This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, discover Kinrara in a small group tour & from the comfort of a private permanent campsite , go kayaking, swimming, 4WDing, fishing as you visit our 80-year-old homestead, get to know Outback locals - from experts and eccentrics from every walk of life, relax with a hand-made cocktail and curl up with a great book on your private dec, take a selfie at the northernmost point of Australia and enjoy bird-eye views of the Great Coral Reef on an included day flight to Cape York
✓ Five-day small group expedition (maximum 12 travellers) at exclusive Kinrara State - Gulf Savannah
✓ Return day flight to Cape York flying low level over the reef and rainforests
✓ 4 nights at a 4-star property in Cairns
✓ 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinner
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Cairns!
Today you can arrive at any time! Please make your way to your accommodation. Cairns airport is located within 10' from your accommodation. An Uber ride costs between $16 and $25 and a taxi ride between $20 and $30. There is also an airport shuttle available which costs approximately $16 per person.
Check-in: Hotel check in is from 3pm. If you arrive prior to this, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Gear up for another spectacular day as you travel by air and 4WD to the northernmost point of Australia. At the appropriate time, make your way to Cairns airport to meet your pilot and guide for the day. The airport is located within 10' from your accommodation and an Uber ride costs between $16 and $25 whilst a taxi ride generally costs between $20 and $30.
Today’s activities are designed to show you the highlights of Cape York, both from the air and by 4WD. Your scenic flight to Bamaga from Cairns is low level, covering approx. 1100 kms of remote and spectacular sections of the Great Barrier Reef, rainforests and outback. You will see parts of Cape York which are inaccessible by vehicles, such as Cape Melville, the silica sands of Cape Flattery, Bathurst Heads, Princess Charlotte Bay and the Flinders Islands Group. The 4WD section of the tour takes you to Australia's Northernmost beach - Frangipani Beach- via the Lockerbie Scrub and a pocket of Northern Rainforest. From Frangipani Beach you walk approximately 1000 metres to the Tip of Cape York - you finally made it! You are now standing on the northernmost tip of the continent. On return to Cairns airport, please make your way to your accommodation.
Today is free for you to relax and explore Cairn and it's surroundings at leisure. Or perhaps you wish to take on one of the below suggested activities. Both activities are full day tours. Should you wish to book both activities you will need to do one of them on Day 9 of this trip and add an additional night of accommodation - which we can assist you with.
Make your visit to Kuranda a memorable one from door to door. The Down Under Tours Kuranda Boarding Pass allows for driver check in, offering you pre-allocated preferential seating on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
On arrival at Freshwater Station you are able to avoid the ticketing lines as you are already checked in. Perhaps purchase a light breakfast or explore the souvenir shop and museum. Board the Kuranda Scenic Railway on its arrival for this breathtaking journey on one of the world’s most scenic train routes. The journey will take you through hand-hewn tunnels and across bridges with amazing views. Stop at Barron Gorge to view the Falls before arriving at beautiful Kuranda station.
Your Kuranda Boarding Pass offers discounted entry into Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens, The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Rainforestation as well as a detailed map of Kuranda - the Village in the Rainforest.
At the scheduled time, bypass the ticketing lines and go directly to the Skyrail boarding area, to board Skyrail for the world’s most beautiful rainforest experience. Glide over the Rainforest canopy and take advantage of the two stops enroute to enjoy a walk through the rainforest or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. Your journey ends at Caravonica Lakes where your hostess is waiting to assist you onto your return coach to your accommodation.
It includes, return hotel transfers, coach transfer to freshwater railway station, Kuranda scenic rail, view Barron River and Stoney Creek Falls, Heritage markets, return by Skyrail rainforest cableway experience.
The Ultimate Snorkel & Scuba Dive Adventure" on the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas Australia. The cruise travels to the very edge of the outer barrier reef Agincourt Ribbon Reefs. With access to more than 45 locations at 16 different reefs 3 sites are chosen each day according to tidal & weather conditions.
It includes: Pick up and drop off at Cairns hotels, lunch, morning & afternoon tea, reef interpretation talk, guided snorkel tour with marine biologist, all snorkel equipment & tuition, lycra suits and floatation devices, environmental management charges
The next let of your adventure begins today as your 4WD convoy picks you up from your hotel before heading south to Kinrara - in Gulf Savannah. Once at Kinrara our number one goal is to get you settled in and relaxed as quickly as possible. Arriving around 4pm on Monday afternoon to MacEacherns Camp you will be welcomed and introduced to the expedition team, given a thorough safety briefing and tour of the campsite. Your bags will be ushered to your respective tents, welcome beverages offered, and you’ll be shown to your campsite. Sunset drinks and food, welcoming hospitality, and shared story will conclude your first day of adventure
Your Home Away From Home
Comfortable private tents with decks
Each tent is set to your desired configuration, ensuring comfort for your stay. Appointed with deckchairs, the balconies offer commanding views of the lake and surrounding wildlife. Inside the tent you'll find your rechargeable lights and head torches, bedding, towels, shelving and space for your possessions.
Hot showers for days
Our communal shower and eco toilet facilities draw marvel from guests at their simplicity yet architectural design. An open fire heats water while gravity from overhead tanks provides water pressure for endless hot showers. Our one true luxury is we don’t have to skimp on water, just relax and enjoy. Our toilets are self-composting waterless and use natural wood shavings, powered on solar you’ll be surprised at the lack of bad smells.
