Cairns Explorer: 4-Day Reef, Rafting & Rainforest Adventure💥
You will see the best of our region without breaking the bank on this Cairns Explorer tour! Spend a day on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a day in the oldest living Rainforest on the Daintree Rainforest. Cool off in the Atherton Tablelands, and then Whitewater Rafting on the mighty Barron River.
This 4-day Cairns Explorer package can be done in any order. Here’s a sample itinerary:
DAY 1: Great Barrier Reef Experience
Kick off your trip with a high-speed catamaran ride to the stunning Outer Great Barrier Reef, giving you more time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a BBQ breakfast onboard before diving into a day of snorkelling or scuba diving. Expert guidance, safety briefings, and a marine biologist presentation ensure a fun and informative experience. The captain will choose the best reef spot on the day, ensuring optimal conditions for your underwater adventure. All-inclusive, this is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef tour!
DAY 2: Daintree Rainforest
Travel from Cairns to Cape Tribulation. One of the most scenic coastal roads in Australia! The first stop is the Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas. See the endangered cassowary and other wildlife. Have the chance to have your photo taken while holding a koala, snake, or crocodile (extra cost).
Heading further north, you will cross the mighty Daintree River. You will feel like you have entered a different world with Rainforest towering over narrow winding roads. Visit Cape Tribulation Beach and see the only place in the world where two world heritage sites meet: the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
DAY 3: Tablelands and Waterfalls Adventure
Next up on your Cairns Explorer tour, jump aboard Gus the Wonder Bus! Uncle Brian will take you, in his fun and friendly way on a day of adventures in our natural world.
We’ll visit ancient coastal Rainforests and the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands during this Rainforest and Waterfalls Tour.
We’ll be walking and talking, swimming, rock sliding, singing in waterfalls, floating in a volcanic crater lake. Then an exciting journey home! We look forward to welcoming you into our family and sharing fun times.
DAY 4: Barron River White Water Rafting (half-day tour)
On your last day of your Cairns Explorer package, have a nice sleep in then, feel the rush of white water rafting in the impressive wilderness of Australia’s tropical rainforests. A fun afternoon with a few thrills and spills.
- Great Barrier Reef
- Daintree Rainforest
- Atherton Tablelands
Daintree Rainforest
- 7.00 am Pick up from Cairns accommodation.
- 7.45 am Travel to Port Douglas via the Captain Cook Highway.
- 8.05 am Commence pickups from Port Douglas accommodation.
- 8.45 am The Wildlife Habitat. Join a guided tour with the opportunity to have your photo taken while holding a koala, snake, or crocodile (at extra cost).
- 10.15 am Depart The Wildlife Habitat.
- 11.00 am Cross the Daintree River ferry.
- 12.15 pm Arrive at Cape Trib Beach House for a Tropical Lunch—free time for a swim or a walk along the spectacular Cape Tribulation Beach.
- 1.50 pm Depart Cape Trib Beach House and visit Cape Tribulation Beach and Boardwalk for a guided rainforest walk.
- 2.35 pm Depart Cape Tribulation for the return journey, with some comfort, and stops along the way.
- 3.35 pm Stop at Alexandra Lookout for magnificent views.
- 4.00 pm Daintree River Cruise. Spot crocodiles, birds and other wildlife
- 5.00 pm Arrive south side of the river to board the bus
- 6.00 pm Arrive at Port Douglas accommodation.
- 7.00 pm Arrive at Cairns accommodation.
Waterfalls
- The day begins with a visit to the Babinda Boulders. After a delicious morning tea, you take your first walk and swim of the day.
- From here, your journey on to Josephine Falls. Enjoy a short rainforest walk before sliding down a waterfall.
- Drive to the beautiful Tablelands and famous Millaa Millaa Falls. Uncle Brian will keep you amused and entertained with tales of adventure!
- Lunch at the Millaa Millaa Falls Tea House is a selection of cold roast meats, salads and vegetarian meals.
- For Dessert, enjoy freshly brewed tea, coffee and cake.
- When you get to Millaa Millaa Falls, make your way to beneath the waterfall and SING your heart out! One of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia.
- Delicious afternoon tea of hot chocolate and muffins follows a swim or stroll around Lake Eacham.
- Platypus spotting is next.
- You get to relax by a volcanic crater lake in the evening before the exciting fun journey home with Uncle Brian.
White Water Rafting
- 2.00 pm Pickup from your Cairns City accommodation
- 2 hours rafting grade 2 and 3 rapids
- 6:00 pm Return to accommodation
Great Barrier Reef
Cairns Itinerary for Great Barrier Reef tour Snorkeling and Diving
- 07:30 – First Board Reef Experience boat at the Cairns Marina ‘A-Finger’ for check-in
- 08:00 – Approximate departure and Safety Talk with snorkel briefing
- 08:30 – Marine Biology presentation, followed by a detailed scuba dive briefing.
