5 Day Kinrara Cattle Station Savannah Wetlands NWS5KIN

Itinerary

• 1 DAY 1 Arriving at Kinrara

  After picking you up in 4WD convoy from the Cairns CBD at 9:00am or the Cairns airport from 10:00 your adventure begins.  Once at Kinrara our number one goal is to get you settled in and relaxed as quickly as possible. Arriving around 4pm on Monday afternoon you will be welcomed and introduced to the expedition team, given a thorough safety briefing and tour of the campsite. Your bags will be ushered to your respective tents, welcome beverages offered, and you’ll be shown to your campsite. Sunset drinks and food, welcoming hospitality, and shared story will conclude your first day of adventure.

• 2 DAY 2 Relax and Explore

  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.

   

• 3 DAY 3 Explore the Expanse

  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.

• 4 DAY 4 Meet the Locals

  Thursday morning after an energy packed breakfast we offer several different hikes (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.

• 5 DAY 5 Back to the Big Smoke

  Time for that last hike, kayak, or sleep in, and a hearty breakfast. We like to be on the road back to Cairns by 9.30am, this gives us ample time for a couple of final stop overs through the Tablelands and waterfalls. We ask you to have your bags ready by 9:00, and we’ll come collect them ready for your return to reality. We offer a light lunch at the Ravenshoe bakery on our return journey. We aim to have guests back to the Cairns domestic and international airports between 4-5:00 pm, and the CBD shortly after

• The itinerary is subject to change
• Flights need to arrive the day before the tour begins and depart the day after the tour concludes, in case there are delays
• Pre and post-tour accommodation is recommended for the tour
• Families with children are welcome

Additional Information

As we are on a working cattle station, we must consider the fragile environment and our biosecurity that is in place to protect from unwanted pests & diseases. It is most important to please advise prior to travelling, if you have been in any country or area that has reports of foot & mouth disease.

Things to know before you book

• Small groups: Each week we host a maximum of 12 guests
• We are selling fast: Some Expedition weeks are already full
• We conduct fastidious cleaning after each expedition
• This is the big outdoors you’ll be outdoors all the time
• Each group has private accommodations in the most romantic natural setting

Inclusions
• Complimentary hotel pick up and drop off
• Glamping tents with a touch of luxury and nature
• On-site chef
• All meals as listed
• Activities and kayak as listed

What’s Not Included
• Any costs incurred before departure
• Any personal items such as drinks, newspapers, telephone/credit, laundry, souvenirs & personal travel Insurance (which is HIGHLY recommended)
*Prices subject to change without notice

Weather Tours operate during the ‘dry’ season. Occasionally we strike some wet weather and generally, a light spray jacket is sufficient which may also be used as a sweater on rare, cooler evenings.

What to Bring Please bring 4 to 5 changes of casual clothing including:
• Tee shirts, Shorts &/or Cargos &/or ¾ Pants &/or Skirts
• Track suit pants &/or jeans
• A spray jacket/warm evening jacket
• Smart Casual for dinner
• Toiletries and personal first aid supplies such as band-aids, headache tablets, and any medication you may take regularly; make sure you have enough for the entire tour
• Swimmers
• Shady Hat &
• Sunglasses
• 1 pair rubber-soled shoes/joggers
• 1 pair wet shoes; thongs etc. (you may wish to walk through creeks &/or shower in them)
• Torch/Flashlight
• Water bottle
• Remember your camera & all necessary memory cards and plenty of spare batteries

Children Children may accompany an adult on this tour.

Booking Terms and Conditions

Be aware that some confirmed bookings are not refundable if cancelled, and also may not be transferable to another date or otherwise changed. Alternatively, a change may only be permissible subject to payment of an additional fee or charge. Your entitlement to a refund for cancelled bookings is subject to the relevant Supplier’s terms and conditions. Please note that if we are entitled to a service fee for placing a booking, we will remain entitled to this fee if you cancel the booking or the Supplier fails to provide you with the Product for any reason (other than our default), including in an event of Force Majeure. We will be entitled to deduct our service fee from any refund we receive on your behalf before remitting the balance to you. Suppliers’ fees are outlined in their relevant terms and conditions.

Please review the full Terms and Conditions and Schedule of Fees prior to making a booking.

