Australia's Reef & Rainforest

20 days
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Small Group Tour
Embark on a sailing adventure around the Whitsunday Islands, and also spend a full day exploring the Great Barrier Reef – snorkelling over a great underwater spectacle. Enjoy a day trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Rainforest Cableway, and two nights in Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks - remote headlands which beautifully combine rainfore...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Enjoy a two day sailing adventure around the Whitsunday islands
    • Experience a full day snorkelling excursion to the Great Barrier Reef
    • Explore Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks
    • Discover Lady Elliot Island and Fraser Island

What's this trip about?

    Embark on a sailing adventure around the Whitsunday Islands, and also spend a full day exploring the Great Barrier Reef – snorkelling over a great underwater spectacle. Enjoy a day trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Rainforest Cableway, and two nights in Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks - remote headlands which beautifully combine rainforest, beaches and glistening corals. The Atherton tablelands’ landscape features rainforest, wetlands and savannah and are home to tree kangaroos and the rare platypus for a real Australian encounter. Visit Fraser Island, not only the largest sand island in the world but the only place on Earth where tall rainforests grow on sand dunes at elevations of more than 650 feet, and home to the most pure strain of dingoes remaining in eastern Australia. Feel like a modern-day castaway on Lady Elliot Island and go diving or snorkelling to see giant Manta rays, colourful corals and fish, turtles and dolphins.Explore Queensland's rainforests and reefs

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityLondon
End CityLondon

Travel Themes

  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Australia

Attractions

  • Cairns
  • Daintree
  • Daintree National Park
  • Great Barrier Reef

Activities

  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London late in the evening.

Depart London late in the evening.

Day 2 Flying via Singapore.

Flying via Singapore.

Day 3 Arrive Cairns.

The group flights usually arrive into Cairns in the late morning. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel by the early afternoon. Free transfers are available for all clients. In the late afternoon there will be an orientation city walk followed by sun...

Day 4 Day trip with Kuranda Scenic Railway and Rainforest Cableway.

Today we visit Kuranda, a picturesque mountain retreat 25km northwest of Cairns, surrounded by rainforest. Here we can discover the living colour and natural beauty of a World Heritage listed rainforest that's millions of years old and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere ...

Day 5 Full day snorkelling excursion on the Great Barrier Reef.

Today we experience the adventure of snorkelling, diving (optional, at an extra cost) and sailing on the Great Barrier Reef. The day starts early as we board our boat at 7:30am and sail at 8:00am. Our high-performance catamaran sails from Cairns to two unique loca...

Day 6 Transfer to Daintree National Park visiting Mossman Gorge en route.

We transfer to Daintree National Park today, visiting the Mossman Gorge en route. Mossman Gorge contains the oldest surviving rainforest on earth with cool streams, towering mountains and a dramatic gorge. We visit the Mossman Gorge Centre, a new Indigenous eco-to...

Day 7 Full day at Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks.

Spend a full day exploring the Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation. In the morning we embark on an hour-long cruise through the mangroves at Cooper Creek which winds its way from Cooper Creek’s Coral Sea mouth towards the panorama of Queensland’s third hig...

Day 8 Transfer to Yungaburra; afternoon visit the tablelands.

Travel to Yungaburra today, a journey that will take us approximately 4 hours including stops. In the afternoon we discover the heritage listed town of Yungaburra and the surrounding tablelands, which are home to the rare platypus, Tree kangaroos, and in season, t...

Day 9 Transfer to Mount Surprise; afternoon explore the Australian outback.

Not far from Yungaburra are the renowned crater lakes of Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine. Both have walking tracks around their circumferences, one of which we will walk this morning. We then travel to Mount Surprise (approx. 4 hours) where we can experience life in t...

Day 10 Morning visit the Undara Lava Tubes; afternoon transfer to Charters Towers.

This morning we visit the Undara Lava Tubes. In Undara Volcanic National Park, rich volcanic basalt soils, covered in a sea of seasonal grasses, conceal the Undara lava tube, one of the longest lava tube cave systems in the world. About 190,000 years ago, a large ...

Day 11 Transfer to Airlie Beach.

