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.
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
After picking you up from the Cairns CBD your adventure begins. We’ll drive the Kuranda Range, stopping to stretch the legs and some morning tea (included) at Mareeba’s Coffee Works – known for their coffee and tea selection with homemade scones with jam and cream. From Mareeba we make our way to Yungaburra to stop and stare in wonder at the Curtain Fig Tree – one of the greatest natural sites in the Tablelands Rainforests. After a lunch in Yungaburra at one of our favourite local café’s (included) we set out for Kinrara. Arriving around 4pm on afternoon to Kinrara Outback Retreat you will be welcomed and introduced to the expedition team, and given a tour of the campsite. Your bags will be ushered to your respective tents with some welcome beverages. Sunset drinks and food, welcoming hospitality, and shared story will conclude your first day of adventure.
Day #2 - Tuesday
Tuesdays generally commences with a lazy long breakfast, guided by the weather and energy levels we work out the best order of activities. We mostly do a short to medium distance bush walk in the morning, followed by kayak in the mid afternoon. Nature is bustling out the front of camp, often many moments are taken up watching birds of prey stalk just meters from our central pavilion or your tent. Relaxation is always an option for guests and encouraged, just let us know if you want to sit an activity out or do it another time.
Day #3 - Wednesday
On Wednesday we tend to explore the vast expanse of Kinrara Station, loading up our 4WD convoy we drive to the outer limits of the station’s boundary discovering and experiencing outback life. Taking the bulk of the day, we depart mid morning from camp, winding through dirt tracks stopping for wildlife such as kangaroos, goannas, emu, plain turkey, wild boar, wedge tail and sea eagles, plus countless cattle and horses. We explore the cattle yards, windmills, watering points and lava and share an outdoor picnic beside a dam covered in water lilies. Returning to camp mid afternoon, guests are welcome to use the Kayaks, go for a swim or a walk, or find a comfy spot to rest before sunset drinks and dinner.
Day #4 - Thursday
Thursday morning after an energy packed breakfast we offer a 7.5 km hike (with return walk if desired) to a secluded spring Oasis. After your hike you can cool off under the natural spa waterfall, a picnic luncheon will be served followed by a rest in the shade while listening to the spring flowing directly from the earth down a cascade of rainforest ensconced waterfalls. For the Gugu Badhun this spring is a culturally significant location, we encourage our guests to use this time to reflect and be respectful of their surroundings, we’ve been particularly encouraged not to use loud voices or yell.
Day #5 - Friday
Early start today as we like to be on the road back to Cairns by 9am, this gives us ample time for a couple of final stop overs. We ask you to have your bags ready by 08:30 and we’ll come collect them, ready for your return to reality. We offer a light morning tea at Ravenshoe on our return journey. We continue to our Waterfall tour with your private guide, stopping in the hills of the beautiful tablelands for a light lunch. We aim to have guests back to Cairns by 4:30pm. Please ensure any flights you may have booked are departing after 6:00pm on this day.
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.
Subject to the weather and availability we can organise a private flight over the wetlands and the crater.
You’ll also see the surrounding cattle stations. It’s a spectacular and not to be missed.
Departs from Cairns Mondays
EnglishCairns
Departs 9.00am Mondays - Returns 4.30pm Fridays (approx.)
Kinrara, 250 km south west of Cairns
May - September
Monday
Please see departure dates listed under the itinerary section
5 days
Optional private helicopter tour - subject to availability
Medium
Child price applies to children age 2 to 12
Our T&Cs
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.
Additional Tour Operator's T&Cs
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, some meals refer to itinerary, 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.
ALCOHOL:
The government has imposed very strict alcohol regulations throughout Cape York Peninsula and our company has a permit to carry certain quantities of alcohol and complies with all regulations and laws. Please do not bring any alcohol on tour.
au$4,450.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$900.00
Family: au$10,700.00
Tour Code: 1121