Far North Queensland

FAR NORTH
QUEENSLAND
NATURAL WONDERS
3 - 13 FEBRUARY 2022
FAR NORTH
QUEENSLAND
NATURAL WONDERS
3 - 13 FEBRUARY 2022
FAR NORTH
QUEENSLAND
NATURAL WONDERS
3 - 13 FEBRUARY 2022
FAR NORTH
QUEENSLAND
NATURAL WONDERS
3 - 13 FEBRUARY 2022
FAR NORTH
QUEENSLAND
NATURAL WONDERS
3 - 13 FEBRUARY 2022
Tour Summary

Amaco Small Group Tours invites you to join us as we explore Far North Queensland’s Natural Wonders on the specially tailored 11-day itinerary departing on 03 February 2022.

From reefs to rainforests, encounter some of the world’s greatest unspoilt landscapes in Queensland.

We start the journey in Queensland’s Far North capital Cairns. Settle into the city’s most luxurious five-star accommodation, the Crystalbrook Riley right on the Esplanade and slow down to tropical time with a slower pace.

Enjoy a Welcome Dinner and Conference sessions before being whisked away by a catamaran ferry to the Great Barrier Reef Resort, Green Island.

With warm tropical skies overhead, the Great Barrier Reef at your feet, gourmet dining and luxurious accommodation, the beautiful Green Island Resort has it all.

You’ll spend three nights at this eco-certified resort, whose surrounding waters are a protected marine park filled with vibrant bird and coral marine life to explore. 

Grab your complimentary snorkel gear and head on down to explore the reefs just off the beach. A variety of corals and fish life can be found just a short easy paddle from the shore. The waters around are home to a large population of sea turtles who are often found swimming in the seagrass and reefs close to the island shore. For the more adventurous there’s windsurfing, kayaking or canoeing as well. If all you want to do is relax, well that’s fine as well!

Why Travel With Amaco Small Group Tours?

  • All Inclusive Travel Packages
  • Small Groups
  • Hand-picked Tours & Activities
  • 25+ Years Experience

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. One of our expert team is available and would be happy to answer any questions you have.

1300 668 149 or +61 3 9545 0906

info@amacotravel.com.au

Spend a full day out on the Outer Reef, at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf on Moore Reef. A magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience first-hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef.

You can choose to snorkel or stay dry and explore the reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible sub, just one meter underwater. If you prefer to stay on land (well sort of) watch fish feeding from the unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory.

It’s then off to Thala Beach Nature Reserve, located on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas.

We spend 5 nights based at Thala Beach Lodge, a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.  Sitting spectacularly atop a peninsula with breathtaking views of untouched coastline, it is the only beachfront nature reserve in the area with 145 acres of native forest that provides the perfect base to explore the Daintree Rainforest and surrounding area.

After a day of conferences, enjoy a sunset sail on a first-class sailing catamaran soaking up the peace and tranquillity of a tropical sunset over the Coral Sea as you sail along the coast off Port Douglas before being wined and dined in Port Douglas.

Spend a day exploring the Mountain Rainforest Village of Kuranda, head there on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and experience one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia. The World Heritage-Listed rainforest, the Wet Tropics, is amongst the oldest on earth and home to an incredible array of plants and animals. Onboard you’ll wind your way through a tropical paradise framed by rugged mountains with waterfalls tumbling forever into deep ravines.

You’ll explore the rainforest in the most unique way possible – aboard an authentic World War 2 Army Duck joining a knowledgeable duck driver to traverse the rainforest on land and learn about different flora and fauna. Then it’s literally a  birds-eye view of the rainforest on the iconic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Soar over the beautiful Barron Falls and enjoy breath-taking views of Cairns and the World Heritage Rainforest.

Your exploration continues in Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest. Head on a Dreamtime Walk of Mossman Gorge with a local indigenous guide. The walk guides you along private, gentle tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over meandering cool rainforest streams.  

It’s then onto the Daintree National Park to board our crocodile and wildlife spotting cruise. Fully guided by a local biologist you’ll have expert knowledge at hand as you spot crocs, pythons, native birds and other wildlife. Back on the safety of land, go further into the Daintree Rainforest, your guide will show you some intriguing features of the jungle on a guided rainforest walk.

You’ll have an early morning start but the early bird does catch the worm or better yet spectacular sunrises. Board a specially chartered Hot Air Balloon and gently float up and over some amazing scenery over the Atherton Tablelands and beyond.

Meet with Kuku Yalanji Traditional Custodians on their traditional homeland on Cooya beach where they continue to practice their cultural activities and maintain their cultural heritage. You’ll follow your guide along Cooya beach observing cultural medicine and food plants and get a cultural understanding of life for families still continuing with their daily spear fishing and gathering in the mangroves and mudflats.

