Our 3 day getaway will have you exploring limestone caves, discovering the oldest tropical rainforest in the World and staying on Australia's Great Barrier Reef
🌏 Reef Rainforest and Outback Explorer – Tour Highlights
🐠 Explore two outer reef sites on our Reef Rainforest and Outback Explorer on an all-inclusive day with Reef Experience, including snorkelling, scuba diving, and marine biologist presentations.
⛰️ Discover the Chillagoe Outback with Billy Tea Safaris, exploring limestone caves, Aboriginal rock art, and historic mining towns.
👩🏫 Learn from expert local guides who share fascinating stories of marine life, rainforest ecology, and outback heritage.
🍴 All meals and National Park fees included, from BBQ lunches on the reef to hearty outback pub meals and tropical rainforest dining.
🚐 Small-group touring with hotel transfers, ensuring a personalised, comfortable, and friendly experience each day.
🌞 Three World Heritage environments in one package – the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Queensland’s outback.
About Reef Rainforest and Outback Explorer Three Worlds, One Unforgettable Adventure
Discover the incredible diversity of Tropical North Queensland on the Reef Rainforest and Outback Explorer. Over three action-packed days, you’ll snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and journey deep into Queensland’s rugged outback. Each day offers a completely different experience, blending natural beauty, local culture, and adventure.
First Day – Great Barrier Reef with Reef Experience
Begin your journey with an all-inclusive day on the Great Barrier Reef aboard Reef Experience. Visit two outer reef sites teeming with marine life, colourful coral gardens, and crystal clear waters. Snorkel or dive alongside tropical fish, relax on the spacious sundeck, and learn fascinating reef facts from onboard marine biologists. A hearty BBQ lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and all snorkel gear are included.
Highlights:
Visit two vibrant outer reef sites
Optional scuba diving (introductory or certified)
Marine biologist presentations
BBQ lunch and refreshments
Family-owned and eco-friendly tour
Second Day Daintree Rainforest with Discovery Tours Australia
Travel north to the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest living rainforest. Enjoy a Daintree River cruise to spot crocodiles and tropical birdlife, wander along guided boardwalks beneath towering fan palms, and visit Cape Tribulation, where the reef meets the rainforest. Your expert local guide will share stories of ecology, culture, and conservation, while you enjoy a delicious tropical lunch.
Highlights:
Daintree River cruise and wildlife spotting
Guided rainforest walks and lookouts
Visit Cape Tribulation and the Bloomfield Track
Small-group touring for a personal touch
National Park fees and meals included.
Third Day – Chillagoe Outback with Billy Tea Safaris
Head west to discover the fascinating Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park. Explore ancient limestone formations, Aboriginal rock art, and the remnants of historic mining towns. This full-day outback adventure showcases Australia’s rich natural history, wildlife, and wide-open savannah landscapes. You’ll stop at country pubs, enjoy a classic Aussie lunch, and experience a true taste of the outback.
Learn about Aboriginal heritage and mining history
Spot kangaroos, wallabies, and birdlife
Hearty outback pub lunch included
Expert local driver-guide.
🌟 Why Choose This Tour
Three World Heritage ecosystems in one incredible package
Expert local guides with small-group touring
Meals, equipment, and transfers included
Flexible travel dates – tours can be taken over non-consecutive days
Excellent value for money and the perfect introduction to Far North Queensland.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
The Reef, Rainforest and Outback Explorer runs over three days, with each day featuring a different tour and destination.
Do the tours need to be taken on consecutive days?
No. You can space them out to suit your travel plans.
Is snorkelling equipment provided?
Yes, all snorkelling gear and tuition are included on Reef Experience.
Are meals included?
Yes, all tours include meals, such as a BBQ lunch on the reef, tropical rainforest dining, and hearty outback pub fare.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen, camera, and comfortable walking shoes for the rainforest and outback.
🌏 Conclusion
The Reef, Rainforest and Outback Explorer is the ultimate way to experience the natural wonders of North Queensland. In just three days, you’ll swim the Great Barrier Reef, walk beneath the world’s oldest rainforest, and journey across Australia’s timeless outback. It’s an adventure that captures the spirit, beauty, and diversity of this remarkable region — and one you’ll remember forever.
Reef Rainforest and Outback Explorer — Tour Package
Highlights
Outer Great Barrier Reef adventure aboard the all-inclusive Reef Experience: snorkel, dive, and relax among vibrant reefs.
Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation day: cruise the Daintree River, walk forest boardwalks, 4WD the Bloomfield Track, and visit Cape Tribulation where reef meets rainforest.
Full‑day Chillagoe Outback tour with Billy Tea Safaris: adventure by 4WD to see Skybury Plantation, Aboriginal rock art, Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge wallabies, outback pub lunch, and mining history.
Reef Rainforest and Outback Explorer 3-Day Itinerary
Great Barrier Reef
Depart Cairns onboard Reef Experience for a full-day trip.
Snorkel at two stunning outer reef sites with all gear included.
Enjoy a tasty BBQ or onboard lunch, and time to sunbathe or join a guided dive.
Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation
Travel via scenic coastal road into the World Heritage-listed Daintree.
1‑hour river cruise to spot crocodiles and birds, then guided forest walk.
Cross the cable ferry, explore Cape Tribulation Beach and the Bloomfield Track, and taste locally made fruit ice cream.
Chillagoe Outback with Billy Tea Safaris
Pick-up in Cairns and travel by air‑conditioned 4WD through Mareeba and McAllister Ranges.
