Daintree & Cape Tribulation Adventure

6 Days Starting and ending in Cairns

Visiting: Cairns, Mandingalbay / Cairns, Kuranda / Mareeba, Mareeba / Mossman Gorge / Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation, Great Barrier Reef / Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest / Palm Cove / Cairns

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PZSD

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

From: $1970 $1773 Operator discount: -$197

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Balance outdoor activities and cultural education on a nature-lovers adventure to the Daintree Rainforest (the oldest rainforest in the world, which finds its home in tropical North Queensland) and Cape Tribulation. Starting in Cairns, you’ll take guided First Nations walks, visit waterfalls, learn about bat rehabilitation at Australia’s largest facility, explore the Mareeba Wetlands as the sun goes down, swim in Mossman Gorge, walk and hike through rainforest, search for soaring views, spot tropical fish, turtles and birdlife by watering holes and enjoy loads of free time to customise your adventure with optional activities – by kayak, Skyrail, boat or boardwalk.

Highlights

  • Start your trip with an eco-tour of Mandingal Bay in Cairns with a First Nations guide and witness a traditional welcome to country and smoking ceremony.

  • Visit Daintree Rainforest – the oldest rainforest in the world – and Cape Tribulation on a stunning day that ticks off two UNESCO World Heritage areas (nature lovers rejoice!).

  • After a visit to the cascades of Barron Falls, visit Tolga Bat Hospital – the country’s largest rehabilitation facility for the famous upside-down critters – and learn about their research and advocacy projects.

  • Watch the sunset over the Mareeba Wetlands on a unique wildlife spotting experience hosted by Forever Wild – an organisation focused on combatting climate crises with community and conservation-based activities.

  • Witness the expansive and iconic Great Barrier Reef on a snorkelling adventure, where you can see the colourful corals and tropical fish as you swim with turtles off the Daintree coast.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Greening Australia. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges, restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Country Needs People. Donations help them support Indigenous land and sea management in Australia. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to Cairns! Or Gimuy in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Cairns is now located. This is the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Cairns with time to spare, why not check out the Cairns Botanical Gardens or simply wander the waterfront promenade, popping into any of the local bars that take your fancy.

Day 2: Mandingalbay / Cairns

Location: Mandingalbay / Cairns

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning after breakfast, head out on a First Nations-guided eco-tour of Mandingal Bay. The traditional owners of this land will teach you about Country, where mountains are home to rainforests and vast wetlands are home to local birdlife. Walk to Hills Creek, where the sea meets the fresh water and attend a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Join your guide on a rainforest trail and learn about ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs and artefacts as you listen to the sounds of nature. After, you have a free afternoon in Cairns to grab some lunch, head to a local art gallery, explore the aquarium or just soak up some sun on the promenade.

Included Activities:
-Cairns - Mandingalbay First Nations tour

Optional Activities:
-Cairns - Art gallery - Free
-Cairns - Botanical Gardens - Free

Day 3: Kuranda / Mareeba

Location: Kuranda / Mareeba

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

This morning, enjoy breakfast and then drive to Kuranda – perched at the top of a mountain. You’ll have some time to explore this charming rainforest town and its surroundings at your own pace. Maybe check out the famous Kuranda Markets, or relax at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes, where outdoor dining is one of the joys of the cooler mountain climate. After, head to nearby Barron Falls and walk to the lookout for the best photo spots. Continue to Mareeba, where you’ll take a leader-led orientation walk. This afternoon, visit the Tolga Bat Hospital – Australia’s largest bat rehabilitation facility. Here you’ll learn about the facility's research, advocacy and community education and make some new upside-down friends. Tonight, you’ll head to the Mareeba Wetlands for an exciting wildlife spotting experience at sunset, hosted by Forever Wild – an organisation that creates community and nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises. After dark falls, head back to your accommodation for an included group dinner.

Included Activities:
-Atherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat Hospital
-Mareeba Wetlands - Forever Wild sunset wildlife experience
-Kuranda - Kuranda Markets
-Barron Gorge National Park - Din Din Barron Falls lookout

Optional Activities:
-Kuranda - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
-Kuranda - Kuranda Scenic Railway

Day 4: Mareeba / Mossman Gorge / Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation

Location: Mareeba / Mossman Gorge / Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, maybe head out bright and early for a unique optional birdwatching experience in the wetlands – the best time to witness the local birdlife in their natural habitat! Then, enjoy some breakfast and head to the idyllic Mossman Gorge for a refreshing morning swim and a nature walk. After, you’ll continue to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage areas – Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest. Head off on another nature walk and immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the rainforest, keeping your eye out for local birdlife. Daintree is over 135 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest in the world! This afternoon, continue exploring the area or kick back and relax at your accommodation.

Included Activities:
-Daintree National Park - Mossman Gorge
-Daintree National Park - Jindalba circuit track

Day 5: Great Barrier Reef / Cape Tribulation

Location: Great Barrier Reef / Cape Tribulation

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, head out on an early morning tour of the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll swim with turtles and snorkel in the pristine waters off the Daintree Coast, visiting two different snorkel locations. What better way to spend a morning!? The rest of the day is free to relax on the beach, swim, take a hike or just find a good spot to sit and people-watch. This is a nature-lovers paradise, so there are plenty of activities and laidback options to choose from.

