Kuranda and Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard

Combine your full-day adventure at Kuranda, the famous “village in the rainforest” with an overnight stay on the Great Barrier Reef. Get the best of both worlds with this Kuranda and Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard package.

Kuranda is a picturesque village surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest. Consequently, the journey to and from Kuranda is an experience all on its own.

Hop on board Kuranda Scenic Railway. You will love the journey winding through dense rainforest and past magnificent waterfalls. After that, return by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. On Skyrail, you will float above the trees. Meanwhile, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the rainforest canopy.

Above all, Australia’s floating hotel “Reef Encounter” is one of the most unique holiday escapes in Australia. Reef Encounter offers the facilities of a land-based resort. Cruise the pristine waters of the marvellous Great Barrier Reef.

Participate in snorkelling and scuba diving to explore this magical underwater world. Enjoy stunning sunrises & sunsets on the Great Barrier Reef, all while enjoying the facilities of our luxurious liveaboard vessel.

Kuranda Train, Skyrail and Rainforestation

Combining the Scenic Train journey with the world famous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Above all, it’s the best way to experience this World Heritage-listed Tropical Rainforest.

During the 90-minute train journey, you will climb over 40 small bridges and through many dark tunnels. Also, learn about the Pioneering history of the Tropical North.

After that, explore the world-famous markets. Kuranda Heritage Market offers a wide range of artisan products. Locally-designed and made fashion and local produce. Meanwhile, keep your eye out for hand-crafted jewellery, leather products, woodwork and gemstones.

Explore Rainforestation

Rainforestation is home to the Army Duck Rainforest Tours on land and water. In addition to the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. As well as a wildlife park that is home to many native Australian animals. Moreover, this unique tourist attraction is set on 100 acres of World Heritage Rainforest.

In conclusion on Skyrail, you’ll glide just meters above the rainforest canopy. Before descending through the canopy layers. Secondly, you will have the opportunity to stop at two stations. Barron Falls and Red Peak Station. Here, you will enjoy stunning views in addition to rainforest boardwalks. Most importantly, there are fantastic interpretive centres at these locations.

Kuranda Tour Inclusions

  • Kuranda Scenic Railway
  • Kuranda Village
  • Rainforestation Nature Park
  • Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
  • Army Duck Rainforest Tour
  • Koala & Wildlife Park
  • BBQ Buffet Lunch
  • Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
  • Return Transfers to and from Cairns City Accommodation 

Kuranda Tour Itinerary

  • 7:30 am Pick up from your Cairns Accommodation.
  • 8:50 am Secondly,  board the Kuranda Scenic Railway at the Freshwater Heritage Train Station.
  • 10:30 am Arrive Kuranda Railway Station.
  • 11:45 am Meet at the bus stop outside the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Transfer to Rainforestation Nature Park.
  • BBQ Lunch. Enjoy a delicious hot buffet and a wide selection of salads, cheeses and fruits.
  • Army Duck Rainforest Tour with Tropical Fruit Orchard.
  • Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience.
  • Meanwhile, learn to throw a boomerang and watch spear-throwing in addition to didgeridoo playing.
  • Koala & Wildlife Park. Join a guided tour, and see crocodiles, wombats, snakes, dingoes and a cassowary. Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies.
  • The opportunity to have your photo taken. Cuddle a koala or hold a small crocodile (Optional extra).
  • 3:45 pm Transfer to Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Terminal.
  •  5:15 pm Your Kuranda and Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard coach will be at the Caravonica Skyrail Terminal to transfer you to your accommodation.

Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard 

Reef Encounter is the perfect liveaboard trip for anyone wishing to experience the Great Barrier Reef in comfort and style.

Spending its time floating between different spectacular outer reef locations. Therefore, Reef Encounter ensures that any keen snorkeler or scuba diver will get to experience the best that the Reef has to offer.

About the Vessel

Reef Encounter features purpose-built dive and snorkel platforms. As a result, this provides easy access for snorkelling and scuba diving. The vessel is equipped with two compressors for quick air refills.

