North Queensland Getaway to Discover Chillagoe, The Great Barrier Reef and the  Daintree Rainforest.

This North Queensland getaway includes exploring the outback and Chillagoe, an overnight stay on the Great Barrier Reef and one day in the Daintree Rainforest.

During this tour, we visit two World Heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of North Queensland.

Visitors can do this tour package in the order that suits them best, and you can stay longer than one night on the Great Barrier Reef.

First, discover our North Queensland Outback and Chillagoe’s spectacular limestone caves.

Next, sleep on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and explore this fantastic Natural wonder.

Then, spend a day exploring the oldest living rainforest on the planet, the Daintree Rainforest.

Visitors can enjoy this North Queensland Getaway package in any order, and you can do it over more days.

Day 1 – Outback and Chillagoe Caves

Embark on a remarkable journey back to prehistoric times.  This tour is a wildlife lover paradise with many Aussie species to spot along the way.

During this tour, visitors can observe small galleries of Aboriginal rock art and jagged limestone outcrops.  The Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park is rich in natural and cultural heritage.

Next, take a step back in time as we travel through historical towns and rolling hills.  Then delve into the history of the copper smelters.  It’s time to enjoy a delicious lunch at the local Aussie outback pub.   After all, we want you to experience the best of Australia.

Then we set off on the Chillagoe cave tour before heading back to Cairns.

Days 2 and 3  Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

Next, explore one of Australia’s remarkable gifts: the “Great Barrier Reef”.  Live and sleep on the Reef.  See it at its best, day and night!  Snorkel off the boat onto pristine coral reefs that will take your breath away.   During your stay, there will be many opportunities to have unforgettable encounters with marine life, so make sure you have your underwater camera ready.

Step aboard Cairns Liveaboard Reef Encounter

One of the most unique holiday escapes in Australia.  Enjoy the sunset over the Reef, stargaze, snorkel, and scuba dive this stunning coral Reef during your stay.

You’ll have time to enjoy the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the Magnificent marine life.

Reef Encounter is a floating hotel on the Great Barrier Reef.  During your time aboard, Reef Encounter will move to different outer Barrier Reef Sites.  Transfers to Reef Encounter are daily via our Vessel Reef Experience.   While you are there, head upstairs at night to see the best views of the Milky Way and Southern Cross.

Reef Encounter Facilities

Air-conditioning  ocean-view staterooms Private bathrooms Large dining area, bar and lounge area, Onboard heated spa On board water desalination plant Hydraulic dive and snorkel platform Helipad

Day  4 – Daintree Rainforest

Then journey to the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest.  You boast 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.

Next, stop in at beautiful seaside towns along the way.  While we tour Port Douglas, we will view the 4-mile beach from Flagstaff Hill lookout.

Then experience the magic of the Mossman Gorge.  Next, enjoy a Daintree river cruise through the domain of the large estuarine crocodiles.  The knowledgeable guides will point out an array of wildlife along the way.

Enter the Daintree Rainforest.  As you make your way, marvel at the lush Rainforest towering over narrow winding roads.  Along the way, there are opportunities to take stunning photographs.    Keep an eye out for tree kangaroos and cassowaries along the way.

We will be delighted to assist if you require accommodation during your North Queensland Getaway.

Accommodation is only included for the Great Barrier Reef liveaboard. 

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 $680
from $610
BookRead policies

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 Luxury Tour

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

Book

Reviews

There are no reviews yet

Add a review

12345