A Service Fee is charged in addition to Supplier Terms and Conditions Summary:

• Bookings require deposit payment and completion of a passenger booking form.
• Final payment due 70 days prior to departure.
• Cancellations 30 days or more before the tour date are refunded less service fees and $500 admin fee.
• Cancellations 15-29 days prior to tour departure, a service fees and cancellation fee of 30% of full tour cost costs.
• Cancellations 14 days or less before departure date, cancellation fee of 100% of full tour cost.

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.

Caravan Park Accommodation – Cairns
There are three Caravan Parks to choose from with limited storage options available at one of these properties. The Caravan Parks usually request a minimum stay of at least 4 nights pre/post tour to store your caravan/car/campervan/motorhome. Storage prices are anywhere from $20-$30 per night. These Caravan Parks are located all around the Cairns region and if applicable to your chosen tour itinerary your 4WD safari vehicle will either pick up or drop off at your chosen Caravan Park. We will provide you with these Caravan Park options once your selected tour booking has been confirmed. Should passengers choose to stay elsewhere, we can advise you which pick-up point is the closest to your chosen accommodation.

Motel Accommodation – Cairns
We work with a local motel located in the Cairns CBD that offers quality, clean, and a range of good value room styles (see below). The room styles and inclusions can include free Wi-Fi, guest laundry, a swimming pool, and maybe luggage storage whilst you are on tour. Pick-up will be at the hotel or nearby. We’re happy to make the booking for you or we will give you the motel details, pick-up times, etc after you have booked your Gulf Savannah Tour. If your tour goes through to Darwin, we can also book accommodation in a similar price range that will be convenient for your trip.

Travel Insurance
As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance. It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance. As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to get a free no-obligation quote from Cover-More Travel Insurance.

Credit Card Payments
Credit Card Customer Payment Link enter this link into your browser: pay.travelpay.com.au/AUSTC

If paying via the Customer Payment Link, please ensure you complete all fields and ensure you enter the correct Trip Reference Number, so we can identify your payment.

Credit card surcharges will apply when paying by credit card. We accept all credit cards and relevant credit card fee is applied when the processing: Mastercard – 1.30%, Visa – 1.50%, American Express – 2.20%, Diners Card – 2.75%, International Credit Cards – 3.25%

Direct Deposit
Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please notify your consultant of your payment once it has been processed.

Commonwealth Bank: Australian Tours and Cruises
Reference: Your Trip Number
BSB: 062-504 Account: 1066 1268
Branch Address: 171 Howick Street Bathurst NSW 2795
In Bank Payment of Cash Or Cheque: Add $5 for bank fees
International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees
SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S

Tour Review

My husband and I have just returned from this fabulous 5-day trip with a group of 9 friends. Every day we experienced something fun and different. I went on this trip with no expectations at all and was extremely and pleasantly surprised by everything we did. The tent and bed were very comfy, the meals were superb, the knowledge and care from our guide could not have been any better, the views are beautiful, bathrooms are clean and comfortable with an outback rustic touch, and the canoeing was fantastic. Clearly a lot of thought and effort has gone into developing this experience. Brenda R

Last week my family and I went on a Kinrara expedition. It was the most comfortable camping ever with tasty food. All camping equipment was tidy and clean. The bathrooms were beautifully designed with an outside view to the gum trees. The tents were also aesthetically pleasing with simplicity in mind. The mattress was particularly comfortable for a great night’s sleep. All staff were helpful with a focus on meeting the needs of all. The activities on offer complement the station-expedition experience. Kayaking on the water amonst the birds was a delightfully relaxing experience. Overall an amazing and relaxing experience for connecting with family and the Australian bush. Peta J

We just spent a week at Kinrara Station and loved the accommodation, food and tours. Callum and his team have put together a brilliant outback experience. I am still gobsmacked by the amount of water and water activities available on Kinrara Station. Steve R

Wouldn’t you rather be here? Unique and authentic trip I can’t recommend highly enough. (you might be lucky to score a spot as others from the south cancel – get on board). Enjoyed the beauty at every turn! Wildlife, fascinating stories and outdoor fun I will remember forever. Lava-strewn landscape with idyllic spring-fed swimming spots. This is the outback, but we were stunned by the abundant water … so fresh and clear we snorkelled and saw tortoise and yabbies. We were looked after with such attention and fine food and drink. Callum and his family have a lengthy connection to the Kinrara area and he is a born host (and anecdotes always had us in hysterics). A solid 5 STARS! Amy P-C

