Our ever popular Backpackers Adventure Package - with an upgraded Reef Trip!

With 4 tours over 4 days, as well as 5 nights in Cairns' most popular hostel. You'll get to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef as well as see some incredible Rainforest at Cape Tribulation. We've also included a great tour of the Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls with loads of swimming. Then have a go whitewater rafting the Barron River.    

Our 4 day / 5 night backpacker package includes 5 nights dorm accommodation,  a day tour on the Great Barrier Reef, a full day waterfalls tour, a full day tour to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree and a 1/2 days rafting on the Barron River. Want a double room? We can also help you! 

All of the tours can operate every day, so we can change it around to suit your exact itinerary. We can also tailor make this package to you - for example you could swap the rafting for a bungy or the reef tour for Fitzroy Island, just let us know.

Day 1 - Waterfalls & Tablelands

Mount Hypipamee, the Crater and Dinner Falls, WOW 3 great things in 1 location! Here you will have the opportunity to take a bush walk, swim behind a waterfall and gaze into an 85 meter deep volcanic crater and if that’s not enough, we quite often see the local Cassowary here too.
As the afternoon starts to roll on, we head to the Curtain Fig Tree. Here 15 meter high tree roots tower above, like a 3 story building; keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo.

Just before our last swim spot, we will take you down to a quiet little creek to search for Platypus and then off to our last stop of the day at Lake Eacham.

 Day 2 - Full Day Outer Reef Snorkelling

 

Departing Cairns daily, offering a fast, comfortable and affordable cruise, with five hours spent visiting two spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef destinations. This large modern vessel provides a superior ride in all weather conditions, no big crowds and exclusive protected Reef locations. Professional, friendly and attentive staff ensure a safe and enjoyable fun filled experience.

We have 12 exclusive moorings at six reef locations. Locations are chosen each day based on weather conditions and water clarity so as to ensure the best experience for all activities.

Generally we travel to one of our two outer reef locations in the morning (Norman Reef or Saxon Reef) then make our way to North Hastings Reef in the afternoon to conduct Helicopter Flights and our Semi-Submersible tour.

Inclusions Five hours of snorkelling or diving at two outer Great Barrier Reef locations. Scuba Diving available - certified and introductory State of the art snorkel and dive equipment and flotation devices. Delicious Aussie BBQ lunch including prawns, fish, steak, sausages, vegetarian, tropical salads and pastas. Exclusive, protected, sheltered reef locations. 8.20am to 4.30pm Semi-Submarine option Great Helicopter options

Day 3 - Cape Tribulation & the Daintree

See the oldest living rainforest in the world. World Heritage listed Cape Tribulation is where the rainforest meets the reef. This day tour delivers it all, coastal drives and river cruises, rainforest walks, Mossman Gorge, the Daintree Rainforest and an Indigenous “Welcome to Country” and smoke ceremony.

Commence the adventure with a scenic coastal drive from Cairns to Port Douglas. This is the far north’s very own great ocean road and provides panoramic views over the sparkling Coral Sea. Heading north our first stop is at Mossman Gorge, which is in the southern sector of the world famous Daintree National Park. This gorge has been carved out by the cold mountain waters of the Mossman River, which winds through large granite boulders, bordered by lush green rainforest. It’s a magical place and you’ll participate in a “Welcome to Country” with the traditional owners, the Kuku Yalanji people, who will also cleanse you of evil spirits with a smoke ceremony and apply traditional rainforest body paint to you. There’s the opportunity for you to enjoy a refreshing swim in the cascading waters.

Continuing north we cross the mighty Daintree River and head to Cape Tribulation for lunch. After lunch, it’s time to explore this ancient rainforest environment on an interesting guided tour of the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk and Cape Tribulation beach. Our highly trained guides will give expert rainforest interpretation, which will inform and impress.

Be amazed at the huge diversity you will encounter, everything from low lying ferns and shrubs, to the massive rainforest canopy and even mangrove ecosystems all in one short easy walk. Next stop – Floravilla – which has 26 flavours of locally made ice-cream, including dragonfruit, coconut ginger, black sapote and goji berry with rainforest honey. Yum! [At own cost.]
Photo opportunity at the Alexandra Range Lookout (Walu Wugirriga), which provides sweeping views over the Daintree River, its rainforest delta and out to the Coral Sea. This afternoon it’s onto the river for a wildlife cruise where you might get to see a crocodile, while learning about the fragile ecosystem of this impressive serpent-like river system.

Day 4 - Barron River Whitewater rafting 

The Barron River is located ten minutes from the centre of Cairns. With half day white water rafting perfectly suited for first time adventurers or those who want to cram more into their Cairns Holiday. A little bit tamer than the Tully but still a wild adventure!

The Barron River half day tour is a fantastic introduction to White Water Rafting. It's fun, exciting and exhilarating for all the family. Let our guides entertain you on this spectacular river!

Half day rafting with guaranteed water levels year round; no experience is necessary to raft these rapids.

 

5 Nights Dorm Accommodation

As a Gilligan's guest you can laze by the pool whilst sipping a cocktail, sample local cuisine, shop, browse over local produce markets, catch up with friends over the internet, or dance the night away - all without leaving this holiday haven. When it is time to explore further, the absolute central city location means you're just a few minutes walk to Cairns waterfront lagoon, shopping centres, galleries, restaurants and nightclubs.

Holidaying has never looked so good!