Your Amaco Far North Tropics Conference concludes with a Farewell Networking Dinner in a secret location befitting the spectacular tropical environment.

If you are interested in joining us as we travel through the Queensland Tropics in February 2022 please make sure to register early.

For your comfort and touring pleasure, we’ve limited the number of participants that can be a part of our conference to just 30 people. Register today or you will miss out!

Destination

Tropical Queensland

Duration

11 Days / 10 Nights

Value For Money

All Inclusive Tour Package

Booking Info

Start Date & Time

3rd February 2022 @ 7:00pm

End Date & Time

13th February 2022 @ 9:00am

Start & End Location

Starts: Cairns, Tropical North Queensland

Ends: Cairns, Tropical North Queensland

Registration Fees

Conference Participant: $995 pp
Non-Conference Participant: $795 pp

Travel Packages

Amaco Family Price: $7,495 pp
(For previous Amaco Conference Participants)

Standard Price: $7,995 pp

Single Supplement (if travelling alone): $1,695 pp

Inclusions

Price Includes

  • 2 x nights accommodation at Crystalbrook Riley Cairns (3 - 5 Feb 2022)
  • 3 x nights accommodation at Green Island Resort, Great Barrier Reef (5 - 8 Feb 2022)
  • 5 x nights accommodation at Thala Beach Lodge (8 - 13 Feb 2022)
  • 10 x Breakfasts, 9 x Lunches, 10 x Dinners
  • Beverages with all lunches and dinners
  • Welcome Networking Dinner (3 Feb 2022)
  • Catamaran transfer from Cairns to Green Island (5 Feb 2022)
  • Full access to all Green Island complimentary activities (6, 7 and 7 Feb 2022)
  • Full Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Excursion (6 Feb 2022)
  • Tropical Beach BBQ Dinner (7 Feb 2022)
  • Catamaran transfer from Green Island to Cairns (8 Feb 2022)
  • Hot Air Balloon Experience (9 Feb 2022)
  • Port Douglas Sunset Cruise (9 Feb 2022)
  • Kuanda Scenic Rail Journey in Gold Class (10 Feb 2022)
  • Army Duck Rainforestation Tour (10 Feb 2022)
  • Skyrail Experience (10 Feb 2022)
  • Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Tour (11 Feb 2022)
  • Daintree Boardwalk Tour (11 Feb 2022)
  • Cooya Beach Indienous Walkabout Tour (12 Feb 2022)
  • Farewell Networking Dinner (12 Feb 2022)

Gold Amaco Standard

  • Small Group Size (not exceeding 30 people)
  • Services of specialist, experienced and professional guides
  • All applicable entrance fees, taxes and porterage
  • Amaco staff escort
  • Hassle free luggage management
  • Tips to guides and drivers

Price Excludes

  • Airfares to and from the conference
  • Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, mini bar, room service, laundry and business communications
  • Travel, optional tours & excursions not included in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
Itinerary

Day 1 - Thursday 3 Feb 2022 -Welcome to Cairns

After arriving in Cairns you will be met by Amaco staff and our local operators and transferred to our group hotel. Following check-in, you are free to relax in your room or begin enjoying the area surrounding the hotel.

Enjoy Networking Welcome Dinner at the hotel followed by a 3-course dinner. Here you will have the opportunity to meet other participants and their partners as well as your Amaco hosts.

Overnight: Crystalbrook Riley Cairns

Included Meals: Welcome Networking Dinner

Day 2 - Fri 4 February 2022 - Cairns

Conference Session 1 & 2 will take place this morning. Upon conclusion of the sessions, you’ll enjoy lunch at Crystalbrook Riley. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade or pick up a souvenir. 

You’ll be dining this evening at one of Cairns famous local restaurants. With the proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and some of the freshest seafood and produce in Australia, you’ll be assured of a great dining experience.

Overnight: Crystalbrook Riley Cairns

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Sat 5 February 2022 -Cairns to Green Island

This morning you’ll be transferred to Green Island Resort. Your experience begins with a 45-minute cruise from Cairns aboard a modern catamaran. After arriving on the island and settling into your accommodation it’s time to stretch your legs and explore the island! Resort guests have access to a wide range of complimentary activities they can enjoy which will be provided upon arrival at the resort.

Enjoy a group lunch before slowing down to island time. Take a swim, snorkel, kayak, or just sit back and relax with a book. Dinner will be served at the Emerald Restaurant this evening.

Overnight: Green Island Resort, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Sun 6 February 2022 -Great Barrier Reef

Today, head out to the Outer Reef and enjoy it from the comfort of the stable reef activity platform. This is the perfect base for swimmers and non-swimmers to explore. Snorkel, visit the underwater observatory and cruise in a semi-sub, or just relax on the sundeck with a delicious buffet lunch.

