Great Barrier Reef & Beyond

220 Days until departure

June 1, 2027 - June 10, 2027

Trip ID: Serfass-277

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Day 1 Start tour

Day 2 International Date Line

Lose a day as you cross the International Date Line

Day 3 G'day Cairns

Meet your tour director and check into hotel

, Wharf Street,

Details: Cairns city walk

Explore Cairns, a tropical city in Far North Queensland known for its gateway access to the Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforests. Stroll along the lively Esplanade, take in waterfront views, and soak up the laid-back charm of this coastal paradise.

Details: Esplanade

Take a stroll on the Cairns esplanade buzzing with innovative eateries, on-trend bars, stylish boutiques and galleries. At the end of the day get a glimpse of the idyllic sun setting over the water.

Details: Cairns night market

Each night when the sun sets, Cairns Night Market comes alive. Featuring over 70 retail outlets and home to a myriad of food options, settle in for the evening, hunt for a bargain and grab a yummy bite to eat! Perhaps try some local Tropical North Queensland delights like a sugar cane juice and a tropical dessert from the Mango Bar.

Details: Crystal Cascades Waterfall visit

Picture this... A series of small waterfalls flowing into large pools surrounded by large impressive granite boulders. The rainforest trees hang over the mountain water, keeping it cool and refreshing. Crystal Cascades is a secluded freshwater swimming hole, hidden in the middle of a tropical rainforest. It's no wonder locals wish they could keep this North Queensland secret to themselves.

Day 4 Cairns

Lunch on board the Great Barrier Reef cruise

Details: Great Barrier Reef full-day excursion

No trip to Cairns is complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily one of the world's top natural wonders. Transfer from Cairns towards Moore Reef where the underwater universe awaits. Upon arrival at the reef, take part in a guided snorkel safari and participate in the Eye on the Reef program with a marine biologist to monitor the health of the reef. See firsthand the incredible array of life and colors that exist just below the surface with a semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour.

Day 5 Cairns

Rainforestation Nature Park visit, , ,

Beach time

Details: Rainforestation Park full-day excursion

Rainforestation Nature Park is an all-weather attraction, home to the Army Duck Rainforest Tours on land and water, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and the iconic Australian animals in the Koala & Wildlife Park.

Details: BBQ lunch

Enjoy a delicious lunch inspired by bush tucker flavours including tender steaks, BBQ chicken, sweet potatoes with paperbark cooked in traditional Kup-Murri style and vegetarian stir-fries. A selection of house salads, sandwiches, tropical fruits, cheeses and snacks are also available.

Details: Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience

Journey through the rainforest and be enlightened by your Indigenous Pamagirri guide as they share the Dreamtime story and how ancient traditions are kept alive in the oldest surviving rainforest in the world. Experience the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Performance, a traditional dance depicting aspect of Indigenous culture including animals, food gathering and hunting.

Details: LEAP Out & Back

Move to the beat of Australian life! Meet Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers and learn how to play the didgeridoo and clapsticks. Throw a boomerang, then paint and decorate your own to take home as a souvenir!

Day 6 Cairns

, , Packed Lunch, , Mossman Gorge guided nature walk,

Details: Daintree National Park full-day excursion

Travel along the Coral Sea coast, one of Australia's most scenic roads, to Daintree National Park. Home to the Kuku Yalanji people, it’s the world’s oldest rainforest where the creeping vines and emerald canopy have been growing for more than 180 million years. First stop, a Daintree River cruise, don't forget to keep those eyes peeled for a big salty croc! Next, learn about the significance of fragile environments—the biology, ecology, and antiquity of the forest environment and walk through the rainforest canopy. After lunch visit an organic orchard and learn about the exotic fruits locally grown for tropical ice-creams. After perhaps sampling a scoop or two continue on a guided nature walk through Mossman Gorge, a spectacular and scenic part of the rainforest where you will learn about Australia's flora and fauna and the area’s traditional custodians, the Kuku Yalanji. Finish up with a stop at Palm Cove, where the rainforest meets the coral reef.

Details: Crocodile & wildlife cruise on Daintree River

Enjoy a one hour cruise down the Daintree River where an expert guide will share secrets about Australia's flora and fauna. The Daintree River is known for its rich bird habitats, tree snakes, and saltwater crocodiles.