- 09:30 – Arrive at our first spectacular reef site, snorkel and dive with thousands of vivid tropical fish, giant clams, plus more.
- 12:30 – Then enjoy a delicious Lunch
- 13:00 – Cruise to our second location to explore forests of coral, large sea fans and black coral trees in its shallow lagoons
- 15:00 – Depart the Great Barrier Reef.
- 15:30 – Glass of wine, tropical fruits, cheese and biscuits.
- 16:30 – Arrive back in Cairns.
Daintree Rainforest
- Air-conditioned 21-seater coaster bus
- Pickup and return bus transfers from your accommodation
- Scenic coastal drive
- Entry to the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
- Tropical picnic lunch
- All National Park and ferry fees
- Daintree River Ferry Crossing
- Daintree River Wildlife Cruise
- Guided rainforest walks
- Cape Tribulation beach
- Rex Look Out
- Alexander Look Out
Waterfalls
- Morning and afternoon drinks and snacks.
- Delicious home-cooked 2-course lunch.
- Ancient Rainforests.
- Experience the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands.
- Swimming, walking, and just relaxing.
- Milla Milla Falls
- Babinda Boulders
- Josephine Falls
- Lake Eacham
- Friendly, relaxed company.
- Fun-filled day! Sing along on the homeward journey.
- Pick up & return from/to your Cairns CBD accommodation.
White Water Rafting
- 2 and a half hours whitewater rafting.
- Return air-conditioned coach transfers to and from your Cairns City accommodation.
- Safety equipment life includes a jacket, helmet and instruction.
Great Barrier Reef
- Cash and/or credit card for purchases
- Swimming Clothes, Towel, Hat and Sunglasses,
- Proof of qualification if you’re a Certified Diver
Optional Extras for Reef Experience
- Underwater Digital Camera Hire
- Snack Bar Purchases: Soft drinks, chocolate, chips, alcohol, etc.
- Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour of the reef: Snorkel with an experienced Marine Biologist and learn about the marine life you see on an educational and interactive tour
- Great Barrier Reef souvenirs – T-shirts, hats, etc
- Dive Guides for already qualified ‘Certified’ scuba divers (dive guides included for beginner divers)
- Prescription Mask Hire if you require stronger lenses to see (contact lenses can be worn in most circumstances)
- Bus transfers from accommodation outside of the Cairns Business Area
- Second Scuba Dive at our beautiful afternoon reef location
Daintree Rainforest
- Money for drinks and snacks
- Camera
- Water Resistant 50+ sunscreen
- Comfortable Walking shoes
- Swimmers and Towel (optional)
- Your booking Ticket
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Insect Repellent
- Bottle of Water
Waterfalls and swimming
- Sense of fun
- Sunscreen
- Raincoat
- Swimming Gear
- Walking Shoes/Sandals
- Towel
- Change of Warm Clothes
White Water Rafting
- Swimming costume (you will get wet).
- Lace-up shoes or sandals that won’t fall off and you can get wet.
- Towel
- Dry clothes
- Sunscreen but don’t apply to the back of your legs.
- Money for photos & rafting levy.
White Water Rafting
- Digital photos are available for purchase.
- Shoe hire is available.
Great Barrier Reef
- Underwater Digital Camera Hire
- Snack Bar Purchases: Soft drinks, chocolate, chips, alcohol etc.
- Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour of the Reef: Snorkel with an experienced Marine Biologist and learn about the marine life you see on an educational and interactive tour.
- Great Barrier Reef souvenirs – T-shirts, hats etc.
- Dive Guides for already qualified ‘Certified’ scuba divers (dive guides included for beginner divers)
- Prescription Mask Hire our clients who wear contact lenses. Normally, you will be able to use them on the day.
- Bus transfers from accommodation outside of the Cairns Business Area.
- Second Scuba Dive at our beautiful afternoon Great Barrier Reef location.
- Fully licensed bar[/toggle]
Reef Experience departs from
Cairns Marina: ‘A-Finger’ View map to Cairns Marlin Marina
Boarding commences at 7:30 am for check-in on the Reef Experience vessel.
Arrive back at Cairns Marina at approximately 4:30 pm
Where Can I Park?
Several parking stations throughout Cairns are within walking distance of the Marina. Click here to see where
White Water Rafting
- Minimum age: 13 years (Under 18 years must travel with a guardian or parent).
- Every participant must sign a Liability Release Form before commencing rafting.
