Tour suggestions and links for Australia

On this page you will find my suggestions for tours in the Cairns/Port Douglas area.

Please note that these are my personal suggestions, they might not reflect the opinion of the majority. They are based on my experience over the last couple of years and the feedback I received from guests travelling on these tours.

I would like to point out that I gain no financial benefit whatsoever should you book any of the suggested tours but maybe they can help you in finding the right one for you.

By using one of the following links, you will be leaving my website.
The content of those sites lies under the responsibility of the individual operators. The site and its content might change anytime without prior notice. Therefor I cannot take any responsibility for the contents of these sites.

Daintree & Cape Tribulation National Park

Daintree-Specialised-Tours (A Frommer's Favorite)

This company comes highly recommended and is a long standing favourite for those who want something a little different.
Pete is owner operator and guides the tours himself so quality is assured. He specialises in Bushwalks and Private Charter Safaris within the Daintree/Cape Tribulation Rainforest, Bloomfield Falls and the Outback. Max. 6 people. Bushwalks are recommended for the more active traveler, they are a little more demanding and will take you off the beaten track.
Private charters are suitable for all, particularly for families and those with other special interests. (Kids are included in activities, e.g. face painting and food tasting. On his tours Pete will try to avoid the main Tourist spots. He has access to private properties, secluded beaches and swimming holes. Enjoy a great lunch on one of his 'soft rocks!!
Optional: Combine the Daintree Rainforest with a 45 minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef.

Read testimonials of previous guests

	Tony's Tropical Tours Tony and his drivers have offered great tours into the Daintree/Cape Tribulation NP and the Bloomfield area for years. They have specialiesed on small groups (max. 6 people). Private charters* are available on request. The tour takes you into the heart of the Daintree Rainforest where you will be taken on an interpretive walk. Cool down in the beautiful freshwater creek before enjoying a nice lunch. This is a more relaxing tour. Tour includes Cape Tribulation and a 1-hour boat cruise on the Daintree River. For families with small children it is recommended to book these tours as private charter*.

	BTS Tours BTS was one of the first companies to offer tours to the Cape Tribulation/Bloomfield area. Tours that include Mossman Gorge are also available. Tours are operated in 21-seater buses or 14-seater 4WD vehicles. Although being a larger operator, BTS has managed to stay off the main tourist route and has access to a beautiful private property in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest. Enjoy a guided walk, swimming and a 1-hour cruise on the Cooper Creek. A visit to Cape Tribulation rounds up a wonderful day in the rainforest. Families with children are welcome on all tours. All tours can be booked as private charters*, smaller vehicles are available.

*Private charters can be organized for groups of all sizes. You will have the vehicle and the guide exclusively to yourself. No other people will be booked on this particular tour. Flexibility, more freedom and personalised service are guaranteed. You decide where to go and what to see. Please be aware that the costs can be higher than on the standard tours (depending on number of people travelling and the operator).
Private charters are suitable for everyone, particularly for people with special interests and families.

The Great Barrier Reef National Park

Wavelength

Wavelength is a well established operator that has specialised itself on snorkelling tours to the Outer Barrier Reef. It is the only snorkelling specialist in Port Douglas and offers some of the best tours to the reef, visiting snorkelling sites exclusively. The tours are perfect for beginners as well as advanced snorkellers.
Due to the smaller group size (max. 30 passengers) personal attention is guaranteed, especially for the novice snorkellers. Assistance in the water is available if desired. Experienced snorkellers can explore the wonders of the reef on their own or join the guided snorkelling tour with a marine biologist.
Wavelength will visit 3 different reef sites during the day.
As the boat is a little smaller than most of the others, the trip could be a little rougher in bad weather.

	Poseidon Poseidon offers daily tours to the Outer Barrier Reef. The new, comfortable catamaran offers enough space for up to 50 passengers. It has a large upper deck for sunbaking. Poseidon offers snorkelling as well as scuba diving. For people who would love to try diving, there is the chance to join the crew for an Introductory dive (no prior experience necessary). All necessary information is provided during the briefing on the way out to the reef. Certified divers will be taken on guided dives. Snorkellers are invited to join the guided snorkelling tour. Poseidon visits 3 different reefs throughout the day. Divers can do up to 3 dives during the day. A videographer will shoot a video of all passengers during the day. A copy can be purchased at the end of the day. Poseidon offers a comfortable trip, even in rougher weather.

	Calypso Calypso is a new, family owned business that was able to establish itself in the market through its professionality. Being a family business, Calypso offers personal service with friendly staff. This makes it ideal for families. The boat offers plenty of space for up to 50 people. It has a huge upper deck for sunbaking. Calpyso will visit 3 reefs during the day where people can either snorkel or dive. Certified diving is available for the experienced divers, for the novice divers there is the opportunity to try Introductory diving (no prior experience necessary). Certified and Introductory divers can do up to 3 dives throughout the day. A guided snorkelling tour is offered for all snorkellers. Calypso offers a comfortable trip even in rougher conditions.

