Premium Reef and Rainforest Touring for the Travel Trade

Reef & Rainforest Tour Cairns

About This Tour

Far North Queensland’s Signature Reef and Rainforest Experience

  • Two World Heritage icons in two days – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest
  • Comfortable reef vessels with shaded decks, plus air-conditioned coach touring
  • Knowledgeable guides who bring both the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest to life
  • All-inclusive – meals, equipment, transfers, reef charges, and guided experiences
  • Ideal for FIT travellers, families, small group incentives, and first-time visitors to Tropical North Queensland
A group of tourists walks along a wooden boardwalk through a lush tropical rainforest canopy
A group of hikers traverse a wooden boardwalk on the Overland Track in Tasmania, with Cradle Mountain visible in the distance across the pristine alpine landscape under clear blue skies. The scene captures the natural beauty of the region with moorland vegetation, rocky outcrops, and distant mountain peaks.
A solo traveler in a bright yellow jacket sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking a stunning turquoise alpine lake surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and lush vegetation. The scenic vista captures a moment of adventure and contemplation at Marion's Lookout Trail in Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania.
A picturesque waterfront scene of Hobart Harbour at sunset, featuring moored sailing boats and historic buildings reflected in calm golden waters. The image captures the vibrant golden and orange hues of the setting sun illuminating the colonial architecture and modern skyline along Tasmania's waterfront.
A stocky wombat forages in natural grassland near a weathered wooden deck structure, with rolling hillside vegetation visible in the background. The image captures an authentic wildlife encounter in Tasmania's natural landscape.
A stunning aerial drone view of Cloudy Bay Beach on South Bruny Island, Tasmania, showcasing pristine white sand, turquoise waters with rolling surf waves, and forested mountains backing the coastline under clear blue skies.
A stunning aerial drone photograph of The Neck, a narrow isthmus connecting North and South Bruny Island in southern Tasmania, Australia. The image showcases the dramatic contrast between the turquoise ocean waters on the left, the sandy beach, pristine green lagoon on the right, and forested hills beyond, with mountains visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A stunning coastal landscape featuring pristine white sand beach, turquoise waters, and distinctive granite boulders covered in vibrant orange lichen at the Bay of Fires Conservation Area in Tasmania. The rocky foreground contrasts beautifully with the calm, clear waters and blue sky beyond.
An aerial view of Bruny Island Lighthouse perched on a grassy headland overlooking the Southern Ocean. The white cylindrical lighthouse stands prominently on the rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and dense coastal vegetation, with sparkling blue waters and distant landmasses visible under a partly cloudy sky.
A dramatic aerial view of The Neck, a narrow isthmus on Bruny Island, featuring a wooden boardwalk descending toward pristine white sand beaches flanked by turquoise ocean waters on one side and calm bay waters on the other, with lush green vegetation covering the peninsula and mountains visible across the water under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic wooden boardwalk winds through alpine grassland toward the distinctive peaks of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. The image captures the mountain's dramatic twin summits framed by native vegetation, a pristine alpine lake, and diverse flora in golden and green tones under clear skies.
A scenic landscape view of dramatic rocky mountain peaks rising above rolling bushland, with delicate white wildflowers and native vegetation in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky. The rugged granite formations and diverse flora showcase Tasmania's natural beauty and wilderness character.
An aerial view of the Gordon Dam, a distinctive double-curvature concrete arch dam spanning the Gordon River in southwestern Tasmania, Australia, surrounded by dense temperate rainforest and rocky outcrops with a second lake visible in the distance.
A clear, rocky river winding through dense temperate forest under a blue sky with scattered clouds
A serene forest pathway winds through a lush, moss-covered woodland in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tasmania. Towering trees with moss-draped trunks create a verdant canopy overhead, with dappled sunlight filtering through the dense foliage onto the gravel track below.
A scenic wooden boardwalk with metal railings winds through a lush temperate rainforest, featuring moss-covered trees, ferns, and dense green canopy. An interpretive sign is visible along the pathway, providing information about the natural environment.
A serene forest stream winds through a lush, moss-covered temperate rainforest in Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Towering trees, ferns, and moss-laden rocks create an ancient, primordial atmosphere with the clear water flowing gently over a rocky bed.
A picturesque street view of The Mall in central Launceston, Tasmania, featuring elegant Victorian and heritage architecture with distinctive cream and terracotta facades, ornate details, and ground-floor retail establishments beneath a clear blue sky.
An aerial view of the iconic Alexandra Suspension Bridge spanning across the turquoise waters of Cataract Gorge in Launceston, Tasmania, surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs and autumn vegetation. The historic footbridge connects the gorge's steep sides and offers stunning views of the natural landscape below.
A hiker traverses a moss-lined wooden boardwalk across lush green terrain toward a distinctive craggy mountain peak rising majestically against a blue sky with scattered clouds. The landscape features vibrant moss, low vegetation, and a dramatic rugged mountain formation characteristic of sub-arctic or northern temperate regions.

