This journey through Australia is more than a trip—it’s a meaningful passage through the country’s wild heart, where reef, rainforest, and island sanctuaries reveal stories of resilience and restoration. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree and Kangaroo Island, you’ll walk alongside scientists, wildlife carers, and Indigenous custodians working to protect Australia’s most iconic ecosystems. In partnership with Australian Geographic Travel, each moment supports the people and projects stewarding these sacred landscapes for future generations.

Conservation Spotlights:

Manta Ray Citizen Science at Lady Elliott Island
Immerse yourself in marine conservation by helping researchers identify individual manta rays through photo-ID during private snorkel expeditions. Your contributions support ongoing efforts to protect these majestic creatures and their vibrant coral reef habitats.

Bat Conservation at Tolga Bat Hospital
Discover the vital role of flying-foxes and microbats in Australia’s ecosystems at Tolga Bat Hospital, where injured bats are rescued, rehabilitated, and released. This hands-on experience reveals the importance of protecting these nocturnal pollinators and insect controllers.

Wildlife & Raptor Care Queensland (WARCQ)
Meet Amber Dahlberg, founder of WARCQ, a dedicated wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Far North Queensland. Learn how WARCQ cares for injured mammals, marsupials, owls, and birds of prey, and gain insight into their conservation efforts, including a specialized flight aviary and raptor prey-breeding facility.

Kangaroo Island’s Wildlife Recovery with BioR
Join ecologists from BioR in monitoring endangered species like the glossy black-cockatoo at a private conservation reserve. This work is crucial for habitat restoration following the devastating 2020 bushfires, supporting Kangaroo Island’s rich biodiversity.

Saving the Endangered Green Carpenter Bee in D’Estrees Bay
Meet local entomologist Dr. Richard Glatz in the D’Estrees Bay region, who is leading efforts to protect and conserve the endangered green carpenter bee. Discover how this tiny pollinator plays a vital role in maintaining Kangaroo Island’s unique ecosystem.

Indigenous Cultural Conservation at Mossman Gorge
Walk alongside Kuku Yalanji guides on the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk to explore the rainforest through traditional knowledge and ecological insights. This unique cultural experience highlights Indigenous conservation practices that protect both the land and heritage.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Australia

Overnight: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Brisbane

Arrive in sunny Queensland, where your conservation adventure begins. After clearing immigration and customs, meet your driver in the arrivals hall for a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. Today is yours to settle in, relax, and adjust to the time zone. In the evening, gather with your expert Tour Leader and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a nearby local restaurant—an opportunity to connect and set the tone for the inspiring journey ahead.

Meals Included: Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Flight to the Wild Reef

Overnight: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort

After breakfast, transfer to Redcliffe Aerodrome for a scenic charter flight over Queensland’s coast and into the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Upon landing on Lady Elliot Island, receive a warm welcome and orientation before enjoying a fresh beachfront lunch. Spend your afternoon snorkeling through crystal-clear waters teeming with manta rays, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. As the sun sets, toast the day with a glass of fine wine at the island’s iconic lighthouse. Dinner is served alfresco, with ocean views and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. End the evening with a stargazing walk or an optional conservation talk in the island’s education center.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Mantas & Marine Science

Overnight: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort

Awaken to a sunrise over the reef and enjoy a beachfront breakfast before diving into the world of manta rays with a guided conservation session. Set out on a private snorkel charter to spot these majestic giants and assist in photo ID research—part of a groundbreaking citizen science project. After a leisurely lunch, return to the Education Centre for a hands-on workshop in manta data collection. The afternoon is yours to snorkel vibrant reefs, relax by the turquoise waters, or simply soak in island serenity. At sunset, gather by the lighthouse with a drink in hand, then enjoy a refined buffet dinner. Cap off the evening with a fascinating marine biology presentation under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Reef Encounters & Citizen Science

Overnight: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort

Begin your morning with a tranquil lagoon snorkel at high tide, where you might spot elusive epaulette sharks weaving through coral gardens. Later, set out on a private charter to track manta rays and humpback whales, contributing to vital marine research through photo ID collection. After a fresh island buffet lunch, dive deeper into wildlife monitoring with a guided session on species identification. In the afternoon, explore the reef on foot during a guided walk at low tide, uncovering the secrets of its shallow ecosystem—sea cucumbers, clams, starfish, and more. As twilight falls, enjoy dinner beside the sea, followed by an engaging talk on the “Leaf to Reef” project, connecting rainforest restoration to reef health. End the day contributing to species documentation, deepening your role in the island’s conservation legacy.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Final Dives & Farewell to the Reef

