SK2005

Hi!
Thanks to everyones wonderful help on this board I have finalized our itinerary for OZ.

I am now looking into different tour options. We are in our late 20's and looking for some fun activities. While in the Cairns area we will be staying 3 nights at Angsana Resort and 2 nights at Silky Oaks.

At Angsana.. I want to do all of the reef activities. We plan to do the Lizard Island Day Tour. Do you have any other suggestions?

At Silky Oaks...we are still up in the air. I have read a lot of great things about David Armburst's Tour. Is there another tour we should consider?

Also, how far in advance do I need to book these tours? I am assuming we can't just show up and decide what we feel like doing.

THANKS!!

pat_woolford

High SK2005 - from Silky Oaks another alternative Daintree tour is the highly accredited "Heritage and Interpretive Tours" run by Pete Baxendell, a naturalist. He takes a maximum of 6 people- I don't have his website but just do a search under Daintree. I think with these smaller trips you should book in advance, particularly if you're coming in July or August. Another interesting couple of hours can be spent with the Kuku Yalanji people for a "dreamtime walk" at nearby Mossman Gorge. Check out the Flames of Forest dinner in the rainforest nearby -I haven't done this yet but believe it's a fantastic experience. If you haven't booked Lizard Island with Daintree Air already, you'd be wise to do so asap- I was talking to them yesterday and they're expecting a really busy high season.

You can take reef trips which leave the jetty at Palm Cove, but the choice is limited to Sunlover, Quicksilver and Big Cat(only goes to Green Island). These are all large cats. which take 100's of people. All reef trips out of Cairns pick up by coach or mini bus at PC and my favourites are Ocean Spirit to Michaelmas Cay and Frankland Islands(south of Cairns). Kuranda Scenic Train, Skyrail and Tjakupai Aboriginal Cultural Park is easily accessible from Angsana.

Hope this helps and have a great trip.

jules

hi sk2005. pat makes a good point. i would definitely book with daintree air as soon as possible. your trip is much like ours was. we did the tour with greg to lizard and we also stayed at angsana. we had dinner at silky oaks as well one night and i think you will absolutely love it there!! the resort had TONS of activities and tours as a part of their daily itinerary so i know that you can book those things through the resort once you arrive. have a GREAT time! you are doing exactly what i would do if i could book another trip back today (well, that is, unless i came into some money and could stay at lizard for weeks on end!)! can't wait to read your trip report.....

fivestargirl

I agree with jules , the day tour with daintree air should be compulsory for evey one coming to Australia.

Yes the Island is very cool, but the low level flight ( which I have done twice ) is awesome.
The fact that you swim in the clam garden all day is a bonus.

Palm Cove is also one of the better suburbs to stay in Cairns.
You will have a ball.
fsg

SK2005

Thank you all so much for your VERY helpful input!!!

I went ahead and booked the Lizard Island Day Trip with Daintree Air and David A's tour. I am so excited. They sound like excellent expericences.

Also, pat_woolford was right about booking early. It seems as if Daintree Air is really filling up for the August - September timeframe.

Thanks again for your help!!!!