This program highlights Queensland and some of Cairns most recognizable icons. Get up close to the residents of the Great Barrier Reef and experience the tropical Rainforest of Cairns. Finally, learn from the local Aboriginal community as they immerse you in the oldest known culture of the country.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour. This program is not suitable for guests who utilize a wheelchair or rely on walking aids due to the level of mobility required to participate in each of the activities.
DAY 1 – June 28, 2025
Disembark the ship in Darwin and meet your tour director for the next five days.
Proceed to the Darwin Airport for a flight to Cairns where upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for the next four nights.
The evening will be your opportunity to officially meet your travelling companions with a welcome dinner and drinks at your hotel.
DAY 2 – June 29, 2025
Today, embark on an exploration of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living organism stretching more than 1,400 miles. Following check-in at the wharf, board a luxury boat and allow the friendly crew to take you to two dedicated mooring locations with some of the best snorkeling reef around.
All activities are based off the back of the vessel on a purpose-built platform that provides direct access to the beautiful Pacific blue waters.
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Included in this experience is the opportunity to snorkel (all equipment is included) as well as a ride in a semi-submarine where you can see the underwater world come to life.
For an additional cost, guests can choose to scuba dive. Any costs are payable directly to the boat operator. If you wish to scuba dive, please pre book this with your tour guide on Day 1 of this program. Whichever way you choose to experience the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder. A buffet lunch as well as afternoon tea is also included in this full day experience.???
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Return to the hotel. Dinner is on your own.
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Note: snorkel equipment is provided on the boat – it is thoroughly washed and sterilized to meet covid- safe requirements. Or you may wish to bring your own. This vessel is not exclusive to Oceania guests and will be shared with other travellers.??
DAY 3 – June 30, 2025
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before meeting your guide in the lobby to begin an action-packed and exciting day in Kuranda. Your coach will transfer you to Freshwater Station where you will travel in style on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Once aboard, experience your scenic journey in the splendour of KSR Gold Class. Take pleasure in the luxury and heritage of hand-crafted Victorian inspired decor and club class lounge seating. You will also enjoy a drink and dine on locally produced delicacies brought to you by your dedicated attendant.
The train will make its way up the mountain gently meandering past breathtaking scenery. A spectacular journey comprising unsurpassed views of dense rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls awaits within the world heritage listed Barron Gorge National Park.
Once in Kuranda, you will enjoy some time at the Koala & Wildlife Park before a two-course lunch at the Kuranda Hotel.
After lunch, you will travel on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This unique rainforest experience takes you on an unforgettable journey over and through world heritage listed rainforest. Spanning 7.5kms in the Barron Gorge National Park, the Skyrail glides just metres over the canopy. You will be placed in comfortable six-person gondola cabins providing spectacular views of the rainforest, tropical Cairns, the Coral Sea and lush Cairns Highlands and have the chance to spend time at two mid-stations.
At the end of the Skyrail, a coach will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel.
Reunite with your group this evening in the hotel lobby before you?travel on foot to the nearby Cairns Aquarium. Here you will be treated to a private and exclusive dinner which will be served surrounded by the fish and sharks in the 70,000-liter tank located in the building. Following dinner, you will make your way back to the hotel for a good night’s rest.
DAY 4 – July 1, 2025
Today you will spend time travelling along a scenic route via Mossman to Cape Tribulation.
Lush farmland contrasts with seascape as you approach the majestic Daintree River. Experience the rainforest intimately on an elevated National Park Boardwalk. Accurate interpretations of flora and fauna will be given with ample time for photographs and questions as you search for the elusive, rare, and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species within this habitat.
Enjoy a delicious lunch and spend some time strolling along the beach at Cape Tribulation.
Continue beyond Cape Tribulation in a 4-wheel drive vehicle along 7kms of the Bloomfield Track to pristine Emmagen Creek where you can enjoy a refreshing rainforest freshwater swim. Be on the lookout for fish and turtles in the creek and butterflies and exotic birds in the trees which enhance the tranquil surroundings.
Before beginning the journey back to your hotel, stop for a short afternoon refreshment with exotic home-grown ice-cream at the Daintree Ice-creamery. Then, it is time to cross the Daintree River by cable ferry to begin the journey back to your hotel. Dinner is on your own.
DAY 5 – July 2, 2025
Following breakfast, you will check out of the hotel, leaving your suitcases in storage, before meeting your guide for your last activity before re-embarking the ship.
Enjoy local Aboriginal culture as you journey back in time starting with a River Cruise on the calm waters of Trinity Bay, discovering an ancient cultural landscape as seen through the eyes of the Mandingalbay Yidinji People.
