Discover the Australian Outback, Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest
North Queensland Getaway allows you to sleep on one of the world’s natural wonders, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef!
Spend a day exploring the oldest living rainforest on the planet, the Daintree Rainforest. Discover our North Queensland Outback and Chillagoe’s spectacular limestone caves.
Our North Queensland Getaway package can be in any order. You can also have a day’s break in between if you wish.
Day 1 – Outback and Chillagoe Caves
Embark on a remarkable journey back to prehistoric times. A wildlife lover’s paradise with many Australian animals to spot along the way.
Observe small galleries of Aboriginal rock art and jagged limestone outcrops. This outback region is rich in natural and cultural heritage.
Step back in time as we travel through historical towns and rolling hills. After delving into the history of the copper smelters, it’s time for lunch at an outback Australian pub.
Set off for the Chillagoe cave tour before heading back to Cairns.
Accommodation is not included on the night after this tour
Outback & Chillagoe Caves Inclusions
Courtesy Pick up and return from your accommodation between Cairns and Smithfield.
Air-conditioned 4WD vehicles.
Mareeba Wetlands
Morning Tea
Delicious Aussie Lunch
National Park Ranger guided Chillagoe Cave tour, Chillagoe Smelters, Mt Uncle Distillery.
Outback and Chillagoe Caves Itinerary
Days of travel for your Outback Day tour are: MONDAY’ – WEDNESDAY’–FRIDAY’S 0700 Pickup from your Accommodation 1830 Return to your accommodation
Outback and Chillagoe Caves Itinerary
Days of travel for your Outback Day tour are: MONDAY’S’ – WEDNESDAY’S’ –FRIDAY’S 0700 Pickup from your Accommodation 1830 Return to your accommodation
What to bring
• Money for afternoon tea • Hat, camera, closed-in footwear, comfortable clothing, sunscreen and water bottle. • A reasonable fitness level is required for this tour as there are steps into the caves. • The tour may be closed, or the itinerary changed due to the wet season. Conditions may close roads and access to the caves
Day 2 – 3 The Great Barrier Reef
The ultimate way to see one of Australia’s remarkable gifts is the “Great Barrier Reef”. Live and sleep on the Reef. See it at its best, day and night!
Cairns Liveaboard Reef Encounter
One of the unique holiday escapes in Australia. We are offering something for everyone.
Sleeping on the Great Barrier Reef includes accommodation, meals and unlimited snorkelling. Our mini Great Barrier Reef cruise is the ultimate way to see the Reef.
Time to enjoy the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the marine life there. Reef Encounter is a real highlight of this North Queensland Getaway.
During your Great Barrier Reef stay, we will visit three outer barrier Reef locations,
Transfers to Reef Encounter are daily via our Transfer Vessel Reef Experience.
Our Liveaboard Snorkel Adventure can be enjoyed by people of all ages, even with limited swimming ability.
Cairns Accommodation is not included on the night after this tour
Great Barrier Reef 2 day Itinerary
Day One
7:30 am Board the transfer vessel ‘Reef Experience’ at Cairns Marlin Marina for breakfast,
9:30 am Arrive onboard Reef Encounter for your’ Welcome & Safety Talk’ before being shown to your room to settle in and relax
10:30 am Water Session: Time to snorkel for all guests before lunch
15:00 Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
15:30 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request Summer
18:00 Dinner in the dining saloon Winter
19:15 Dinner in the dining saloon
20:00 Dessert in the dining saloon
Second Day Snorkelling
6:00 am A wake-up call for the early morning snorkel session
6:30 am Water Session: Sunrise snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request 7:30 am Breakfast is served in the dining saloon
8:00 am Room Checkout Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
8:30 am Water Session: Snorkel Time
10:30 am Water Session: Snorkel Time
Noon Lunch in the dining saloon
13:30 Water Session: Snorkel session
14:45 Departing passengers board the transfer vessel ‘Reef Experience’ for the journey back to Cairns. Complimentary wine, cheese and biscuits will be served on the return journey
16:30 Approximate arrival time to the Cairns Marlin Marina
Tour and Inclusions Highlights
Two days and one night on the Great Barrier Reef onboard Cairns’s premier liveaboard.