Communal dining and lounge
As with most outback cattle stations, we eat family style along one or two large communal tables. With no TV or mobiles to distract us, we find conversation abounds and many stories and much laughter is shared. The central pavilion also offers many spaces to relax and take in the view, read a book, play a board game or finish a puzzle. A beverage is never far away, be it hot brewed coffee or teas, or a tart Gin and Tonic for that perfect accompaniment to the immense sunset.
The Food
Our food philosophy is borne of our matriarch Sheena O’Brien. She always catered for every crowd no matter how big or small. Meals are punctuated with large helpings of fresh salads, deliciously prepared vegetables, generously catering to our vegetarian or vegan guests.
Much of our fresh produce comes from Rusty’s markets in Cairns, where locals flock to buy regionally sourced high quality fruits and vegetables. A heady mix of tropical fruits, such as mangosteins, custard apple, rambutan, durian, exotic mangos, lush sweet papaya, and asian citrus are bulging from the stalls. Herbs from every point of the globe are in reach, and avocados and pineapples by the bucket load. Our meats, poultry, pork and seafood are sourced locally and incorporated into our bespoke seasonal menu. No guest is left hungry or needing more, all dietary requests considered, just ask.
The Drinks Station
Mornings of endless fresh brewed coffee with or without the milk of your choosing, a broad assortment of teas, fresh squeezed OJ, or smoothie kick off your days.
A selection of non-alcoholic beverages are always available at the Drinks Station, from classic soft drinks to locally produced kombucha. The Drink Station also hosts extra drinking canisters for your personal use, and bush lemon and mint iced water.
Over lunch and later in the evening we open the bar. A curated selection of Australian wines designed to match our rolling menu along with a range of refreshing local and boutique beers, cocktails and mocktails are the order of the day. A spirts bar is also at the ready to supply a refreshing Lime and Frangellico or a classic Gin and Tonic.
Tuesdays generally commences with a lazy long breakfast, guided by the weather and energy levels we work out the best order of activities. We mostly do a short to medium distance bush walk in the morning, followed by kayak in the mid afternoon. Nature is bustling out the front of camp, often many moments are taken up watching birds of prey stalk just meters from our central pavilion or your tent. Relaxation is always an option for guests and encouraged, just let us know if you want to sit an activity out or do it another time.
On Wednesday we tend to explore the vast expanse of Kinrara Station, loading up our 4WD convoy we drive to the outer limits of the station's boundary discovering and experiencing outback life. Taking the bulk of the day, we depart mid morning from camp, winding through dirt tracks stopping for wildlife such as kangaroos, goannas, emu, plain turkey, wild boar, wedge tail and sea eagles, plus countless cattle and horses. We explore the cattle yards, windmills, watering points and lava and share an outdoor picnic beside a dam covered in water lilies. Returning to camp mid afternoon, you are welcome to use the kayaks, go for a swim or a walk, or find a comfy spot to rest before sunset drinks and dinner.
Thursday morning after an energy packed breakfast we offer a 7.5 km hike (with return walk if desired) to a secluded spring Oasis. After your hike you can cool off under the natural spa waterfall, a picnic luncheon will be served followed by a rest in the shade while listening to the spring flowing directly from the earth down a cascade of rainforest ensconced waterfalls. For the Gugu Badhun this spring is a culturally significant location, we encourage our guests to use this time to reflect and be respectful of their surroundings.
Time for that last hike, kayak, or sleep in, and a hearty breakfast. We like to be on the road back to Cairns by 10am, this gives us ample time for a couple of final stop overs. We offer a light lunch at the Ravenshoe bakery on our return journey.
We aim to arrive to your accommodation for tonight between 4pm and 5pm
Unfortunately all good things come to an end too. Farewell Cairns today as you make your own way to the airport for your onward flight or to continue the next part of your journey.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request:
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period.
Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply. Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Both activities are full day tours. Should you wish to book both activities you will need to do one of them on Day 9 of this trip and add an additional night of accommodation - which we can assist you with.
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post tour accommodation
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
A single supplement is available in this package for an extra $735.
Triple Share
Request for availability & price.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Mininum group size 2, maximum group size 12
Trip Style - Partially Guided
This package is a combination of two different escorted tours:
Cape York - Day 2
Kinrara Station - From day 4 to day 8
During these tours you will be escorted by an expert local guide or tour leader. Your time in Cairns between tours is independent.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.
Tour Styles - This package is a Partially Escorted style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination
19 Feb 2023
The undeniable romance of train travel calls to many travellers, and a trip on board the iconic Ghan captures this charm perfectly. Stylish, well-appointed carriages and first-class service make for the perfect blend of adventure and luxury, creating an unforgettable journey that is on many bucket lists. So, before you...
12 Jun 2022
Sure, West Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to soft white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and endearing marine life and wildlife. But we promise Rottnest Island—or Rotto, as the locals call it—is a bit special A protected nature reserve, idyllic doesn’t even begin to cover the postcard-perfect beauty of R...
14 Sep 2020
Forget the idea of dusty red earth as far as the eye can see, the Central Australian landscape offers an extraordinary chance to see unique plants and animals Five seasons in one year With very little rainfall each year (just 291 mm on average), it would be easy to assume that semi-arid Central Australia has only one s...
14 Sep 2020
The arrival of Europeans and tourists in Central Australia disrupted tens of thousands of years of Anangu history, but 150 years later, there’s a new appreciation for traditional wisdom For anyone planning to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for the first time, there’s one thing you need to know about the experienc...
14 Sep 2020
Australia’s Top End, from the capital Darwin, across to Kakadu National Park and down to the Katherine area, is a land of unspoiled natural beauty waiting to be explored Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) is simply enormous. While it may look modest on a map, the NT is almost six times the size of the United Kingdom...
