5 day Australian Outback tour with a luxury glamping experience from Cairns. One in a lifetime opportunity to stay at a true Australian Cattle Station. This is a perfect expedition for nature lovers, birdwatchers, retreat, family getaway, honeymoon.
2024 departure dates: every Monday from 29/04/24 to 14/10/24
Immerse yourself in the unique landscape of Kinrara National Park, an ecological and historical gem located in the heart of the Australian outback on our luxury 4WD tour from Cairns. This park not only showcases the remnants of the youngest volcanic eruption in Australia but also boasts a diverse tapestry of life, blending ancient rainforests, abundant water resources, and rich indigenous and European histories into a transformative experience.
Embark on this extraordinary expedition to Kinrara National Park and enjoy a comprehensive outback experience that combines luxury, adventure, and education in one of Australia’s most stunning natural settings. Whether you’re exploring volcanic landscapes or relaxing under the stars, Kinrara offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Australian wilderness.
See all Austalian Outback Tours.
Kinrara is located 250 km south west of Cairns and covers an area of 70,000 acres which included the Kinrara National Park.
It is important to note the Kinrara National Park is private and public access is not permitted - access is exclusive to Kinrara's guests.
It also includes the Kinrara volcano which last erupted 7,000 to 9,000 years ago which left behing a crater as well as a 30 km solidified lava flow that can be seen from space.
Kinrara is also a sanctuary for birds with approximately 195 species recorded such as emu, bustards, apostle birds, honeyeaters and parrots; a perfect combination for a typical Australian outbcak 'backgriund noise'.
The wildlife at Kinrara includes grey kangaroos, agile wallabies, possums, echidna bandicoots and may more.
The cattle station counts between 4,000 and 10000 heads of cattle depending on the time of the year you visit.
Kinrara is a true jewel of the Australian outback offering so much more including outback sceneries, rainforest and waterfalls.
The family behing this extraordinary location is the O'Brien family going back to 1960's.
Originally located 'next door' at Craigs Pocket the family acquired Kinrara in 2002 and transformed the place into a welcoming haven for guests.
The O'Brien family works in harmony with the traditional owner of the land the Gugu Bahun.
Whilst staying with us you will get to meet our family and witness the the day to day of a working Australian cattle station.
Day #1 - Monday
Your day will start around 9.00am with pick ups from Cairns accommodation or we can also pick you up from the Cairns airport at around 10.00am.
To get to Kinrara you will travel on the windy Gillies Highway and get to your destination around 4.00pm.
Along the way we'll stop several times to strech our legs; you will get the chance to do some platypus spotting and stop at the Curtain Fig Tree in the Tablelands Rainforest.
We will also stop at the quaint vvillage of Yungaburra for lunch (included) before we get to Kinrara around 4.00pm.
Once we arrive you will be welcome by our friendly and dedicated team and given a safety briefing as well as a tour of Mac Eacherns camp, your campsite for the duration of your stay.
A welcome drink will be served at the Bush Pavilion overlooking the wetlands while your luggage is delivered to your tent.
Once showed to your tent sunset drinks and food will be served giving us time to share our stories, experiences and knowledge of Kinrara
Day #2 - Tuesday
After your first glamping night we'll start the day with breakfast before working out the activities for the rest of the day - activites vary depending on the weather and guests 'energy'.
Activities are bush walks (short to medium) in the morning, kayak in the afternoon, bird watching from the central pavillion or even back at your tent.
We leave it all up to you, if you wish to relax and only do one of the activities it is fine; if you wish to do it all it is also fine.
Day #3 - Wednesday
Time to explore Kinrara Station... once our 4WD vehicles are loaded we'll drive to station's boundary and experience the outback.
The station is so vast that this will take most of the day.
We will depart mid morning from Mac Eacherns Camp and let the dirt tracks guide us.
Along the way we'll stop to observe the local wildlife: kangaroos, goannas emus, plain turkey, wild boars, wedge tail & sea eagles and of course our cattle and horses.
You will learn about the running of a cattle station and take a look at the cattle yards, windmills and watering points.
Lunch today will be an outdor picnic near a dam covered with water lilies.
We return to camp mid afternoon giving more time to either kayak, swim, go for a walk or simply relax until we meet again for sunset drinks and dinner.
Day #4 - Thursday
This is your last full day with us so make the most of it.
Today after breakfast join us on a 7.5 km that will lead you to a very special place dear to our hearts, a remote oasis in the midst of it all.
