Australia's unique nature is often called the 'Australian Floristic Kingdom' for its extraordinary diversity, quite unlike anywhere else on Earth.

In the north-east of Australia, where warmth and abundant rainfall persist all year round, conditions are ideal for the continuous growth, flowering and fruiting of lush tropical vegetation. Ancient rainforests have survived here alongside newer eucalypt woodland savannahs, and the region is home to a great variety of marsupials, colourful birds and unusual amphibians.

This two-day private tour through the wildlife reserves around Cairns will introduce you to the extraordinary plant life of the wet tropics and the abundant, unusual fauna of this region of Australia, as well as ancient Aboriginal culture and today's Australian outback.

Day 1

• Ride the longest cableway in the Southern Hemisphere (7.5 km) high above the multi-layered tropical rainforest (extra charge - $71.00 per person)
• See the famous Barron Falls
• Visit the charming mountain village of Kuranda, well known for its local arts and crafts
•  Watch rhythmic Aboriginal dances and didgeridoo performances, and learn to throw a boomerang and spear (extra charge - $32.00 per person)
•  Enjoy the unique opportunity to hold a koala and take a photo at the Koala Park ($33.00 per person)
• Along the way, visit local orchards and farms growing exotic tropical produce - a fruit orchard, mango farm and coffee plantation - where you can sample unusual fruits, fragrant wines and liqueurs, and a range of coffees and chocolates (tastings from $10.00 per person)
• Drive through Australian savannah with its eucalypt woodland and see giant termite mounds
• Visit Granite Gorge, home to rock wallabies (extra charge - $15.00 per person)
• Watch wild grey kangaroos on the scenic tablelands

Spend the night at a cosy hotel tucked away from civilisation deep in the rainforest, where you may encounter unusual Australian animals that only come out after dark.

Day 2:

• Visit the unique Crater Lakes, where you can swim (Lake Eacham) and take a scenic boat cruise (optional, extra charge). Breakfast is available at the lakeside teahouse
• Walk through the ancient, multi-layered rainforest among giant hoop pines and strangler figs, whose embrace slowly kills the trees they grow on
• Visit your guide's secret spot to look for tree kangaroos living in the canopy
• Visit a cheese factory and taste local cheeses (extra charge - $12.00 per person)
• Try to spot the extraordinary platypus in a mountain lake (extra charge - $15.00 per person)
• Optionally, visit a Crocodile Park on the way back ($48.00 adult, $24.00 child)

Return to Cairns

Throughout the trip your guide will suggest lunch and dinner stops at colourful country pubs.

All entrance tickets, hotel accommodation, lunches and dinner are not included in the tour price and are paid separately.

We recommend booking entrance tickets and accommodation in advance.

If you would also like to visit the ancient Chillagoe Caves, formed from the remains of coral reefs, and see ancient Aboriginal rock art, we recommend our 3-day tour (3 days, 2 nights).