Daintree & Cape Tribulation Adventure

Daintree & Cape Tribulation Adventure

6 Days Starting and ending in Cairns, Australia

Visiting: Cairns, Kuranda, Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PZSD

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Snorkeling, Walking

From: $1970 $1478 (USD) Operator discount: -$492 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the Daintree & Cape Tribulation Adventure, a captivating journey through Australia's natural wonders. Begin in Cairns with a First Nations-guided eco-tour, experiencing a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony. Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, and enjoy a nature walk in Mossman Gorge. Visit the Tolga Bat Hospital and witness the sunset over Mareeba Wetlands with Forever Wild. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkelling adventure, swimming with turtles amidst vibrant corals. Conclude your trip with a scenic walk at Kulki Lookout and a refreshing swim at Mason’s Swimming Hole. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes, making it an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Start your trip with an eco-tour of Mandingal Bay in Cairns with a First Nations guide and experience a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.

  • Visit the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, exploring two UNESCO World Heritage areas.

  • Hang out at Tolga Bat Hospital, the country’s largest rehabilitation facility for bats, and learn about their research and advocacy projects.

  • Watch the sunset over the Mareeba Wetlands on a unique wildlife spotting experience hosted by Forever Wild.

  • Witness the expansive Great Barrier Reef on a snorkelling adventure, swimming with turtles off the Daintree coast.

  • Explore the Kuranda Markets and enjoy the scenic views from Barron Falls lookout.

  • Take a refreshing swim at Mossman Gorge and enjoy a nature walk in the Daintree National Park.

  • Visit Kulki Lookout and Mason’s Swimming Hole for stunning views and a tropical swim.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: hotel

Welcome to Cairns! Known as Gimuy in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Cairns is now located, this is the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Cairns with time to spare, you might like to check out the Cairns Botanical Gardens or simply wander the waterfront promenade, popping into any of the local bars that take your fancy.

Day 2: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, head out on a First Nations-guided eco-tour of Mandingal Bay. The Traditional Owners of this land will teach you about Country, where mountains are home to rainforests and vast wetlands are home to local birdlife. Walk to Hills Creek, where the sea meets the fresh water and attend a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Then, join your guide on a rainforest trail and learn about ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs and artefacts as you listen to the sounds of nature. After, you have a free afternoon in Cairns to grab some lunch, head to a local art gallery, explore the aquarium or just soak up some sun on the promenade.

Included Activities:
-Cairns - Mandingalbay First Nations tour

Optional Activities:
-Cairns - Art gallery - Free
-Cairns - Botanical Gardens - Free

Day 3: Kuranda To Mareeba

Location: Kuranda

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, enjoy breakfast and then drive to Kuranda – perched at the top of a mountain. Start with a visit to nearby Barron Falls lookout for the best photo spots, then head into town. You’ll have some time to explore this charming rainforest town and its surroundings at your own pace. Maybe check out the famous Kuranda Markets, or relax at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes, where outdoor dining is one of the joys of the cooler mountain climate. This afternoon, visit the Tolga Bat Hospital – Australia’s largest bat rehabilitation facility. Here you’ll learn about the facility's research, advocacy and community education and make some new upside-down friends. Tonight, you’ll head to the Mareeba Wetlands for an exciting wildlife spotting experience at sunset, hosted by Forever Wild – an organisation that creates community and nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises.

Included Activities:
-Atherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat Hospital
-Mareeba Wetlands - Forever Wild sunset wildlife experience
-Kuranda - Kuranda Markets
-Barron Gorge National Park - Din Din Barron Falls lookout

Optional Activities:
-Kuranda - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
-Kuranda - Kuranda Scenic Railway

Day 4: Mareeba / Mossman Gorge / Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation

Location: Daintree Rainforest

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, head to the idyllic Mossman Gorge for a refreshing morning swim and a nature walk. After, you’ll continue to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage areas – Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest. Head off on another nature walk and immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the rainforest, keeping your eye out for local birdlife. Daintree is over 135 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest in the world! This afternoon, continue exploring the area or kick back and relax at your accommodation.

