Cairns & Daintree Rainforest 7 Day Educational Tour
Price from:
$
2250
/per student
Our Cairns & Daintree program is a curriculum-aligned expedition through the reef and rainforest environments of Far North Queensland, connecting students with key learning areas in Science, Geography and Sustainability. Across the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, students engage in hands-on fieldwork including an inner and outer reef day tour with guided snorkelling and marine biology studies, exploring coral ecosystems, biodiversity and the impacts of climate change and tourism.
Cultural experiences with Kuku Yalanji guide at Mossman Gorge provide insight into traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable land management. Inland exploration of the Atherton Tablelands introduces geomorphology, crater lakes and water systems, complemented by a journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, offering a unique perspective on rainforest landscapes and human interaction with the environment.
Experiences such as Paronella Park, alongside structured field journaling and data collection, reinforce critical thinking and deepen understanding of conservation and sustainable management.
Duration
7 Days, 6 Nights
Departure point
Cairns City
End point
Cairns City
Year level
Years P - 12
Group size
Up to 150
Price from:
$
2250
/per student
Choose a ready-made itinerary or customise your own tour to suit your learning goals.
Payment Structure:
We offer flexible deposit terms designed to align with school budgeting cycles and parent payment schedules, making it easier to secure your tour with confidence and minimal upfront commitment.
Inclusions
Private transport
Experienced guides
Resort accommodation
All meals
Outer Reef Educational day trip
Cairns Aquarium admission
Kuranda scenic railway return ticket
Inner reef day excursion
GST
Optional add-ons
Cairns Museum
What students will learn
Compare and contrast two World Heritage ecosystems: coral reefs and tropical rainforests.
Investigate biodiversity, adaptation, and ecosystem interdependence.
Analyse human impacts including tourism and climate change.
Engage with Indigenous ecological knowledge and cultural perspectives.
Develop fieldwork, scientific inquiry, and data analysis skills.
Curriculum Codes
Primary (F-6)
Geography
AC9HSFK01 – Familiar places and environments (F–2)
AC9HS3K01, AC9HS4K01 – Places, environments, and sustainability (Years 3–4)
AC9HS5K01, AC9HS6K02 – Environmental characteristics and human impact (Years 5–6)
History
AC9HSFK02 – Personal and community histories (F–2)
AC9HS3K02, AC9HS4K03 – First Nations histories and connection to Country (Years 3–4)
AC9HS5K02, AC9HS6K04 – Colonisation and First Nations perspectives (Years 5–6)
Science
AC9S2U01 – Earth’s resources
AC9S4U04 – Earth’s surface changes
AC9S6U03 – Natural events and environmental change
Secondary (Years 7-10)
Geography
AC9HG7K01, AC9HG7K02 – Water systems and environmental resources
AC9HG8K01, AC9HG8K02, AC9HG8K03 – Landscapes and landforms (reef & rainforest)
AC9HG9K01, AC9HG9K02 – Biomes (tropical rainforest & marine environments)
AC9HG10K01, AC9HG10K02 – Environmental change and management strategies
History
AC9HH8K04, AC9HH8K05 – First Nations connection to Country and colonisation impacts
AC9HH9K02, AC9HH9K03 – Perspectives on land use and environment
AC9HH10K02, AC9HH10K03 – Rights, freedoms, and ongoing issues
Science
AC9S7U02 – Earth processes
AC9S8U04 – Rock cycle and reef formation
AC9S9U03 – Ecosystems (coral reefs & rainforest)
AC9S10U04 – Human impacts on Earth systems
Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, Connection to Country/Place (land and Sea Country) ,Cultural knowledge, sustainability practices and custodianship, Perspectives from Traditional Owners of the reef and rainforest
General Capabilities: Critical & Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding , Intercultural Understanding , Personal & Social Capability
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cairns (Introduction to Reef & Rainforest Systems)
Arrival and transfer to accommodation; safety briefing and program overview
Visit to Cairns Aquarium for guided educational session on reef and rainforest ecosystems.
Behind-the-scenes or ranger talk focusing on species adaptation and conservation challenges.
Esplanade walk and discussion on urban coastal management and tourism impacts
Evening reflection: introduction to field journals and data collection methods
Day 2: Great Barrier Reef Field Study (Marine Ecosystems)
Full-day reef excursion to an outer reef pontoon or island
Guided snorkelling session (or glass-bottom boat option) to observe coral reef biodiversity.
Marine biologist presentation on coral bleaching, climate change, and reef resilience.
Structured fieldwork: students record observations on species diversity, reef health, and abiotic factors.
Group discussion on sustainable tourism and reef protection strategies
Day 3: Daintree Rainforest (World Heritage Rainforest Study)
Travel north along the coast to the Daintree region
Guided walk at Mossman Gorge with a Kuku Yalanji cultural guide, exploring Indigenous land management and knowledge systems.
River cruise on the Daintree River to study estuarine ecosystems and wildlife (e.g. crocodiles)
Short rainforest walks focusing on plant adaptations, biodiversity, and ancient ecosystems.
Evening discussion: comparison of rainforest vs reef ecosystems
Day 4: Tablelands & Paronella Park (Rainforest, Geology & Cultural Landscape)
Scenic drive past Walshs Pyramid and up the Gillies Range, observing changing landscapes and rainforest environments
Visit Lake Barrine to explore a volcanic crater lake, ancient rainforest, and local wildlife
Stop in Yungaburra and walk the boardwalk at Curtain Fig Tree to learn about rainforest ecology
Travel via Malanda to Millaa Millaa Falls to see iconic waterfalls and understand erosion and water cycles
Continue to Innisfail and visit Paronella Park to explore heritage, architecture, and human interaction with the environment
Optional stop at Babinda Boulders to examine river systems and granite formations
Return to Cairns with an understanding of rainforest ecosystems, geology, and sustainability.
