Cairns Explorer: 4-Day Reef, Rafting & Rainforest Adventure💥

You will see the best of our region without breaking the bank on this Cairns Explorer tour! Spend a day on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a day in the oldest living Rainforest on the Daintree Rainforest. Cool off in the Atherton Tablelands, and then Whitewater Rafting on the mighty Barron River.

This 4-day Cairns Explorer package can be done in any order. Here’s a sample itinerary:

DAY 1: Great Barrier Reef Experience

Kick off your trip with a high-speed catamaran ride to the stunning Outer Great Barrier Reef, giving you more time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a BBQ breakfast onboard before diving into a day of snorkelling or scuba diving. Expert guidance, safety briefings, and a marine biologist presentation ensure a fun and informative experience. The captain will choose the best reef spot on the day, ensuring optimal conditions for your underwater adventure. All-inclusive, this is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef tour!

DAY 2: Daintree Rainforest

Travel from Cairns to Cape Tribulation. One of the most scenic coastal roads in Australia!  The first stop is the Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas. See the endangered cassowary and other wildlife. Have the chance to have your photo taken while holding a koala, snake, or crocodile (extra cost).

Heading further north, you will cross the mighty Daintree River. You will feel like you have entered a different world with Rainforest towering over narrow winding roads. Visit Cape Tribulation Beach and see the only place in the world where two world heritage sites meet: the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

DAY 3: Tablelands and Waterfalls Adventure

Next up on your Cairns Explorer tour, jump aboard Gus the Wonder Bus! Uncle Brian will take you, in his fun and friendly way on a day of adventures in our natural world.

We’ll visit ancient coastal Rainforests and the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands during this Rainforest and Waterfalls Tour.

We’ll be walking and talking, swimming, rock sliding, singing in waterfalls, floating in a volcanic crater lake. Then an exciting journey home! We look forward to welcoming you into our family and sharing fun times.

DAY 4: Barron River White Water Rafting (half-day tour)

On your last day of your Cairns Explorer package, have a nice sleep in then, feel the rush of white water rafting in the impressive wilderness of Australia’s tropical rainforests. A fun afternoon with a few thrills and spills.

Highlights

  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Daintree Rainforest
  • Atherton Tablelands

Itinerary

Daintree Rainforest

  • 7.00 am Pick up from Cairns accommodation.
  • 7.45 am Travel to Port Douglas via the Captain Cook Highway.
  • 8.05 am Commence pickups from Port Douglas accommodation.
  • 8.45 am The Wildlife Habitat. Join a guided tour with the opportunity to have your photo taken while holding a koala, snake, or crocodile (at extra cost).
  • 10.15 am Depart The Wildlife Habitat.
  • 11.00 am Cross the Daintree River ferry.
  • 12.15 pm Arrive at Cape Trib Beach House for a Tropical Lunch—free time for a swim or a walk along the spectacular Cape Tribulation Beach.
  • 1.50 pm Depart Cape Trib Beach House and visit Cape Tribulation Beach and Boardwalk for a guided rainforest walk.
  • 2.35 pm Depart Cape Tribulation for the return journey, with some comfort, and stops along the way.
  • 3.35 pm Stop at Alexandra Lookout for magnificent views.
  • 4.00 pm Daintree River Cruise. Spot crocodiles, birds and other wildlife
  • 5.00 pm Arrive south side of the river to board the bus
  • 6.00 pm Arrive at Port Douglas accommodation.
  • 7.00 pm Arrive at Cairns accommodation.

Waterfalls

  • The day begins with a visit to the Babinda Boulders. After a delicious morning tea, you take your first walk and swim of the day.
  • From here, your journey on to Josephine Falls. Enjoy a short rainforest walk before sliding down a waterfall.
  • Drive to the beautiful Tablelands and famous Millaa Millaa Falls. Uncle Brian will keep you amused and entertained with tales of adventure!
  • Lunch at the Millaa Millaa Falls Tea House is a selection of cold roast meats, salads and vegetarian meals.
  • For Dessert, enjoy freshly brewed tea, coffee and cake.
  • When you get to Millaa Millaa Falls, make your way to beneath the waterfall and SING your heart out! One of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia.
  • Delicious afternoon tea of hot chocolate and muffins follows a swim or stroll around Lake Eacham.
  • Platypus spotting is next.
  • You get to relax by a volcanic crater lake in the evening before the exciting fun journey home with Uncle Brian.

