5-Day Walk Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands with Donkeys Tour from Cairns | Small Group Tour
Product Code: 682065
OVERVIEW

Highlights

  • • Venture through some of northern Queensland's most spectacular scenery
Tour Code
682065
Duration
5 day
Departure City
Cairns
End City
Cairns
Tour Type
Sightseeing Tours
IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Tour Themes: Adventure

Explore the world with an active and adrenaline pumping tour

Group Size: Small group tour

Take an intimate and semi-private trip with a small group

Activity Level: Moderate

Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking

Quality: Value

Travel with professional guides, enjoy more time at attractions and/or stay at comfortable accommodations.

Itinerary

Jaw-dropping scenery, incredible wildlife and donkeys as travel companions - this 5-day Queensland adventure is anything but ordinary. An oasis away from the sweltering temperatures of the surrounding areas, explore the wonders of the Atherton Tablelands on foot, with a local guide leading the way and an endearing team of much-loved pack donkeys allowing access to secluded trails that can't be reached by vehicles. Walk through tropical rainforests, swim in crystal clear crater lakes and marvel at cascading waterfalls on a journey to remember.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns
Welcome to northern Queensland! Your adventure begins in Cairns, your gateway to the Atherton Tablelands. You're free to check in to your accommodation from the early afternoon and, if you arrive with time to spare, you may like to check out the colourful array of tropical plants at the Cairns Botanic Gardens or get a feel for the city with a stroll along the esplanade. This evening is free for you to rest your legs before the upcoming walks, or to get to know the city a bit better with a drink and dinner in town.

Day 2: Cairns - Yungaburra
Meet the group in the accommodation lobby at 7:15am this morning as you leave Cairns in the rear-view mirror and hit the Gillies Highway, one of Queensland's best scenic drives. Make a pit stop in Little Mulgrave for refreshments then make tracks for Yungaburra, a charming rural town bursting with history and heritage sites. On arrival, meet you leader for your official welcome meeting and pre-trek briefing, where you'll be issued with your pack bags and be introduced to some of the best travel buddies you'll ever have - an endearing team of pack donkeys. These four-legged trekkers are well-loved and looked after and trained in carrying bags across all sorts of terrains, allowing you access to parts of the Atherton Tablelands that can't be accessed by vehicles, while also providing excellent company along the way! The donkeys will be led by an expert guide who will make sure they're having as good a time as you are. Then it's time to set out along the Peterson Creek Walking Track - if you’re really lucky you may even see platypus or Lumholtz tree-kangaroos. For a taste of local culture this evening you may like to get together for dinner and drinks Yungaburra's iconic pub.
Included Activities:
Lake Eacham - Campfire Dinner
Yungaburra - Group Lunch
Meals: Lunch

Day 3: Yungaburra - Lake Eacham
Get your donkey friends saddled up this morning before walking from Yungaburra to Lake Eacham. Here you'll take some time out to enjoy the lake and the surrounding Crater Lakes National Park. Perhaps take a refreshing dip in Lake Eacham's clear blue waters, or head into the park to explore a series of walking tracks shaded by lush rainforest. Retire to your accommodation for the evening and sit down for drinks around the campfire followed by dinner.
Included Activities: Lake Eacham - Group Lunch
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Peeramon Hotel - Malanda Hotel - Malanda Hotel
After breakfast this morning, set off for a walk along a network of country lanes and through diverse rainforest before eventually arriving at the Peeramon Hotel where you'll sit down for a well-deserved lunch and soak in spectacular views of the Tablelands. After lunch, trek downhill towards the Malanda Hotel, and if time permits, continue to the Malanda Falls and swimming pool. Built in 1906, this heritage-listed swimming pool is surrounded by beautiful rainforest and the perfect spot to cool down after a long day of walking. If you're not in the mood for a swim, you may prefer to explore the surrounding Malanda Falls Environment Park in search of tree kangaroos. Return to the Malanda Hotel and enjoy a classic Australian dinner in the grand dining room.
Included Activities: Malanda Falls - Group Lunch
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Cairns
Wake up for a final fireside breakfast, bid farewell to your donkey friends then begin the journey back to Cairns, stopping en route in the scenic little mountain village of Kuranda. Your adventure will come to an end upon your arrival in Cairns.
Meals: Breakfast

Visiting Attractions

  • Cairns Cairns
Pick-up Details / Transfers
* JOINING POINT: Hides Hotel 87 Lake St Cairns Cairns 4870, Australia.
WHAT'S INCLUDED

Package Includes

    • 4-Night accommodations
    • Ground transportation
    • Sightseeing and meals as listed
    • The services of a group leader as described