DAINTREE RAINFOREST DAY

Your Reef & Rainforest Journey – Day by Day

Cairns Marina to the Great Barrier Reef. The tour begins at the Cairns waterfront, where guests board a comfortable reef vessel for the journey out to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Morning tea is served onboard as the boat cruises across the Coral Sea, with crew sharing an overview of the day ahead and safety briefings before arrival at the reef pontoon.

Outer Great Barrier Reef. The afternoon is spent exploring vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. Guests can snorkel directly from the boat, with all equipment and guidance provided. Optional introductory or certified dives are available, and the onboard marine team offers a presentation on reef conservation and the creatures you are likely to encounter.

Cairns to the Daintree. The second day heads north into the Daintree, the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest. A river cruise offers the chance to spot estuarine crocodiles basking on the muddy banks, alongside birdlife and other native wildlife. Guides explain the ancient ecology that makes this World Heritage area so significant.

Mossman Gorge & Daintree Village. The afternoon explores Mossman Gorge, where crystal-clear waters flow over granite boulders beneath towering rainforest canopy. An optional Indigenous-guided Dreamtime walk shares the cultural connection of the Kuku Yalanji people to this country. There is time for a refreshing swim before continuing on.

Daintree to Cairns. After a morning in the rainforest, the tour winds back south along the coastal road. The return journey passes Port Douglas and the cane fields of the tropical lowlands, with a scenic stretch hugging the Coral Sea coastline. Guests are dropped at their Cairns accommodation in the late afternoon, completing the two-day reef and rainforest experience.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Inclusions & Equipment

Reef Day Inclusions

  • Return coach transfers between Cairns and the Daintree Rainforest
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Cairns accommodation
  • Overnight accommodation in Port Douglas or Cairns between days
  • Lunch and non-alcoholic beverages included on both touring days
  • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park environmental management charges
  • Daintree River ferry crossing on the rainforest day
  • Use of all snorkelling equipment for the duration of the reef day
  • Comfortable, air-conditioned vessel with shaded outdoor seating
  • Experienced reef and rainforest guides throughout both days

Equipment Provided

Clients don’t need to bring their own snorkelling or hiking equipment. The tour provides everything required for both reef and rainforest days, which makes it an easy package to sell to international travellers arriving with limited luggage. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, and flotation aids are supplied on the reef, while guided walks in the Daintree require nothing more than comfortable footwear.

  • Glass-bottom boat tours for those who prefer to stay dry
  • Flotation aids and life jackets available for non-swimmers
  • Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins provided for the reef day
  • Morning tea, buffet lunch, and afternoon refreshments on the reef vessel
  • Onboard marine presentations and reef interpretation by qualified crew

Add This Destination to Your Australia or New Zealand Itinerary

Contact our team for trade rates, availability, and help packaging this tour into your clients’ tailor-made itineraries. As a leading inbound travel specialist for Australia and New Zealand, we’ll build the complete journey, including flights, accommodation, connecting tours, and onward travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Reef & Rainforest Tour operates year-round, with departures available throughout the seasons. The dry season from May to October offers warm days, lower humidity, and excellent reef visibility, making it the most popular window. The wet season brings lush, vibrant rainforest and fewer crowds. Our team can advise on the ideal timing based on your clients’ preferences and travel dates.

This tour is accessible to most travellers with a reasonable level of fitness. The reef day involves snorkelling, though flotation aids and glass-bottom boat options are available for non-swimmers. The rainforest day includes gentle boardwalk and bushwalking sections that are suitable for most ages. There are no strenuous climbs, making it a comfortable choice for families and older travellers alike.

It is ideal for first-time visitors. In just two days, clients see two of the region’s World Heritage-listed icons – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – without the need to organise multiple separate excursions. It suits travellers on a tight schedule who still want depth and variety. For those with more time, we can extend the program with additional reef days, island stays, or Atherton Tablelands touring.

Yes. The Reef & Rainforest Tour works well as part of a larger Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) program, and can be tailored for groups of all sizes. Private boat charters, exclusive Daintree experiences, and group dining can all be coordinated by the AABH team. The shared adventure of snorkelling the reef and exploring ancient rainforest makes for a memorable team experience.

Cairns sits at the heart of Tropical North Queensland and connects easily to the rest of Australia. Most clients arrive via a direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, making this two-day tour simple to slot into a larger program. It pairs beautifully with the Whitsundays, a Sydney city stay, or an Uluru extension. For travellers wanting to see both reef and rainforest in one compact window, this is one of the most efficient introductions to Far North Queensland we offer.