Details: Daintree Discovery Centre guided visit

At Daintree Discovery Centre, your group will be introduced to the significance of fragile environments—the biology, ecology, and antiquity of the forest environment. Experience the 23-meter-high Daintree Rainforest Canopy Tower, the 10-meter-high aerial walkway, and the over 900 meters of elevated rainforest boardwalks.

Details: Daintree Ice Cream Orchard experience

Visit a tropical fruit orchard in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest and enjoy a tasting of four seasonal, house made organic ice cream flavors. The ice cream is made on site using fruit grown right on the property. Explore the orchard paths, learn about unique rainforest fruits, and enjoy the relaxed outdoor setting surrounded by lush Daintree scenery.

Details: Explore Palm Cove

Make a stop at Palm Cove, a charming beachside village where the reef meets the rainforest. Take a stroll up the esplanade, lined with 500-year-old melaleuca trees and dip your feet in the tropical waters.

Day 7 Cairns--Sydney

Fly to Sydney

The Gap, , Explore Bondi Beach

Details: Bondi Beach excursion

With a storied history, a dazzling setting and its fair share of beautiful people, Bondi Beach is rightly recognized as one of the best beaches in the world. Upon arrival at this enticing stretch of sand, you’ll first learn about what makes Bondi so unique—the surfers, the rescues and all the action you might expect at one of Australia’s most famous destinations. From there, you’re on your own. Catch some rays, feel the sand between your toes, rent a boogie-board or even take some surfing lessons.

Details: Mrs Macquarie's Point

You bring the camera and “Mrs. Macquarie” will provide the perfect backdrop. Featuring a breathtaking view of both the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Mrs. Macquarie’s Point has been attracting visitors since its origin in 1810, when an exposed sandstone rock was cut into the shape of a bench. Known today as Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, legend has it that if you make a wish while sitting on the bench, there’s a very good chance that your wish will come true.

Day 8 Sydney

, , Royal Botanic Gardens

Details: Sydney city walk

Explore Sydney’s vibrant heritage by walking through The Rocks and crossing the iconic Harbour Bridge. Discover lush landscapes and native flora while strolling through the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Details: Sydney Harbour Bridge walk

Walk across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and take in the spectacular views of the stunning Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House and the city.

Details: The Rocks

As you stroll along the narrow, cobblestone streets of The Rocks, you can’t help but get caught up in the area’s intriguing past, present and future. Here you’ll find chic restaurants, stylish bars and hearty pubs, all amidst some of the oldest surviving buildings in Sydney. One moment you’ll be touring historic Cadman’s Cottage, and the next you’ll find yourself amongst the eclectic shopping, artisan markets and glitzy galleries that make The Rocks the engaging destination that is it today.

Details: Sydney Opera House guided visit

Discover every aspect of the building’s 14-year creation and 58-year history. Delve into the stories behind Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s masterpiece, run your hands over the world-famous shell tiles, take a seat in the elegant custom-made white birch timber chairs and visit some of the many theatres inside this iconic landmark.

Details: Ferry ride across the Sydney Harbour

Hop aboard the Manly Ferry, one of Sydney’s most iconic experiences. Departing regularly to and from Manly to Circular Quay, the ferry cruises past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House before passing Kirribilli House the official residence of the Prime Minister.

Details: Explore Manly

Get to know the vibrant Manly, known for its stunning beaches, outdoor cafés, and cool restaurants. The streets are lined with surf and beach-ware shops and little boutique stores. Get active with a scenic coastal walk or go for a swim, hire a bike or walk to Fairy Bower Beach, where the little penguins reside.

Day 9 Sydney

Optional

Day 10 End tour

Tour Includes

Round-trip airfare and other transportation described in the itinerary
Basic Medical, Dental, Emergency Evacuation Insurance during trip (U.S. travelers only)
Up to three college credits upon course completion (grades 9-12) or high school credit (grades 6-12) for U.S. travelers only.
Centrally located three- and four-star hotels
Plentiful daily breakfast to start the day energized and ready to go
Appetizing, culturally representative three-course dinner daily (except on days where "lunch" is noted)
On Day 5, note that both lunch and dinner are included.
Full time, multilingual, WorldStrides tour director who is LEAP-trained in experiential education
Local guide at sites and on city tours as described in the itinerary
LEAP! Learning through Exploration and Active Participation; trademarked immersive approach of learning by doing
Entrances and transportation to sites and activities described in your itinerary
Local guide and local bus driver tips; see note regarding other important tips
24/7 On Tour Emergency Support