- Medical Conditions: some medical conditions, disabilities and impairments may exclude participants from rafting for safety reasons, e.g. pregnancy and serious vision impairments.
- Passengers should disclose any medical condition, disabilities and impairments at time of booking.
Great Barrier Reef
We have a passion for showing you Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, so please make sure you understand the scuba diving laws.
Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world but also the safest scuba diving record.
The Queensland Government Code of Practice regulates us and comply with all rules, including medical as is the law.
To avoid disappointment on your day of travel, we strongly recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire.
Before booking some medical conditions, age and medications may prevent you from scuba diving.
It is always our mission to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef experience.
Reef Experience Dive Medical
We are pleased to help you with any questions you may have.
Please contact our office on 07 4037 2700 or email us at [email protected],
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, you should not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive. For multiple dives, you should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive.
If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning you must wait 24 hours after your dive.
We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.[/toggle]
Your Cairns on a Budget package can be experienced in the order that suits you best.
Cairns Explorer: 4-Day Reef, Rafting & Rainforest Adventure
Uncle Brian’s Tours Cape Tribulation
Cancellation Policy
A minimum of 48 hours notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
- 20% cancellation fee 48 hours or more before departure
- 100% cancellation fee within 48 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc. All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein.
Although we endeavour to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
• The minimum age to travel is 5 years old. Children rates are from 5 to 15 years old (inclusively)
• Neither this site, nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of damage, delay or personal injury.
• All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger.
• Please inform us of any special requirements prior to your date of travel; such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done by contacting our friendly reservations team.
• Bus transfers may vary by 10 minutes either way due to traffic conditions. Please wait at your accommodation 10 minutes prior to pick-up time.
Please refer to our website for our full Terms & Conditions: https://hotgetaways.com.au/about-hot-getaways/terms-conditions/
Reef Experience
Cancellation Policy
Changing your booking: Please give us at least 24 hours' notice to change your date or details.
Cancelling: Cancel more than 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours of departure are not refunded.
How to cancel or change: Email [email protected] or call us on +61 7 4037 2700. Our team is here 7am to 9pm (Cairns time), every day.
If you miss the boat: There is no refund if you don't arrive by the departure time. The boat can't wait, even for delays outside your control such as flights.
If we cancel: If we have to cancel your trip, for example because of weather or safety, you choose: reschedule, credit, or a full refund.
We recommend travel insurance. You can read the full Reef Experience Terms & Conditions any time.
Terms And Conditions
Your Reef Day Tour is operated by GBR Tours Pty Ltd (Reef Experience).
Check-in: 7:30am at Berth 8, Finger A, Marlin Jetty, Marlin Marina, Cairns. The boat departs at 8:00am.
Terms and Conditions:
- Children’s prices are from 4 to 11 years of age. If booking as a certified diver, adult rates apply.
- To keep everyone’s booking safe, please bring the card used for payment and matching photo ID when you check in. Booking for someone else or buying a gift? Just tell us in the Message box when you book and we will look after it with you.
- Open-Dated Ticket: In certain cases, Open-Dated tickets may be issued. These tickets are valid indefinitely but are non-refundable. Any fare increase must be paid at the time of rebooking. Once a customer accepts an Open-Dated ticket, the cancellation policy applicable to the original booking date will remain in effect.
- Schedules, vessels, dive locations, and itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances, with full consideration for your safety and enjoyment. We reserve the right to adjust tours, schedules, prices, and itineraries at any time without notice. We are not liable for any changes, cancellations, or delays, and we accept no responsibility for any loss, additional expenses, or out-of-pocket costs incurred as a result, whether caused directly or indirectly.
- Neither this site nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, any loss, any damage, delays, deaths or personal injury.
- All passengers are strongly advised to purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance that covers personal injury and the events, including but not limited to your cancellation for any reason and the cancellation or alteration to the scheduled itinerary for reasons involving weather or passenger, crew or vessel safety. Please read your insurance policy's wording carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. Please be aware that all travel insurance companies do not cover scuba diving and other in-water activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical expenses, or other expenses are the passenger's financial responsibility.
- The passenger acknowledges and consents to Reef Experience taking photographs or video recordings during the course of this activity/tour. The passenger acknowledges and consents to Reef Experience receiving and using images of the passenger from third parties and using these images for marketing and promoting its services.
- Please inform us of any special requirements 48 hours before your travel date, such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done in the ‘Booking Message’ section of your online reservation or by contacting our friendly reservations team.
Scuba Diving – Important Information:
- All Certified Divers must present a valid Certification Card. Failure to present a Certification Card may result in the customer being unable to participate in scuba diving. They can enjoy snorkelling activities instead. No refunds would be offered.