Before we depart for Airlie Beach, we discover the old gold mining town of Charters Towers. When gold was first discovered in Charters Towers in 1871, it became a gold rush town and quickly grew to become the second largest town in Queensland. Today, the magnifice...

Day 12 Sailing around the Whitsunday islands

We spend the next two days on a private sailing adventure around the Whitsunday Islands, with a typical voyage covering around 160 kms. We set sail at 8:00am with a visit to the infamous Whitehaven Beach and a guided bush walk up to the ever talked about Hill Inle...

Day 13 Sailing around the Whitsunday islands; to Airlie Beach.

We continue sailing around the Whitsunday Islands today on our way back to Airlie Beach. Pass along the western coast of Whitsunday Island, through Hook Passage and follow the eastern coast of Hook Island. Hook Island is nearly uninhabited and offers some excellen...

Day 14 Transfer to Hervey Bay.

A long day of driving today as we make our way south along the tropical Queensland coast, passing by rainforest, lakes and beaches stretching to the Great Barrier Reef and taking us through sugar cane country before reaching Hervey Bay. Today’s journey will take 10 to 11 hours including stops. Accommodation: The Beach Motel or similar *Comfortable Hotel*

Day 15 To Fraser Island.

Transfer to nearby River Heads for our ferry over to the heritage listed Fraser Island, a journey which will take just under an hour.  Be dwarfed by the ancient, gravity defying rainforests growing out of only sand and explore the freshwater lakes and spectacular ...

Day 16 Full day on Fraser Island including Lake McKenzie.

On this beautiful day off-roading in a custom-designed 4WD vehicle, we visit the top natural attractions of the island. Paddle in the crystal clear blue water of Lake McKenzie with its pure white sandy shores and visit the lush rainforest at Central Station and re...

Day 17 Fly to Lady Elliot Island; afternoon snorkelling.

Day 18 Discover Lady Elliot Island, known for turtles and Manta rays.

Today is free for you to explore Lady Island and enjoy the included activities.  For those keen on snorkelling there are several options, including a glass bottom boat/guided snorkelling tour or snorkel safaris. Visibility is over 20 metres for much of the year an...

Day 19 Fly to Hervey Bay; to Brisbane and depart.

After breakfast we board the return scenic flight bound for Hervey Bay, from where we continue to Brisbane where our adventure ends. Thsoe on the group flights will be transferred directly to the airport for their flight to London.

Day 20 Arrive London.

Arrive London.

Land Only

Day 1 Start Cairns and overnight.

The group flights usually arrive into Cairns in the late morning. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel by the early afternoon. Free transfers are available for all clients. In the late afternoon there will be an orientation city walk followed by sun...

Day 2 Day trip with Kuranda Scenic Railway and Rainforest Cableway.

Today we visit Kuranda, a picturesque mountain retreat 25km northwest of Cairns, surrounded by rainforest. Here we can discover the living colour and natural beauty of a World Heritage listed rainforest that's millions of years old and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere ...

Day 3 Full day snorkelling excursion on the Great Barrier Reef.

Today we experience the adventure of snorkelling, diving (optional, at an extra cost) and sailing on the Great Barrier Reef. The day starts early as we board our boat at 7:30am and sail at 8:00am. Our high-performance catamaran sails from Cairns to two unique loca...

Day 4 Transfer to Daintree National Park visiting Mossman Gorge en route.

We transfer to Daintree National Park today, visiting the Mossman Gorge en route. Mossman Gorge contains the oldest surviving rainforest on earth with cool streams, towering mountains and a dramatic gorge. We visit the Mossman Gorge Centre, a new Indigenous eco-to...

Day 5 Full day at Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks.

Spend a full day exploring the Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation. In the morning we embark on an hour-long cruise through the mangroves at Cooper Creek which winds its way from Cooper Creek’s Coral Sea mouth towards the panorama of Queensland’s third hig...

Day 6 Transfer to Yungaburra; afternoon visit the tablelands.

Travel to Yungaburra today, a journey that will take us approximately 4 hours including stops. In the afternoon we discover the heritage listed town of Yungaburra and the surrounding tablelands, which are home to the rare platypus, Tree kangaroos, and in season, t...