Overnight: Grand Chancellor Brisbane

Savor a final sunrise snorkel in Lady Elliot Island’s vibrant lagoon, contributing to the Eye on the Reef program—your last chance to witness manta rays gliding through coral gardens. After breakfast, continue your hands-on work with the citizen science team before enjoying a farewell lunch by the sea. In the afternoon, board your scenic charter flight back to Redcliffe and transfer to your Brisbane hotel. The evening is yours to unwind, reflect on your island adventures, or dine at one of the city’s vibrant restaurants.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Into the Ancient Rainforest

Overnight: Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairns, gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Upon arrival, meet your expert naturalist guide and begin a three-day conservation-focused journey through one of the oldest rainforests on Earth. Today’s highlights include a peaceful walk through Malanda Conservation Park—home to the rare Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo—and a visit to Malanda Falls. Continue on to the volcanic crater lake of Lake Barrine for exceptional birdwatching and a chance to spot elusive reptiles. Stop at the legendary Curtain Fig Tree, an awe-inspiring rainforest giant. After dinner, join a guided nocturnal wildlife walk, where the forest comes alive with endemic species under the cover of darkness.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Platypus, Bats & Crater Lakes

Overnight: Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge

Rise early for a magical wildlife encounter in Yungaburra, where you’ll search for the elusive platypus in its natural habitat—a serene and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands. Next, visit the Tolga Bat Hospital, where you’ll come face-to-face with flying foxes and learn from passionate conservationists about their critical role in the ecosystem. After a gourmet picnic lunch, cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Eacham, a stunning volcanic crater lake nestled in the rainforest. Spend the evening unwinding at your lodge surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Raptors, Rainforests & Indigenous Culture

Overnight: Daintree Wilderness Lodge

Begin your day with a private visit to Wildlife & Raptor Care Queensland, where you’ll meet founder Amber Dahlberg and witness her dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating raptors and other native species. Then, journey north to the Daintree Rainforest for a powerful cultural immersion with the Kuku Yalanji people. During your exclusive Dreamtime Walk, follow Indigenous guides through sacred rainforest paths, witness a traditional smoking ceremony, learn the medicinal uses of native plants, and try ochre painting before relaxing with bush tea and damper. Settle into your luxurious rainforest lodge and, conditions permitting, embark on an optional night walk to experience the Daintree’s nocturnal wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Cape Tribulation & Solar Whisper Daintree River Cruise

Overnight: Crystalbrook Bailey

Discover the breathtaking Cape Tribulation, where the ancient rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Wander scenic trails, explore remote beaches, and soak in panoramic views of Mt Sorrow and Mt Hemmant, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. In the afternoon, embark on a serene Daintree River cruise aboard the silent, solar-powered Solar Whisper. Glide through pristine waters while spotting iconic wildlife—crocodiles basking on riverbanks, vibrant bird species, and elusive frogs and bats—without disturbing the environment. Return to Cairns for an evening at your leisure, enjoying the vibrant city or relaxing at your luxury hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Cairns to Adelaide – Botanical Gardens Stroll

Overnight: Vibe Adelaide

After breakfast, transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight to Adelaide. Upon arrival, your private driver will escort you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Spend your afternoon leisurely exploring the stunning Adelaide Botanic Gardens at your own pace—a perfect introduction to the city’s elegant charm and lush greenery. Unwind in your comfortable accommodations and prepare for the next chapter of your Australian adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island – Conservation & Coastal Wonders

Overnight: River Suites Kangaroo Island

After breakfast, transfer privately to the airport for your flight to Kangaroo Island. Upon arrival, meet your expert local nature guide for the next three days of immersive exploration. Begin at Cygnet Park, a private conservation haven where you’ll join an ecologist from BioR for bird banding, focusing on the endangered Kangaroo Island glossy black-cockatoo—a species still recovering from the 2020 bushfires. Next, embark on an enchanting adventure to Stokes Bay, discovering a hidden beach through a magical tunnel. Relish a gourmet barbecue lunch at a private bush camp featuring fresh King George whiting, grilled halloumi, and fine local wines. The day culminates with a private tour of Seal Bay, observing Australian sea lions up close in their natural beach habitat—an unforgettable experience akin to the Galapagos.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Kangaroo Island – Fire Ecology & Iconic Landscapes