Enjoy a refreshing swim under the waterfall before lunch (picnic luncheon).
For the traditional owners, the Gugu Badhun, this spring has a significant cultural meaning so we kindly ask our guests to respect the surroundings and refrain from using loud voices; this is a perfect loaction & time to relax and reflect.
Day #5 - Friday
Today we say our goodbyes and hope to see you again but before you leave you will have the opportunity (if you wish) to take one more hike or kayak or sleep in.
We won't let you leave hungry so a hearty breakfast will be served before you hit the road by 9.00am (approx.)
Please have your bags ready for collection by 8.30am.
On our way back to Cairns will stop for morning tea at Ravenhoe before joining a privately guided Waterfall tour.
Today lunch is a light lunch on the tablelands before returning to Cairns around 4.30pm.
If you are departing Cairns to return home today we suggest you booked a later flight, after 6.00pm in case there are some delays on the way back or stay an extra night in Cairns.
Please find a list of 10 things to think of before you pack.
1. Temperatures range from high 20’s to lows of 3 degrees, pack to be comfortable outdoors in this weather. A rain jacket is advised as well as heavier jacket or jumper for the cool evenings.
2. Kinrara Expeditions has ample sunscreen and mozzie repellent feel free to pack your own too.
3. Sun smart swim wear that you’re ok getting into small creeks and watering holes etc. Highly suggest a pair of water shoes or equivalent as well for when down by the water's edge. Even though it’s cool in the mornings and evenings, the water close to its source remains warm enough to have a refreshing swim.
4. SUNGLASSES - please don't forget, we have spares if you do, the UV at any temperature is high.
5. A broad brimmed sun smart hat- a must.
6. Photography/phones - we have power at the main camp to charge your equipment. Only Telstra receives reception.
7. We supply eco-friendly body wash products. If you do intend on using your own, we ask you to where possible bring an eco-friendly equivalent.
8. We suggest you bring your own daypack/backpack to carry cameras, drinks, and personal items. Please remember to bring a Torch for night time as well.
9. PLEASE remember to pack any medicines that you're taking or medical supplies you may require. The camp has a fully equipped first aid kit. On all adventures from camp, a guide will have an emergency first aid kit on their person. We recommend advising us prior to your travel re any medical needs or issues your may have as well as your dietary requirements.
10. Sturdy walking shoes (a must) with suitable socks and long pants and sleeve shirts, the terrain is rugged, with loose rock and thick grasslands off the established paths. In the main camp pavilion itself we suggest a pair of thongs.
Cairns
Departs 9.00am Mondays - Returns 4.30pm Fridays
Cairns
Kinrara, 250 km south west of Cairns
April - September
Monday
Tour departs Monday 28th of April 2025 through to 29th of September 2025
5 days
Optional private helicopter tour - subject to availability
Medium
Child price applies to children age 2 to 12
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
All cancellations must be in writing. We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy. In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups. Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking. Payment Terms:
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Operators policy:
WHAT TO EXPECT:
North West Australian Safaris will be travelling through isolated outback areas and due to the remoteness, services will be limited to the major towns. The people you will be travelling with may have different interests and backgrounds to you. They may also be of all ages but they will share a few things in common, like getting off the beaten track, a sense of humour and a spirit of adventure.
PAYMENT & BOOKING CONDITIONS:
Deposits – Bookings require a 35% deposit and a copy of the booking form to be submitted in order to confirm the booking. The payment of deposit by and/or on behalf of any person constitutes the full agreement with and the acceptance of the terms and conditions as set forth in this document. Final Payment is due 65 days prior to departure. If these conditions are not met the operator may terminate the booking. Whilst prices could be subject to change without notice, upon final payment tour fares are fixed and not subject to change. For tours departing in less than 65 days, full and immediate payment is required. All fares are shown in Australian currency.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Meals, except where otherwise stated. National Park fees, Camping fees, Ferry transfers. Tent, high density foam mattress, and sleeping bag are provided, however you may prefer to use your sleeping bag. Pillows are provided.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Accommodation, meals, fares and transfers on route to home cities. Any personal items (such as laundry, telephone, newspapers, TRAVEL INSURANCE, drinks, souvenirs).
WHAT TO BRING:
Avoid white clothing as dust may stain. Casual gear is a must. You will need two to three changes of clothes, something cool to wear during the day, perhaps jeans and jumper or tracksuit to wear at night. Comfortable walking shoes, bathers, bath and hand towel, toiletries, insect repellant, hat, camera and a spirit of adventure.
