Forest walks and coastal hikes through Australia’s oldest, richest wetlands

Home to one of the world’s oldest surviving rainforests, the wet tropics of Queensland flourish with rare flora and fauna—a living museum of over 400 million years of ecological history. Our eight-day trek of this species-rich area takes us on a circuit from the heart of Daintree National Park—home to two World Heritage Sites—to the volcanic craters of the Atherton Tablelands, and down to the reefs and beaches along the coastline near Cairns. Watch for kangaroos and cassowaries at Cape Tribulation, hunt for hidden waterfalls and tangled mangrove forests, and encounter wild crocodiles—from a safe distance, of course—on a ferry cruise down the Daintree River. An aboriginal forest guide will walk us through the wooded wetlands, where we’ll learn the traditional survival uses of plants for foods, medicines, and shelter. We’ll sleep in the heart of the rainforest in the historic tableland village of Yungaburra, and on Queensland’s unparalleled coastline at idyllic Mission Beach.

Activities

8 days of easy to moderate hiking and touring, snorkeling, swimming

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the Daintree UNESCO World Hertiage area, where the rainforest meets the reef
• Learn how the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people lived in the tropical rainforests
• Spot unusual wildlife such as azure Ulysses butterflies, platypus, cassowaries, crocodiles
• Unwind at beautiful Mission Beach, where all rooms have ocean views
• Snorkel on the world's largest reef system, The Great Barrier Reef

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Cairns End Location: Cairns

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Welcome to Cairns

  Arrive to Cairns and enjoy a welcome dinner.

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  Day 2 : Cairns to the Daintree National Park

  Hike in Barron Gorge National Park, the ferry ride across the Daintree River in Daintree National Park. Possible crocodile encounters.

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  Day 3 : Cape Tribulation

  After breakfast, our Daintree walk starts out along a picturesque stretch of sandy beach to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.

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  Day 4 : Kuku Yalanji bush tucker walk

  Learn how the aborigines prepared and used various rainforest plants for shelter, medicines, and food on a bush tucker walk with Kuku forest guides. Hike historic "Bump Track," used by early settlers to move supplies from the coast to the Atherton Tablelands.

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  Day 5 : Atherton Tablelands

  Enjoy a day of exploring the Atherton Tablelands, its volcanic formations and crater lakes.

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  Day 6 : Millaa Millaa Falls

  An entire day of visiting waterfalls, including Millaa Millaa and Nandroya Falls.

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  Day 7 : Dunk Island & The Great Barrier Reef

  Travel to Dunk Island by ferry and spend the day enjoying the island.

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  Day 8 : Depart for Cairns

  After a morning snorkel and breakfast, return back to Cairns.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File