Morning tea at Skybury Coffee Plantation, wildlife spotting en route.
Explore Chillagoe‑Mungana Caves National Park with an expert guide.
Visit Aboriginal rock art, Balancing Rock, historic smelter ruins, and Granite Gorge for wallaby encounters.
Enjoy a pub-style lunch at Chillagoe before returning to Cairns.
What’s Included in the Reef Rainforest and Outback Explorer
Daintree Rainforest Day : Comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, raincoat or umbrella, insect repellent.
Chillagoe Outback Day: Closed-in footwear for cave exploring, sturdy but comfortable clothing.
Getting There and Transfers
Cairns-based pick-up from accommodation for all three days included. Port Douglas or Northern Beaches carry a small additional fee on some days (mainly Chillagoe).
Reef day: board Reef Experience from Marlin Jetty; some packages include live‑aboard options with transfers.
Important Information
Booking conditions: Some tours run only on specific days (e.g., Chillagoe runs Mon, Wed, Fri).
Fitness level: Moderate — especially for cave stairs and forest walks.
Weather and Wet Season: Road access (e.g., Bloomfield Track, caves) may be affected by seasonal weather.
A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any date and/or name change will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 24 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 24 hours before departure and for "No Show"
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.
In the unlikely event we are not able to operate a tour, due to weather conditions or unplanned operational events, an alternate travel date will be offered, or a full refund processed.
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.
Adults Fare: Passengers 15 years of age and older.
Child Fare: Passengers aged between 4-14 years (inclusive).
We are not liable for changes to tours, pricing or itineraries, all of which are subject to change without notice.
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 personal belongings, property damage, delay or personal injury.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation, 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 in the 'Booking Message' section of your online reservation or by contacting our friendly reservations team.
Changing your booking: Please give us at least 24 hours' notice to change your date or details.
Cancelling: Cancel more than 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours of departure are not refunded.
How to cancel or change: Email [email protected] or call us on +61 7 4037 2700. Our team is here 7am to 9pm (Cairns time), every day.
If you miss the boat: There is no refund if you don't arrive by the departure time. The boat can't wait, even for delays outside your control such as flights.
If we cancel: If we have to cancel your trip, for example because of weather or safety, you choose: reschedule, credit, or a full refund.
Your Reef Day Tour is operated by GBR Tours Pty Ltd (Reef Experience).
Check-in: 7:30am at Berth 8, Finger A, Marlin Jetty, Marlin Marina, Cairns. The boat departs at 8:00am.
Terms and Conditions:
Children’s prices are from 4 to 11 years of age. If booking as a certified diver, adult rates apply.
To keep everyone’s booking safe, please bring the card used for payment and matching photo ID when you check in. Booking for someone else or buying a gift? Just tell us in the Message box when you book and we will look after it with you.
Open-Dated Ticket: In certain cases, Open-Dated tickets may be issued. These tickets are valid indefinitely but are non-refundable. Any fare increase must be paid at the time of rebooking. Once a customer accepts an Open-Dated ticket, the cancellation policy applicable to the original booking date will remain in effect.
Schedules, vessels, dive locations, and itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances, with full consideration for your safety and enjoyment. We reserve the right to adjust tours, schedules, prices, and itineraries at any time without notice. We are not liable for any changes, cancellations, or delays, and we accept no responsibility for any loss, additional expenses, or out-of-pocket costs incurred as a result, whether caused directly or indirectly.
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 all travel insurance companies do not cover scuba diving and other in-water activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical expenses, or other expenses are the passenger's financial responsibility.
The passenger acknowledges and consents to Reef Experience taking photographs or video recordings during the course of this activity/tour. The passenger acknowledges and consents to Reef Experience 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.
The minimum age for Introductory Diving is 12 years old. The minimum age for certified diving and Open Water Courses 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’ve answered yes to any questions or take any prescribed medication, you will 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.
The medical certification should be provided in English, preferably by a medical practitioner with experience in diving medicine, within 90 days prior to the scuba dive. The certificate must state that the person is medically fit to dive.
No refunds are given for uncompleted dives due to medical conditions and/or prescribed medications or changes of mind.
Peak Season Surcharge - To be paid onboard on the day of travel:
➢ A Surcharge of $100 per person applies to 25 December 2025 & 2026 – Christmas Day
➢ A Surcharge of $50 per person applies to the following days:
• 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day
• 3, 4, 5 & 6 April 2026 – Easter Weekend
• 26 December 2026 – Boxing Day
• 26, 27, 28 & 29 March 2027 - Easter Weekend
A minimum of 24 hours notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any changes made to the booking (date, names, etc.) will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day. Please be aware that cancellation attempts made through online chat or phone will not be processed.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 24 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 24 hours before departure and for "No Show"
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.
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.
• 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.
Experience World Heritage-listed location in style and comfort on this one day Daintree Rainforest package.
Departs
Reef Experience
All Inclusive Day Tour
Spend the day snorkelling and scuba diving on the Outer Great Barrier Reef aboard Reef Experience. Enjoy an all-inclusive reef day from Cairns with snorkelling equipment, meals and reef activities included.
Departs
Chillagoe Caves Australian Outback Tour
Outback and Chillagoe Caves Tour
Travel through historic towns and visit a coffee plantation before you reach the towering limestone karsts around Chillagoe Township Visit the remains of the oncemighty
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