7 Days: Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Vacation [ST-4863I]
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Australia: 7 Days Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Adventure

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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Cairns (5 Nights)
  • Airfare - Not Included (Available Upon Request)
  • Day Tours - Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise, Kuranda Skyrail Tour
  • Shuttle Transfers - Cairns Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (US$15.00 per person)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
  • Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Itinerary Details
(Day 1) - International Flight on Qantas, Los Angeles to Brisbane - (Available Upon Request)

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Brisbane.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

(Day 2) - Australian Domestic Flight, Brisbane to Cairns

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Cairns.

(Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.

Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

(Day 2) - 5 Nights Accommodation in Cairns

Enjoy 5 nights at your 4-Star CAIRNS accommodation.

Nestled in the tropical paradise of Cairns, this remarkable hotel captivates guests with its warm hospitality, exceptional service, and breathtaking views. The accommodations offer a harmonious blend of comfort and style, complemented by the hotel’s prime location near dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. From the inviting restaurant to the attentive staff, every aspect ensures an unforgettable stay. Discover a tranquil oasis in Cairns that promises cherished memories for discerning travelers.
 
Hotel Amenities
Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Paid Parking, Room Service  
 
Preferred Room
Standard Room – 1 King or 2 Singles – Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Smart TV.
 
Room Upgrades
Past T12-15 (Other Upgraded Room Types)
– Executive Room – 1 King or 2 Singles – Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Esplanade, Trinity Inlet, or Ocean Views ; Flat Screen TV.
– Deluxe – 1 King or 2 Singles – Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Flat Screen TV.
– Tropical Luxe – 1 King or 2 Singles – Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Same level as the pool deck ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Pod coffee machine ; 42-inch Flat Screen TV.
– Tropical Luxe Premium – 1 King or 2 Singles – Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Pod Coffee Machine ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Luxury skincare & Hairdryer ; Safe ; Located on Levels 2 & 3 ; Washer & Dryer ; 50-inch Flat Screen TV ; Two-person bath.
 
Need to know
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote.

(Day 3) - Day Tour, Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling

Indulge in an all-inclusive snorkeling and diving tour for a day on the outer reef.

Enjoy a delightful 90-minute voyage to the outer reef, where you can savor a scrumptious breakfast and receive a comprehensive briefing on the day’s activities. Following the morning’s exhilarating diving and snorkeling adventure, you have the option to unwind on the sundeck or actively participate in the Citizen Science project, contributing to vital research aimed at preserving the reef’s ecosystem.

Lunchtime brings a delectable tropical feast crafted by the talented in-house chefs, featuring seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers. While you bask in the leisurely lunch experience, your skipper will navigate the vessel to a new reef location, getting ready for the afternoon’s diving and snorkeling sessions. Wrap up your day by inputting your remarkable sightings into the photo database, all while savoring a well-deserved beverage accompanied by a platter of exquisite cheese and cold cuts.

Operates
Wednesday – Sunday, Except Christmas and New Year’s Day
Departs 7:30am, Returns 4:00pm (approx.)

Includes
– Transfers to and from Cairns city accommodation
– Delicious chef-prepared meals
– All snorkelling and scuba diving – open deck (Introductory or Certified Dive included)
– Waterproof, bone conducting headsets for underwater commentary
– Take home drink bottle
– All food and beverages, including alcoholic drinks on return journey
– Tea, coffee, and water fountain always available for self-service
– Environmentally friendly plant-based wetsuits and all dive/snorkel equipment
– Taxes & Marine Park Levy

Need to Know
Must be at least 12 years old to participate. Please bring swimwear, a hat, easy slip on shoes, sunscreen, and cash for souvenirs. For guests over the age of 65, a dive medical is requested. Certified divers with medical conditions may need to provide a dive medical as well. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

(Day 4) - Kuranda Rainforestation - Full Day

A wonderful day awaits as you are transported on the historic Kuranda Scenic Rail to Kuranda. The Kuranda Boarding Pass ensures preferential seating, discounted entry into selected Kuranda Attractions and a detailed map is also included. Rainforestation, set in 40 hectares of lush gardens, is your next stop. Board the amphibious Army Duck and enjoy the Koala & Wildlife Park. Transfer back to Kuranda, then it’s time to board Skyrail for your return journey.