Our spacious liveaboard features a large lounge and dining area. Likewise, there is ample deck space, a vast sundeck & loungers.

There is also an outdoor heated spa for relaxation during your free time. Importantly, unlimited hot showers are also available. Unlike most liveaboard boats, Reef Encounter makes its own freshwater.

Also, accommodation, dining and facilities can cater to most people’s needs. Please inform us if you have any special requirements. For example; dietary, allergies, disability/mobility issues.

Reef Encounter is also equipped with a helipad. Perfect for those opting to transfer to and from the vessel by Helicopter! Please note helicopter transfers an optional extra. You can select this during your booking process.

Reef Encounter Facilities

  • Air conditioning
  • Modern Ocean-View rooms
  • Private Bathrooms
  • Large Dining Area
  • Bar and Lounge area
  • Onboard heated spa
  • Onboard water desalination Plant
  • Hydraulic dive/Snorkel Platform
  • Helipad
  • Large Sundeck

Our Rooms

All rooms include

  • Air conditioning
  • Ocean Views
  • Private ensuite Bathrooms
  • Australian power outlets
  • Towels
  • Toiletries (Soap & Shampoo)

Snorkel & Dive Packages

Choose from the following packages

Your Great Barrier Reef Stay Includes

  • Onboard accommodation with private bathroom
  • Coffee, Tea, and water
  • Breakfast, lunch, in addition to dinner freshly prepared by our onboard chef
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Scuba diving equipment (with purchase of diving package)
  • Glass Bottom Boat Tours
  • Marine Biologist presentation
  • All Government Reef Tax and Levies

What to Bring

  • Small overnight bag. For example, no bigger than standard airline carry-on baggage.
  • For safety reasons, Reef Encounter has a “No Shoe” policy. (There is no need to bring extra pairs of shoes).
  • Cash or credit card for purchases of snacks from the bar/souvenirs for sale on board or underwater camera hire.
  • Sun hat, swimming clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, light casual clothing.
  • The air-conditioning is on a set temperature for the heat during the day. Consequently, it can become quite cool in the evenings. Therefore, a light pullover or cardigan should be packed.

Optional Extras

  • Underwater camera hire available
  • Wetsuits
  • Prescription masks
  • Snacks and drinks from the bar
  • Dive guide
  • Diving packages & courses
  • Night diving for introductory divers
  • Nitrox available

Important Information

Please Note: Accommodation is not included on the night between liveaboard & Kuranda Tour

For Reef Encounter’s full itinerary, click here.

Room check-in time is 10:00 am, with check out time at 8:00 am on the morning of departure. Access to a shared transfer/baggage room with bathroom is available in addition to all other boat facilities.

Safety Comes First

We have a passion for showing you Australia’s Great Barrier Reef; therefore, please make sure you understand the scuba diving laws.

Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world but indeed the safest scuba diving record.

The Queensland Government Code of Practice regulates us, and we comply with all rules, including medical as is the law.

Consequently, to avoid disappointment on your Kuranda and Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard, we therefore strongly recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire.

Some medical conditions, age and medications may prevent you from scuba diving.

Above all, it is always our mission to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef experience.

Reef Encounter Medical Questionnaire

In conclusion, we are delighted to help you with any questions you may have about the Kuranda and Luxury Reef Liveaboard.  Please contact our office on 07 4037 2700 or email us.

Or you may like to consult your Doctor for a Dive Medical using the Australian Standard Forms’ AS.4005.1

Flying after Scuba Diving

For a single no-decompression scuba dive, so you should not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive.

If you complete multiple dives, you should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive. For example, if Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after your dive. Also, we recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible
from $755
from $633
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Included

Twin Bed Stateroom Cabin - Reef Encounter

Reef Encounter Stateroom

Twin Share

2 x Single beds, ensuite Stateroom. Share with another guest

Grand Kuranda – Train, Skyrail, Rainforestation, Butterflies and Lunch

Grand Kuranda - Ex Cairns (CKBB)

Combining the Scenic Train journey with the world famous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Rainforestation including lunch is a great way to experience this World Heritage listed tropical rainforest and Kuranda.

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