyrail where you experience the amazing rainforest on a cable car up to Kuranda.

Spend some free time in Kuranda before returning back to Cairns on the Kuranda scenic railway. Once arriving in Cairns your private car will transfer you back to your accommodation.