Check in: A driver will check you in at your accommodation. You special Kuranda Boarding pass offerings pre-allocated seating on the Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail, preferential seating on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a detailed map of Kuranda, and discounted entry into selected Kuranda Attractions.




Kuranda Scenic Rail: At the scheduled time board the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail. An amazing journey awaits you as you travel one of the world’s most scenic rail routes, through hand-hewn tunnels and over bridges spanning spectacular gorges.

Kuranda Village: Once you arrive at beautiful Kuranda Station, you have ample time to explore the many and varied shops, as well as the Heritage Markets which operate daily.

Rainforestation: Your shuttle coach will transfer you to Rainforestation, set in 40 hectares of lush gardens and tropical rainforest, where a number of unique attractions await you. Board the unusual amphibious Army Duck for a different look at the rainforest. Also included in your tour is the Koala & Wildlife Park. The shuttle bus will then take you back to Kuranda.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: Board Skyrail, an experience which takes you over the rainforest canopy with stops along the way allowing you to take a stroll or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. Our hostess will meet you on completion of Skyrail and will assist with your return transfer to your accommodation.

Operates: Daily (Subject to black outs for Kuranda maintainance.) Pick-up Between 7:00-8:00am and at Return at 5:30pm (approximately).

Upgrade to Gold Class: Dedicated host service; Individual seating, lounge-style chairs; Quality refreshments including sparkling Australian wine, beer, orange juice, soft drink, ice water, mocktails, tea, coffee and appetisers and a chilled refresher towel during the journey; Ambient, historical décor, including timber look flooring, historical photographs and cedar interior; Kuranda Scenic Railway gift pack including Kuranda Scenic Railway badge, pen, postcard and postage; Souvenir trip guide

(Days 5 & 6) - Free Days to Explore Cairns

Take the day and explore what could be considered the capital of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns!

A major outlet to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest amongst its many attractions, the tropical paradise of Cairns is sure to enchant you. With many area activities centrally located there’s enough to occupy everyone in the family because Cairns literally has it all! Have a visit to the Esplanade where you can experience all walks of life and make memories. With a nightlife that caters to singles and families alike you’re visit will be filled with so many things to do, so take a deep breath and have fun!

Optional Tour (Not Included) - 30min Hot Air Balloon Ride

Scenic morning hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands.

Whether this is your first or one of many, this balloon ride is sure to be one of your favorites. In the morning, head about an hour west for take off to the Atherton Tablelands known for its excellent weather, spectacular scenery, and reliable take off conditions. You will be in awe as you see the largest fleet of hot air balloons prepare to sail the skies. On your ride, take in the picturesque landscapes at sunrise as you fly gently above the Tablelands. Even if you have a fear of heights, you’ll see that your flight is very gentle and stable since you gently lift from the ground making you feel comfortable and safe. Experience the unique sensation of breathing in the crisp air on your 30 minute hot air ballooning ride across the wide-open space. When the burner is off, listen to the sounds around you as the wind whips through the air and the sounds below drift up towards you. After your flight, come back down to Earth for landing and have lots of laughs as you assist in hot air balloon pack-up games.

Operates
Daily; Weekends and Holidays may incur an additional surcharge after booking.
Departs 5:30am, Returns 10:00am (approx.)

