Barrier Reef and Rainforest Multisport

Barrier Reef and Rainforest Multisport Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Cairns, Australia. Arrive in laid-back Cairns and transfer on your own to the centrally-located hotel that will serve as our "base camp" throughout the next ten days. We'll stay here whenever we overnight in Cairns, a city of 150,000 people that was originally settled in 1876 to serve miners working in the Hodgkinson River goldfield. Depending on your arrival time, you'll have the remainder of the day to relax or explore before our 6:30 p.m. group rendezvous. We'll meet our guide and have dinner together this evening. Dinner included.

• Day 2

  The fun begins immediately as we head out for a full day of whitewater rafting today on one of Australia's most famous action-packed rivers, set in a remote World Heritage rain forest. We drive south to the Tully River (Class IV) where our guides will provide detailed instructions on paddling and maneuvering the eight-person rafts through the rapids. It's easy to be distracted by the tropical rain forest scenery, but we'll have time at lunch to relax on the bank, swim and enjoy the surrounding wilderness. After our afternoon paddle, we'll travel back to our hotel in Cairns and enjoy dinner on our own tonight. Note: Our guides can suggest alternate activities for those not wishing to participate in the rafting. Breakfast and lunch included.
  
  Rafting: Full day on Class IV river.

• Days 3-4

  We depart early to drive to the trailhead near Kuranda and begin our two days of forest hiking. En route, we pass stunning waterfalls, cross over mountain streams and spend time swimming in pools while our experienced guide explains the intricacies of the rain forest environment as well as the historical and cultural significance of the region. Watch for kookaburras, parrots, wallaby and multi-colored butterflies. We'll camp on the night of Day 3 and resume our hiking after a hearty breakfast the following day through open eucalyptus forests offering spectacular panoramic views. On the afternoon of Day 4, we'll return to our minibus and begin the drive back to our comfortable hotel in Cairns. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: approx. 4-6 hours (both days). Terrain: Undulating with a steep 6-mile uphill climb on Day 3 (including approx. 2,400' elevation gain/loss). Parts of the hike involve climbing over logs and roots.

• Day 5

  A trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a highlight of many people's visit to Queensland. Our voyage begins this morning as we rendezvous with our live-aboard boat and set a course for this renowned natural wonder. We are motoring toward the world's largest coral reef system, stretching 1400 miles along Australia's northeastern coast and containing the greatest density and diversity of life of any marine ecosystem, with 1,800 known species of fish and 450 species of coral. Snorkelers and divers alike will have numerous opportunities to float through this incredible waterscape world filled with kaleidoscopic colors and marine life of every imaginable shape and size. Snorkeling is available to all participants; Scuba diving is an optional extra for those who are certified or wish to take an introductory course. See the "Dive Fees" section for more details. All meals included.
  
  Half day of various water activities including swimming, snorkeling and optional scuba.

• Days 6-7

  We spend these days exploring the remarkable Great Barrier Reef, with plenty of time for snorkeling, diving and relaxing aboard ship. On Day 7, we motor back to Cairns, arriving in the late afternoon and transferring back to our familiar hotel. All meals included on Day 6. Breakfast and lunch included on Day 7.
  
  Various water activities including swimming, snorkeling and optional scuba.

• Day 8

  We head south along the coastal plain catching frequent glimpses of white sand and turquoise-green ocean. Our destination is Kurrimine Beach, where we begin the sea kayaking portion of our adventure. Our guide will explain paddling techniques and safety procedures before the kayaks are launched for the first leg of the trip, crossing King Reef and out to the Southern Barnard Islands. Sea eagles and Nankeen kestrels ride the thermals overhead and the waters teem with life below the sea surface. Before arriving at camp, energetic paddlers may circumnavigate Sisters Island, a protected bird sanctuary (landing is not permitted). In the afternoon, we set up our tents and then take time to swim, snorkel or explore the island with its dramatic rock formations formed by thousands of years of water and wind activity. At night, we camp on the beach of the uninhabited island. All meals included.
  
  Paddling: approx. 2.5 hours depending on wind conditions.

• Day 9

  After a hearty breakfast and perhaps a morning swim, we break camp and paddle our kayaks to the Northern Barnard group of islands. Dolphins and turtles inhabit these waters and we may be lucky enough to see them both during our crossing. We have lunch on the beach of a tropical islet, with ample time to snorkel over colorful coral formations and numerous tropical fish. We then can opt to take a bush walk through the evergreen rain forests, visit a historic island lighthouse or paddle further in the afternoon. We camp on one of the North Barnard Islands tonight. All meals included.
  
