Energise and enrich your incentive by committing to long term sustainability through choosing travel to the world’s first ECO Destination Certified region - Port Douglas and Daintree. Contribute to ensuring the conservation of our pristine, World Heritage environment by working with our eco-certified suppliers.
Additionally, you can choose to offset the remaining carbon footprint of the program by buying into an offsetting scheme investing in local community projects that align with internal corporate social responsibility and sustainability practices.
Descending into Cairns Airport, marvel at the landscape of the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
Indulge in locally harvested coconut cocktails on arrival before boarding your coach for the journey along the spectacular coastline along the Great Barrier Reef Drive.
Splitting into small groups and using human power, learn the rich history of this once sleepy fishing village, home to only 100 people in 1960, on a historical walking tour. Walkout over the Flagstaff Hill platform from the cliffs, for endless views of the Coral Sea and famous Four Mile Beach. At designated historical points, groups will locate and collect small, mystery packages to bring with them to dinner this evening. Moving on to the Marina, your efforts will be rewarded with a refreshing ale brewed locally using water sourced from the pristine waters of the Mossman Gorge.
Amble along the waterfront watching the various fishing and dive boats returning to port, to the heritage-listed Sugar Wharf. Here, you will truly begin to embrace the laid back coastal village lifestyle of Port Douglas. Built-in 1904, heritage-listed in 1983 and lovingly restored and maintained, this iconic transport hub was once a bustling port shipping general cargo and sugar to the southern towns before the road connected Port Douglas and Cairns.
Devour freshly shucked oysters, a sumptuous selection of fork food showcasing the native flavours of Kakadu Plum, Lemon Myrtle, wattleseed and bush tomato and fresh, locally caught seafood direct from the trawler as the sun sets behind the majestic mountain range.
After dinner, delegates are invited to unwrap the mystery packages collected during the historical walk. Revealing puzzle pieces, delegates are required to assemble the pieces, revealing a giant cheque. Through learning the historical value of the area, completing the walk together, and locating the mystery packages, the group will have earned a donation for a local charity.
Your delegate gift bag comes in handy today filled with reef-friendly sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and hat.
After a leisurely, tropical breakfast and morning swim in the expansive lagoon pool, journey to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef onboard one of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Advanced Eco-tourism awarded operators. The commitment by our reef operator members in Port Douglas to operate sustainably, responsibly and with conservation at the forefront, has been rewarded with Advanced Ecotourism Certification, the highest eco-certification available in Australia. This national and international recognition collectively equates to over forty years.
Your reef experience includes learning about a range of innovative Coral Restoration Projects assisting the natural recovery of coral impacted by climate change and cyclonic waves. These exceptional programs will foster a greater appreciation for the splendour of the underwater world as you snorkel or dive the aquamarine waters filled with colourful fish and stunning coral formations.
Those who prefer to stay dry can board the semi-submersible coral viewing vessel for a guided tour of the reef, or take a helicopter flight to appreciate the size of this incredible living formation which can be seen from space!
The fairy-lit village of Port Douglas hosts dinner this evening. A dine-around encompassing fabulous restaurants and exquisite food, all open to the balmy, tropical night air will satiate the hunger from a day of snorkelling
If curious as to where the restaurant food scraps end up, take a moment to learn about the innovative Green Food Australia Project. Green Food Australia converts food waste from local eateries into an organic liquid used by the agricultural sector to significantly enhance the biology of the soil.
The fresh, pristine environment of the rainforest awaits as you take a journey with the world’s oldest living culture through the forests of time on a guided Ngadiku Dreamtime walk with the local Kuku Yalanji.
Eco-certified for over ten years, Mossman Gorge offers the opportunity to learn the importance of protecting the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Learn about the unique design of the Mossman Gorge facilities which showcase sustainable architecture, the management of water collection, supply and conservation, waste and energy minimisation and management, minimal impact transport and the preservation of culture.
Over lunch, discover how the regions’ forward-thinking agricultural sector is improving sustainability, fostering innovation and promoting investment in the eco-tourism sector on a diversified sugar, vanilla and cocoa farm, and Koala food tree plantation.
Indulge in sweet treats, fresh salads, and icy cold, freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. The humble Sugarcane plant has many secrets! The incredible versatility of this simple plant contributes to over 100 different eco-friendly products.
Take a snap on the Koala Food Tree Plantation. This partnership is creating sustainable opportunities for both attractions in the region and the farmer.
Your exploration of the rainforest and farming culminates in a once in a lifetime dinner surrounded by the natural beauty of the rainforest while feasting on Tableland beef, succulent seafood, sugar cane treats and locally made, tropical fruit-based Daintree Ice Cream.
Gaze into the southern sky through a telescope with an astronomer and learn the secrets of the universe, before you dance the night away under the canopy of the rainforest lit with dancing flames, crystal chandeliers and twinkling lights.
Upon arrival back to the resort, discover your evening in the rainforest has been offset by a contribution to local tree-planting project Nightwings Rainforest. Your Nightwings contribution will continue the dedicated work of this organisation. In particular, to the restoration of natural habitat and biodiversity, ultimately generating a vital wildlife corridor from the forest to the coastal mangroves.
Breakfast this morning will be surrounded by birds as you immerse yourself in five uniquely different environments - Wetlands, Rainforest, Savannah, Nocturnal and Woodlands.
Interact with beautiful Australian animals in their recreated natural environments and learn how the conservation of native wildlife can be best achieved through observation and appreciation. Your experience takes you behind the scenes to the on-site Animal Rehabilitation Centre caring for injured, sick, orphaned and displaced native wildlife.
Bid farewell to your native friends before settling into the comfort of your coach for the stunning journey to Cairns along one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal roads - the Great Barrier Reef Drive. As you gaze at the sparkling Coral Sea, know, through all you have learned about sustainability, innovation and conservation, you have made a positive contribution to the long-term sustainability of the jewel of Australia’s tropical north.
Depart Port Douglas and Daintree with the knowledge your incentive has not only partnered with eco-certified suppliers but neutralised the effects of the events CO2 emissions.
Hero image supplied by: Martin Stringer
Discover everything Port Douglas has to offer in one guide – from flights and itineraries to venues, capacities and more.