Includes
– Shuttle to and from your accommodation
– Hot air balloon ride
– Digital photo package
– Glass of bubbly or juice on landing

Need to Know
– Children must be 3+ to participate in ride
– Women 3+ months pregnant are not permitted to fly
– Weekends and Holidays are an additional cost
– Dress in casual outdoor layered clothing. White clothing not recommended.
– Bring a hat & sunglasses
– Bring a bottle of water
– All tours are weather permitting
– Passengers must be able to climb INTO the basket unaided, so that in the event of an emergency Passengers are also able to climb out of the basket unaided. The side of the basket is approx. 1.2 meters (4ft) high with two footholds for passengers to use like a ladder when climbing into the basket.
– If diving the day before your flight, check with dive master to be sure you can participate. Flight altitude is approximately 2,500 feet. Do not dive the night before your flight.

Upgrades
– Luxury balloon tour (minimum 2 people)
– Private balloon charter for two

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Breakfast Time at The Zoo

Get a wild start to the day and have breakfast with a koala, a python, and other of the zoo’s inquisitive animals.

During breakfast a wildlife keeper will join you, with a koala, to answer all of your ‘wildlife’ questions. It’s a great opportunity to get close to koalas, snakes, and many other animals. Breakfast is a full booked breakfast, plus fresh fruit, fruit juice, cereals, toasts and spread, tea or coffee. Or, for the sweet tooth try our delicious Belgian Waffles with fresh fruit, cream and ice cream. Afterwards, you can enjoy all the wildlife experiences within the zoo.

Breakfast at the zoo is every day from 8:30am for groups, and 9:00am for self drive visitors.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included)- Cape Tribulation & Daintree Wilderness Safari

Enjoy a day exploring the rainforest and amazing landscapes of the Cape Tribulation wilderness area with a visit to Mossman Gorge Center and Cape Tribulation.



Mossman Gorge Centre: Visit the Mossman Gorge Gateway Centre for morning tea before boarding your shuttle for the transfer into Mossman Gorge. Your driver/guide will take you for a guided walk, sharing their knowledge of this enchanting rainforest environment. Learn about the fascinating secrets of one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests.



Daintree River Cruise: Reach an understanding of this wildlife environment for one hour, habitat of birds, tree snakes, unique plants and of course the estuarine crocodile.

Tropical Lunch: With special access at a private rainforest property, enjoy a short walk along a delightful rainforest creek before a delicious tropical lunch. Choice of quality steak, fish or vegetarian meal with fresh salads and fruit platter, followed by coffee or Daintree Tea.

Cape Tribulation: Walk on this world-renowned rainforest beach and admire the coastline and fringing coral reef from the Kulki Lookout.

Daintree Ice Cream Company: Enjoy an afternoon refreshment at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Included is a delicious cup of exotic fruit ice cream, made from fruit grown on their on-site orchard. Gluten / Dairy free options are available.

Alexandra Lookout: After winding through the rainforest of the Alexandra Range, enjoy this spectacular lookout over the Daintree River estuary, Snapper Island and beyond to the Coral Sea.

Operates: Daily (Does not operate on Christmas Day); Departs around 6:45am & Returns around 7:00pm

Includes:
– Return Hotel Transfers
– Professional driver/guide
– Mossman Gorge Centre with Morning Tea
– Driver Guided Walk in Mossman Gorge
– Daintree River Cruise
– Lunch at Noah Valley in rainforest setting
– Cape Tribulation Beach & boardwalk
– Daintree Ice Cream Company
– Alexandra Lookout

Need to Know: Tour not recommended for children under 4yrs due to the length of the tour & time spent in the vehicle.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included)- Chillagoe & Outback Tour

Experience a personalized 4WD tour with expert guides through Queensland’s Chillagoe Outback and McAllister Ranges.

Your naturalist guide will meet you at your accommodation, where you’ll board the custom built 4WD vehicle and travel through the back blocks of the McAllister Ranges and Mareeba. On the way you can spot wallabies, emus and other wildlife, and then along the agricultural paddocks you will have a chance to see paw paw, lychee, longan, mangoes, and other tropical fruiting trees. You’ll stop for morning tea before crossing over the Great Divide and into the Western watershed to enter the Australian Outback, taking you back to prehistoric times when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Travel through historic towns and rolling hills, rich in minerals, eventually giving way to towering limestone karsts scattered around Chillagoe.