	Haba Haba also offers daily cruises to the Outer Barrier Reef. The boat seats 50 people comfortably. It has a large upper deck for sunbaking. Haba offers Certified diving, Introductory diving and snorkelling. The boat visits 2 different sites each day. This will give everybody the chance to spend more time at each site what is great for the Introductory divers as they usually need more time for their dives. Certified divers can enjoy up to 3 dives during the day. A guided snorkelling tour is available for all snorkellers. Haba offers a comfortable trip, even in rougher conditions.

	Synergy Synergy is a wonderful, luxury sailing catamaran that takes only 12 people on a relaxing day out to the reef. Due to the small number of people, personal service is guaranteed. The trip focuses on those who want to combine a relaxing day on the water with some snorkelling or diving. Synergy visits 1 site during the day and offers Certified & Introductory diving as well as snorkelling. The huge trampolines in the front are perfect for those who want to sunbake and just sit back and relax. Synergy - a real 5-star experience. Boat is available for private charters.

	Quicksilver Quicksilver is the allrounder of the reef cruises. It offers something for everyone. Two large catamarans will take 350 and 450 people to the Outer Barrier Reef. Quicksilver is the only operator that has permanent pontoons on the reef. All activities start from these platforms, eg. snorkelling, Introductory diving, Certified diving, helicopter flights and semi-submersible tours. For those who do not wish to go in the water at all, these guided semi-submersible tours are the perfect way to see the reef without getting wet. Duration of these tours is around 20 minutes. Scenic helicopter flights over the reef are available from a floating helipad. Duration around 10 minutes. Quicksilver is ideal for families with small children. The boats and platforms are accessible for prams and strollers. One platform is also wheelchair accessible. Quicksilver also offers a daily cruise to Low Isles on the Inner Reef.

Kuranda

Daintree-Specialised-Tours (A Frommer's Favorite)

Kuranda is one of the major attractions in the Far North. Daintree-Specialised-Tours is the perfect solution for private charters to Kuranda. Pete has visited Kuranda for years on regular tours so he has a good knowledge of the area.
Pete (owner/drive) will be available for you in Kuranda, he can point out all the important and interesting sites to you. Enjoy personal service and the freedom to do whatever you like. The day will be yours and the itinerary can be adjusted to suit your interests. Maximum group size: 6 people.

Read testimonials of previous guests

	BTS Tours BTS offers 2 tours daily to Kuranda, leaving Port Douglas in the morning. These tours include the transfer from/to your hotel and one way Skyrail and/or Train. During the 2.5 hours of free time in Kuranda, you will be on your own. In Kuranda there is a nice market, shops, galleries, animal parks, restaurants and lots of shops. Should you be interested in Aboriginal Culture, there is the option to combine the Kuranda day with Tjapukai, the Aboriginal Culture Park. You will have 2 hours to enjoy shows, displays and exhibitions.

	Skyrail Skyrail is located about 15 minutes north of Cairns and about 45 minutes south of Port Douglas. The Skyrail will take you high above the tropical rainforest to Kuranda. There are 2 stops on the way to Kuranda where visitors have the chance to enjoy short, self interpretive walks through the forest. The whole trip will take about 1.5 hours (inc. walks) one way. From Kuranda there is the option to return on Skyrail or you can take the scenic train back to Cairns. This is the most popular option.

The Outback & Atherton Tablelands

Daintree-Specialised-Tours (A Frommer's Favorite)

This company comes highly recommended and is a long standing favourite for those who want something a little different.
Pete is owner operator and guides the tours himself so quality is assured. He specialises in Bushwalks and Private Charter Safaris within the Daintree/Cape Tribulation Rainforest, Bloomfield Falls and the Outback. Max. 6 people. Bushwalks are recommended for the more active traveler, they are a little more demanding and will take you off the beaten track.
Private charters are suitable for all, particularly for families and those with other special interests. (Kids are included in activities, e.g. face painting and food tasting. On his tours Pete will try to avoid the main Tourist spots. He has access to private properties, secluded beaches and swimming holes. Enjoy a great lunch on one of his 'soft rocks'!!
Optional: Combine the Daintree Rainforest with a 45 minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef.
Daintree-Specialised-Tours offers also tours into the Outback and the Atherton Tablelands, just west of Cairns. Visit Granite Gorge, Lake Tinaroo, Mitchell River, the limestone caves of Chillagoe, Mount Carbiine, Undara Lava Tubes, Cobbold Gorge or the beautiful waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands. The Outback also offers the great chance to see wildlife in its natural surroundings, you might spot a kangaroo, dingo or the rare platypus.