Day 7 Transfer to Mount Surprise; afternoon explore the Australian outback.

Not far from Yungaburra are the renowned crater lakes of Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine. Both have walking tracks around their circumferences, one of which we will walk this morning. We then travel to Mount Surprise (approx. 4 hours) where we can experience life in t...

Day 8 Morning visit the Undara Lava Tubes; afternoon transfer to Charters Towers.

This morning we visit the Undara Lava Tubes. In Undara Volcanic National Park, rich volcanic basalt soils, covered in a sea of seasonal grasses, conceal the Undara lava tube, one of the longest lava tube cave systems in the world. About 190,000 years ago, a large ...

Day 9 Transfer to Airlie Beach.

Before we depart for Airlie Beach, we discover the old gold mining town of Charters Towers. When gold was first discovered in Charters Towers in 1871, it became a gold rush town and quickly grew to become the second largest town in Queensland. Today, the magnifice...

Day 10 Sailing around the Whitsunday islands

We spend the next two days on a private sailing adventure around the Whitsunday Islands, with a typical voyage covering around 160 kms. We set sail at 8:00am with a visit to the infamous Whitehaven Beach and a guided bush walk up to the ever talked about Hill Inle...

Day 11 Sailing around the Whitsunday islands; to Airlie Beach.

We continue sailing around the Whitsunday Islands today on our way back to Airlie Beach. Pass along the western coast of Whitsunday Island, through Hook Passage and follow the eastern coast of Hook Island. Hook Island is nearly uninhabited and offers some excellen...

Day 12 Transfer to Hervey Bay.

A long day of driving today as we make our way south along the tropical Queensland coast, passing by rainforest, lakes and beaches stretching to the Great Barrier Reef and taking us through sugar cane country before reaching Hervey Bay. Today’s journey will take 10 to 11 hours including stops. Accommodation: The Beach Motel or similar *Comfortable Hotel*

Day 13 To Fraser Island.

Transfer to nearby River Heads for our ferry over to the heritage listed Fraser Island, a journey which will take just under an hour.  Be dwarfed by the ancient, gravity defying rainforests growing out of only sand and explore the freshwater lakes and spectacular ...

Day 14 Full day on Fraser Island including Lake McKenzie.

On this beautiful day off-roading in a custom-designed 4WD vehicle, we visit the top natural attractions of the island. Paddle in the crystal clear blue water of Lake McKenzie with its pure white sandy shores and visit the lush rainforest at Central Station and re...

Day 15 Fly to Lady Elliot Island; afternoon snorkelling.

Day 16 Discover Lady Elliot Island, known for turtles and Manta rays.

Today is free for you to explore Lady Island and enjoy the included activities.  For those keen on snorkelling there are several options, including a glass bottom boat/guided snorkelling tour or snorkel safaris. Visibility is over 20 metres for much of the year an...

Day 17 Fly to Hervey Bay; to Brisbane and end.

After breakfast we board the return scenic flight bound for Hervey Bay, from where we continue to Brisbane where our adventure ends. Thsoe on the group flights will be transferred directly to the airport for their flight to London.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,365
Price per day$418
Last Updated: 7/16/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exodus Travels.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
What they’re known for
Global trips to both classic and exotic destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and discovery of local culture.

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Logistics

Accommodation

11 nights comfortable hotels and eco-lodges, all with en suite facilities, and 1 night on sailboat with shared facilities Travel by minibus and on boats,
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners included. Most breakfasts are English style ‘full breakfast’, some are buffet style and some Continental style with cereals, fruit, juice and coffee. Three of the included lunches and one dinner are served aboard sailing boats – expect simple but wholesome and fresh food. One included lunch and two of the included dinners are buffet style, while the other two included dinners are 2-course with a set menu. Vegetarians are generally well catered for although please be sure to advise us of any specific dietary requirements before departure.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 14 nights comfortable hotels and eco-lodges, 1 night standard hotel, and 1 night sailboat with shared facilities
  • Travel by minibus, by boat and light aircraft
Trip ID
exodus-WLA

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