Discover North Queensland: Outback, Reef, and Rainforest Getaway

Discover the wonders of North Queensland with this incredible getaway that combines the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Daintree Rainforest. This flexible tour lets you choose the order that suits you best, and you can even extend your stay on the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 1 Outback and Chillagoe Caves

Embark on a journey back in time as you explore the North Queensland Outback and the mesmerizing Chillagoe limestone caves. Along the way, keep an eye out for Australia’s unique wildlife. You’ll discover Aboriginal rock art and limestone formations in the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park. Explore historical towns, learn about copper smelters, and savour a delicious outback pub lunch. Finally, delve into the Chillagoe cave system before returning to Cairns.

Days 2 and 3 Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

Experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef as you live and sleep on this natural wonder. Snorkel amidst pristine coral reefs, witness marine life during day and night, and capture unforgettable moments with your underwater camera. Stay aboard the Cairns Liveaboard Reef Encounter, a unique floating hotel that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the reef and its marine life. Explore different outer Barrier Reef sites, gaze at the Milky Way and Southern Cross at night, and make the most of this extraordinary experience.

Day 4 Daintree Rainforest

Daintree Rainforest: Journey to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, a coastal paradise with lush rainforests and stunning beaches. Drive along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal roads, stopping at picturesque seaside towns and viewpoints. Explore Port Douglas and its beautiful 4-mile beach, visit the Mossman Gorge, and take a Daintree river cruise to spot estuarine crocodiles and wildlife. As you venture deeper into the Daintree Rainforest, marvel at the towering trees and keep an eye out for tree kangaroos and cassowaries.

Accommodation is provided for your Great Barrier Reef liveaboard experience, and additional accommodations can be arranged to complete your North Queensland getaway.

This comprehensive journey allows you to explore two World Heritage sites and experience the diverse beauty of North Queensland. Whether you’re interested in the Outback, the reef, or the rainforest, this getaway has it all.

See more Great Barrier Reef liveaboard packages.

Next, see more fantastic ways to explore North Queensland.

 

 

 

Highlights

  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Daintree Rainforest
  • Chillagoe Limestone Caves
  • Outback
  • Cape Tribulation
  • Crocodile spotting Daintree River cruise

Itinerary

Outback and Chillagoe Caves Itinerary

  • Your Outback Day tour’s travel days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
  • 0700 Pickup from your Accommodation
  • 1830 Return to your accommodation
  • There is no set Itinerary

Daintree Rainforest Itinerary

  • 7.00 – 7.30 am Pickup from your Cairns Accommodation
  • Driving tour of Port Douglas, including Flagstaff hill lookout.
  • Spectacular Mossman Gorge
  • Morning Tea
  • Daintree River Cruise
  • World Heritage Rainforest
  • Guided Daintree Rainforest walks
  • Cape Tribulation beach
  • Daintree Ice cream company- optional and famous local stop (at own expense).
  • Cable ferry crossing of the Daintree River
  • This tour returns to Cairns at approximately 6.30 pm.
  • (Itinerary is subject to change due to weather, operational or unforeseen issues)

Included

 Outback and Chillagoe Caves Inclusions

  • Courtesy Pick up and return from your accommodation between Cairns and Smithfield.
  • Custom-built, high clearance, air-conditioned 4WD vehicles.
  • Mareeba Wetlands
  • Morning Tea
  • Delicious Aussie Lunch
  • National Park Ranger guided Chillagoe Cave Tour, Chillagoe Smelters, Mt Uncle Distillery.

Great Barrier Reef Inclusions

  • The Reef Encounter team is the best in the business, winning annual personal and professional awards for outstanding customer service in the tourism industry.
  • Snorkelling and scuba diving equipment (wetsuits are a small additional charge)
  • Glass bottom boat tour
  • Marine Biology presentation
  • Breakfast is a  barbeque bacon and egg roll and also a vegetarian option.
  • Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and a cheese and fruit platter on your return to Cairns.
  • Free luggage storage facility available at their offices in the Cairns City
  • Daily transfers to Reef Encounter via our sister ship Reef Experience.
  • Helicopter Transfers
  • Scenic Great Barrier Reef helicopter transfers to or from your liveaboard tour are optional.

