Coral reef meets rainforest

On the first day of your Cape Tribulation tour, you'll be picked up at your accommodation at 8am for a boat trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Spanning over 2000km the reef is considered the world's largest living organism and apparently can even be seen from the moon.

During the boat trip you'll moor off so you can go snorkelling over the reefs. All equipment is available on board and included in the price. The Great Barrier Reef is impressive even for more experienced snorkellers and divers; the abundance of coral, thousands of rainbow-coloured fish and rare sea turtles are a sight to behold. For a more close-up view you can also go diving here (surcharge paid locally) or book a scuba lesson. Don't forget to bring your PADI certification card if you have one. Around midday you'll be treated to a generous lunch buffet with plenty of fresh fruit (lunch included). After lunch take a nap on deck and enjoy the sun before the boat sets sail back to Cairns late afternoon. From Cairns harbour you'll be transferred back to your accommodation.

Late afternoon you'll arrive at your accommodation, a cosy jungle cottage close to the beach. Cape Tribulation is reputedly the only place in Australia where the rainforest reaches right up to the beach, and from your cosy jungle cottage it appears to be true. Your cottage is surrounded by rainforest but at the same time it's just steps away from the beach. Once you've settled in and freshened up, go for a walk along the white beach and take in the spectacular scenery. You can also head further into the jungle, there's a creek nearby where you can swing from the lianas Tarzan-style. Even though there are no crocs here (hopefully), taking a dip in the middle of nature seems pretty adventurous, especially when you've got tiny fish nibbling your toes.

In the evening there's also an optional evening bush walk, where you'll head into the pitch black jungle armed with a torch. The guide will point out crickets and huge spiders and maybe even a chameleon sleeping on a tree trunk. At one point the guide will ask you to switch off your torches and stand completely still. In the pitch dark all you can hear is rustling, screeching and then complete silence. Very spooky.