  Paddling: approx. 2 hours with an option to do more.

• Day 10

  On our last day of sea kayaking, we have a leisurely start before setting out on the 3-hour paddle back to the mainland. En route we pass nearby islands with the possibility of making a landing (wind & current dependent) to explore a network of mysterious caves. We land on the mainland at Cowley Beach, where our bus is waiting to take us back to our hotel in Cairns for a final celebration dinner. All meals included.
  
  Paddling: approx. 3 hours, depending on wind conditions.

• Day 11

  Transfer on your own to the Cairns airport for return flights home, or extend your stay in the "land down under". Breakfast included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary.  If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. There is very limited availability, and single accommodations are provided on a first come, first serve basis.

All accommodations; all land and sea transportation from Day 2 to Day 11; guide leadership; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; equipment for camping, rafting, sea kayaking, snorkeling; entry fees and permits.

Air transportation to Cairns; transfers from/to airport; 2 dinners; departure taxes; dive fees (see below); optional activities including introductory scuba dive course and dive medical for scuba (see below); AUD $45 reef tax and fuel surcharge; guide gratuities; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature such as soft drinks or liquor, laundry fees, cost of obtaining a passport, immunizations or insurance.

For certified divers, a USD $225 fee (subject to change) payable in advance to REI Adventures includes all equipment and up to 10 dives along the Great Barrier Reef (number of dives is generally weather dependent). Novices can opt to take an "introductory class" which can be paid for once aboard the boat (first dive USD $75 including instructor and all equipment; subsequent dives USD $75 includes all equipment). There is also an additional fee for all divers and snorkelers of AUD $45 for the reef tax and fuel surcharge. This fee is also payable aboard the boat.

This trip is rated Moderate [3] but is very active and offers the opportunity to participate in a variety of different outdoor activities. Participants should arrive in good physical condition and be able to swim. We strongly recommend a conditioning regimen beginning at least 3 months prior to departure that includes as many of the trip activities as possible. Hiking, jogging, cycling paddling and swimming are all great ways to prepare for this adventure and will improve your cardiovascular fitness level. While snorkeling excursions are included in this itinerary, scuba diving is optional and only available at an additional cost. The minimum age to participate on this trip is 14 years.

Scuba Divers Please Note: The regulations, requirements and medical standards relating to diving in Australia are amongst the strictest in the world. For complete information and qualifications please visit Dive Medicals Online.

We avoid Queensland’s wet season by operating our departures from May to October, when the weather is generally optimal for outdoor activities. From May through August, temperatures in Cairns average between 65°-80°F while temperatures in the interior (the Tableland, etc.) range from 50°-75°F.  September/October temperatures in Cairns are slightly warmer (65°-85°) with interior temperatures creeping up as well (55°-85°). Conditions on the Great Barrier Reef can vary greatly and are highly dependent on the prevailing winds. Southerly winds bring cooler temperatures and can result in choppier seas.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active adventure trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

We avoid Queensland’s wet season by operating our departures from May to October, when the weather is generally optimal for outdoor activities.  From May through August, temperatures in Cairns average between 65°-80°F while temperatures in the interior (the Tableland, etc.) range from 50°-75°F.  September/October temperatures in Cairns are slightly warmer (65°-85°) with interior temperatures creeping up as well (55°-85°).  Conditions on the Great Barrier Reef can vary greatly and are highly dependent on the prevailing winds.  Southerly winds bring cooler temperatures and can result in choppier seas.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, medications, and a change of clothing (including hiking boots) in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• The hotel in Cairns is our base camp. When we are not overnighting at the hotel, the group's luggage is stored there for safety and convenience. Simply pack your overnight gear and clothing, as instructed by your trip leader, in your daypack and head out for your activity.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
• Bring clothing that is light in weight and color, which ventilates and protects you from the sun. It is always good to have a lightweight, long-sleeved fleece or synthetic top, especially for the evenings.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
• Diving gear: Certified divers pay a fee in advance to REI Adventures. This includes all equipment for diving. Certified divers must have a certification card and logbook. Non-certified divers taking the introduction to scuba class make their payment aboard the boat for their class and first dive, as well as additional dives. Fees include all equipment. All snorkel gear is provided for trip members.
• If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens users should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.
• Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.