Tropic Wings City Sights + Spirit of Cairns Ex Cairns

Map View Full Details

A guided small-group afternoon tour of Cairns' history, culture and nature, visiting St Monica's Cathedral, Cairns Museum, the Botanic Gardens and Palm Cove, before boarding the Spirit of Cairns for drinks and a three-course buffet while cruising Trinity Inlet.

Days

8 hours, afternoon and evening

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Cairns or the Northern Beaches / Cairns
Return after the cruise at own arrangement

Return

Return after the cruise at own arrangement

Transport

Air-conditioned vehicle, then the Spirit of Cairns cruise boat

Meals

Afternoon tea, welcome drink, canapés and buffet dinner

Route

Map of Tropic Wings City Sights + Spirit of Cairns Ex Cairns

View map

Included experiences

St Monica's Cathedral — stained glass windows
Cairns Museum — guided entry
Cairns Botanic Gardens — Conservatory and Aboriginal Plant Use section
Edge Hill — Devonshire tea
Palm Cove — jetty and beach
Trinity Inlet — dinner cruise on Spirit of Cairns

Tropic Wings City Sights + Spirit of Cairns Ex Cairns

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MIDDAY: PICK-UP, CATHEDRAL AND MUSEUM

Your afternoon starts with a pick-up around midday from your hotel in Cairns or on the Northern Beaches, in a small group and an air-conditioned vehicle. St Monica's Cathedral was built in the 1960s as a memorial to the Battle of the Coral Sea, fought off this coast in 1942. Its 24 stained glass windows tell the story of creation, with the Great Barrier Reef among the scenes, and together they make the largest themed display of its kind in the world. The Cairns Museum fills the old School of Arts building of 1907, and a guide takes you through the stories and photographs of the town's tropical past, from the gold rushes and cane fields to the reef.

AFTERNOON: THE BOTANIC GARDENS AND DEVONSHIRE TEA

The Cairns Botanic Gardens were first set aside in 1886, and a guided walk takes in the Conservatory and the Aboriginal Plant Use section, where you learn which plants were eaten, woven or used as medicine. This is one of the best collections of tropical plants in Australia, with towering palms, gingers, ferns and orchids, and the Conservatory keeps the rarest of them under a misty roof. Afterwards you sit down to Devonshire tea in leafy Edge Hill, the suburb at the foot of Mount Whitfield, with scones, jam and cream.

LATE AFTERNOON: VIEWS AND PALM COVE

The road climbs for a view over the whole of Cairns, out to the Coral Sea and back to the rainforest-covered ranges, then a second stop to take in the green mountains behind the city. The last stop on land is Palm Cove, a beach village on the Northern Beaches whose esplanade is shaded by old paperbark trees and coconut palms. Stroll out along the jetty, walk the sand, or simply sit and watch the light change over the water before the evening cruise.

EVENING: DINNER ON TRINITY INLET

As the sun drops you step aboard the Spirit of Cairns at the Marlin Marina in the city for a 2.5 hour cruise on calm water. A welcome glass of sparkling wine, beer or a soft drink comes with canapés on the outside deck, then dinner is a three-course buffet with fresh seafood, hot and cold dishes and local produce. Trinity Inlet takes its name from Trinity Bay, which James Cook named on Trinity Sunday in June 1770. Mangroves line its banks, and the city lights come up across the water. The cruise ends back at the marina in the middle of town.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up around midday from your hotel in Cairns or on the Northern Beaches.
Finishes: After the evening cruise; drop-off is not included, so return at your own arrangement.
Please note: Spirit of Cairns is non-smoking and not suitable for guests with limited mobility, as the toilets are reached only by steep stairs.

What is included

Half-day afternoon Cairns tour in an air-conditioned vehicle
St Monica's Cathedral
Cairns Museum, with guided entry
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Afternoon tea
Scenic lookout over Cairns city and the Coral Sea
Palm Cove visit
2.5 hour calm-water evening cruise aboard Spirit of Cairns
Welcome drink — sparkling wine, beer or soft drink
Buffet dinner with fresh seafood, hot and cold dishes and local produce

Not included

Drop-off — return at own arrangement after the cruise
Additional drinks (tea, coffee, cocktails), available to buy on board

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.