Included Activities:
-Great Barrier Reef - Half Day Cruise & Snorkelling Experience

Day 6: Daintree Rainforest / Palm Cove / Cairns

Location: Daintree Rainforest / Palm Cove / Cairns

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning visit Kulki Lookout, where you can stroll along the boardwalk for some iconic views of Cape Tribulation and steep, rainforest-covered slopes that meet the sandy beaches below. Next, head to Madja boardwalk for a scenic circuit that takes you through dense lowland forests and mangrove-lined creeks. Then visit Mason’s Swimming Hole for a gorgeous tropical swim among lush flora and friendly fish and turtles, where you'll have time to have lunch. When you’re refreshed from a dip in the water, continue to Cairns via the idyllic Palm Cove. On arrival in Cairns your trip will come to an end at around 5 pm. If you want to extend your stay and explore Cairns further, just speak to your booking agent.

Included Activities:
-Cape Tribulation - Kulki walk & lookout
-Cape Tribulation - Mason’s Swimming Hole
-Daintree National Park - Madja boardwalk

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (5 nights)

  • Cairns - Mandingalbay First Nations tour

  • Atherton Tablelands - Tolga Bat Hospital

  • Mareeba Wetlands – Forever Wild sunset wildlife experience

  • Kuranda - Kuranda Markets

  • Barron Gorge National Park - Din Din Barron Falls lookout

  • Daintree National Park - Mossman Gorge

  • Daintree National Park - Jindalba circuit track

  • Mareeba Wetlands – Forever Wild dawn birdwatching experience

  • Cape Tribulation – Half day Great Barrier Reef tour

  • Cape Tribulation - Kulki walk & lookout

show more

Transport

  • Private vehicle , Boat

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

  • START & END TIMES
  • The trip starts in Cairns with a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 at our joining point hotel and finishes on arrival back in Cairns on Day 6 at around 5 pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.
  • SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
  • A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle , Boat

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    There are some long travelling days on this trip, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

    This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves some walking and swimming, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit and comfortable clothing.

    Multiple activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity.

    This trip is part of a combination tour, with other travellers joining from Sydney or Brisbane. See trip codes PZSPC & PZSVC on our website for these options.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

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1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Tuesday

Dec 05, 2024 - Dec 10, 2024
$2164 $1948

Operator discount: -$216

Thursday - Tuesday

Dec 19, 2024 - Dec 24, 2024
$2165 $1840

Operator discount: -$325

Thursday - Tuesday

Dec 26, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024
$2165 $1840

Operator discount: -$325

Thursday - Tuesday

Jan 16, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025
$2070 $1863

Operator discount: -$207

Thursday - Tuesday

Feb 06, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025
$1970 $1773

Operator discount: -$197

Thursday - Tuesday

Feb 20, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025
$1970 $1773

Operator discount: -$197

Thursday - Tuesday

Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025
$1970 $1773

Operator discount: -$197

Thursday - Tuesday

Mar 13, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025
$2070 $1863

Operator discount: -$207

Thursday - Tuesday

Mar 27, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
$2070 $1863

Operator discount: -$207

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
$2164 $1948

Operator discount: -$216

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$2164 $1948

Operator discount: -$216

Saturday - Thursday

May 10, 2025 - May 15, 2025
$2164 $1948

Operator discount: -$216

Saturday - Thursday

May 24, 2025 - May 29, 2025
$2270 $2043

Operator discount: -$227

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025
$2270 $2043

Operator discount: -$227

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025
$2270 $2043

Operator discount: -$227

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025
$2380 $2142

Operator discount: -$238

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025
$2380 $2142

Operator discount: -$238

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025
$2380 $2142

Operator discount: -$238

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025
$2380 $2142

Operator discount: -$238

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025
$2380 $2142

Operator discount: -$238

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025
$2270 $2043

Operator discount: -$227

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025
$2270 $2043

Operator discount: -$227

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025
$2270 $2043

Operator discount: -$227

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 25, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
$2164 $1948

Operator discount: -$216

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025
$2164 $1948

Operator discount: -$216

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025
$2164 $1948

Operator discount: -$216

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025
$2270 $2043

Operator discount: -$227

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 25, 2025
$2380

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 17, 2026 - Jan 22, 2026
$2380

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 05, 2026
$2380

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 19, 2026
$2270

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 05, 2026
$2165

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 19, 2026
$2165

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026
$2165

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
$2260

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 25, 2026 - Apr 30, 2026
$2260

Saturday - Thursday

May 09, 2026 - May 14, 2026
$2260

Saturday - Thursday

May 23, 2026 - May 28, 2026
$2375

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026
$2375

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 25, 2026
$2375

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 09, 2026
$2490

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 23, 2026
$2490

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 06, 2026
$2490

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026
$2490

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 03, 2026
$2490

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026
$2375

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 01, 2026
$2375

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 15, 2026
$2375

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 24, 2026 - Oct 29, 2026
$2260

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026
$2260

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 21, 2026 - Nov 26, 2026
$2260

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 10, 2026
$2375

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
$2490

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 16, 2027 - Jan 21, 2027
$2490

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 30, 2027 - Feb 04, 2027
$2490

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 13, 2027 - Feb 18, 2027
$2375

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 27, 2027 - Mar 04, 2027
$2260

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 13, 2027 - Mar 18, 2027
$2260

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 27, 2027 - Apr 01, 2027
$2260
Prices last published on 22-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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