• Experience the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge and Kuranda Village in one itinerary
• Explore two World Heritage-listed environments by land and sea
• Enjoy a relaxed, leisure-focused pace ideal for families and first-time visitors
• Discover where the ancient rainforest meets the Coral Sea at Cape Tribulation
• Spend time in the rainforest village of Kuranda, with markets, cafés and local attractions
• Learn about the region’s unique ecosystems through guided experiences
• Start and return from Cairns, the gateway to Tropical North Queensland
About Reef and Rainforest Highlights
Reef and Rainforest Highlights is a relaxed, multi-day journey through the natural landscapes that define Cairns and Tropical North Queensland. Starting from Cairns, this experience connects visitors to the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, and the rainforest village of Kuranda.
Designed for families and first-time visitors, the experience offers an easy-paced introduction to two World Heritage-listed environments, blending coastal, marine and rainforest settings with time to explore and connect.
Great Barrier Reef
From Cairns, travel out onto the Coral Sea to experience the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most celebrated natural wonders. Snorkel among colourful coral gardens and tropical fish, or relax onboard while taking in expansive ocean views. The day is designed to suit a wide range of ages and confidence levels.
Experience highlights:
Outer Great Barrier Reef locations
Snorkelling with equipment provided
Spacious vessels with onboard facilities
Optional scuba diving experiences
Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge
Heading north from Cairns, the journey continues into the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest continually living rainforest on Earth. Guided exploration offers insight into the region’s unique ecosystems, with stops at Cape Tribulation, where rainforest meets reef, and Mossman Gorge, known for its clear waters and tranquil rainforest walks.
Experience highlights:
Guided Daintree Rainforest experience
Cape Tribulation coastal landscapes
Mossman Gorge rainforest walk and swimming opportunity
Educational, relaxed touring style
Kuranda Village
Set high in the rainforest hinterland above Cairns, Kuranda Village offers a laid-back contrast to the coast. Visitors enjoy free time to explore local markets, cafés and galleries. Surrounded by lush rainforest and scenic views across the region.
Experience highlights:
Time to explore Kuranda at your own pace
Local markets and village atmosphere
Rainforest surrounds and scenic travel
Why This Experience Is Special
Connects Cairns to reef, rainforest and village life
Showcases two World Heritage-listed environments
Designed for relaxed exploration rather than adventure
Suitable for families and most fitness levels
Offers insight into Tropical North Queensland’s landscapes
Combines land and sea experiences in one journey
FAQs
Is this experience suitable for families?
Yes. Reef and Rainforest Highlights is designed for a relaxed pace and is suitable for families, including children and first-time visitors.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the reef experience?
No. Snorkelling is optional, and flotation aids are available. Guests can also relax onboard and enjoy the reef from the vessel.
What level of fitness is required?
A low to moderate level of fitness is recommended. Activities include easy walks, optional swimming and free time to explore at your own pace.
What should I bring with me?
Comfortable clothing, swimwear, a towel, sun protection, walking shoes, a refillable water bottle and a camera are recommended.
Can the order of experiences change?
Yes. The order of activities may vary due to weather or operational considerations, but all key highlights are included.
Reef and Rainforest Highlights Conclusion
Reef and Rainforest Highlights offers a rewarding introduction to Cairns and Tropical North Queensland. Bringing together reef, rainforest and village experiences in one easy, well-paced itinerary.
• Visit the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge and Kuranda.
• Enjoy a relaxed reef experience with snorkelling and time to unwind.
• Discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.
• Swim and explore at the beautiful Mossman Gorge.
• Experience the charm of Kuranda Village.
• Multilingual guided rainforest tour for added comfort and understanding.
• A perfect family-friendly highlights package showcasing Tropical North Queensland.
Full Experience Breakdown / Itinerary
First Day – Great Barrier Reef Experience
Spend a full day discovering one of the world’s most famous natural wonders.
What you’ll do and see:
• Cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
• Snorkel over vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish.
• Relax on spacious reef pontoons or onboard the vessel.
• Enjoy informative commentary from experienced reef guides.
• Optional scuba diving for certified and introductory divers.
Highlights:
• World Heritage-listed reef.
• Calm, comfortable experience ideal for families.
• Excellent facilities and safety-focused operations.
• Plenty of time to explore or simply relax.
Second Day – Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge
Journey north into the world’s oldest living rainforest.
What you’ll do and see:
• Travel along the scenic coastal drive to Cape Tribulation.
