Reefs, Rainforests and Rivers

Daintree National Park - Shared Tour

Day 1: Daintree National Park (Mondays, Wednesdays). Enjoy a leisurely morning, before being picked up at midday, to visit the ancient Daintree Rainforest, a 180-million-year-old ecosystem spanning 120,000 hectares and home to Australia's highest diversity of rainforest mammals. The journey offers breathtaking views along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, one of Australia's most scenic coastal highways. Upon arriving at Daintree National Park, you'll enjoy afternoon tea before embarking on a serene Daintree River Wildlife Cruise aboard a solar-powered vessel. This eco-friendly cruise provides opportunities to spot Saltwater Crocodiles and many of the region's 420 bird species, including kingfishers, cormorants, and Brahminy Kites.

Continuing to Cape Tribulation, you'll explore a rare location where the rainforest meets the sea, guided by an expert wildlife guide. The evening includes a memorable dining experience in the rainforest, followed by a night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife. Your guide will share insights on the 3,000 plant species and various crepuscular and nocturnal animals, such as the Daintree River Ringtail Possum and Northern Long-nosed Bandicoot, enhancing your unique experience of the Wet Tropics. Arrive back in Cairns at 10:30 pm.

Pullman Cairns (Deluxe Harbour View Room) | Meals: D

Frankland Islands National Park - Shared Tour

Day 2: Frankland Islands National Park & Great Barrier Reef. This tropical island adventure begins with an air-conditioned coach pickup from Cairns, heading south through the stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest and vast sugar cane fields. You'll pass Walsh's Pyramid, the tallest natural freestanding pyramid in the world, before arriving at Deeral, just 45 minutes from Cairns.

From Deeral, board the Turtle Islander vessel for a peaceful 30-minute cruise along the Mulgrave River, surrounded by lush rainforest and mangroves teeming with birdlife, including kingfishers, ibis, and spoonbills, as well as Saltwater Crocodiles. The boat then ventures into the traditional sea country of the Mandingalby Yidinji and Gungandji peoples, reaching Normanby Island, just 10 kilometres offshore.

Here, you'll explore sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant fringing reefs, perfect for snorkelling to see colourful corals, tropical fish and turtles, with an expert crew and marine biologist on hand. With limited tour numbers, you can enjoy a range of activities, including guided snorkel experiences, kayaking, a semi-submersible ride, paddle boarding, and a guided island walk with a marine biologist

Pullman Cairns (Deluxe Harbour View Room) | Meals: BL

Atherton Tablelands - Private Tour

Day 3: Atherton Tablelands. Depart early from Cairns and travel into the highlands of the Atherton Tablelands to take in panoramic views of this World Heritage-listed region. At Danbulla State Forest, visit the Cathedral Fig Tree, a monumental 500-year-old strangler fig standing 50 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 39 meters.

With an expert guide, explore prime birdwatching locations to look for songbirds such as the Red-backed Fairy-wren, Golden Bowerbird, and Victoria's Riflebird. Continue to Lake Barrine, a crater lake formed by ancient volcanic activity. After a morning tea, the guide will share insights into the surrounding rainforest's unique flora and fauna. A one-hour lake cruise offers wildlife viewing and photography opportunities, with chances to spot Red-legged Pademelons, Musky Rat Kangaroos, and a variety of bird species.

After a seafood lunch, the search continues for the elusive Platypus. The day concludes with sweeping views at Milla Milla Lookout, followed by an optional swim at Lake Eacham or a chance to look for the iconic Lumholtz Tree-Kangaroo.

Pullman Cairns (Deluxe Harbour View Room) | Meals: BL

Murray River Safari or Walk - Shared

Day 4: Cairns to Adelaide. Take a flight from Cairns to Adelaide, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Mayfair Adelaide (Deluxe King Room) | Meals: B

Day 5: Murray River Safari (Mondays & Tuesdays - March, April, October, November). After a morning transfer from Adelaide, meet the Murray River Safari guides at Hotel Renmark. Following a brief introduction to the Murray River, board a pontoon cruiser for a scenic 25km cruise upstream, passing old-growth redgum forests and ochre-coloured cliffs. Keep an eye out for Koalas and various birds like Australian Pelicans, Black Swans, Australian Darters and Yellow-billed Spoonbills. Settle into luxurious houseboat accommodations, enjoy lunch, and embark on a cultural walk through river country. 

