4 Days Cairns/Gimuy - Premium
Immerse yourself in Creation stories on a Great Barrier Reef cruise, explore the Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide, encounter diverse wildlife in the Atherton Tablelands, and enjoy a helicopter tour to a 20,000-year-old rock art site on this private and small group touring itinerary. Extend your adventure with three extra nights at Mt Mulligan, a luxurious outback lodge just a few hours' drive from Cairns.
Janbal Gallery, Mossman, Queensland © Tourism Australia
DAY 1
Meet your Down Under Tours guide at your hotel and embark on a private Daintree Dreaming – Aboriginal Art & Culture tour.
Begin the journey with a scenic drive along the Great Barrier Reef Drive to the small town of Mossman. Visit Janbal Gallery and join Aboriginal artist Brian 'Binna' Swindley for a 1.5 hour shared art class. Binna will share stories of his culture, its history and Dreaming stories. Learn about the dot painting techniques utilised in this part of Queensland and create your own painting to take home. Following your art class enjoy lunch at the Mayi Café within the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre.
After lunch, immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre with a traditional smoking ceremony, followed by an interpretive walk through Mossman Gorge led by your knowledgeable guide, who reveals the deep connection between Kuku Yalanji people and the land.
Return to Crystalbook Riley, your hotel for the next four nights.
Enjoy dinner at the chef-hatted Tamarind Restaurant within The Reef Hotel Casino.
Highlights:
Experience a traditional smoking ceremony and interpretive walk through the ancient rainforest.
Learn traditional fishing techniques at Cooya Beach, the ancestral fishing grounds of the Kuku Yalanji people.
Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland © Tourism Australia
DAY 2
Take a 15-minute stroll to the Cairns Marlin Marina and join a Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise.
On this unparalleled journey, you'll discover the intersection of the world’s oldest living cultures and Australia’s breathtaking marine life. Experienced marine biologists and First Nations cultural guides will unveil the secrets of the Great Barrier Reef, sharing millennia-old Dreamtime stories passed down by Traditional Owners.
Two premium outer reef locations are selected to ensure optimal conditions, guaranteeing you a premier snorkelling or diving encounter, with a relaxing five hours out on the reef. A delicious buffet lunch is freshly prepared by the highly awarded Ochre Restaurant.
Tonight, head upstairs for dinner at Crystalbrook Riley's Rocco restaurant, Cairns/Gimuy's highest rooftop bar and dining spot, offering breathtaking 270-degree panoramic views of the city and the Coral Sea.
Highlights:
Explore two exclusive Great Barrier Reef sites to witness Australia’s amazing marine life.
Hear Dreamtime and Great Barrier Reef Creation stories and see live demonstrations of traditional dances, clap sticks, fire poles and the didgeridoo.
Platypus, FNQ Nature Tours, Queensland, © Australian Wildlife Journeys
DAY 3
Your FNQ Nature Tours guide will collect you from your hotel for an exclusive Atherton Tablelands tour.
Embark on a nature-filled day, starting with a visit to the ancient Cathedral Fig Tree, an 800-year-old relic of the flora kingdom. Immerse yourself in the life story of the Giant Fig before heading to Lake Barrine for an interpretive exploration of the lakeside rainforest, delving into the European history of the region. Indulge in a lakeside lunch, engage in wild platypus spotting, and take a refreshing swim at Lake Eacham.
Continue the adventure with a visit to Malanda Conservation Park, a haven for the elusive Mapee (Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo), the Freshwater Snapping Turtle and the Grey-headed Robin. Conclude the day with a panoramic photo opportunity from Heales Lookout, providing stunning views of Goldsborough Valley.
Take a stroll along the Harbour Lights Boardwalk to dinner at Ochre Restaurant, where native foraged ingredients are transformed into modern and exciting cuisine.
Highlights:
Enjoy tailored walks and opportunities to spot reptiles, birds, and unique species at Lake Barrine.
Try to spot wild platypuses and learn of their elusive behaviour.
Discover the habitat of the Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo and view Malanda Falls.