Included Activities:
-Daintree National Park - Mossman Gorge
-Daintree National Park - Nature Walk

Day 5: Great Barrier Reef / Cape Tribulation

Location: Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, head out on an early morning tour of the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll swim with turtles and snorkel in the pristine waters off the Daintree Coast, visiting two different snorkel locations. What better way to spend a morning!? The rest of the day is free to relax on the beach, swim, take a hike or just find a good spot to sit and people-watch. This is a nature-lovers paradise, so there are plenty of activities and laidback options to choose from.

Included Activities:
-Great Barrier Reef - Half Day Cruise & Snorkelling Experience

Day 6: Daintree Rainforest / Palm Cove / Cairns

Location: Cairns

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning visit Kulki Lookout, where you can stroll along the boardwalk for some iconic views of Cape Tribulation and steep, rainforest-covered slopes that meet the sandy beaches below. Next, head to another boardwalk for a scenic circuit that takes you through dense lowland forests and mangrove-lined creeks. Then visit Mason’s Swimming Hole for a gorgeous tropical swim among lush flora and friendly fish and turtles, where you'll have time to have lunch. When you’re refreshed from a dip in the water, continue to Cairns via the idyllic Palm Cove. On arrival in Cairns your trip will come to an end at around 5 pm. If you want to extend your stay and explore Cairns further, just speak to your booking agent.

Included Activities:
-Cape Tribulation - Kulki walk & lookout
-Cape Tribulation - Mason’s Swimming Hole
-Daintree National Park - Nature Walk

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (5 nights)

  • Meals
    5 breakfasts, 1 dinners

  • Cairns - Mandingalbay First Nations tour

    Experience a First Nations-guided eco-tour of Mandingal Bay in Cairns.

  • Atherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat Hospital

    Visit the Tolga Bat Hospital, Australia's largest bat rehabilitation facility.

  • Mareeba Wetlands - Forever Wild sunset wildlife experience

    Enjoy a sunset wildlife spotting experience at Mareeba Wetlands hosted by Forever Wild.

  • Kuranda - Kuranda Markets

    Explore the famous Kuranda Markets in the charming rainforest town of Kuranda.

  • Barron Gorge National Park - Din Din Barron Falls lookout

    Visit the Barron Falls lookout for stunning photo opportunities.

  • Daintree National Park - Mossman Gorge

    Take a refreshing swim and nature walk at Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park.

  • Daintree National Park - Nature Walk

    Immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the Daintree Rainforest on a nature walk.

  • Great Barrier Reef - Half Day Cruise & Snorkelling Experience

    Embark on a snorkelling adventure at the Great Barrier Reef, swimming with turtles and exploring coral reefs.

  • Cape Tribulation - Kulki walk & lookout

    Stroll along the boardwalk at Kulki Lookout for iconic views of Cape Tribulation.

  • Cape Tribulation - Mason’s Swimming Hole

    Enjoy a tropical swim at Mason’s Swimming Hole among lush flora and friendly fish.

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation on Day 6

    Accommodation is not included on the final day of the tour.

  • Single Supplement

    A Single Supplement can be booked if you prefer not to share a room, subject to availability.

Transport

Private vehicle , Boat

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

START & END TIMESThe trip starts in Cairns with a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 at our joining point hotel and finishes on arrival back in Cairns on Day 6 at around 5 pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.SINGLE SUPPLEMENTA Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with private vehicle transfers and enjoy scenic boat rides as part of the tour's transportation arrangements.

Accommodation

Accommodation throughout the tour may vary, with alternative arrangements made if preferred options are unavailable. Early arrivals may not allow immediate check-in, but luggage storage and shared day rooms are available until rooms are ready.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique cultural experience is included in the tour?