Package Excludes

    • International or internal flights unless specified
    • Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
    • Meals other than those specified
    • Visa and passport fees
    • Travel insurance
    • Optional activities and all personal expenses
Special Notes
    • Cancellation policy:
      - 32 days or more prior to departure date, 25% penalty;
      - 17-31 days prior to departure date, 50% penalty;
      - 16 days or less prior to departure date, 100% penalty.
      - Note that different cancellation conditions apply to some trips and additional services. Please note that for certain travel arrangements the cancellation charge may be higher than those shown. In certain cases a 100% cancellation fee applies as soon as the booking is made and the ticket is issued. You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third party tour and transport operator fees.
    • Amendment policy:
      - If you wish to transfer from one trip to another or transfer your booking to a third party you must notify us at least 58 days prior to the proposed departure date. A fee of $220 per person per change will apply (in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines).
      - If you notify us less than 58 days prior to the proposed departure date the refund policy applicable to cancellations will apply.
      - Transfers to a third party are only permitted where the transferee meets all the requirements in relation to the trip, and transfers to another departure can only be made to a departure within the current validity period. Amendments to any other arrangements made in conjunction with your trip will incur a $140 administration fee per booking per change. This fee is in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines. No amendments are permitted to your booking within 12 days of departure.
    • ITINERARY DISCLAIMER: Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
    • FEEDBACK: Can't stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you.
    • FOOD AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: While travelling with us you'll have the opportunity to experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialities so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied. We cater for vegetarian and gluten intolerance – please advise at time of booking so that arrangements can be made.
    • ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. This trip is conducted in remote areas with only basic facilities at times and limited communication links to the outside world. Accommodation is no-frills , with multi-share rooms and basic amenities and facilities. When staying in the Bawaka Homelands you may be asked to help with the preparation of food, washing of dishes and general assistance as directed by the guides.
    • LUGGAGE LIMIT: Due to limited vehicle space and strictly enforced road laws regarding weight limits, your main piece of luggage must be soft-sided and weigh no more than 15kg/33lb. You can also bring a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, sunscreen, etc when you're exploring during the day. We are unable to carry large suitcases, particularly hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings. Below are some essential items for this trip. Please review the "Climate and Seasonal Information" to ensure you pack appropriately for the weather at the time of year you are travelling.
      - Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing and layers. Long shirts and pants are useful to protect against the harsh Australian sun. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry.
      - Comfortable, closed-in shoes. These will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grasslands and will act as a protective barrier in the rare case of a bite or sting. A pair of sandals or thongs/flip flops are great for the beach.
      - Sun protection. Wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
    • VALUABLES: Try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables and use your hotel safe. It's also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.
    • CLIMATE AND SEASONAL INFORMATION: The Yolŋu of East Arnhem Land recognise six different seasons based on thousands of years of weather patterns detected across their country. The transitions between seasons are marked by subtle variations in the weather, the plants in flower, and the bush foods that are most abundant. You will learn more about the traditional seasons during your stay here. The Northern Territory cyclone season officially commences on 1 November and runs through until 30 April each year. East Arnhem Land experiences year-round high temperatures, with December to February often reaching over 35°C. Take precautions against the sun all year round, such as wearing a hat, sunglasses and long-sleeves, using sunscreen, staying hydrated and in the shade during the heat of the day.
    • GROUP LEADER: On this trip you will be looked after by different tour leaders, Yolgnu guides and homeland hosts throughout your time in Nhulunbuy, Bremer Island and on country at Bawaka Homeland.
    • BOX JELLYFISH: These are most common October to May but can be found in other months too. Check with your guides and hosts before swimming and seek urgent medical attention if stung. INSECTS, SPIDERS & SNAKES Keep to marked paths when walking and wear protective clothing and enclosed shoes. Tap your shoes out before putting them on. Cover up against mosquitoes by wearing long pants and sleeves and use a reputable repellent.
      Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below prior to booking a trip with us. We strongly recommend that you also read the Essential Trip Information relating to your trip prior to booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style and physical demands of the trip you are undertaking.
    • Age & health requirements: A minimum age at the time of travel applies to many of our trips – please see specific Essential Trip Information for details. For the majority of our trips we have no upper age limit though we remind you that our trips can be physically demanding and passengers must ensure that they are suitably fit to allow full participation. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18 day to days care. Please note, families must upgrade from dorm-share accommodation to private rooms where applicable. We cannot guarantee triple or joining rooms for families; accompanying adults may be required to share with others in the group on a twin share basis.
    • Passport & visas: You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries which you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip; please refer to the Essential Trip Information for details. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.
    • Flexibility: You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events.
    • Change of itinerary: While we endeavor to operate all trips as described we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary. before departure: If we make a major change we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least one day in five of the itinerary. When a major change is made you may choose between accepting the change, obtaining a refund of money paid on the land portion of the trip only or accepting an alternative tour offered. after departure: We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of our control. In such emergency circumstances the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itinerary such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.
    • Authority on tour: Our group trips are run by a group leader. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any person participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our responsible travel guidelines.
    • Acceptance of risk: Our group trips are run by a group leader. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our responsible travel guidelines.
    • Optional activities: Optional activities not included in the trip price do not form part of the trip or this contract. You accept that any assistance given by your group leader or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render us liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and activity provider.
    • Claims & complaints: If you have a complaint about your trip please inform your group leader or our local representative at the time in order that they can attempt to rectify the matter. If satisfaction is not reached through these means then any further complaint should be put in writing to us within 32 days of the end of the tour.
    • Severability: In the event that any term or condition contained in these Booking Conditions is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason than such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this contract or amended accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding.

Cancellation Policy

Please see the Available Options section above for any details about cancellation policies.

Pricing Info

Your reservation is always subject to confirmation by email, normally within one to two business days.

* Price listed is per person.

Reservation Info

    1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.
    2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.
    3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.
    4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.

Terms and Conditions

    - Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.
    - Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.
    - Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.
    - Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.
    - Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.
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