• Explore the Daintree Rainforest with a knowledgeable guide.
• Swim in the pristine waters of Mossman Gorge.
• Learn about Indigenous culture and rainforest ecosystems.
• Multilingual commentary available for international guests
Highlights:
• Two World Heritage sites in one day
• Easy walking tracks suitable for all fitness levels
• Stunning rainforest, rivers and beaches
• Educational yet relaxed touring style
Day 3 – Essential Kuranda Experience
A relaxed day exploring the village in the rainforest.
What you’ll do and see:
• Travel to Kuranda Village via scenic transport
• Enjoy free time to browse local markets and shops
• Visit cafes, wildlife attractions or simply soak up the atmosphere
• Return journey with spectacular views of Tropical North Queensland
Highlights:
• Leisurely pace with flexible free time
• Family-friendly village atmosphere
• Beautiful rainforest surrounds
• Easy, stress-free sightseeing
What’s Included
• Great Barrier Reef full-day tour.
• Snorkelling equipment and instruction.
• Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tour.
• Entry to Mossman Gorge.
• Multilingual guided rainforest experience.
• Essential Kuranda tour and transfers.
• Professional guides.
• Return transfers from selected locations.
Optional Extras
• Introductory or certified scuba diving.
• Underwater photo packages.
• Additional reef activities.
• Food and beverage upgrades.
• Souvenir photos and merchandise.
What to Bring
• Swimwear and towel.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Hat and sunscreen.
• Light jacket or rain protection.
• Camera or phone.
• Refillable water bottle.
• Small day pack.
How to Get There
• Hotel pickups available from Cairns and surrounding areas.
• Reef tour departs from the local marina.
• Rainforest and Kuranda tours include coach transfers.
• Pickup details confirmed after booking.
• Easy, organised transport throughout the experience.
Important Information
• Suitable for families and most fitness levels.
• Children must be supervised at all times.
• Swimming is optional and weather dependent.
• Scuba diving requires a medical questionnaire.
• Tour order may change due to weather or operational needs.
• Bring sun protection and water daily.
A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any changes to the booking (date, names, etc) incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 24 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 24 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc. All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavour to provide accurate information we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
• Children’s prices are from 4 – 14 years of age. Infants 3 and under travel for free if nursed.
• We are not liable for changes to tours, pricing or itineraries; all of which are subject to change without notice.
• Neither this site, nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of
damage, delay or personal injury.
• All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other
expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger.
• Please inform us of any special requirements prior to your date of travel; such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done in the 'Booking Message' section of your online reservation or by contacting our friendly reservations team
• Bus transfers may vary by 10 minutes either way due to traffic conditions. Please wait at your accommodation 10 minutes prior to pick up time
A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any date change will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 24 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 24 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavour to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
Child prices 4-14 years inclusive. The minimum age for this tour is 4 years old
FAMILY PRICE: Valid for 2 adults and 2 children (aged 4-14 years inclusive).
Audio Guides available in Deutsch, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese
We are not liable for changes to tours, pricing, or itineraries; all of which are subject to change without notice. Tours are subject to a price increase on the 1st of April every year.
Neither this site, nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of damage, delay or personal injury.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger. Please be aware that scuba diving and other in-water activities are not covered by all travel insurance companies.
Please inform us of any special requirements prior to your date of travel, such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility issues, or disability issues. You can do this by contacting our friendly reservations team.
Changing your booking: Please give us at least 24 hours' notice to change your date or details.
Cancelling: Cancel more than 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours of departure are not refunded.
How to cancel or change: Email [email protected] or call us on +61 7 4037 2700. Our team is here 7am to 9pm (Cairns time), every day.
If you miss the boat: There is no refund if you don't arrive by the departure time. The boat can't wait, even for delays outside your control such as flights.
If we cancel: If we have to cancel your trip, for example because of weather or safety, you choose: reschedule, credit, or a full refund.
Your Reef Day Tour is operated by GBR Tours Pty Ltd (Reef Experience).
Check-in: 7:30am at Berth 8, Finger A, Marlin Jetty, Marlin Marina, Cairns. The boat departs at 8:00am.
Terms and Conditions:
Children’s prices are from 4 to 11 years of age. If booking as a certified diver, adult rates apply.
To keep everyone’s booking safe, please bring the card used for payment and matching photo ID when you check in. Booking for someone else or buying a gift? Just tell us in the Message box when you book and we will look after it with you.