Glide across Trinity Inlet past tethered yachts leaving the city of Cairns behind and enter a stunning mangrove forest and wetlands eco-system. Your Mandingalbay Yidinji tour guide is a traditional owner of the land, and will introduce you to a cultural landscape, bringing to life stories of creation, central to a reclamation of both country and culture that has been going on since Native Title was granted in 2006.
Walk an ancient pathway through the forest with your guide, learning about the impact each season had on the people. Touch, Smell and feel native foods, medicine and herbs.
Following this immersive experience, you will be transferred back to Cairns to pick up your luggage and return to the port where you will re-embark the ship.
NOTE:
•Those that suffer from motion sickness are advised to take preventative medication before the Great Barrier Reef cruise. The cruise is not recommended for those who use a wheelchair or who have limited mobility.
•It is suggested that you bring a towel from the hotel for the cruise. Lost and not returned towels will be at the expense of the guest and not covered in this program.
•Swimming at Emmagen Creek is at the guests own risk. Guests are to supply their own towel.
•The walk in the forest during the On Country program is on uneven natural surfaces. It is recommended that appropriate walking shoes be worn. This tour is not suitable for those who use a wheelchair or who have limited mobility.
•Bio -degradable sunscreen must be used when at the Great Barrier Reef
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
DAY 1 – timings are subject to actual flight times
12:00pm Disembark in Darwin and meet your tour director
12:20pm Transfer to the Darwin Airport
2:30pm Flight from Darwin to Cairns with lunch on board (flight details TBA and subject to change)
5:25pm Collect luggage and transfer to your hotel
6:15pm Group check in
7:30pm Welcome Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Riley by Crystalbrook Hotel or similar
DAY 2
6:30am Breakfast at the hotel
7:30am Great Barrier Reef excursion
5:00pm Return to the hotel
Dinner on own
Overnight at Riley by Crystalbrook Hotel or similar
DAY 3
6:30am Breakfast at the hotel
8:15am Transfer to Freshwater Station
8:55am Scenic Railway Experience
10:50am Koala Wildlife Park
12:10pm Transfer to Kuranda Hotel
12:30pm Lunch at Kuranda Hotel
1:45pm Free time to explore
3:15pm Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience
4:45pm Return to hotel
6:45pm Short walk to Cairns Aquarium
7:00pm Dinner at Cairns Aquarium
9:30pm Short walk back to your hotel
Overnight at Riley by Crystalbrook Hotel or similar
DAY 4
7:00am Breakfast at your hotel
8:00am Drive to Daintree
9:30am Daintree Rainforest Boardwalk Tour
11:00am Onward journey to Cape Tribulation
11:30am Lunch
12:30pm Cape Tribulation Beach Walk
1:00pm Bloomfield Track to Emmagen Creek for a freshwater swim
2:00pm Daintree Ice-creamery stop
2:30pm Cable Ferry Crossing
3:15pm Return drive to hotel
5:30pm Arrival at the hotel
Dinner on own
Overnight at Riley by Crystalbrook Hotel or similar
DAY 5
7:30am Breakfast at hotel
8:30am Check out of hotel
9:00am Hands on Country Eco Tour
11:00am Transfer to the ship
1:00pm Approximate arrival at the port and re-embark the ship
Expected Weather:
You can expect the weather to be 18°C - 26°C or 64°F - 79°F
What to Bring:
Guests should bring layered clothing as although this is summer, nights can be cool, bathing suit, camera, charger, hat, bio-degradable sunscreen, hat, good walking shoes.
Currency:
Australian Dollar
USD are not accepted
Electricity:
Australian electricity voltage for domestic use is 220-240 volts
We recommend brining your own universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Luggage:
Guests are allowed to bring a maximum of 1 checked suitcase free of charge for the domestic flights. Maximum weight is 23 kilos (50 lbs.) One small carry-on per person that can fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you is also permitted. Guests having excess or overweight luggage will be responsible for any fees upon check in at the airports.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at OCI at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements: Guests will need a visa to visit Australia and should check with their travel agent or embassy for requirements.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Hotel address:
Riley by Crystalbrook
131-141 Esplanade, Cairns Queensland
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•4 nights at Riley by Crystalbrook or similar - Panoramic Sea View room
•Transfers
•Entrances and meals per the itinerary (2 drinks per included lunch or dinner (wine/beer/soft drinks)
•Domestic economy class flight from Darwin to Cairns
•Porterage
Program Excludes for guests:
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Meals and drinks not included in the program
•Excess or overweight luggage fees
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
