Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

On arrival at Cairns Airport, make your own way to your hotel (flights anytime). This afternoon is free for you to explore the city. Stay: Flynn, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort (3 nights)

Explore and enjoy the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. With clear water, colourful coral, abundant fish life and friendly resident turtles and Maori wrasse, Moore Reef is the ultimate destination to experience all that the outer reef has to offer. Swimmers of all abilities can snorkel in the natural lagoon or stay dry with our semi-submersible and glass bottom boat tours.

You can also visit the underwater observatory to discover the world's most impressive natural fish tank and get up close and personal with marine life in the touch tank presentations. Young kids can have fun in the enclosed ocean pool or swirl down Sunlover's 30-metre spiralling waterslide into the tropical ocean. A trained lifeguard is always on watch from an elevated lifeguard station, and there's easy entry to the water from two snorkel platforms. (B/L)

On arrival at Freshwater Station, board the Kuranda Scenic Rail for an historical rail journey to Kuranda enjoying breathtaking views across the cane fields of Cairns, to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda. Wind through hand-hewn tunnels, across bridges and curves, all the time appreciating what an amazing engineering feat it is. In Kuranda it's time to explore this fascinating village. The Heritage Markets are full of colourful and interesting arts and crafts. You might also like to visit Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Kuranda Koala Gardens (own expense).

Later, board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for your 7.5km journey over and through World Heritage protected rainforest to Smithfield. Your 90-minute iconic rainforest experience showcases ancient rainforest and spectacular views with time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls Stations for education and interpretation. (B)

Your Short Break concludes this morning after breakfast. Make your own way to Cairns Airport (flights anytime). (B)