Open-Dated Ticket: In certain cases, Open-Dated tickets may be issued. These tickets are valid indefinitely but are non-refundable. Any fare increase must be paid at the time of rebooking. Once a customer accepts an Open-Dated ticket, the cancellation policy applicable to the original booking date will remain in effect.
Schedules, vessels, dive locations, and itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances, with full consideration for your safety and enjoyment. We reserve the right to adjust tours, schedules, prices, and itineraries at any time without notice. We are not liable for any changes, cancellations, or delays, and we accept no responsibility for any loss, additional expenses, or out-of-pocket costs incurred as a result, whether caused directly or indirectly.
Neither this site nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, any loss, any damage, delays, deaths or personal injury.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance that covers personal injury and the events, including but not limited to your cancellation for any reason and the cancellation or alteration to the scheduled itinerary for reasons involving weather or passenger, crew or vessel safety. Please read your insurance policy's wording carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. Please be aware that all travel insurance companies do not cover scuba diving and other in-water activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical expenses, or other expenses are the passenger's financial responsibility.
The passenger acknowledges and consents to Reef Experience taking photographs or video recordings during the course of this activity/tour. The passenger acknowledges and consents to Reef Experience receiving and using images of the passenger from third parties and using these images for marketing and promoting its services.
Please inform us of any special requirements 48 hours before your travel date, such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done in the ‘Booking Message’ section of your online reservation or by contacting our friendly reservations team.
Scuba Diving – Important Information:
All Certified Divers must present a valid Certification Card. Failure to present a Certification Card may result in the customer being unable to participate in scuba diving. They can enjoy snorkelling activities instead. No refunds would be offered.
The minimum age for Introductory Diving is 12 years old. The minimum age for certified diving and Open Water Courses is 10 years old. All junior divers must either be accompanied by a certified parent or guardian or must dive with a dive professional at an additional charge. If the diver is under the age of 18 years, parental or guardian consent is required for that diver to undertake a dive. The parent or guardian should sign the medical declaration as witness.
Upon arriving at our vessel and before commencing any dive activities, all passengers must complete our liability forms. All information provided must be strictly accurate. If during the tour, it becomes apparent that a form has been incorrectly completed, either by omission or false statement, we reserve the right to prevent any customer from undertaking any scuba diving or snorkelling activities while on board our vessel. Any decision made in this regard will be at the absolute discretion of the Dive Crew aboard the vessel.
The dangers and risks associated with scuba diving in an open ocean environment under variable conditions apply to our tours. We reserve the right to prevent any customer from participating in scuba diving if we determine that they are physically or medically unsuitable to do so or if it is in the best interests of our crew or other scuba divers. Our crew are trained professionals, and it is up to their sole discretion who they take diving and/or snorkelling. No refunds would apply.
Please remember you must allow 24 hours from your last dive before flying.
Medical Conditions & Medications:
Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world but also the safest scuba diving record. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules, including medical, as is the law.
All passengers participating in any Scuba activities must complete a
Medical Questionnaire
. If you’ve answered yes to any questions or take any prescribed medication, you will need further medical clearance. This must be arranged prior to your day of departure.
Medication: DO NOT presume that by taking medication is controlling your medical conditions, and you should be fine to scuba dive, as it is the medication that can be the problem when scuba diving. Particularly prescribed medication may require a medical clearance.
The medical certification should be provided in English, preferably by a medical practitioner with experience in diving medicine, within 90 days prior to the scuba dive. The certificate must state that the person is medically fit to dive.
No refunds are given for uncompleted dives due to medical conditions and/or prescribed medications or changes of mind.
Peak Season Surcharge - To be paid onboard on the day of travel:
➢ A Surcharge of $100 per person applies to 25 December 2025 & 2026 – Christmas Day
➢ A Surcharge of $50 per person applies to the following days:
• 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day
• 3, 4, 5 & 6 April 2026 – Easter Weekend
• 26 December 2026 – Boxing Day
• 26, 27, 28 & 29 March 2027 - Easter Weekend
Kuranda Skyrail and Train tour. Enjoy some of the icons of the region, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Scenic Rail and Kuranda Village.
Departs
Cape Tribulation, Daintree and Mossman Gorge
Cape Tribulation, Daintree and Mossman Gorge
Full-day tour
Departs
Reef Experience
All Inclusive Day Tour
Spend the day snorkelling and scuba diving on the Outer Great Barrier Reef aboard Reef Experience. Enjoy an all-inclusive reef day from Cairns with snorkelling equipment, meals and reef activities included.