LUGGAGE:
One small bag, preferably soft (605mm x 505mm x 152mm) (24 x 20 x 6) which should not exceed 10 kg as space is limited. A small day pack about the size of an airline bag is handy to carry personal items that you will require on a daily basis (hat, camera, sunscreen).
UNUSED TOUR COMPONENTS:
No refunds will be made in respect to any part of the tour, including food, excursions, accommodation etc. that are not used or undertaken should a passenger fail to join a tour or leave prior to its completion for whatever reason.
INSURANCE:
North West Australian Safaris and its agents are not responsible or liable for loss or damage or theft of luggage or personal belongings whatsoever or for personal injury, accidents, hospitalisation, illness or medical expenses. We strongly recommend all intending passengers consult their travel or insurance agent and take adequate travel insurance to cover any event and give full travel protection. Most claims arise from personal or close family illness before holiday departure, resulting in cancellation charges.
CANCELLATION FEES
Bookings require 35% deposit and final payment 65 days prior to departure.
Cancellations 60 days before tour date receive a Full Refund minus $200.00 Admin fee.
Cancellations 59-41 Days before tour date forfeit the deposit.
Cancellations less than 40 days before tour date receive NO REFUND.
As this tour is accessing remote areas, the tour itinerary may change due to weather and road conditions, and this is the decision of the Operator.
We strongly recommend all intending passengers have their own travel insurance that includes COVID 19 or illness cover as any accommodation, isolation & relocation costs are the responsibility of the passenger.
COVID19
If the Government closes the borders or remote areas due to a COVID case or lockdown, credits will be issued at no extra cost valid for 18 months - Not Including any extra cost of Flights.
To align with local Government requests, travellers on Northwest Australian Safaris must be up to date with required vaccinations and able to produce their COVID-19 digital certificate on request.
ON ARRIVAL IN CAIRNS:
On arrival in the Cairns area, prior to your tour departure please confirm your booking and accommodation with our office.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
As these tours and safaris operate in remote areas, North West Australian Safaris reserves the right to alter, and/or cancel any section and/or parts of the itinerary which may result from road, weather or any other conditions of an operational nature. Whilst every endeavour will be made to keep the arrival/departure times given in the itinerary, no guarantee will be made that these will be kept. The operator will not be liable for any costs incurred through failure to connect with any other service. Any personal expenses incurred by the passenger as a result of any delay, alteration or curtailment of any tour whether caused by weather conditions, mechanical defects or any other causes are the responsibility if the passenger. The operator shall not in any circumstances be held liable or accept responsibility for any loss, acts, omissions, defaults, accidents, misdeception, delay failure or expense on the part of the transport companies, hotel/motel contractors and the like who may provide you with services and facilities at the request of the operator. In the result of breakdown or other unforseen circumstances, the operator has the right to substitute vehicle, vessel or alternative transportation and/or accommodation other than those advertised at any time. The places depicted in the photographs are representative of the country through which tours pass and may not necessarily be visited by these tours. The highlights, excursions and itineraries as set out will be adhered to wherever possible. The operator may make alterations to the itineraries and excursion highlights as they deem fit. Information contained here is correct to the best of the operators knowledge, and the operator is not liable for inaccuracies herein, or weather conditions that may influence the limits of your tour and the enjoyment of your tour. If for any reason the itinerary is altered and/or different itinerary offered, no refund is payable by the operator. The operator reserves the right without payment or compensation, and whether before or after the commencement of travel, to exclude any passenger if that passenger may appear likely to endanger the health or safety or to impair the comfort of other passengers and may be asked to leave the tour/safari immediately should he/she commit any illegal act. We reserve the right to change our price in light of increased operating expenses.
LIABILITY:
The operator and/or its employees accepts no responsibilities, or is liable for any act of omission whatsoever (whether inside or outside their control) for any booking, contract, travel, accommodation or tour/safaris which may result in any loss, damage, accident, detention, diversion or theft in regard to luggage or personal belongings, and will be exempt from liability in respect of direct or indirect or consequential loss or damage, death, injury, sickness, irregularity, delay liability and additional expenses, or inconvenience or any other event beyond its control including accident or failure to machinery or equipment, accommodations, transport or other services, any acts of God, dangers incident to the sea or fire, acts of government or other authorities, delays, strikes or cancellation or changes in itinerary or schedules whatsoever, howsoever by whosoever caused.
au$3,200.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$700.00
Family: au$7,800.00
Tour Code: 1121