THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Cairns’ top natural wonders with a private two-day tour combining snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and tranquil rainforest explorations. Experience diverse wildlife, stunning waterfalls, and unique landscapes on this fully guided journey.
Discover Cairns’ top natural wonders with a private two-day tour combining snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and tranquil rainforest explorations. Experience diverse wildlife, stunning waterfalls, and unique landscapes on this fully guided journey.
Book with Tablelands Tours and Transfers
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Tablelands Tours and Transfers · Edmonton, Queensland
Located in Queensland, Australia, Cairns is a gateway to some of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders. The Private Cairns Reef and Rainforest Tour offers a two-day expedition that merges the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef with the lush serenity of ancient rainforests, delivering a once-in-a-lifetime experience that captures the essence of tropical Australia. This unique package is designed for travelers seeking an immersive encounter with nature’s finest spectacles, all while enjoying the comfort and expert guidance that make this adventure truly stand out.
Day one begins with an early morning pick-up from your Cairns accommodation, whisking you away to a catamaran or a stylish 50-foot schooner for an ocean journey across the Pacific. As you set sail, indulge in fresh Danish pastries, tea, and coffee, while taking in the tropical breeze and sparkling turquoise waters. Your vessel then visits several outstanding outer reef destinations, each showcasing the vivid colors and diverse marine ecosystems that have earned the Great Barrier Reef its UNESCO World Heritage status. Here, snorkeling or scuba diving reveals at least a hundred different species, from corals shaped like underwater gardens to schools of vivid reef fish dancing in the currents. For those preferring a dry view, the glass-bottom boat ride offers an equally stunning window into this underwater world. The knowledgeable crew members ensure your safety and social connection to this fragile ecosystem, sharing insights into reef conservation efforts during your day on the water.
After refreshing meals featuring tropical fruits, seafood, and fine cheeses, your journey continues back to Cairns, allowing time to relax and prepare for day two. This day takes a gentler pace as you explore the towering ancient rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands, about a 90-minute drive from Cairns city. Here, massive strangler fig trees over 500 years old soar above your group, witnessing centuries of evolving rainforest life. Visit tranquil crater lakes like Lake Eacham, with opportunities for swimming and a classic Devonshire Tea with lake views. The tour also includes rainforest walks near volcanic waterfalls such as the one formed by the Malanda Shield Volcano’s last lava flow, spots where native wildlife such as the elusive Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo might make an appearance.
Your day closes at the iconic Millaa Millaa Falls—the most photographed waterfall in Australia—where the cool mountain water invites a refreshing swim before you head back through scenic lookouts and final stops at the Babinda Boulders or Josephine Falls, both providing dramatic rainforest settings for memorable last photos.
This private tour maximizes flexibility and comfort with small group sizes, professional, friendly guides, and all meals included. It’s perfect for visitors who want a comprehensive mix of reef and rainforest encounters in one seamless itinerary, off the beaten path from typical Cairns tours. With moderate activity levels and options for non-swimmers, this journey provides a deep connection to Queensland’s natural heritage and is ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
moderate.
2 days.
Moderate fitness needed for walking short rainforest trails and snorkeling.
Yes, all snorkeling gear including masks, snorkels, and fins are provided as part of the tour.
Yes, non-swimmers can enjoy the reef from the glass-bottom boat and island walks, with accommodations made to ensure comfort.
All meals on both days, including morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, are included and cater to various dietary requirements.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended as there are short rainforest walks and snorkeling activities involved.
The tour is designed for all ages, but please contact the operator if you have specific concerns about young children or special needs.
Whale watching is typically in season between July and October, coinciding with the annual migration.
The Atherton Tablelands rainforests contain trees that are over a thousand years old, reflecting one of the oldest surviving ecosystems on Earth.
This tour emphasizes responsible tourism practices, including reef-safe products and educational efforts to preserve the Great Barrier Reef’s biodiversity.
Tablelands Tours and Transfers is a small tour and transfer operator based in Edmonton, Queensland, offering private and small-group experiences across the Atherton Tablelands and Cairns region. The company specialises in tailored day tours, two-day reef-and-rainforest packages, and reliable airport transfers between Cairns Airport and destinations such as Yungaburra, Goldsborough Valley, Port Douglas and the Daintree. Tours include guided visits to crater lakes, ancient rainforests, and iconic waterfalls including Millaa Millaa Falls, with opportunities for refreshing swims and scenic lookout stops. Several tour itineraries feature a traditional Devonshire tea, homemade meals, and self-guided visits to local attractions such as the Historical Pioneer Village. Drivers and guides focus on local knowledge, flexible pacing and small-group hospitality to deliver personalized attention. Transfers incorporate practical logistics like ferry crossings where required, providing seamless connections for travellers heading to lodges, holiday homes or regional ports. The two-day private reef and rainforest option pairs snorkeling and reef experiences on day one with rainforest walks, lake visits and waterfall stops on day two, combining marine and terrestrial highlights in a single itinerary. Operating from Edmonton, Tablelands Tours and Transfers markets to visitors arriving via Cairns Airport and to residents exploring Far North Queensland. The company emphasises safety, comfort and local routes tailored to guest preferences. Booking options include private day tours, multi-day packages and point-to-point transfers, all designed to showcase the natural landscapes and Indigenous heritage of the region. Guides can tailor stops, timing and activities to groups, families, and travellers seeking relaxed exploration at leisure.
Book with Tablelands Tours and Transfers