2024 IASNR Conference Optional Field Trips
Optional Pre & Post Field Trips
Pre and post conference tours will be offered through experienced Cairns tourist operators who work with local guides and specialist transport providers including four wheel drives, white water rafting and fast boats to reach the Great Barrier Reef. In addition to general tours, Cairns offers many options to specialist interests (e.g. scuba diving; horse riding, crocodile viewing, sea kayaking, sky diving, and more). NOTE: Prices are in USD.
Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Adventure (Half-day) – June 23, 2024
The complete reef and island experience awaits with this exciting cruise. A fast 45 minute catamaran ride will take you to beautiful Green Island to enjoy two hours on this unique reef and rainforest coral cay. A day of adventure and discovery continues onto Great Adventures’ spacious activity platform moored on the majestic Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Green Island is a beautiful 6000 year old coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – a premier world heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Green Island’s unique reef and rainforest environment offers an array of activities. You can stroll through the magical rainforest, laze on white coral sand beaches, swim, or snorkel…
Then escape into a world of surprises to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. From the comfort of the stable reef activity platform, this is the perfect base for swimmers and non-swimmers to explore. Snorkel and dive, visit the underwater observatory and cruise in a semi-sub, or just relax on the sundeck with a delicious buffet lunch. The pontoon features undercover seating and tables, a sundeck, full bar facilities, swimming enclosure for children, change rooms with fresh water showers, and scuba diving facilities with a semi-submerged dive platform.
- $62 AUD / $41 USD per adult Snorkel boat tour to New York or Inner Mooring reef site.
- $50 AUD / $33 USD per child (4-14 years) Snorkel boat tour to New York or Inner Mooring reef site, prices as shown. Children 3 years and under cruise free of charge.
- $29 AUD / $19 USD (adult) for Marineland Melanesia crocodile feeding.
- $15 AUD / $10 USD (child, 14 and under) for Marineland Melanesia crocodile feeding.
- 8.30 am – Departure
- 10.30 am – Marineland Melanesia for crocodile feeding (additional $29.00 per adult and $15 per child)
- 11.30 am – Glass bottom boat tour at elbow to jetty
- 12.00 pm – Buffet lunch in Greens Venue from $45.00 per person
- 1.00 pm – Snorkel boat tour to New York or Inner Mooring reef site at dive shop (please arrive 15mins beforehand) $28.00 per person
- 2.00 pm – Free time to relax on the beach
- 4.15 pm – Reboard vessel
- 4.30pm – Depart Green Island
- 5.15 pm – Arrive back in Cairns
Embark on a journey into a realm of surprises and immerse oneself in the splendor of the Great Barrier Reef with an exhilarating outer reef cruise. Travelers will cruise in comfort aboard a modern, fast catamaran to a capacious activity platform anchored at a stunning site on the outer rim of the Great Barrier Reef. In this unspoiled marine wilderness, the richness of marine biodiversity reaches its pinnacle. Catering to both swimmers and non-swimmers, individuals of all ages can connect with nature and gain an understanding of the significance of this remarkable World Heritage environment.
Delve into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with our thrilling outer reef cruise, offering opportunities for snorkeling and diving amidst coral gardens teeming with extraordinary marine life and vibrant tropical fish. For those opting to stay dry, the underwater observatory and the spacious semi-submarine provide a comfortable vantage point to appreciate the natural wonders thriving below the ocean’s surface. The experience promises an escape into a world of marvels and an encounter with the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
Outer Reef Pontoon Trip (full day) – June 23, 2024
Ticket Cost: $231 AUD / $151 USD
Morning & afternoon teas, 3 hours at Outer Barrier Reef platform, snorkeling equipment, use of lycra suit, hot & cold buffet lunch, eco reef talk, semi-submarine tour, underwater observatory.
Cape Tribulation, Daintree, & Mossman Gorge (full day) – June 28, 2024
Embark on a captivating journey to Cape Tribulation, Daintree, and Mossman Gorge. Begin with a hotel pick-up in Cairns, setting the stage for a day of exploration. Cruise along the Daintree River, taking in the diverse flora and fauna. Marvel at the panoramic views from Alexandra Lookout before indulging in a delightful lunch at Daintree Heritage Lodge.
Venture into the iconic Cape Tribulation, where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches, creating a picturesque landscape. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Explore Mossman Gorge Center, enjoying afternoon tea and a driver-guided walk amidst the natural beauty. As the day concludes, relish the memories made before returning to your Cairns Hotel. This field trip promises a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and adventure.
Ticket Cost: $183 AUD / $120 USD, per person
Itinerary
- 7.30 am – Hotel pick up from Cairns Hotel for Cape Tribulation Charter
- 9.30 am – Daintree River Cruise
- 10.45 am – Alexandra Lookout
- 11.30 am – Lunch Daintree Heritage Lodge
- 12.45 pm – Cape Tribulation
- 1.30 pm – Daintree Ice Cream Company
- 3.00 pm – Mossman Gorge Centre: Includes afternoon tea, driver/guided walk in Mossman Gorge & shuttles
- 6.30 pm – Arrive at Cairns Hotel
Kuranda, Skyrail Cable Car, & Scenic Railway Train (full day) – June 28, 2024
This breathtaking journey on one of the world’s most scenic train routes will take you through hand-hewn tunnels and across bridges with amazing views. Stop at Barron Gorge to view the Falls before arriving at Kuranda Station. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the “Village in the Rainforest.” Explore the markets or visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the colorful Birdworld, and the Koala Gardens.
At the scheduled time, board Skyrail which takes you on an amazing experience over Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy descending into the forest at two stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls. Your journey ends at Smithfield Skyrail Terminal where your coach is waiting to take you back to the conference hotel.
Ticket Cost: $274 AUD / $180 USD, per person
Itinerary
- 8.00 am – Collect delegates from hotel and transfer to Freshwater Train Station
- 8.50 am – Kuranda Scenic Railway
- 10.20 am – Collect delegates from Kuranda Station and commence Kuranda orientation tour
- 11.30 am – Lunch at Frogs Cafe in Kuranda Heritage Markets
- 12.30 pm – Free time to explore Kuranda Markets / Koala Gardens / Butterfly Sanctuary
- 2.45 pm – Collect delegates and transfer to Skyrail Kuranda Terminal
- 3.00 pm – Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- 4.30 pm – Collect group from Skyrail Smithfield Terminal and return to hotel