    The tour includes an eco-tour of Mandingal Bay in Cairns with a First Nations guide, where you will experience a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.

  • What wildlife experience can I expect during the tour?

    You will visit the Tolga Bat Hospital, Australia's largest bat rehabilitation facility, and participate in a sunset wildlife spotting experience at the Mareeba Wetlands hosted by Forever Wild.

  • What activities are available at Cape Tribulation?

    At Cape Tribulation, you can enjoy a nature walk, visit Kulki Lookout for iconic views, and swim at Mason's Swimming Hole among lush flora and friendly fish and turtles.

  • What can I expect during the Great Barrier Reef excursion?

    During the Great Barrier Reef excursion, you will have a half-day cruise and snorkeling experience where you can swim with turtles and explore two different snorkel locations off the Daintree Coast.

  • What is the significance of the Daintree Rainforest in this tour?

    The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest in the world, and the tour includes a nature walk to immerse yourself in its unique ecosystem, as well as a visit to Mossman Gorge for a swim and exploration.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

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08-Mar-2024

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Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Tuesday

Feb 06, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025
$1970 $1773 (USD)

Operator discount: -$197 (USD)

Thursday - Tuesday

Feb 20, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025
$1970 $1478 (USD)

Operator discount: -$492 (USD)

Thursday - Tuesday

Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025
$1970 $1773 (USD)

Operator discount: -$197 (USD)

Thursday - Tuesday

Mar 13, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025
$2070 $1863 (USD)

Operator discount: -$207 (USD)

Thursday - Tuesday

Mar 27, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
$2070 $1863 (USD)

Operator discount: -$207 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
$2164 $1948 (USD)

Operator discount: -$216 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$2164 $1948 (USD)

Operator discount: -$216 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

May 10, 2025 - May 15, 2025
$2164 $1948 (USD)

Operator discount: -$216 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025
$2270 $2043 (USD)

Operator discount: -$227 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025
$2270 $2043 (USD)

Operator discount: -$227 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025
$2380 $2142 (USD)

Operator discount: -$238 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025
$2380 $2142 (USD)

Operator discount: -$238 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025
$2380 $2142 (USD)

Operator discount: -$238 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025
$2380 $2142 (USD)

Operator discount: -$238 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025
$2380 $2142 (USD)

Operator discount: -$238 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025
$2270 $2043 (USD)

Operator discount: -$227 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025
$2270 $2043 (USD)

Operator discount: -$227 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025
$2270 $2043 (USD)

Operator discount: -$227 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 25, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
$2164 $1948 (USD)

Operator discount: -$216 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025
$2164 $1948 (USD)

Operator discount: -$216 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025
$2164 $1948 (USD)

Operator discount: -$216 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025
$2270 $2043 (USD)

Operator discount: -$227 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 25, 2025
$2380 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 17, 2026 - Jan 22, 2026
$2380 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 05, 2026
$2380 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 19, 2026
$2270 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 05, 2026
$2165 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 19, 2026
$2165 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026
$2165 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
$2260 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 25, 2026 - Apr 30, 2026
$2260 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

May 09, 2026 - May 14, 2026
$2260 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

May 23, 2026 - May 28, 2026
$2375 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026
$2375 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 25, 2026
$2375 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 09, 2026
$2490 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 23, 2026
$2490 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 06, 2026
$2490 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026
$2490 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 03, 2026
$2490 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026
$2375 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 01, 2026
$2375 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 15, 2026
$2375 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 24, 2026 - Oct 29, 2026
$2260 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026
$2260 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 21, 2026 - Nov 26, 2026
$2260 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 10, 2026
$2375 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
$2490 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 16, 2027 - Jan 21, 2027
$2490 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 30, 2027 - Feb 04, 2027
$2490 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 13, 2027 - Feb 18, 2027
$2375 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 27, 2027 - Mar 04, 2027
$2260 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 13, 2027 - Mar 18, 2027
$2260 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 27, 2027 - Apr 01, 2027
$2260 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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