There is an opportunity to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef whether you prefer to get wet or stay dry. Return to Green Island in the afternoon with time to refresh in time for dinner at the resort.

Overnight: Green Island Resort, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Mon 7 February 2022 - Green Island

Conference Session 3 & 4 will take place this morning. Upon conclusion of the sessions, enjoy lunch.

The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to take up the optional activities offered by the resort. This evening you’ll have an exclusive BBQ Dinner on the beach tropical style. Footwear is optional!

Overnight: Green Island Resort, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Tue 8 February 2022 - Green Island to Thala Beach

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before checking out of your room.

A final lunch before will be served before you board the catamaran back to the mainland. You’ll be transferred to the magical Thala Beach Lodge nestled amongst 145 acres of pristine forest.

Check-in and settle into your room before meeting for dinner at the legendary Osprey’s Restaurant.

Overnight: Thala Beach Lodge, Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Queensland

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Wed 9 February 2022 - Atherton Tablelands Sunrise & Coral Sea Sunset

It’s an early morning today as you rise before the sun and head inland to enjoy floating over the Atherton Tablelands in a Hot Air Balloon while the sun rises over the region.

A luxurious breakfast in Palm Cove will be served before heading back to Thala for Conference Sessions 5 & 6. Lunch will be served in between the sessions.

Depart the lodge in the late afternoon heading to Port Douglas where you’ll board a luxury catamaran for bubbles and canapes while watching the sunset over the Coral Sea. Dinner this evening will be at a Port Douglas restaurant.

Overnight: Thala Beach Lodge, Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Queensland

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Pre Dinner Canapes, Dinner

Day 8 - Thu 10 February 2022 - Kuranda World Heritage Area

Today your board the Kuranda Scenic Railway for a breathtaking one and a half hour journey in style. Enjoy morning high tea as you travel through the rainforest-clad mountains and stunning Barron River Gorge, arriving into tropical Kuranda Village.

From the traditional appeal of the famous Kuranda Markets to the cool sophistication of roadside cafes and restaurants, you’ll have lunch before setting off on an amphibious Army Duck vehicle through the rainforest and Barron River while the knowledgeable Duck captain identifies and explains the fascinating plants and wildlife of the area.

Your day in this World Heritage Listed area ends after your flight on the Skyrail Gondola. Soar above the rainforest canopy and arrive back at Thala Beach Lodge in the early evening.

Enjoy Dinner this evening is at Thala Lodge.

Overnight: Thala Beach Lodge, Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Queensland

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning High Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Fri 11 February 2022 - Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest

Today head north to Mossman Gorge, the gateway to the world’s oldest rainforest.

Your guided walk begins with a traditional ‘smoking’ ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad spirits after which you’ll be escorted along a meandering path through stunning, lush rainforest, observing traditional huts or humpies along the way. Your experienced interpretive Indigenous guide will demonstrate traditional plant use, identify bush food sources, and will provide a narrative of the rainforest and its special relationship with this unique tropical environment.

The day continues with a stop for lunch and the opportunity to venture into the rainforest canopy itself via an elevated boardwalk with strategically placed viewing platforms.

It’s then onto the Daintree River for a bit of croc spotting. You’ll visit Cassowary Falls for an afternoon swim – one of the only spots in the Daintree with no crocodiles!

Arrive back into Thala late afternoon. Dinner this evening will be at the resort restaurant.

Overnight: Thala Beach Lodge, Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Queensland

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Sat 12 February 2022 - Walkabout Indigenous Discovery & Port Douglas

After a leisurely breakfast, you will meet Juan, a proud Kuku Yalanji man from the Mossman/Daintree area. An engaging storyteller, you’ll be guided along Cooya Beach and learn of the cultural connection the people have with their land. You’ll be guided on feeding off the land and learning the different bush foods and medicines used in the area in the mangroves and mudflats.

Lunch will be taken in Port Douglas and you’ll have the opportunity to pick up a last-minute souvenir in the tropics before heading back to Thala Beach Lodge for the remainder of the afternoon.

We’re keeping the location of the Farewell Networking Dinner this evening a secret… but we do know that you’ll be suitably impressed.

Overnight: Thala Beach Lodge, Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Queensland

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Sun 13 February 2022 - Farewell

Enjoy a relaxing morning before your transfer to the airport. Time to say goodbye, until we meet again for your next Amaco adventure. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

 

Travel Options & Extensions

Given everything that has happened in the travel industry of late – you’re correct to be vigilant about where you spend your travel dollar.

Amaco is not only a member of AFTA, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents but we are also ATAS Travel Accredited.

This means we have met strict industry standards and criteria. Only the best industry agents achieve this accreditation meaning that you can travel with us knowing that you’re in safe and capable hands.