Time to enjoy the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. •
Delicious chef-prepared meals while onboard.
Spectacular Reef Sites.
Onboard heated spa.
Overnight luxury Stateroom Accommodation all rooms have ensuite
Snorkel Equipment and Instruction. (Fins, Mask and Snorkel)
Marine Biologist Presentation onboard Reef Experience on route to Reef Encounter
Glass Bottom Boat Tours with Marine Life Commentary
Fully Air-conditioned
Bath and Beach Towels
Government Reef Levies and Taxes
Friendly professional scuba diving Instructors for guests who would like to try scuba diving Extra Cost
What to bring
Overnight bag – If you wish to store any excess luggage, we are happy to do so in our office at 100 Abbott Street Cairns.
For safety reasons, Reef Encounter has a “No Shoe” policy.
Cash or credit card for purchases of snacks from the bar/souvenirs etc
Sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, light casual clothing.
A light lo pullover or cardigan
Optional Extras
Introductory/Resort Scuba Dive
Wetsuit hire
Soft drinks, snacks etc
Underwater Camera Hire
Alcohol available onboard – NO BYO
Day 4 – Daintree Rainforest
Journey to the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. Boasting magnificent coastal Rainforest and pristine tropical beaches. Take in one of the most scenic coastal roads in Australia. The perfect ending to your North Queensland Getaway.
Stop in at beautiful seaside towns along the way.
Experience the magic of the Mossman Gorge, and gain an insight into the lives and cultures of the local indigenous people.
Take a Daintree river cruise to spot crocodiles sunning themselves on the shorelines.
Your knowledgeable tour guides will point out an array of wildlife along the way.
The Daintree Rainforest feels like you have entered a different world with Rainforest towering over narrow winding roads. An excellent opportunity to take some stunning photographs.
Cairns Accommodation is not included on the night after this tour
Daintree Rainforest Itinerary
7.00 – 7.30 am Pickup from your Cairns Accommodation.
Tour of Palm Cove.
Rex lookout
Town tour of Port Douglas,
Spectacular Mossman Gorge: guided walk and swim option (if time or weather permits).
Lunch and tropical fruit tasting.
Morning Tea Daintree River Cruise: Crocodile and wildlife spotting.
World Heritage Rainforest/Areas.
Guided walks Cape Tribulation beach: “where the rainforest meets the reef”.
Daintree River cable ferry crossing.
Returns to Cairns at approximately 6.30 pm. (Itinerary is subject to change due to weather, operational or unforeseen issues)
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Camera
Cash for optional purchases
Water Bottle
Insect Repellent
Raincoat/Umbrella
Next, explore more fantastic Great Barrier Reef tours
All pricing is in AUD. Full payment is required at the time of booking. We accept cash and credit card payments. Please note a credit card surcharge applies.
Please call to confirm your trip 48 hours in advance on +61 7 4037 2700
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to re-schedule, alter a reservation, or make any amendments to prepaid tour components, such as equipment hire, guided tours, or course fees.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 30 days or more prior to departure
50% cancellation fee if within 30 days prior to departure
100% cancellation fee within 14 days prior to departure
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. No refund or compensation will be issued for unused equipment, prepaid/pre-booked courses and/or Scuba dives, or guides if you cannot complete the entire tour. Please see Scuba Diving – Important Information below.
Schedules are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to change vessels, dive locations, and prices without notice.
Please refer to Trade Practices Act 1974.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavour to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
Check-in: If you are Making your own way (no return transfers booked), please check-in and board at 7.30 am. Your transfer vessel is named Reef Experience and is located on A Finger, at Cairns Marlin Marina.
Terms and Conditions
Please call to confirm your trip 48 hours in advance at +61 7 4037 2700.
• No alcohol may be consumed before in-water activities.