Kinrara Station and the guys running the expeditions are fantastic. The atmosphere is around the camp is 2nd to none but the location is better. we had the kids and Callum and his crew made our stay an unforgettable experience. If you are looking for a break from a busy life head on out to Kinrara! Mark L

Clamping they have it all. Enjoy the views, beautiful sunsets and early rises and capture every peaceful minute of the day. Must do on our list. Michelle O

It’s a surreal landscape of ink-black basalt frozen into swirls and wrinkled whirls and submerged lava tubes covered in canary-yellow algae that look like coral bommies. Water bubbles up from a spring beside Kinrara Homestead a few kilometres away at a rate of more than 10 megalitres an hour, and the wetlands form the headwaters of the Burdekin River. As clear as a glass of gin, the lake is crocodile-free and perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The Australian

Hectares of grass dotted with livestock and gum trees in a palette of parchment, cinnamon and sage-green, while in front is a miniature rainforest with an emerald canopy of umbrella palms and fig trees. At its centre, a clear spring gushes from an unseen source into a shallow, three-tiered waterfall between banks stacked with lush ferns. Cattle. Outback. Rainforest. Waterfalls. The combination seems incongruous and remarkable. Travel Insider

FAQs

• Kinrara Specific FAQs

  Do I need to bring cash or credit cards?
  Once we pick you up in Cairns we take care of everything. Just keep the wallet handy for that local jar of jam or that amazing Helicopter experience.

  What can I expect with the bathrooms at Kinrara?
  There are two shared eco shower and toilet facilities across the campsite within a short distance of all camps. Should you wish to be positioned closer or further away this can be arranged.

  Is there electricity and Wifi?
  We operate a generator for electricity and this will run intermittently throughout the day and over the evening. This enables us to charge devices and access the intermittent wifi.
  While we have wifi, we encourage guests to forget the outside world if possible and get offline.
  However should you need to be contactable we’ve got you covered.

  Can I purchase anything there that I need for the stay?
  While the camp has most everything you can think of, please ensure you pack all essential personal items. The closest store is approximately 2.5hrs from Kinrara. Please refer to our suggested packing list below in, “What should I bring?”

  Are you able to accommodate specific dietary requirements?
  We accommodate all types of diets, and are happy to discuss what menu we can create for you. In the past we’ve catered for serious to mild allergies, keto, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets.

  Are we allowed to drink alcohol at Kinrara?
  If you’re not a drinker we’ve got you covered with an array of mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. If you’re not a drinker we’ve got you covered with an array of mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.

  Will I/we have my/our own room at Kinrara?
  Yes. All guests are booking individually/as a party. There is no sharing of tents for people outside of your party.

  Are kids welcome?
  We do suggest that due to safety concerns ie: Billabong in such close proximity to tents, infants under 2 years of age are not recommended. One of our biggest delights is sharing the outback with children. Kids of any age generally adapt to their surroundings quicker than adults, ask the most fantastic questions, and generally love being in the wide open uninterrupted space of nature.
  Callum’s daughter Mala spends her school holidays on camp from Sydney, she’s been going bush since 2 years old, now 9, she claims to be the ‘Boss of KINRARA’ and has adopted a confidence that wouldn’t have been possible without her experiences in the outback.

  What is the average age of Kinrara’s guests? Who can I expect my tour mates to be?
  We have 4 core groups of visitors to Kinrara:
  – Young couples / groups of friends seeking adventure and active participation
  – Mature couples / groups of couples travelling together – low impact adventure
  – Solo travellers not wanting to do the outback on their own – low to moderate impact adventure
  – Intergenerational family groups – family friendly adventure
  As expected a popular time of booking is over school holidays for families. Just let us know what kind of experience you’re looking for and we can let you know the best weeks.

  Do I need travel insurance to visit Kinrara?
  We strongly suggest that all guests have personal travel insurance.
  What should I bring?

  WHAT TO BRING
  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.