Spend two days snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, and explore the beautiful rainforests of the Daintree. Whitewater raft the Tully River, hike through lush trails, and then spend some downtime on beautiful Mission Beach. This is a nature- and adrenaline-packed adventure that will show you the beauty of what Far North Queensland has to offer while creating summer memories for you in the tropics of Australia.
Arrive into Cairns Airport (CNS) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the northern beaches of Cairns to get to know everyone in your group, then continue up the coast to the Daintree. Settle-in and explore Cape Trib, where the rainforest meets the reef.
Overnight: Dorm rooms, Cape Tribulation
Explore one of the oldest rainforests on the planet and learn about the different plants and animals that make this place so special while you help one of our service partners with the task of planting trees to revegetate cleared land surrounding the rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready since you will be in the natural habitat of the Southern Cassowary!
Overnight: Dorm rooms, Cape Tribulation
Make your way back to Cairns this morning, stopping along the way at Port Douglas, Australia’s famous resort town. Mid-morning you’ll get your heat pumping on the Giant Swing, flying through the air at up to 120km/hr! For those who want more adrenaline, add-on a bungee jump (additional cost) from Australia’s only bungee tower. You can even bungee jump dressed as a hot dogor ride a BMX off the roof of the bungy tower. Then head out to explore the mountain bike trails with a local guide.
Tonight, enjoy a barbeque dinner by the lagoon as you soak up the lively atmosphere along the esplanade.
Overnight: Dorm rooms, Cairns
This morning you will make your way to the pier where you will take a ferry to Fitzroy Island, known for its coral reef and its lighthouse. The island is also home of the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, one of the biggest in Australia. Upon arrival, you will make your way to the turtle rehab. Centre for a tour and educational talk.
Once the tour is over, it’s time to wear your swimmers and jump in the water! That’s right – you will be exploring the reef on a snorkeling session this afternoon. A visit to Fitzroy Island isn’t complete without swimming in the turquoise waters straight off the shore of spectacular coral beaches.
Overnight: Dorm rooms, Cairns
Sail out to the magical Great Barrier Reef! With the world’s largest reef system as your playground, there’s no telling what you may see. Snorkel – or add-on a scuba dive – at two different sites during the day, giving you ample opportunity to spot fish, turtles, reef sharks, and clownfish! There will be marine biologists on board to teach you about the reef system and put this unique ecosystem into a global context, understanding the importance and delicate nature of this beautiful corner of the world.
Overnight: Dorm rooms, Cairns
It’s an early start this morning, leaving Cairns and spending the whole day navigating your way down the Tully River on an epic whitewater rafting adventure through this rainforest, declared a World Heritage Site. After a day packed with adrenaline, head to Mission Beach where you will stay at a cozy beach hostel minutes away from the beach. Spend the rest of the day playing cricket or throwing a frisbee on the beach and enjoying the laid back atmosphere of this beautiful town.
Overnight: Bunk rooms, Mission Beach
Being the world’s largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres means there is plenty to see. Today head out on a second snorkel and dive day trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef, exploring new corners and getting better at spotting the shy ones.
Once back on the mainland, you’ll head back to Cairns and out for your final group dinner on the esplanade. Take the opportunity to grab any last minute souvenirs as you wander through the Cairns Night Markets.
Overnight: Dorm rooms, Cairns
Every trip comes to an end and today will be full of farewells as you say goodbye to new friends. Connect to a different Summer Sessions program for another week with Rustic, or make your way home. Wherever you go next, we hope you’re taking unforgettable memories with you!