• Reef levies are $15 per person per day (max. 3 days) payable onboard and includes E.M.C., admin and fuel levy.
• Locations, vessels and itineraries are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances, but with full consideration of your safety and enjoyment. We are not liable for changes to tours, pricing or itineraries, all of which are subject to change without notice. We accept no liability for any loss or out-of-pocket costs incurred as a result of the cancellation or change in the itinerary, however caused (direct or indirect).
• Neither this site nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, any loss, any damage, delays, deaths or personal injury.
• All passengers are strongly advised to purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance that covers personal injury and the events, including but not limited to your cancellation for any reason and the cancellation or alteration to the scheduled itinerary for reasons involving weather or passenger, crew or vessel safety. Please read your insurance policy's wording carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. Please be aware that scuba diving and
other in-water activities are not covered by all travel insurance companies. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger.
• The passenger acknowledges and consents to Reef Encounter taking photographs or video recordings during the course of this activity / tour. The passenger acknowledges and consents to Reef Encounter receiving and using images of the passenger from third parties and using these images for marketing and promoting its services.
• Please inform us of any special requirements 48 hours before your travel date, such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done in the ‘Booking Message’ section of your online reservation or by contacting our friendly reservations team.
Scuba Diving – Important Information
• All Certified Divers must present a valid Certification Card. Failure to present a Certification Card may result in the customer being unable to participate in scuba diving. They can enjoy snorkelling activities instead. No refunds would be offered.
• Minimum age for Introductory Diving is 12 years old. Minimum age for certified diving and Open Water Course is 10 years old. All junior divers must either be accompanied by a certified parent or guardian or must dive with a dive professional at an additional charge. If the diver is under the age of 18 years, parental or guardian consent is required for that diver to undertake a dive. The parent or guardian should sign the medical declaration as witness.
• Upon arriving at our vessel and before commencing any dive activities, all passengers must complete our liability forms. All information provided must be strictly accurate. If during the tour, it becomes apparent that a form has been incorrectly completed, either by omission or false statement, we reserve the right to prevent any customer from undertaking any scuba diving or snorkelling activities while on board our vessel. Any decision made in this regard will be at the absolute discretion of the Dive Crew aboard the vessel.
• The dangers and risks associated with scuba diving in an open ocean environment under variable conditions apply to our tours. We reserve the right to prevent any customer from participating in scuba diving if we determine that they are physically or medically unsuitable to do so or if it is in the best interests of our crew or other scuba divers. Our crew are trained professionals, and it is up to their sole discretion who they take diving and/or snorkelling. No refunds would apply.
• Please remember you must allow 24 hours from your last dive before flying.
Medical Conditions & Medications
Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world but also the safest scuba diving record. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules including medical as is the law.
• All passengers participating in any Scuba activities must complete a Medical Questionnaire. If you are unsure of a particular medical condition or medication, please complete our ‘CAN I GO DIVING’ questionnaire on our website. If you’ve answered yes to any questions or take any prescribed medication, you may need further medical clearance. This must be arranged prior
to your day of departure.
• Medication: DO NOT presume that by taking medication is controlling your medical conditions, and you should be fine to scuba dive, as it is the medication that can be the problem when scuba diving. Particularly prescribed medication may require
a medical clearance.
• Entry-level certificate divers: Medical certificates are no longer mandatory for our Open Water Course, unless
a) has or has had any of the medical conditions mentioned in the SSI Medical Questionnaire
b) is over 45 years old
c) has a body mass index of more than 30 and a waist circumference of more than 102cm for males or 88cm for females.
d) is taking prescription medications (with the exception of birth control or anti-malarial drugs other than mefloquine (Lariam)
e) has had surgery in the last 12 months
f) struggles to perform moderate exercise (for example, walk 1.6 km/ 1 mile in 14 minutes; or swim 200 m/yards without resting), OR has been unable to participate in normal physical activity due to fitness or health reasons within the past 12 months
If any of the above applies, a medical certificate will be required. The medical certification should be provided in English, preferably by a medical practitioner with experience in diving medicine, within 90 days prior to the first scuba dive. The certificate must state that the person is medically fit to dive.
