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About this trip
Experience the Magic of the Great Barrier Reef and Indigenous Culture with Walker Wellness Retreats.
Join Walker Wellness Retreats on this optional Cairns extension trip for an unforgettable 4-night, 5-day adventure. This journey includes snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Tablelands, and immersing yourself in the rich indigenous culture of Cairns. Your stay at the centrally located Hilton Cairns will provide the perfect base for these exciting activities.
Day 1: Arrival in Cairns and Cultural Tour
- Flight from Sydney to Cairns: Begin your adventure with a scenic flight to Cairns.
- Check-in at Hilton Cairns: Settle into your accommodations and enjoy the hotel’s top-notch amenities.
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Cultural Tour: Venture into the heart of Cairns' indigenous culture. With a small group, be warmly welcomed by Traditional Owners on their ancestral lands, just a short cruise away from Cairns City. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the wetland environment, with majestic rainforest-clad mountains as your backdrop.
- Mayi Bugan Rainforest Trail: Start from a working Indigenous Ranger base and, accompanied by knowledgeable Indigenous Guides, delve into the rich tapestry of native foods, traditional bush medicines, and ancient Aboriginal customs. Engage in captivating stories and marvel at authentic artifacts that unveil the deep connection between the land and its people.
- Light Refreshments: Relish light refreshments amidst the symphony of nature and let this immersive experience leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Day 2: First Snorkeling Excursion
- Snorkeling Adventure: Embark on your first snorkeling excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at the kaleidoscope of colors as you explore the underwater world filled with diverse marine life, from vibrant corals to exotic fish.
- Relax and Unwind: After your snorkeling trip, return to the Hilton Cairns to enjoy a delicious seafood dinner with a view!
Day 3: Explore the Tablelands
- Tablelands Exploration: Discover the natural beauty of the Tablelands area outside of Cairns. Enjoy a day of exploration, including visits to stunning waterfalls and lush rainforests. This day offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the serene landscapes of Queensland.
- Return to Cairns: After a full day of exploration, return to your hotel to rest and rejuvenate.
Day 4: Second Snorkeling Excursion
- Final Snorkeling Excursion: Dive back into the clear blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef for another exhilarating snorkeling experience. Capture your last moments in this natural wonder and soak up the breathtaking underwater scenery.
Day 5: Departure
- Morning at Leisure: Spend your final morning at leisure, perhaps taking a last stroll on the boardwalk.
- Return Flight to Sydney: Conclude your trip with a flight back to Sydney, carrying unforgettable memories of your Cairns adventure.
Join us for this Cairns extension trip and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, the serene landscapes of the Tablelands, and the rich indigenous heritage of Cairns. This is a perfect opportunity to relax, explore, and experience one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.
Meet Your Host
Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats. Amy started Walker Wellness Retreats in 2016 due to her love for travel and helping others experience the world. When Amy is not leading international retreats, she works as an online mental health therapist. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive. In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run Walker Wellness Retreats.
To meet more of the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit the About Us page on our website.
Visa Requirements
IMPORTANT VISA INFORMATION:
You must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Australia for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain an ETA.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), here’s the gist of it: The ETA is a special type of visa for short-term visits (for tourism or business) for up to three months.
Here’s the process for obtaining one:
Apply online at the official Australian government website.
Receive instant approval in most cases.
There’s no physical visa label; it’s electronically linked to your passport.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
In the event of trip cancellation before the 90-day deadline, the 25% deposit is non-refundable as well as any airfare, train tickets or ferry tickets purchased as part of your trip package due to the strict cancellation policy by foreign carriers ( If applicable).
Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement.
In the unlikely event Walker Wellness Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking.
Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.
The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Email us at contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.
What’s included
- Accommodations4 nights hotel accommodations at Hilton Cairns
- AirfareRT airfare Sydney to Cairns
- Airport TransfersAll airport transfers
- MealsAll meals during the retreat (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
- TransportationAll transportation during the retreat
- GratuityGratuities for tour guides, restaurant staff, and drivers
- Cultural TourOn Country Cultural Tour [Shared Tour]
- Great Barrier ReefGreen Island and Outer Great Barrier Reef – Marine Conservation Program
- SnorkelingCairns Eco Outer Reef Cruise + Dedicated Master Reef Guide
- Waterfall TourAtherton Tablelands Tour – Waterfalls & National Parks [Private Tour]
What’s not included
- AirfareInternational Airfare
- Additional ItemsSouvenirs, drinks, snacks, additional excursions, or other personal items
- Additional GratuityGratuities of a personal nature (hotel staff, spa services, etc.)
- Alcoholic BeveragesAny alcoholic beverages (unless listed on itinerary)
- InsuranceTravel insurance and medical insurance (required)
- Travel FeesAny travel-related fees if applicable (visas, passports, baggage, etc.)
- VisaYou must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia.
Available Packages
Double occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 2 people.
Helpful hints: If you have two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package. If you are traveling alone and want your own room, select 1 Single Occupancy package below.
Single occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 1 person.
Helpful hints: If you are traveling alone but want to share a room with another traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package above. If you are booking for two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages above.
Available options
Itinerary
After breakfast, we will take a morning flight from Sydney to Cairns—the flight time is 3 hours.
8:50 AM: Departure from Sydney
Duration 3 hr 5 min
Virgin Australia
Upon arrival, we will check in to our hotel and then enjoy the following excursion together: On Country Cultural Tour
On Country Cultural Tour Meeting Details:
- Meeting Location: Mooz Gelato and Juice Bar - Marina Point
- Time: 1300 hrs (1pm)
- Tour Operator Contact: +61 7 4019 7998
- Provider: Mandingal Bay Authentic Indigenous Tours
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable journey as you venture into the heart of Cairns' indigenous culture. With a small group be warmly welcomed by Traditional Owners on their ancestral lands, just a short cruise away from Cairns City. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the wetland environment, with majestic rainforest-clad mountains as your backdrop.
Embark on the Mayi Bugan Rainforest Trail, starting from a working Indigenous Ranger base. Accompanied by knowledgeable Indigenous Guides, delve into the rich tapestry of native foods, traditional bush medicines, and ancient Aboriginal customs. Engage in captivating stories and marvel at authentic artifacts that unveil the deep connection between the land and its people.
As you relish light refreshments amidst the symphony of nature, let this immersive experience leave an indelible mark on your soul. Discover the treasures of Cairns' indigenous heritage like never before, guided by those who hold the wisdom of generations.
Time & Duration:
- 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- 3 Hours
Details/Inclusions:
- Guided river cruise across the stunning waters of the Cairns Harbour.
- Mandingalbay Yidinji welcome and traditional cleansing smoking ceremony.
- Bus tour through the mangroves, wetlands, and market gardens
- Discover bush foods, tools, and medicine as well as sites of cultural significance.
- Fresh baked Morning Tea with local fruits
- Return transfer by vessel to Cairns Marlin Marina
What You Need?
- Hat and Sunglasses
- Natural Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Comfortable clothes
- Comfortable footwear
7:00 PM- Group dinner at a local restaurant.
Lodging:
34 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
+61740502000