White Water Rafting

  • 2.00 pm Pickup from your Cairns City accommodation
  • 2 hours rafting grade 2 and 3 rapids
  • 6:00 pm Return to accommodation

Great Barrier Reef

Cairns Itinerary for Great Barrier Reef tour Snorkeling  and Diving

  • 07:30 – First Board Reef Experience boat at the Cairns Marina ‘A-Finger’ for check-in
  • 08:00 – Approximate departure and Safety Talk with snorkel briefing
  • 08:30 – Marine Biology presentation, followed by a detailed scuba dive briefing.
  • 09:30 – Arrive at our first spectacular reef site, snorkel and dive with thousands of vivid tropical fish, giant clams, plus more.
  • 12:30 – Then enjoy a delicious Lunch
  • 13:00 – Cruise to our second location to explore forests of coral, large sea fans and black coral trees in its shallow lagoons
  • 15:00 – Depart the Great Barrier Reef.
  • 15:30 – Glass of wine, tropical fruits, cheese and biscuits.
  • 16:30 – Arrive back in Cairns.

Included

✅ Included

  • Full-day Tully River Rafting with professional river guides
  • Reef Experience day trip with snorkelling, breakfast, lunch & snorkel gear
  • Uncle Brian’s Waterfalls and Rainforest day tour
  • Uncle Brian’s Cape Tribulation & Daintree day tour
  • All National Park and reef levies (where stated)
  • Snorkel gear, lycra suits/wetsuits (reef day)
  • Rafting safety gear (helmet, life jacket, paddle)
  • Hotel pickups (Cairns city area)
  • Fun, friendly, and knowledgeable local guides

Optional Extras

Optional Extras for Reef Experience

  • Underwater Digital Camera Hire
  • Snack Bar Purchases: Soft drinks, chocolate, chips, alcohol, etc.
  • Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour of the reef: Snorkel with an experienced Marine Biologist and learn about the marine life you see on an educational and interactive tour
  • Great Barrier Reef souvenirs – T-shirts, hats, etc
  • Dive Guides for already qualified ‘Certified’ scuba divers (dive guides included for beginner divers)
  • Prescription Mask Hire if you require stronger lenses to see (contact lenses can be worn in most circumstances)
  • Bus transfers from accommodation outside of the Cairns Business Area
  • Second Scuba Dive at our beautiful afternoon reef location

What to bring

Daintree Rainforest

  • Money for drinks and snacks
  • Camera
  • Water Resistant 50+ sunscreen
  • Comfortable Walking shoes
  • Swimmers and Towel (optional)
  • Your booking Ticket
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect Repellent
  • Bottle of Water

Waterfalls and swimming

  • Sense of fun
  • Sunscreen
  • Raincoat
  • Swimming Gear
  • Walking Shoes/Sandals
  • Towel
  • Change of Warm Clothes

White Water Rafting

  • Swimming costume (you will get wet).
  • Lace-up shoes or sandals that won’t fall off and you can get wet.
  • Towel
  • Dry clothes
  • Sunscreen but don’t apply to the back of your legs.
  • Money for photos & rafting levy.

 

White Water Rafting

  • Digital photos are available for purchase.
  • Shoe hire is available.

Great Barrier Reef

  • Underwater Digital Camera Hire
  • Snack Bar Purchases: Soft drinks, chocolate, chips, alcohol etc.
  • Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour of the Reef: Snorkel with an experienced Marine Biologist and learn about the marine life you see on an educational and interactive tour.
  • Great Barrier Reef souvenirs – T-shirts, hats etc.
  • Dive Guides for already qualified ‘Certified’ scuba divers (dive guides included for beginner divers)
  • Prescription Mask Hire our clients who wear contact lenses. Normally, you will be able to use them on the day.
  • Bus transfers from accommodation outside of the Cairns Business Area.
  • Second Scuba Dive at our beautiful afternoon Great Barrier Reef location.
  • Fully licensed bar[/toggle]

How to get there

Reef Experience departs from
Cairns Marina: ‘A-Finger’ View map to Cairns Marlin Marina

Boarding commences at 7:30 am for check-in on the Reef Experience vessel.

Arrive back at Cairns Marina at approximately 4:30 pm

Where Can I Park?

Several parking stations throughout Cairns are within walking distance of the Marina.  Click here to see where

 

Important Information

⚠️ Important Information

  • Minimum age for rafting: 13 years
  • Basic swimming ability required for reef and rafting
  • Some activities (diving/rafting) have medical restrictions
  • Itinerary may change due to weather or operational factors
  • Bring a sense of adventure and a smile fun is guaranteed!
  • Accommodation not included choose your own stay in Cairns
$1,010
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Tour Features

Included

Uncle Brian’s Tours Cape Tribulation

1 Day Cape Tribulation Tour

Come on a fun-filled adventure through the Daintree Rainforest up to Cape Tribulation. Enjoy breathtaking views and wildlife spotting.

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

No chance of staying dry on this tour!

Tully Rafting Cairns

Tully River Rafting (10am-10pm) - ex Cairns

Full Day Rafting on the Tully River with transfers to and from Cairns

Departs

Millaa Millaa Falls, Cairns Waterfall tour

Uncle Brian’s Waterfall Tour

1 Day Fun, Falls and Forest Tour

Jump aboard Gus the Wonder Bus for an unforgettable day in the spectacular Atherton Tablelands region Swim under pristine waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforest

Departs

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