• No refunds on uncompleted dives due to medical conditions and/or prescribed medications or change of mind.
• If you do have any pre-existing/existing medical conditions or are taking any medication whatsoever and are not sure whether you will be deemed medically fit to Scuba Dive, please get in touch with our Office at 07 4037 2700 or email us at [email protected], we will be only too happy to help you if we can. Alternatively, the best thing to do is to consult your own Doctor for a Dive Medical.
Peak Season Surcharge
A Peak Season SURCHARGE of $100 per person is applicable for all travel:
• from the 23/12/2023 to 01/01/2024
• from the 28/03/2024 to 02/04/2024
• from the 23/12/2024 to 01/01/2025
This fee is payable onboard on the first day of travel.
Chillagoe Caves Australian Outback Tour
Payment Policy
We accept Visa Card and Mastercard through EWay. A credit card surcharge applies. All pricing is in AUD.
Please call to confirm your trip 48 hours in advance on +61 7 4037 2700
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 30 days or more prior to departure
50% cancellation fee if within 30 days prior to departure
100% cancellation fee within 14 days prior to departure
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities
Please refer to Trade Practices Act 1974
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavour to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
It is recommended all bookings are confirmed 48 hours in advance of the tour departure by calling +61 7 40372700.
• Neither this site, nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of damage, delay or personal injury.
• All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger.
• Please inform us of any special requirements prior to your date of travel; such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done by contacting our friendly reservations team.
Daintree Rainforest Tour
Payment Policy
We accept Visa Card, MasterCard or EWay. All pricing is in AUD.
Please call to confirm your trip 48 hours in advance on +61 7 40372700
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 30 days or more prior to departure
50% cancellation fee if within 30 days prior to departure
100% cancellation fee within 14 days prior to departure
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities.
Please refer to Trade Practices Act 1974
Terms And Conditions
Tourism Ventures Pty Ltd, Trading as Discovery Tours Australia & Northern Experience Eco Tours, hereafter called the "Operator"
Conditons of Travel:
Passengers are picked up and dropped back at accommodation in the Cairns area or en route. The operator reserves the right to alter the itinerary and location of passenger accommodation, if necessitated by weather conditions or by any other unforeseen circumstances prevailing at the time of tour. The operator also has the right to substitute vehicles or an alternative operator, transport, and carrier. The Operator is unable to guarantee exact arrival and departure times and cannot be held liable for failure to make connections with other services or for any expenses incurred by the client as a result of weather conditions, mechanical defects, or any other unforeseen cause. If for any reason, the itinerary is altered, no refund is payable by the operator. The Operator reserves the right (without payment or compensation and whether before or after commencement of travel) to exclude any passenger if that passenger appears likely to endanger the health or safety of themselves or others or impair the comfort of other passengers; this includes any passenger who commits any illegal act.
The Operator reserves the right to change or alter your tour itinerary and carriers to those advertised without prior notice due to weather, road or operational requirements and would do so with full consideration of your safety and comfort. No refunds are given in these circumstances.
The Operator takes all care but holds no responsibility for loss, damage, injury or death incurred at any of its utilized accommodation providers and may change these providers without notice, making every effort to supply equal quality where possible.
The Operator are not responsible for any loss, damage, injury or death caused to a passenger by another passenger.
Itineraries are correct at time and are subject to change without prior notice.
Included
Reef Encounter Stateroom
Twin Share
2 x Single beds, ensuite Stateroom. Share with another guest
Chillagoe Caves Australian Outback Tour
Chillagoe Caves & Outback
Chillagoe Caves & Outback
Departs
Daintree Rainforest Tour
Explore the oldest living tropical rainforest in the world Daintree Rainforest, spot a crocodile on our Daintree River Cruise, enjoy our guided rainforest walk
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