Here delve into the National Parks Cave tour. The fossilized remains of the ancient coral reefs with hidden limestone labyrinths give a portal to a lost world. Millions of years in the making, the limestone formations are nothing short of spectacular. Then delve into the history of the copper smelters, whose old chimneys dominate the western horizon. Visit the remains of these once mighty smelters before viewing ancient Aboriginal Rock Art. Afterwards you’ll enjoy an Aussie lunch at a true Australian Outback pub.

After lunch and a visit to the local souvenir shop, you’ll head back towards the east coast, stopping at Granite Gorge where you can feed wallabies and hold other indigenous animals. The tour then returns down the range to Port Douglas.

Operates
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Departs Cairns at 7:00am, Returns 6:00pm (approx.)
Does not operate December 25th and January 1st

Includes
– Return transfers from your hotel
– Small group tour in a premium 4WD
– Morning Tea at Skybury Coffee Plantation
– Visit the local Aboriginal rock art and Balancing Rock
– Local Chillagoe gift shop visit
– Find fossils in ancient limestone casts at Chillagoe
– Explore the famous Chillagoe Caves
– View the Chillagoe smelter ruins
– Visit the wallabies at Granite Gorge

Need to Know
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, camera with extra batteries, water bottle, extra cash for cold drinks, souvenirs or ice cream. Please wear close-toed shoes (required for entering the caves) and weather appropriate clothing. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

Upgrades
Private tours available

(Day 7) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

(Day 7) - Australian Domestic Flight, Cairns to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Brisbane.

(Day 7) - International Flight on Qantas, Brisbane to Los Angeles - (Available Upon Request)

Mid-day Departure from Brisbane, In-flight Dinner and Movie with arrival in the USA. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.

*Terms & Conditions

All prices are in US dollars and correct as at 2 July 2013. Pricing is from “per person” based on Double Occupancy (2 Adults) in hotels. Single Supplements apply. Upgrades available on request (upgrade supplements apply). Additional Day Tours may be purchased and added to your itinerary at a later date (prior to your USA departure). Addition of Day Tours or accommodation upgrades will not attract the $100 change fee, upgrade supplements will apply. This offer is subject to availability. Black-out dates and seasonal supplements will apply. No refunds are allowed. Changes are permitted (fees may apply). Other restrictions may apply. Not combinable with any other offer or discounted vacation package. About Australia reserves the right to adjust the amount of any outstanding balances at any time according to USA Exchange Rate variations. Prices may vary when you book your travel package and are not guaranteed until payment in full is received. Airlines, hotels & tour operators frequently change their prices as a result of rate increases, fuel surcharges, government imposed taxes or fees. Prices may increase prior to full payment for those and/or other reasons. All prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change. After full payment, prices are guaranteed except only due to an increase in government imposed taxes or fees. By paying your deposit, you understand and agree to the possibility of such increases. Qantas flights operating between mainland USA and Australia maybe on a B747 or A380 equipment or a combination thereof depending on itinerary chosen. It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure all visa requirements are complied with. Contact About Australia directly to get a firm quote based on current prices for your travel dates.

Permitted Travel Dates: 3rd July 2013 and 31st March 2014.

Book By: 31st July 2013

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To customize this itinerary, or check ‘availability’ for your travel dates, please use the ‘Request-A-Quote’ button (below)

  • a) All prices are USD$/person (including all Taxes). Subject to availability and seasonality. Other Conditions Apply (see Terms and Conditions).
  • b) Land Content Only represents the pricing for the full itinerary as detailed, except the International Flights from the USA (and return) are NOT included.
  • c) An Infant (Lapchild) must be less than 2 years old on the date of departure. Infant must travel with at least one adult. An infant with a seat pays the price of a Child.
  • d) A Child must be aged between 2-11 years on the date of departure. Child must travel with at least one adult.