Accommodation: Luxury Houseboat | Meals: BLD

The houseboat is floating accommodation for three nights, moored in spectacular locations. Bedroom windows offer stunning views of the river and watch waterbirds as they fly by. In the evenings, relax in the houseboat lounge and share stories with fellow travellers as guides prepare evening meals paired with local wines.

Day 6: RAMSAR Wetlands. Rise early to experience birdsong and a sunrise over the incredible Murray River valley, enjoying the vibrant river views and likely spotting Rainbow Bee-eaters catching insects. After breakfast, join a canoe guide for a serene paddle through the Riverland Ramsar Wetland, offering opportunities to quietly observe wildlife like Western Grey Kangaroos, cormorants, darters, ducks, rosellas and Mallee Ringnecks. Keep a careful eye out for goannas and Sacred Kingfishers. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding forests and wetlands on foot, searching for the endangered Regent Parrot, before retiring early after a fulfilling day. 

Accommodation: Luxury Houseboat | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Outback Lakes. After an early breakfast, set off on a driving tour of the great ephemeral lake system on the outer floodplain where spectacular birdwatching includes migratory waders that have travelled from the northern hemisphere, thousands of ducks, pied stilts, red-necked avocets, spoonbills and musk ducks. Expect to see blue-bonnet parrots, emus and their chicks, and magnificent red kangaroos as you drive across the country between the lakes. Return to find the houseboat in a new location opposite the spectacular Bunyip Reach Cliffs above lock 6.

Accommodation: Luxury Houseboat | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Renmark. After breakfast and an optional stroll on the riverbank, cruise leisurely downriver and transfer through lock 6 on the way to your final mooring and departure point. Celebrate the experience over a BBQ lunch on the top deck, before farewelling the river and returning to the Hotel Renmark at 2 pm, before a transfer to Adelaide or Mildura.

Please note that from May through to late September, the four-day Murray River Walk can be booked as an alternative featuring easy days of hiking along Australia's greatest river. 

Optional Extension: (Pre or Post): 7 Day Kakadu Birdwatching Safari (Shared)

Price for this extension starts at $4,790.00 AUD per person based on twin/share. Please note the Kakdu Birdwatching Safari can be booked as a shared itinerary at the following starting dates:

• 8 July 2026
• 31 July 2026
• 23  August 2026

Day 1: Darwin. After a flight from Cairns to Darwin, spend the rest of the day leisure.

Day 2: Jabiru. The trip begins with an early Darwin pick-up, travelling east on the sealed road to Jabiru. Stops include Fogg Dam's monsoon forest, the Mary River with possible crocodile sightings, and Kakadu's Mamukala Wetland. The day concludes in Jabiru with accommodation, surrounded by abundant birdlife and wildlife.

Day 3. Ubirr and Guluyambi. Ubirr offers breathtaking views, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and spiritual landscapes. Highlights include the Bardedjilidji Sandstone walk exploring Kakadu's geology, and an Aboriginal-guided boat tour along the East Alligator River, rich with culture and wildlife. The day ends at Injalak Arts before returning to Jabiru to see corellas and flying foxes.

Day 4. Jabiru to Pine Creek. The Nourlangie region showcases the Arnhem Land escarpment, rich wildlife, and powerful Aboriginal rock art, including Namarrgon the Lightning Man. In the afternoon, a visit to Pine Creek's Water Treatment Plant offers unique bird sightings, including Oriental Pratincole, Great Bowerbird, finches, and Hooded Parrots.

Day 5. Pine Creek to Litchfield. The day begins with a search for finches, including the rare Gouldian Finch, at creekside pools. At Leliyn (Edith Falls), waterfalls and pools offer swimming, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching opportunities. Afterward, travel north via Pine Creek and the Adelaide River to Litchfield National Park, ending with sunset at termite mounds.

Day 6. Litchfield to Darwin. The morning explores Litchfield National Park, with visits to termite mounds, Buley's Rock Pools, and trails near Tjaetaba Falls, where rare raptors like the Red Goshawk may appear. Stops at Wongi and Tolmer Falls showcase the park's beauty. In the afternoon, return to Darwin, seeking additional rare bird species.

Day 7. Lee Point to Buffalo Creek. The morning begins at Muirhead Bushland Reserve, home to diverse finches and honeyeaters, before heading to Buffalo Creek. Here, Chestnut Rail may be spotted along the mangroves, while the beach provides excellent wader viewing. Around midday, the tour concludes with drop-off at Darwin Airport or your city hotel.