Activity 1: Ballooning
Atherton Tablelands near Cairns has the perfect climate for hot air balloon rides offering spectacular scenery and it is an unforgettable experience to anyone going on a ride for the first time.
Have a great morning start!!! Rise up and fly over the scenic Atherton Tablelands with its rainforest fringed mountains around and tranquil country landscapes. The balloon will gently float above the tips of blue gums and paper bark trees, with the wide open spaces of the Tablelands below. The fantastic 360 degree views will make the memories last a lifetime .
All the pilots are very experienced and trained to Australia's highest standards, so there is no need to worry. Enjoy the freedom while the pilot makes sure the ride is as gentle as possible. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and some of Australia's local wildlife. Binoculars are ok on board to capture sightings of local birdlife. Come back to earth then continue the fun by helping the guides pack up.
Activity 2: Reef
Great Adventures travels daily to the outer reef so clients can explore the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef on their holiday on a spacious reef platform. Great Adventures' modern high speed catamaran departs Cairns a bit later than other boats at 10:30 am so this is a good option if you are arriving in Cairns on the same morning and would like to join a reef cruise.
Great Adventures spacious floating platform is suitable for all ages, swimmers and non-swimmers as the pontoon offers activities for people who wants to get in the water and also for those one who prefers to stay dry.
The pontoon features undercover seating, tables to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, full bar facilities, sundeck, a swimming enclosure for children, change rooms with freshwater showers and scuba diving facilities with a semi-submerged platform. The main activities included are unlimited snorkelling, underwater observatory, semi-submersible coral viewing and reef education presentation.
Extra activities include:
Tourism Cairns works with family and group discounts. Please email us for a quote.
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 3:50 – 4:15 | Pick up from Cairns & Northern Beach accommodation |
| 04:15 | Journey to Atherton Tablelands starts |
| Travel time is approx 1 hour | |
| 05:15 | Bus arrives at take off locations and balloons get ready to fly |
| 06:00 | First balloon flight takes off /Other passengers to do a balloon chase |
| 06:45 | Second balloon flight takes off/ Other passengers to do a balloon chase |
| 07:30 | Balloon flights and chase are completed |
| A group photo is taken and passengers can help the guides to fold and pack the balloon | |
| 08:00 | Passengers return to the Mareeba Museum where they can have a look at the photos of the day |
| 09:00 | Bus departs Mareeba to return to Cairns |
| 10:15 | Passengers drop off at the Reef Terminal to catch the boat |
| 10:30 | Boat departs Marlin Jetty Cairns |
| Travel time is 2 hours direct from Cairns on a fast stable motor catamaran | |
| 12:30 | Boat arrives at Great Adventures pontoon |
| Enjoy around 3 hours exploring the outer reef | |
| 15:30 | Boat departs Great Advenure pontoon |
| Enjoy 2 hours exploring the outer reef | |
| 17:30 | Boat arrives back in Cairns |
| Clients to make their own way to accommodation | |
Please Note:
Important Note:Ballooning is not suitable if you are pregnant.
If your flight cancels due to poor weather, you are entitled to a full refund.
You must be able to climb in and out of the basket unaided as this is a CASA safety regulation.
All Divers: In accordance with Australian Diving law, ALL DIVERS must complete a medical questionnaire on board, before diving.
Flying after Diving: If only one dive is undertaken then a minimum of 12 hours is recommended before flying. If more than one dive is conducted in the day, an interval of 24 hours is recommended.This is not applicable for low helicopter flights over the reef.
Introductory Divers - NOTE: Certain medical conditions may prevent you from diving, (e.g. Asthma, Heart Disease), please contact our office. Min. age to dive is 12 years.
| Season: 2024 - 2025 Rates | Dates: 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025 | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Package Price Week Day (Save AU$60.00) |
$745.00 per adult $606.50 per child $2,702.00 per family |
|
| Package Price (weekend) |
$800.00 per adult $661.00 per child $2,922.00 per family |
Age: Adult age: 15 yrs + / Child age: 4-14 years inclusive.
Levies: Total price INCLUDES the $30 per person ballooning levy for civil aviation and $6.50 levy per person for the Reef Tax.
Booking fees: Tourism Cairns do not charge any booking fees.
Deposit and final payment: At Tourism Cairns clients are required to pay a deposit only at the time of booking. Final payment is to be completed 48 hours prior to departure or on the day of travel, depending on each tour operator's policy.
Cancellation by the traveller: If the tour is cancelled by the client up to 7 days prior to departure, a full refund is applicable. If the tour is cancelled by the client 7 days prior to departure, the deposit amount might be retained. If the tour is cancelled by the client 48 hours prior to departure, 100% cancellation fee may apply.
Booking amendments: If the date of a tour needs to be changed, Tourism Cairns must be notified in writing by the client up to 48 hours prior to the tour date.