Australia
MINKE WHALES, REEF & RAINFOREST
25 JUN - 4 JUL 2027 • 10 DAYS • 16 GUESTS
On this exhilarating adventure, come eye to eye with inquisitive Minke whales and explore the riches of the World Heritage sites of the Great Barrier reef and Daintree Rainforest.
Experience one of the most incredible close-up marine encounters on the planet as Southern Dwarf Minke Whales come to socialize. These playful and curious whales actively seek out interactions with snorkelers and divers and seem to never tire of gliding past. They display their curiosity using various behaviors like spy hopping, full-body breaches, bubble blasts, belly presentations, head-rises, and jaw gapes. This natural phenomenon only happens a few weeks each year, providing us with a unique experience like no other.
Snorkel and dive the Great Barrier Reef's northern Ribbon Reefs from the comfort of our privately chartered yacht. Come face to face with giant Potato groupers at the world-famous Cod Hole and explore towering coral pinnacles filled with marine life.
Stay in a fabulous eco-lodge situated in the heart of the world-heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, the oldest tropical lowland rainforest in the world, and described by Sir David Attenborough as "the most extraordinary place on earth". Ancient ferns and palms, emerald-green vines, and glistening rivers cover the vast area and are home to a plethora of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Walk through dense rainforest in search of endemic birds, frogs, spiders, kangaroos, possums, Boyd's dragons, and cassowaries. Take a Dreamtime walk in Mossman Gorge to learn about the traditional bush craft of the local inhabitants from our Aboriginal guide. Enjoy a cruise to see saltwater crocodiles, pythons, and birds along the riverside, and explore Kuku Yalanji country, the only place in the world where two World Heritage sites meet (the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef).
HIGHLIGHTS
Come eye to eye with inquisitive Minke Whales for one of the ocean’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters
Snorkel and dive remote pinnacles on the northern Great Barrier Reef brimming with marine life
Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest and stroll the pristine white sands of Cape Tribulation
Enjoy close encounters with some of Australia's iconic animals, including Kangaroos, Wallabies, Crocodiles and Cassowaries
Journey into the heart of Mossman Gorge where local Aboriginal guides bring the rainforest to life with stories, traditions, and deep knowledge of the land’s ancient culture and ecology
Wake to the songs of the rainforest in your private bayan (treehouse) and discover its extraordinary biodiversity with the best local guides
COMBINE FOR THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE
AUSTRALIA - Uluru to Kakadu
02-15 JUL 2027 ● 14 DAYS ● 16 GUESTS
Journey through Australia's remote Red Centre, the Outback and Top End to witness spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife and engage with the world's oldest continuing living culture. A land of stunning diversity, where waterfalls cascade over sandstone escarpments into ancient gorges, Aboriginal rock art decorates cliff faces, and waterways are filled with large saltwater crocodiles and a countless array of birdlife.
ADD ON - Lizard Island
Begin or conclude your Wild Earth expedition in unparalleled style with an exclusive stay at the award-winning *5-star Lizard Island Resort, a tropical paradise on the northern Great Barrier Reef. Nestled amidst pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs, Lizard Island offers a luxurious retreat where you can relax, rejuvenate, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this remote haven.
RESERVE MY SPACE & ENQUIRIES
You've got that "I don't want to miss out" feeling for a good reason. Our expeditions are life changers and we have a solid following of Wild Earth Explorers who love returning to adventure with us. Don't hesitate in reserving your space today.
“I’m still reliving all the wonderful memories of our excellent adventure on Wild Earth Expeditions’ 10th Anniversary trip. How lucky I am to have found you in time for that trip of a lifetime!!! I loved traveling with you two.!!!! You are so fun, interesting, and passionate about what we are seeing and doing, and so real in your joy of sharing the adventure. I only regret that I didn’t become aware of your company earlier, since there are so many of your trips I would like to take—-your trips are My kind of trips that include physical adventure, culture, fun, and camaraderie. So now I am proud to be in the Wild Earth Family and look forward to further travels with Thomas and Natalia.”
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
AUSTRALIA 01 - Minke Whales, Reef & Rainforest
25 JUN - 4 JUL 2027 • 10 DAYS • 16 GUESTS
Day 01 | Jun 25 Depart home and travel to Cairns, Australia (if crossing the International Date Line depart Jun 24)
Day 02 | Jun 26 Arrive in Cairns / Welcome Cocktails & Dinner at the Marina
Day 03 | Jun 27 Fly to Lizard Island / Board our 4-night Great Barrier Reef yacht charter / Afternoon diving or snorkeling
Day 04-06 | Jun 28–30 3 full days Minke Whales / Diving & Snorkelling the northern Ribbon Reefs
Day 07 | Jul 1 Disembark in Cairns / Mossman Gorge walk / Port Douglas / Daintree
Day 08 | Jul 2 Coopers Creek Wilderness walk / Cape Tribulation / Daintree River Cruise
Day 09 | Jul 3 Dreamtime walk / Rainforest Wildlife Habitat / Cairns Farewell Dinner
Day 10 | Jul 4 Fly home or join us for Uluru to Kakadu for the ultimate Australia adventure
SPIRIT OF FREEDOM
Sail aboard the 37-metre Spirit of Freedom, a purpose-built expedition vessel designed for comfort and long-range cruising on the Great Barrier Reef and into the Coral Sea. With electronic stabilisers, spacious sun and dive decks, a generous lounge and dining saloon, and relaxed Australian hospitality, she is both an adventure platform and a welcoming home at sea.
With 11 air-conditioned cabins, each with a private ensuite, the Spirit of Freedom combines comfort, space, and thoughtful design throughout. After days of extraordinary encounters with Minke Whales and dazzling marine life, unwind on deck with sweeping ocean views and savour chef-prepared meals in the welcoming dining saloon.
DAINTREE ECOLODGE
Set in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and nestled on the southern banks of the impressive Daintree River, the Ecolodge combines nature, nurture and culture in a pure rainforest environment. Each of the eco-designed bayans (treehouses) embrace the rainforest surrounds with an open plan setting. Spacious bedrooms and a micro-screened balcony with a daybed ensure you feel as close to nature as possible, while still being able to enjoy the comforts of a boutique hotel. Indulge the senses with fresh seasonal cuisine, rise to the sound of the birds, breathe-in the fresh tropical air as you unwind in your rainforest oasis.
WILD EARTH LEADERS
Sabine Templeton
Expedition Leader, Trip Designer, Underwater Naturalist & Conservation Biologist
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas Baechtold, Spirit of Freedom, Daintree Eco Lodge, Lizard Island Resort & Adobe Stock