Read testimonials of previous guests

	Personal Adventures Besides the Daintree tours, Personal Adventures also offers small group adventures into the Outback. This tour is one of the few where you almost have a guarantee of seeing animals in the wild (eg. Kangaroos, wild horses, dingos, reptiles). Huge termite mounds, a guided walk through the rainforest of Mt. Lewis and a swim under a beautiful waterfall are just some of the highlights on this wonderful tour. This tour is also available as private charter.

	Undara Lava Tubes The famous Savannah Guides offer a wide variety of tours at Undara. These tours range from a couple of hours to extended tours with accommodation. Undara can be reached by car, private charter or by plane. Different styles of accommodation are available, ranging from tents to specially restored antique railway carriages.

	Cobbold Gorge Cobbold Gorge is located about 3 hours west of Undara. The Savannah guides offer boat cruises through the gorge or 1/2 day tours including a guided walk. Extended tours including Undara & Cobbold Gorge are available through Undara. Cobbold Gorge is only available by 4WD. It is only open during the Australian winter (April - October).

Adventures

	Raging Thunder You are looking for adventure? Raging Thunder is a specialist in adventure activities and offers a wide range of activities. The tours range from White Water Rafting on the Tully and Barron River to Skydiving and Hot Air Ballooning. Some of those activities can be combined in one day, eg. Rafting & Skydiving or Ballooning & Skyrail. Age restrictions apply to most of these tours.

	Foaming Fury Foaming Fury offers a wide range of adventure tours. 1/2 or full day White Water Rafting/Kajaking or combinations of Rafting, Ballooning and Skydiving, ATV Safaris* and Skyrail are only some of the options. Age restrictions apply to most of the tours. *ATV= All Terrain Vehicle. Small 4WD motorbike.

	Paul's Parachuting Paul's offers the ultimate activity for all the thrillseekers - Skydiving. Jump Tandem with a professional instructor. Skydiving is an activity everybody should have done at least once in their life. Jumping from up to 14000 feet is a feeling that cannot be described. It has to be experienced. Photos and/or videos of the jump can be purchased upon request. Age, weight and medical restrictions apply.

	Blazing Saddles Blazing Saddles offers Horseback Riding and ATV Safaris. Guided tours are conducted on private property and will take you along narrow tracks through rainforest, up and down steep hills and through creeks. No license or experience necessary. Age restrictions apply for the ATV Safaris. ATV= All Terrain Vehicle. Small 4WD motorbike.

Northern Territory & The Top End

On this page you will find some suggestions for tours in the Northern Territory.
These are my personal suggestions and they might not reflect the opinion of the majority. They are entirely based on my own, personal experience. Please note that there are many more companies offering similar tours in those regions.

I would like to point out that I gain no financial benefit whatsoever should you book any of the suggested tours but maybe they can assist you in finding the right one for you.

	Sahara Outback Tours Sahara Outback Tours offers camping tours through the Red Centre of Australia. Tours range from 1 - 5 days and group sizes range from 10 - 23 people. Ayers Rock, The Olgas, Kings Canyon, Palm Valley and the Western MacDonnell Ranges are only some of the destinations. Campsites range from well established, permanent camps to more basic camps. The company has won several awards over the last couple of years.

	AAT Kings AAT Kings has specialised itself on coach and camping tours throughout Australia. The tours offer a little more comfort and luxury than some of the other companies. The company uses comfortable coaches and 4WD vehicles. Ayers Rock and The Olgas are only some of the destinations.

	All Terrain Safaris All Terrain Safaris offers camping tours through the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Some of the destinations are: - Darwin, Kakadu NP, Katherine and The Kimberley. Tours are conducted in small groups. Due to the long distances between some of the attractions the company will use bushcamps on some of the tours. These camps offer no or very few facilities. Travellers should see this as part of the experience rather than a disadvantage.

New South Wales

	Wonderbus The wonderbus offers tours in small groups to the Blue Mountains National Park. Visit the major attractions like the 3 Sisters. See kangaroos in their natural environment. Tours leave from Sydney and will visit the most important locations in the Park.

Western Australia

	All Terrain Safaris All Terrain Safaris offers camping tours from Perth to some of the best attractions in Western Australia like: - Monkey Mia - The Pinnacles - Vineyards - Stirling Ranges - Broome Some of the tours will use bushcamps with no or few facilities.

	AAT Kings AAT Kings has specialised itself on coach and camping tours throughout Australia. The tours offer a little more comfort and luxury than some of the other companies. The company uses comfortable coaches and 4WD vehicles.

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