Discover the Outback, Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest in our North Queensland Getaway
North Queensland Getaway allows you to sleep on one of the natural wonders of the world Australia’s Great Barrier Reef!
Spend a day exploring the oldest living rainforest on the planet, the Daintree Rainforest. Discover our North Queensland Outback in addition to Chillagoe’s spectacular limestone caves.
You can do our North Queensland Getaway package in any order.
Outback and Chillagoe Caves
Chillagoe was once a thriving mining town for a range of minerals. With a population of fewer than 200 people today. The landscape is rugged limestone. In other words, a sharp contrast to the rolling green hills of the distant Central Tablelands.
Travel through historic towns and visit a coffee plantation. Moving on, you reach the towering limestone karsts around Chillagoe Township.
Visit the remains of the once-mighty copper smelters of Chillagoe. Before a delicious lunch at ‘the pub’. In addition, enjoy a guided tour through the spectacular Chillagoe Caves.
You will see aboriginal rock art and visit the Balancing Rock before travelling back to Cairns with a stop at Dimbulah and Granite Gorge.
In conclusion, you’ll have a fantastic day full of history, wonder, and wildlife!
Outback & Chillagoe Caves Inclusions
- Chillagoe Caves Australian Outback Tour courtesy pick up
- Morning tea at Skybury coffee
- Ranger-guided Chillagoe caves
- Balancing rock
- Outback Aussie lunch at a 100-year-old pub
- Chillagoe smelter ruins
- Aboriginal rock art
- Tropical fruit tasting
- Hand feed the wallabies at Granite Gorge
Outback & Chillagoe Caves Highlights
- Travel off the beaten track down exclusive 4WD back roads
- Visit Skybury coffee plantation
- Australian wildlife spotting
- Pass through historic mining ghost towns in addition to small outback communities
- Visit the local Aboriginal Rock Art and Balancing Rock
- Find fossils in ancient limestone casts at Chillagoe
- Explore the famous Chillagoe Caves
- View the once-booming Chillagoe smelter ruins
- Outback Aussie lunch in a 100-year-old pub
- Feed the wallabies at Granite Gorge and see local wildlife
- Small-group tour in a luxury 4WD
Outback & Chillagoe Caves Itinerary
Discover the Outback in Far North Queensland
Firstly, your Chillagoe Caves Australian Outback Tour begins at 6.45 am. With pickup from your Cairns accommodation. After that, ascend the McAllister Ranges and head to our first stop at Skybury Coffee Plantation. Next, you will get the chance to look for many different species of wildlife. For example; Emus, Wedge Tail Eagles, Squatter Pigeons, Kangaroos, and Frilled Neck Lizards.
4WD through the Outback
Board the custom-built 4WD vehicle and travel through the back blocks of this wetland area. Before crossing over the Great Divide and into the Western watershed. You are now in the Australian Outback! Take a step back in time as you travel through historical Australian outback towns.
Now it’s time for a beautiful lunch at a real Australian Outback Pub. Built back at the turn of the century. After lunch, you will set off to have a look at this historical town en route to your National Parks guided cave tour.
Explore the famous Chillagoe Caves
Enjoy an informative guided tour through the Chillagoe caves. Millions of years in the making, the limestone formations and Chillagoe Caves are nothing short of spectacular. Meanwhile, visit the Aboriginal Rock Art and the Balancing Rock.
On the way home
After the cave tour, head back towards the east coast. You will visit Granite Gorge and subsequently get the chance to hand-feed rock wallabies.
The tour then returns to Cairns via the Kuranda range. Return to Cairns at approximately 6:30 pm.
What to Bring
The Great Barrier Reef
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. Reef Encounter ensures that any keen snorkeler or scuba diver will get to experience the best that the Great Barrier Reef has to offer.
About the Vessel
Reef Encounter features purpose-built dive and snorkel platforms. Subsequently, stairs lead into the water to provide easy access for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Our spacious liveaboard features a large lounge and dining area. Outside, there is ample deck space, a vast sundeck & loungers. There is also an outdoor heated spa for relaxation during your free time. Unlimited hot showers are also available. Unlike most liveaboard boats, Reef Encounter makes its freshwater.
The accommodation, dining and facilities can cater to most people’s needs. Please inform us if you have any special requirements, such as dietary, allergies, disability/mobility issues.
Reef Encounter has a helipad, for those opting to transfer to or 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)
Your Great Barrier Reef Stay Includes
- Onboard accommodation with private bathroom
- Coffee, Tea, and water
- Breakfast, lunch, and 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. 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 it can become quite cool in the evenings. Therefore a light pullover, 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
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 along with 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 certainly 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 North Queensland Getaway, 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. In addition, we recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possibleDaintree Rainforest
Journey to the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. Boasting magnificent coastal Rainforest and pristine tropical beaches. Meanwhile, take in one of the most scenic coastal roads in Australia. The perfect ending to your North Queensland Getaway.
Stop in at beautiful seaside towns along the way. Experience the magic of the Mossman Gorge. Take a Daintree river cruise through the domain of the large estuarine crocodiles. In addition, your knowledgeable guides will be spotting an array of wildlife along the way.
You have entered a different world with Rainforest towering over narrow winding roads. Have to opportunity for some stunning photographs.
Daintree Rainforest Inclusions
Everything you Need and Nothing you Don’t!
- Scenic Coast Road.
- Drive through Palm Cove.
- Port Douglas Town Tour.
- Guided tour of Mossman Gorge.
- Morning tea at Mossman Gorge.
- Daintree River Cable Ferry.
- Alexandra Lookout
- Daintree Ice Cream Company
- Cape Tribulation lookout and beach – Where the Rainforest meets the Reef.
- Daintree Tea House.
- Exotic tropical fruit tasting.
- Daintree River Cruise – Wildlife and crocodile spotting.
- Friendly and knowledgeable Tour Guides.
- Chilled bottled water on board.
Daintree Rainforest Itinerary
- 7.00 – 7.30 am Pickup from your Cairns Accommodation.
- Tour of Palm Cove.
- Rex lookout: on one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Australia.
- Port Douglas including 4-mile beach.
- Spectacular Mossman Gorge: guided walk and swim option (if time or weather permits).
- Lunch, tropical fruit tasting.
- Morning Tea
- Daintree River Cruise: try your luck at Crocodile and wildlife spotting.
- World Heritage Rainforest/Areas.
- Fully guided walks. Rainforest Boardwalks in a unique environment. Coastal views over Daintree River mouth, Low Isles, Snapper Island in addition to the Great Barrier Reef.
- Cape Tribulation beach: “where the rainforest meets the reef”.
- Daintree Ice cream company- optional (own expense).
- Daintree River cable ferry crossing.
- Returns to Cairns approximately 6.30 pm.
- (Itinerary is subject to change due to weather, operational or unforeseen issues).
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Cash for optional purchases
- Water Bottle
- Insect Repellent
- Raincoat/Umbrella
If you require accommodation during your North Queensland Getaway, we would love to help!
Reviews
There are no reviews yet