The Adventurer - 8 Days/7 Nights

The Adventurer is the ultimate in North Queensland touring. This accommodated tour adventure departs from Cairns taking you into some of the most pristine and lush rainforest in the world. This tour combines time in the hinterland and rainforests of North Queensland with the opportunity to also sail, snorkel and see the famous Great Barrier Reef. Living up to its name The Adventurer will provide you with 8 Days and 7 Nights of experiences sure to stay with you forever, on this unique journey you can sail, mountain bike ride, swim in waterfalls, white water raft and swim with the sealife, not to mention all inclusive meals and accommodation throughout the tour duration.

Itinerary

Day 1: Orientation & Sunset Cruise (D)
Tour participants meet at The Hotel Cairns at 4.00pm in the Lobby. Here you will be met by your guide and will walk to the pier for orientation and welcome drink. Embark upon sunset cruise from 5.30pm through till 7pm, disembark for dinner at Waterfront Restaurant. Night 1 accommodation- The Hotel Cairns

Day 2: Aboriginal Culture, Mossman Gorge & Australian Wildlife (B, L & D)
After breakfast, meet in the lobby of The Hotel Cairns at 8am. Journey begins north with 1 hour and 15 minute scenic drive to Mossman (additional stop at Ellis Beach may be requested - altering travel time).

Aboriginal Guided walk through Daintree National Park from 11.00-12.20pm. The walk is followed by tea, damper and didgeridoo playing. Continue on for another short guided walk in the gorge with an additional 30 minutes to explore the gorge on your own whilst guides set up picnic lunch. Walk back and depart for Mossman at 1.30pm. By 2.00pm arrive at Rainforest Habitat; spend 2.5 hours here enjoying Australian Wildlife - get up close to Kangaroos and Emus and have the opportunity to have your picture taken holding a koala. At 4.30pm tour arrives to Port Douglas township, with some free time to see 4 Mile Beach and the shops of the main street of Port Douglas. Dinner is at 6.00pm at a Port Douglas Restaurant. At 7.30pm begin the return drive to Cairns (1 hour) accommodation for the night at The Hotel Cairns.

Day 3: Hiking in Wooroonooran National Park & Waterfalls (B, L & D)
After breakfast meet in lobby at 8.00am ready for journey to Wooroonooran National Park. First stop to the entry of the Milla Milla Falls and The Waterfalls Circuit at 9.45am, with the chance to swim beneath the falls. Depart the waterfalls at 10.30am and continue journey, arriving at Wooroonooran National Park at approximately 10.50am. Here guides will take you through the Nandroya Falls Hike - circuit track runs through the rainforest, reaching the stunning Nandroya Falls midway, lunch will be prepared and served at the falls, with the opportunity for a swim. The hike will take approximately 3 hours, depart Nandroya Falls trailhead at 3.00pm and head to The Sanctuary Retreat in Bingil Bay, north of Mission Beach.

Day 4: Whitewater Rafting over the Tully River (B, L & D)
After breakfast depart The Sanctuary Retreat at 8.00am. Arrive at RnR Rafting Rafters Café at 8.30am for Whitewater Rafting briefing before gearing up and heading to river entry point 20 minutes away. Each raft will take 5 people and a guide. The first stretch of whitewater rafting will take approximately 2 hours, stopping for riverside lunch, then continuing on for another 2-3 hours to the rafting take out point. From here you are transferred back to the Rafters Café to see the day's photos. DVD and photos from the day will be available to purchase (additional cost). Depart at approximately 4.30pm from Rafters Café and return to Sanctuary Retreat.

Day 5: Mountain Biking & Little Mulgrave Valley (B & L)
After breakfast, depart Sanctuary Retreat at 8.00am for Little Mulgrave Valley for Mountain Bike riding. At 9.30am you will be presented with your Norco Mountain Bike, helmet and water bottle that clips on bike. Guide will review basic mountain biking techniques for beginners. The ride will follow a beautiful and easy route along the Little Musgrave River which is mostly shaded by the rainforest canopy. The second track is a more challenging single track route with multiple ascents and descents, participants can choose their route or do both depending on fitness and energy levels. After biking guides will lead the way to shaded swimming hole to cool off. Finish biking and return to Mountain View Hotel for a 12.30pm real authentic Aussie pub lunch. At 2.00pm begin the return journey back to The Hotel Cairns; upon arrival participants have the remainder of the day as free time.

Day 6: Great Barrier Reef Sailing, Snorkelling & Diving (B, L, & D)
After Breakfast, tour participants are to walk directly to the Marina to Finger D (8-10 minute walk from The Hotel Cairns) to board the Vagabond Reef Boat. Meet at Cairns Marina at 7.45am and set sail at 8.30am, for those prone to seasickness it is wise to take ginger tablets half an hour before commencing sail. There will be options to scuba dive or to do a one-on-one intro dive with an instructor. At approximately 10.30am Vagabond will arrive at its first reef dive spot. The rest of the day is spent snorkelling or optional diving at several different sites. Please note- Intro Dives, Certified Dives, Reef Tax $20 pp and Ginger tablets are additional costs.

Day 7: Great Barrier Reef Sailing, Snorkelling & Diving (B, L & D)
Wake up surrounded by the beautiful Coral Sea, spend the day snorkelling or scuba diving as Vagabond bases itself around the dive sites of Moore Reef, their roving permit allows you to also visit other reefs off Cairns such as Elford, Thetford and Briggs Reefs as well as the Michaelmas and Upolu Cays. The boat captain will choose the best sites on the day according to the weather and wind conditions. In the afternoon begin the sail back with approximate arrival to Cairns Marina at 4.30pm. Return to The Hotel Cairns and refresh before meeting downstairs at 6.30pm for Farewell Dinner to be held in a Cairns restaurant.

Day 8: Departure or Extension (B)
Guests can either enjoy last breakfast at The Hotel Cairns or extend their stay. The Hotel Cairns can arrange transfers back to the Cairns Airports (additional cost).

Highlights

2 Full Days Sailing the Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling or Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef Aboriginal Guided Walk & Hiking in Daintree & Wooroonooran National Parks Mountain Bike Riding the Little Mulgrave Valley White Water Rafting the Tully River

Inclusions

7 x Breakfasts 6 x Lunches 6 x Dinners All accommodation in 4-star eco-lodge, boutique hotel and on live aboad boat All transportation to activities Naturalist Guide throughout Bike hire, rafting equipment and snorkel gear & wetsuit hire Rainforest tree planted in each guests name Field guide, cloth shopping bag and water bottle

Times

Departures 2010:
Mar 29-April 5
April 26-May 3
May 24-31
June 28-July 5
July 19- 26
Aug 9- 16
Aug 30-Sept 6
Sept 27-Oct 4
Oct 25-Nov 1
Nov 22- 29
Dec 20- 27

Departures 2011:
Jan 10- 17
Feb 07- 14
Mar 14-21

Additional Information

Children: 4-14 years child rates apply - however please note that white water rafting component minimum age 13 years old
What to Bring: Casual comfortable clothing is recommended for daywear. Warm layered clothing for winter. Good covered walking shoes, hat, camera, sunscreen and bottled water
Scuba Diving: Please note additional costs apply, payable direct for Scuba Diving, if desired. Diving medicals prior to departure are required and are the responsibility of the traveller
Operated By: Small World Journeys