Jarramali Rock Art Tours, Laura, Queensland © Tourism Australia
DAY 4
You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Cairns Airport, for your Jarramali Rock Art Tours Heli Tour.
Embark on a remote helicopter adventure with unparalleled views of the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, and the remote Cape York Peninsula en route. Your Nautilus Aviation helicopter will land at Jarramali Camp, Laura, where you'll engage in immersive experiences, learning about traditional plant uses and sampling resources the bush provides.
Discover the ancient culture of the Kuku-Yalanji people, and marvel at some of Australia's finest Aboriginal rock art at the 'Magnificent Gallery,' a 20,000-year-old outback museum expertly interpreted by knowledgeable guides. This culturally significant Quinkan rock art site is home to over 450 pieces of art. Your exclusive tour includes lunch and refreshments and return helicopter flights to Cairns/Gimuy.
Enjoy dinner on your final evening in Cairns/Gimuy at Salt House, boasting impressive views of the waterfront and Marina.
Highlights:
Experience an exclusive helicopter journey to the outback with stunning views along the way.
Visit the 'Magnificent Gallery,' a 20,000-year-old outback museum with over 450 pieces of Aboriginal rock art.
Gain insights into the rich culture of the Kuku-Yalanji people.
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
Extend your trip with a stay at Mt Mulligan Lodge, a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia. Nestled within a secluded, entirely exclusive 28,000-hectare heritage site, this luxury outback resort provides boutique accommodation in the shadow of majestic Mount Mulligan.
Mt Mulligan Lodge, Queensland © Luxury Lodges of Australia
DAY 5
Pick up your 4WD rental vehicle* then head west to Mt Mulligan Lodge. Alternatively, helicopter transfers are available.
On arrival, pick up a picnic hamper from the main pavilion and cruise down to the weir in an electric buggy for a secluded lunch on the water.
After lunch, grab a Mount Mulligan Naturalist Chart and explore the property on a leisurely self-guided walking tour, keeping an eye out for rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, and wallabies. Take a refreshing swim in the infinity pool or sip cocktails on sun loungers witnessing the majestic Mount Mulligan sunset.
Enjoy an indulgent dinner highlighting the unique flavours of the Atherton Tablelands at the main pavilion, accompanied by a curated selection of wines.
*Access to Mt Mulligan Lodge is by 4WD only, and there can be road closures in the green season. Helicopter charters for transfers are recommended during this period.
Pool, Mt Mulligan Lodge, Queensland © Jason Lerace
DAY 6
Begin your day with the Mt Mulligan Old Township & Coal Mine Tour, where you'll uncover the rich history of the coal mine, exploring landmarks like the chimney stack, electricity generator, cemetery, and miner’s residence.
Before noon, take a quick kayak or stand-up paddleboard adventure on the weir or try your luck at catching barramundi.
Relish an alfresco lunch on the main pavilion's deck with a buffet spread of seasonal, local produce.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon, then mingle with fellow travellers at the rustic Sunset Bar, toasting to the day's end with sundowners like the Old-Fashioned Ned Kelly or a glass of fine Australian wine.
After dinner, immerse yourself in the wonders of the night sky using the lodge’s telescope or the binoculars in your room, marvelling at the brilliance of constellations and the Milky Way galaxy.
Scenic helicopter flight, Mt Mulligan Lodge, Queensland © Jason Lerace
DAY 7
Enjoy a leisurely a la carte breakfast at the main pavilion before embarking on an adventurous ATV Branch Tour. Explore the rugged property, spot cows, and cross creeks before morning tea at The Branch.
Savour drinks by the pool and lunch at the main pavilion.
In the afternoon, take an unforgettable outback experience with a scenic helicopter flight over Mount Mulligan's sandstone ridge and vast landscapes.
Set by the weir, under the stars and the shadow of Mount Mulligan, enjoy the signature Dining Under the Stars experience on your final night, featuring a seven-course degustation dinner paired with handpicked wines by the sommelier.
Please be aware that some tours, restaurants, and attractions are seasonal and may not operate daily. For the most up-to-date information, kindly refer to each operator's website.