Overnight: River Suites Kangaroo Island

Rise early for a visit to a private wildlife refuge untouched by recent bushfires, where you’ll explore endangered mammal surveys using day and infrared cameras and gain insight into the island’s unique fire ecology. Enjoy an elegant picnic lunch amidst the bush with local South Australian wines and artisanal delicacies. In the afternoon, venture into Flinders Chase National Park, witnessing nature’s resilience. Marvel at the sculptural grandeur of Remarkable Rocks and the dramatic coastal beauty of Admirals Arch, home to a thriving colony of long-nosed fur seals. Experience Kangaroo Island’s breathtaking wild landscapes while deepening your appreciation of its fragile ecosystems.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Kangaroo Island – Coastal Hikes & Wildlife Encounters

Overnight: River Suites Kangaroo Island

After breakfast, meet with local entomologist Dr. Richard Glatz to learn about efforts to protect the endangered green carpenter bee. Journey to the rugged coastline of Point Tinline, where history and nature intertwine with osprey nests dating back to the 19th century. Savor an alfresco picnic lunch with stunning clifftop views before embarking on a scenic hike through Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park. Encounter a vibrant array of wildlife including whipbirds, heathwrens, emu-wrens, and playful fur seals. Finish your day with a visit to Wheatons Beach, a haven for migratory shorebirds and resident plovers.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Kangaroo Island to Adelaide – Journey’s End

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast before transferring to Kangaroo Island airport for your flight back to Adelaide, marking the conclusion of your extraordinary Australian adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Getting Ready for Adventure: What to Expect on the Trail and Beyond

This journey offers a thrilling mix of activities across diverse Australian landscapes, from coral reefs to rainforests and islands. Expect to hike between 2 to 6 miles (3 to 10 km) on most days, often on uneven, sometimes slippery rainforest trails or coastal paths. Elevation gains vary, typically between 200 to 1,000 feet (60 to 300 meters), with some moderate climbs requiring steady footing and stamina. You’ll also engage in shorter nature walks, wildlife spotting sessions, and occasional boat transfers. While snorkeling and swimming are optional, basic swimming ability and comfort in the water are recommended for reef explorations. Early mornings and full-day excursions demand a moderate level of fitness, but the pace allows time to rest and soak in the surroundings. A sense of adventure, comfortable hiking shoes, and readiness for variable terrain will ensure you get the most from this meaningful passage through Australia’s reefs, rainforests, and islands.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

We pour our hearts into crafting meaningful, conservation-driven journeys—and we know that travel plans are a significant investment of both time and intention. While we hope you’ll be able to join us, we understand that circumstances can change. Please review the following policy carefully before booking.

Standard Cancellation Terms

• 121+ days (4+ months) prior to departure: A $200 cancellation fee per person will apply.

• 61–120 days (2–4 months) prior to departure: 50% of the total trip cost, including internal flights, pre/post extensions, and added services (e.g. additional hotel nights), will be non-refundable.

• 60 days or fewer prior to departure: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any refunds at this stage due to our financial commitments to local partners and accommodations.

Deposit Policy

• All trip deposits and payments are non-refundable.

• For fully private bookings (e.g., you reserve an entire departure), deposits are double the standard rate and remain non-refundable.

Special Note on Deposits & Cancellation Policy

This journey requires a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 USD per person, in addition to the total trip cost. This deposit secures your space on the itinerary and covers the cost of non-refundable, non-transferable permits. Please note that this policy differs from our standard terms, due to the unique nature of the experiences and conservation access included in this itinerary.

Travel Insurance Requirement

Because our trips venture into remote, wild, and weather-sensitive areas, comprehensive travel insurance is required for all travelers. This must include coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, emergency medical needs, and evacuation. We recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking to maximize your coverage window. If you have any questions about this policy, we’re happy to assist.

What’s Not Included:

• Laundry services
• Items of a personal nature
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel insurance
• Visas and international airfare