Cairns Winter Escape
Cairns Winter Escape
The rainforest awaits! Embark on daily adventures filled with discovery and wonder. Explore destinations like no other in the world.
Discover the warmth and endless adventures that await in Cairns and its surrounds. From the vibrant heart of Cairns City, journey deep into the World Heritage-listed rainforest, set sail to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, and experience the very best this region has to offer.
In Far North Queensland, sunshine is a daily delight, illuminating the breathtaking landscapes of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Here, ancient flora and fauna flourish alongside a rich, living cultural heritage that makes this region truly unforgettable.
Is this tour for me?
Duration
Dates
Suitable for
Departing from*
What’s included?
Tour highlights
Itinerary
Home - Auckland
Home (18th July)
If departing from Whanganui, meet at the Whanganui Racecourse for a 12pm departure and travel to Palmerston North Airport to catch our flight to Auckland at 3pm.
Departing from another destination
For those departing from another destination we will arrange for you to meet the group in Auckland depending on your location.
Auckland
Once we arrive in Auckland we will be transferred to Auckland Heartland hotel for our first group dinner. We will rest up for the evening for our international flight (with the Works) in the morning.
Accommodation: Auckland Heartland Hotel
Auckland - Cairns
Auckland (July 19th)
This morning we board our international flight to Cairns. We will then get a coach transfer by Cairns Adventure Group to our accommodation.
Tonight, the group will split into two. Group 1 can take the evening to unwind and relax, while Group 2 enjoys a leisurely stroll to Marlin Marina for a Sunset Cruise. Marvel at the breathtaking rainforest mountain backdrop as the sun dips below the horizon and city lights start to shimmer.
Later, everyone will gather for dinner at a local restaurant.
Cairns
Tonight, the group will split into two. Group 1 can take the evening to unwind and relax, while Group 2 enjoys a leisurely stroll to Marlin Marina for a Sunset Cruise. Marvel at the breathtaking rainforest mountain backdrop as the sun dips below the horizon and city lights start to shimmer.
Later, everyone will gather for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: The Pacific Hotel
Cairns - Wooroonooran National Park
Cairns (20th July)
Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at The Pacific Hotel. Following breakfast, Cairns Adventure Group will pick you up for an exciting Waterfall & Rainforest Tour. Travelling comfortably from Cairns, remember to bring your towels and cameras—this journey promises both scenic beauty and a chance to dive into the pristine waters of rainforest pools and crater lakes.
Wooroonooran National Park
Heading south to Wooroonooran National Park, a key part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, you’ll experience landscapes that showcase Australia’s ancient natural heritage, with lush green rainforests and spectacular cascading waterfalls. Enjoy a tasty burger lunch in Malanda at the historic Top Rail Pub.
Cairns
We’ll return you to your hotel by late afternoon, leaving you time to relax and refresh before your dinner reservation at restaurant.
Accommodation: The Pacific Hotel
Cairns
Cairns (21st July)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, as today is yours to relax and explore the sights of Cairns and its surrounds.
You might want to visit the Aquarium, stroll through the Botanical Gardens, or browse for souvenirs.
Accommodation: The Pacific Hotel
Cairns - Activities
Cairns (22nd July)
Start your day with a buffet breakfast at The Pacific Hotel, then enjoy a relaxing free morning by the hotel pool or explore the highlights of Cairns City. Take care of lunch on your own before embarking on an afternoon filled with adventure.
Choose from three exhilarating water-based experiences—the only challenge is deciding which one to try!
Barron River Rafting – Just 20 minutes from Cairns but feels like a world away. This rafting tour blends action with serenity, offering gentle floating sections interspersed with exciting rapids, ideal for first-time rafters.
Rainforest River Tubing – Step into a dreamland where crystal-clear mountain water winds over smooth stones and sandy floors. Float gently through lush rainforest, with trees and ferns lining the riverbanks in a picture-perfect setting.
Self-Guided Cairns Fishing Tour – Be your own captain! Cast a line, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy a DIY fishing adventure. No boat licence needed, just a spirit for adventure as you navigate tributaries and mangrove forests.
After returning in the late afternoon, take some time to refresh before your guide escorts you to dinner at restaurant.
Accommodation: The Pacific Hotel
Cairns - Great Barrier Reef
Cairns (23rf July)
After breakfast at The Pacific Hotel, head down to the Marina to check in for your Great Barrier Reef adventure with Reef Magic Cruises. Sit back and relax as you cruise 90 minutes to an exclusive pontoon on the Outer Reef, where you’ll have 5 hours to explore this natural wonder, both above and below the water.
Great Barrier Reef
Dive into the vibrant coral lagoon with a snorkel, join Marine Biologists for a Guided Snorkel Safari, take a Glass Bottom Boat or Semi-Submarine Tour, or simply unwind on the spacious sundeck and soak up the tropical warmth.
Morning and afternoon tea include fresh fruit platters, pastries, and an assortment of cakes, along with a hot and cold gourmet buffet lunch.
Cairns
Upon your return in the late afternoon, take some time to refresh before your guide escorts you to dinner at restaurant.
Accommodation: The Pacific Hotel
Cairns
Cairns (24th July)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, as today is yours to relax and explore the sights of Cairns and its surrounds.