Daintree Rainforest Inclusions

  • Scenic Coast Road.
  • Drive through Palm Cove.
  • Port Douglas Town Tour.
  • Guided tour and Morning Tea at Mossman Gorge.
  • Daintree River Cable Ferry.
  • Alexandra Lookout
  • Daintree Ice Cream Company (Optional stop).
  • Cape Tribulation lookout and beach
  • A delicious lunch at the Daintree Tea House.
  • Exotic tropical fruit tasting.
  • Daintree River Cruise – Wildlife and crocodile spotting.
  • Friendly and knowledgeable tour Guides.
  • Chilled bottled water on board

Optional Extras

Great Barrier Reef Optional Extras

  • Introductory Scuba Dive
  • Wetsuit hire
  • Soft drinks and snacks etc
  • Underwater Camera Hire
  • Alcohol available on board – NO BYO

What to bring

 What to Bring for Chillagoe and outback tour

  • Money for afternoon tea
  • Hat, camera, closed-in footwear, comfortable clothing, sunscreen and water bottle.
  • A reasonable level of fitness is required for this tour as there are steps into the caves.
  • This tour can be affected by the wet season. Conditions may close roads and access to the caves.

What to Bring Great Barrier Reef

  • 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 and snacks from the bar and souvenirs.
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Swimwear and light casual clothing.
  • A light jumper or cardigan.

What to Bring Daintree Rainforest Tour

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Cash for optional purchases
  • Water Bottle
  • Insect Repellent
  • Raincoat/Umbrella

How to get there

This North Queensland Getaway includes pick-up from your accommodation for the Chillagoe and Daintree tour.  Visitors can choose to pay extra for bus transfers for the Great Barrier Reef stay or make their way to the Marlin Jetty in Cairns.

Getting to Reef Encounter

Reef Encounter is always on the Great Barrier Reef Visitors transfer by boat or a scenic helicopter flight.

By boat (included in tariff)

Our sister vessel, Reef Experience, operates daily transfers meeting up with Reef Encounter.

Boarding starts at 7:30 am on Finger A on the Marlin Jetty, Cairns.

Reef Experience will bring you back to the same destination between 4 and 4:30 pm on your final day.

Scenic Helicopter Transfers (optional extra)

Helicopter Transfers (optional extra)

Reef Encounter has a helipad on board for guests looking at adding some magic to their stay.  You may choose to take a spectacular scenic flight.

Important Information

Important Information for Scuba Divers

This information is for all guests participating in scuba diving activities.

Australia has the strictest scuba diving rules globally and the safest scuba diving record.

Therefore you must understand Queensland’s scuba diving laws.

Great Barrier Reef liveaboard boats are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules, including the requirements for a dive medical, where applicable, as required by law.

Please complete our dive medical questionnaire as some medical conditions, age and medications may prevent you from scuba diving.

Our mission is always to provide our passengers with the best Great Barrier Reef tour.

If you have any questions, we will be delighted to assist you.

Please contact our office at +61 7 4037 2700 or email our helpful team today.

Alternatively, consult your Doctor for a Queensland Dive Medical using the Australian QLD Standard Form AS.4005.1

Flying after Scuba Diving

Plan your travel itinerary.

Do not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after scuba diving for a single no decompression scuba dive. You should not fly for 24 hours after your last scuba diving in multiple dives.

If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after your dive.

We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.

from $925
from $805
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Included

Twin Bed Stateroom Cabin - Reef Encounter

Reef Encounter Stateroom

Twin Share

2 x Single beds, ensuite Stateroom. Share with another guest

Chillegoe limestone Caves, North Queensland

Chillagoe Caves Australian Outback Tour

Chillagoe Caves & Outback

Chillagoe Caves & Outback

Departs

Daintree Rainforest Tour

Cairns, Beaches, Port Douglas

Experience World Heritage-listed location in style and comfort on this one day Daintree Rainforest package.

Departs

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