Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest Adventure
Discover Great Barrier Reef highlights with 5 nights in a modern, ocean-view hotel room and fantastic daily touring.
- Snorkel and dive the Great Barrier Reef
- Take a leisurely river cruise through pristine mangrove forests
- Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the tropics
This Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest Adventure package was made for a couple from Chicago. They were interested in exploring both the reefs along with the surrounding town of Cairns and the Frankland Islands.
The first day they were welcomed to Cairns with a beautiful flight over the Great Barrier Reef, just a glimpse into what the next few days held for them! They checked into their hotel, Riley, where they stayed in a beautiful sea room for four nights. They spent the rest of the night relaxing from the day of travel.
The second day the couple embarked on a Frankland Island Reef Cruise. Don’t let the name fool you, the reef cruise covered the reef, rainforest, and river all in one day. A comfortable, airconditioned coach took them to the south of Cairns past fields of sugar cane and iconic areas. Once they arrived, they spent 4.5 hours relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery. Optional activities included an adventure snorkel safari, semi-submersible or Glass bottom boat tours, guided island walk, and scuba diving.
The couple spent the third day taking in the views in a hot air balloon. And then experienced the Great Barrier Reef from the air on a scenic helicopter flight with a landing on Vlasoff Cay.
The following day the couple embarked on a reef magic cruise. This was the experience they were waiting for! Being in Carins meant opening their eyes to the beautiful underwater world that is the Great Barrier Reef. They spent the entire day snorkeling and finding beautifully colored fish, unique coral, and making memories to last a lifetime.
The final day in Cairns was spent as a leisure day. The couple was able to choose from a multitude of amenities provided at the Riley, the hotel they were staying at. They chose to take in some quality time together, exploring the hotel and even treated themselves to a spa treatment.
They wrapped up their beautiful ocean filled adventure with a private transfer to the hotel. Although sad to leave, the couple had nothing but smiles and warm hearts leaving the beautiful country of Australia.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Cairns! As your Qantas Airways flight descends over the Great Barrier Reef and you glimpse the surrounding mountains covered with dense tropical rainforest, you’ll know you’re in for a special experience. The gateway to Queensland’s tropical north, Cairns is renowned for its warm welcome and a laid-back beach vibe.
Your home base for the next four nights is the stunning Riley hotel, where you’ll stay in a spacious, modern room with a private balcony overlooking the sea.
Riley by Crystalbrook
Day 2
Today, embark on a unique Great Barrier Reef adventure with Frankland Islands Reef Cruises. This is the only reef, rainforest, and river day tour available from Cairns. A comfortable, air-conditioned coach takes you south of Cairns, past fields of sugar cane and the World Heritage-listed Wooroonooran National Park.
Enjoy a 30-minute calm water cruise along the Mulgrave River, which is lined with rainforest and mangroves, before a short open-water crossing to the rarely visited Frankland Islands. This archipelago is a natural haven and protected national park, offering some of the best snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef just steps from the beach.
Here, you have up to 4.5 hours to relax and enjoy this pristine natural environment. Optional activities include an adventure snorkel safari, semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat tour, guided island walk, and introductory or certified scuba diving. Clear kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and Sea-Doo underwater scooters are available for hire.
Riley by Crystalbrook
Day 3
Rise early this morning for a scenic hot air balloon ride in lush and tropical North Queensland. The take-off location changes daily to follow the best wind conditions, but you’re guaranteed to take in awe-inspiring views just as the sun begins to color the picturesque landscapes beneath you.
After your exhilarating morning flight, it’s time to board your scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef with a landing on Vlasoff Cay. Departing Cairns in your private charter helicopter, soak in breathtaking aerial views extending from the tropical rainforest clad coastline and across the azure waters of the Coral Sea before an exhilarating touchdown on idyllic Vlasoff Cay, a jewel in the heart of Australia’s World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef. A gourmet picnic hamper* with sparkling wine served under your private beach umbrella tops off this unique, once in a lifetime experience!
Arrive back in Cairns in time for dinner and a relaxing dip in the pool.
Riley by Crystalbrook
Day 4
Today, you will truly dive into the wonderful world that is the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Magic Cruises. Step back into the Great Barrier Reef’s Dreamtime with indigenous sea rangers on a day tour to two spectacular outer reef sites, Moore Reef and Milln or Flynn Reef.
At Moore Reef, you will have the opportunity to explore the underwater world with included snorkeling and glass-bottom boat experiences, or choose to splash out with extra activities like a Scenic Helicopter Flight.
Riley by Crystalbrook
Day 5
Your final day in Cairns is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You may wish to simply relax, indulge in your hotel’s luxurious amenities, and enjoy the sunshine in town. If you please, we would be more than happy to plan an adventure-filled fifth day for you.
Riley by Crystalbrook
Day 6
Your Great Barrier Reef adventure comes to a close today. Enjoy a private transfer to the airport in a luxury sedan vehicle and begin your journey home in comfort on the award-winning Qantas Airways.
About this vacation
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