Day 5: Fitzroy & Green Island Reef Adventure
Full-day marine excursion departing Cairns to explore inner reef.
Fitzroy Island Exploration: Rainforest walks, beach time and lagoon activities, with snorkelling or glass-bottom boat options.
Dedicated marine biology presentation to deepen understanding of reef ecosystems.
Green Island Adventure: Extended time to explore a coral cay through snorkelling, semi-submarine tours, island walks and beach activities.
Day 6: Kuranda Rainforest
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: 7.5 km gondola ride over rainforest canopy with panoramic views of the Barron Gorge and Cairns hinterland. Includes ranger-guided stops to explore rainforest layers and biodiversity.
Kuranda Village: explore markets, galleries, and rainforest walking trails while observing human interaction with the environment and tourism impacts.
Kuranda Scenic Railway: Historic train journey through tunnels, along escarpments, and past waterfalls, highlighting rainforest geology and colonial engineering.
Arrive back in Cairns late afternoon
Day 7: Cairns & Departure
Workshop: students compile and present findings from reef and rainforest fieldwork
Optional visit to local markets or cairns museum for regional economic and historical insights
Departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we have a dedicated contact person?
Yes. You will have a dedicated tour coordinator who will manage your program from initial enquiry through to tour completion, ensuring a seamless experience.
What happens if we need to cancel or change our booking?
We understand plans can change. Our cancellation and amendment policies are clearly outlined in your quote, and we work closely with schools to manage any changes where possible.
What is the payment process?
A deposit is required to secure your booking, with a structured payment schedule leading up to departure. Full details will be outlined in your proposal.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking at least 6–12 months in advance, particularly for peak travel periods. This ensures availability of accommodation, transport, and key experiences.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. We can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs, including allergies, vegetarian/vegan diets, and religious requirements. Please advise us in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.
What accommodation is provided?
We offer a range of accommodation options suited to student groups, including comfortable hostels, private campsites, and higher end options . All properties are selected for their safety, quality, and suitability for school travel.
What level of supervision and safety measures are in place?
Safety is at the core of every program delivered by Adventure Educational Tours. We take a proactive and structured approach to risk management to meet our strict safety and operational standards.
Our experienced guides play a critical role in ensuring student wellbeing. All Adventure Educational Tours guides hold current Working With Children Checks (WWCC), are certified in First Aid, and are trained in driver safety and fatigue management, along with additional relevant qualifications.
For every tour, Adventure Educational Tours ensures:
All travel-related risks are identified and thoroughly assessed.
Qualified and experienced personnel oversee the planning and delivery of each program
Appropriate safety protocols and duty of care obligations are met at all stages of the journey.
All suppliers and activities meet our internal safety and compliance standards.
Our comprehensive risk management framework, combined with clear incident response procedures, ensures we are well-prepared to minimise risk and respond effectively should any issues arise during a tour.
Are flights included?
We do not typically include flights as part of our package, however, please indicate if required as we may be able to assist.
What is included in your tour packages?
Our tours typically include private transport, experienced guides, accommodation, meals as specified, entry fees, and all planned activities. We provide a fully managed experience from planning through to delivery.
What destinations do you operate in?
We run tours across Australia’s most iconic and educationally rich regions, including the Red Centre, Top End, West Coast, Far North Queensland and K’gari.
Can itineraries be customised for our school?
Absolutely. Every tour can be tailored to suit your group’s learning objectives, budget, travel dates, and preferred destinations. We collaborate with teachers to build a program that meets both educational and logistical requirements.
Are your tours aligned with the Australian Curriculum?
Yes. All itineraries are carefully designed to align with the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority framework. We work closely with educators to ensure each program delivers meaningful, outcomes-based learning experiences.
What types of tours do Adventure Educational Tours offer?
We specialise in curriculum-aligned educational tours across Australia, designed for primary, secondary, and tertiary students. Our programs combine immersive travel experiences with learning outcomes in areas such as Geography, Science, History, and Cultural Studies.
TESTIMONIALS
Trusted by Teachers across Australia
"Everything was organised for us, which made the approval process incredibly easy. The students had an amazing experience and learnt so much. The perfect balance of education and adventure. Highly recommended for any school looking for student adventure tours."
JAMES SAHLEW, MN
“Adventure Educational Tours are the best! We had the pleasure of AET for our school group. The team were really lovely and provided a 5* experience. We travelled with them around Perth, Albany, Busselton, and Wave Rock and highly recommend to anyone wishing to explore Western Australia.”
Student, King David School, VIC
"Our recent trip to the Red Centre was absolutely unforgettable! The itinerary was perfectly balanced between learning, adventure, and fun - our students were captivated by the incredible landscapes and rich cultural experiences. The guides were knowledgeable, supportive, and made everyone feel safe and inspired. We can't thank the team enough for creating such a meaningful educational journey."
Lead Educator, Montessori International College, QLD
“Our recent Educational Tour to Uluru was an outstanding experience for our primary students, delivering meaningful learning far beyond the classroom. The program was exceptionally well organised, with engaging, knowledgeable guides who brought the landscape, culture, and history of the region to life in a way that was both age-appropriate and deeply impactful. Students developed a genuine appreciation for Indigenous perspectives, environmental sustainability, and Australia’s natural heritage, all while building confidence and independence.”
Educator, Southern Cross Grammar, VIC