- The minimum age for Introductory Diving is 12 years old. The minimum age for certified diving and Open Water Courses is 10 years old. All junior divers must either be accompanied by a certified parent or guardian or must dive with a dive professional at an additional charge. If the diver is under the age of 18 years, parental or guardian consent is required for that diver to undertake a dive. The parent or guardian should sign the medical declaration as witness.
- Upon arriving at our vessel and before commencing any dive activities, all passengers must complete our liability forms. All information provided must be strictly accurate. If during the tour, it becomes apparent that a form has been incorrectly completed, either by omission or false statement, we reserve the right to prevent any customer from undertaking any scuba diving or snorkelling activities while on board our vessel. Any decision made in this regard will be at the absolute discretion of the Dive Crew aboard the vessel.
- The dangers and risks associated with scuba diving in an open ocean environment under variable conditions apply to our tours. We reserve the right to prevent any customer from participating in scuba diving if we determine that they are physically or medically unsuitable to do so or if it is in the best interests of our crew or other scuba divers. Our crew are trained professionals, and it is up to their sole discretion who they take diving and/or snorkelling. No refunds would apply.
- Please remember you must allow 24 hours from your last dive before flying.
Medical Conditions & Medications:
Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world but also the safest scuba diving record. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules, including medical, as is the law.
- All passengers participating in any Scuba activities must complete a Medical Questionnaire . If you’ve answered yes to any questions or take any prescribed medication, you will need further medical clearance. This must be arranged prior to your day of departure.
- Medication: DO NOT presume that by taking medication is controlling your medical conditions, and you should be fine to scuba dive, as it is the medication that can be the problem when scuba diving. Particularly prescribed medication may require a medical clearance.
- The medical certification should be provided in English, preferably by a medical practitioner with experience in diving medicine, within 90 days prior to the scuba dive. The certificate must state that the person is medically fit to dive.
- No refunds are given for uncompleted dives due to medical conditions and/or prescribed medications or changes of mind.
Peak Season Surcharge - To be paid onboard on the day of travel:
➢ A Surcharge of $100 per person applies to 25 December 2025 & 2026 – Christmas Day
➢ A Surcharge of $50 per person applies to the following days:
• 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day
• 3, 4, 5 & 6 April 2026 – Easter Weekend
• 26 December 2026 – Boxing Day
• 26, 27, 28 & 29 March 2027 - Easter Weekend
Our full Terms & Conditions can be found on our website: https://reefexperience.com.au/about-us/terms-and-conditions/
Tully Rafting Cairns
Cancellation Policy
A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any date change will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
- 20% cancellation fee 48 hours or more before departure
- 100% cancellation fee within 48 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavour to provide accurate information we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
- The minimum age to participate is 13 years, those under 18 years must travel with a responsible guardian or adult.
- The Operator reserves the right to change the itinerary or prices at any time without notice. The Operator advises all passengers travelling that road, river, weather & other conditions beyond their control may alter the itinerary, departure times or dates.
- We, Hot Getaways, are not liable for changes to tours, cancellations from the supplier, pricing, or itineraries; all of which are subject to change without notice.
- Neither this site, nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of personal belongings, property damage, delay or personal injury.
- IMPORTANT: Please note that you MUST HAVE a competent swimming ability and be able to understand and follow River Guide instructions in English, to participate in Tully River rafting. This is for your safety. English speaking and comprehension will be assessed by River Guides at the time of pick-up; if there are concerns about your ability to understand instructions and communicate with our River Guides, you will not be able to participate in the tour and no refund is available or will be provided. Rafting is not suitable for anyone who may be pregnant.
• Bus transfers may vary by 10 minutes either way due to traffic conditions. Please wait at your accommodation 10 minutes prior to pick up time
Please refer to our website for our full Terms & Conditions: https://hotgetaways.com.au/about-hot-getaways/terms-conditions/
Uncle Brian’s Waterfall Tour
Cancellation Policy
A minimum of 48 hours notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
- 20% cancellation fee 48 hours or more before departure
- 100% cancellation fee within 48 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc. All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein.
Although we endeavour to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
• The minimum age to travel is 5 years old. Children rates are from 5 to 15 years old (inclusively)
• Neither this site, nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of damage, delay or personal injury.
• All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger.
• Please inform us of any special requirements prior to your date of travel; such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done by contacting our friendly reservations team.
• Bus transfers may vary by 10 minutes either way due to traffic conditions. Please wait at your accommodation 10 minutes prior to pick-up time
Please refer to our website for our full Terms & Conditions: https://hotgetaways.com.au/about-hot-getaways/terms-conditions/
Reviews
There are no reviews yet