You might want to visit the Aquarium, stroll through the Botanical Gardens, or browse for souvenirs.
Accommodation: The Pacific Hotel
Cairns - Daintree & Mossman Gorge
Cairns (25th July)
After breakfast at The Pacific Hotel, meet your guide in the lobby to join the Cairns Adventure Group coach for an unforgettable day exploring the world’s oldest tropical rainforests on the Daintree & Cape Tribulation Tour.
Daintree & Mossman Gorge
Daintree National Park offers a breathtaking landscape of soaring mountains, lush lowland forests, winding rivers, mangroves, and pristine beaches. This ancient ecosystem is home to rare plants, twisting vines, endangered wildlife, estuarine crocodiles, and the oldest living culture on earth. Designated a World Heritage site, this region holds stories of early European explorers who faced challenging conditions here—a rich and complex landscape we’ll explore on a full day of rainforest adventures.
Your tour covers all the highlights of the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, and Mossman Gorge. From an Indigenous Welcome to Country and Smoke Ceremony to a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River, a refreshing swim at Mossman Gorge, rainforest boardwalks, and sandy toes at Cape Tribulation—you’ll experience it all. Our expert Rainforest Guides will share their knowledge of the area’s history, flora, and fauna, fostering a connection to the environment around you. Enjoy a delicious à la carte lunch amid the rainforest haven of Daintree Siesta.
Cairns
After an adventurous day, enjoy a free evening to dine in or explore a local spot of your choice for dinner.
Accommodation: The Pacific Hotel
Cairns
Cairns (26th July)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, as today is yours to relax and explore the sights of Cairns and its surrounds.
You might want to visit the Aquarium, stroll through the Botanical Gardens, or browse for souvenirs.
Accommodation: The Pacific Hotel
Cairns - Kuranda Scenic Rail
Cairns (27th July)
After breakfast at The Pacific Hotel, meet your guide in the lobby for a short walk to Cairns Central train station.
Kuranda Scenic Rail
Here, you’ll board the Kuranda Scenic Railway for a picturesque journey to Kuranda, the “Village in the Rainforest.” Upon arrival, the day is yours to explore the village markets, shop for unique souvenirs, or perhaps visit attractions like the Koala Gardens, Birdworld, or take a relaxing riverboat cruise along the Barron River.
Enjoy lunch at a cafe of your choice, surrounded by the lush rainforest setting.
Later, head to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway at the Kuranda Terminal to begin your scenic journey through the rainforest canopy. Glide above this ancient landscape, taking in breathtaking views of Barron Gorge and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Along the way, stop at Red Peak and Barron Falls to get an up-close experience of the rainforest.
Cairns
After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal, a coach will be ready to return you to your accommodation.
In the evening, you’ll head out to restaurant for dinner.
Accommodation: The Pacific Hotel
Cairns - Sunset Crusie
Cairns (28th July)
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to relax by the pool or explore Cairns at your own pace with some shopping and sightseeing.
In the evening, the group will divide into two. Group 2 can take it easy and unwind, while Group 1 heads over to Marlin Marina for a Sunset Cruise.
Take in the breathtaking rainforest mountain backdrop as the sun sets and the city lights begin to sparkle.
Later, everyone will gather for a farewell dinner at restaurant.
Sunset Crusie
In the evening, the group will divide into two. Group 2 can take it easy and unwind, while Group 1 heads over to Marlin Marina for a Sunset Cruise.
Take in the breathtaking rainforest mountain backdrop as the sun sets and the city lights begin to sparkle.
Cairns
Later, everyone will gather for a farewell dinner at restaurant.
Accommodation: The Pacific Hotel
Cairns - Home
Cairns (29th July)
Departure day. Coach transfer by Cairns Adventure Group to the airport.
We board our flight back to Auckland, arriving at 6.30pm, and then transfer to Palmerston North, arriving at 9.35pm. A shuttle will be waiting for us to transfer us back to Whanagnui.
Home
We board our flight back to Auckland, arriving at 6.30pm, and then transfer to Palmerston North, arriving at 9.35pm. A shuttle will be waiting for us to transfer us back to Whanagnui.
Photos from the road
Check out what we got up to last time
Optional extras
Optional extras
Meet your tour guide
Jason Granville
After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
Reserve your spot
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of accommodation do we stay in?
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
I have some dietary requirements?
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
How about travel insurance?
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
Can you collect me from my door?
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
What types of transport do we use?
Our buses are quality touring coaches that are very comfortable and fully air conditioned. They range in size from 19-28 seats ensuring that we can easily access all those secret spots off the beaten track. All vehicles are regularly serviced as your safety is our priority.
Coaches and luggage trailers are always locked and secure but we recommended you take any valuables with you when staying overnight.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Cancellation charges do apply so again we recommend travel insurance. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined for each tour so make sure you cast your eye over it and please feel free to ask any questions.
How active are your tours?
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
Can I earn Air New Zealanad airpoints on my flights?
Yes, you can earn airpoints with Take It Easy Tours when we are using Air New Zealand flights. All you need to do is get in contact with us and let us know your airpoints number for each time you wish to earn points.
Still have questions?
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What our customers say
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