With almost 30 years’ experience in planning and running conferences, we understand that participants often want to add additional travel destinations and adventures either before or after the all-inclusive packages we provide.

Other operators might discourage you from doing this.

Sometimes, it’s because of the added complexity it creates and at other times they’ll try to talk you out of it simply because they don’t have capable or experienced consultants with the breadth and depth of the knowledge that consultants we employ have.

We encourage all participants to make the most of the time away. This might mean departing earlier than the rest of the group and visiting other places before meeting up with the main group at the start of the tour or staying on at the conclusion and doing some additional travel.

Either way – our consultants are perfectly positioned to assist you with making these arrangements and will do all the hard work for you – seamlessly combining your personalised itinerary with the group program.

CAN I BOOK MY OWN FLIGHTS?

Yes… not a problem. We understand that people may have a preferred Travel Agent they want to use and we don’t have any issues with you doing so. We’ll advise you of suggested arrival and departure times to allow you to make use of our group transfers.

That said though… we do have experiences consultants who are ready and waiting to help… even if that means just giving you a comparison price – nothing wrong with some competition.

We do ask for a copy of your itinerary so that we can double-check it to ensure that it fits with our program and group itinerary.

One word of warning, however, when booking flights independently – as the non-ticketing Agent we’re not notified of any changes or cancellations to your booking. If anything changes with your booking, it will be up to your agent to contact you and then for you to contact us.

It is also worth pointing out that even though we’ll have experienced staff members escorting the group during the conference, as the non-ticketing Agent we are unable to make contact or deal with the airline on your behalf.

CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN CLASS OF TRAVEL?

We used to include flights in our travel package but found that in many cases the fares were more expensive than the best available daily fares or were not applicable for people who were looking to extend before or after the main conference travel dates.

We also felt it was unfair on you, as a participant, to unknowingly pay a premium for a more flexible group fare when you are already committed to attending the conference.

By not including the airfare in the package, you are able to work with one of our experienced and knowledgeable Travel Consultants to arrange flights on any airline and from any destination depending on your preferences…. including the class of travel.

CAN I VISIT OTHER PLACES BEFORE OR AFTER THE CONFERENCE?

In short….. Yes!

You’re encouraged to talk to our experienced travel consultants to learn more about the options open to you either before or after the conference itineraries. We will gladly work with you to put together a personalised itinerary that can include as much or as little as you want.

We believe it is important for your own peace of mind to know that our consultants are all employed directly by Amaco Small Group Tours and are located in our office.

We don’t subcontract out the travel to a third party which means you can be comfortable knowing that whatever arrangements you make through Amaco will be tied together with the conference program to make one continuous, seamless travel itinerary. We’ll put as much care and effort into your extension as we put into the planning of the conference.

Whether it is simply booking some airport transfers with a couple of nights accommodation through to more elaborate arrangements we are perfectly positioned to incorporate any individual travel plans into your overall conference itinerary.

Email or call us so we can put together your perfect itinerary.

WHAT ABOUT COVID? WILL TRAVEL INSURANCE HELP?

Much has been said about the value of travel insurance – especially given the broad-based exclusion policies many underwriters have in place which protects them from claims resulting from pandemics and epidemics.

Quite simply – there isn’t a policy available anywhere that will cover you if you cancel a trip due to another Covid outbreak. 

As is the case with many reputable operators, 100% of funds paid will be held in credit for future use.

Please call our office and we will gladly explain the various different scenarios to you in greater depth.

Education

Amaco is an Accredited Education Provider for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine.

Each conference we run includes an education syllabus that assists GP’s, pharmacists and health professionals to improve the quality of care they provide to patients and customers while at the same time providing them the opportunity to travel to and experience new and exciting destinations.

Our conference will allow delegates the opportunity to earn CPD points based on the content and time in session. As has been the case with past conferences, we will work closely with participants affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.

The content of the education sessions will be relevant to GPs, Medical Specialists, Pharmacists, Dentists, Nurses and other health providers. We encourage all attendees to register for the conference sessions.

The Educational Content for this conference will be selected shortly with final conference topics to be chosen based on the feedback from our previous conference attendees and with input from the RACGP, ACRRM, and Medical Journals. Suitable speakers will be approached based on the topics selected.

Subject to final accreditation, the Far North Tropics Conference will include an Education Activity (formerly Category 2 Activity) affording delegates the opportunity to earn between 10 – 16 points.

ACRRM members can also expect the education program to be accredited and to earn CPD points. RACGP and ACRRM accreditation will be applied for under the triennium 2020 to 2022.

As has been the case in the past, Amaco will work with pharmacy bodies and those affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.

We welcome applications from potential presenters and encourage anyone interested to contact us to obtain further information.

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