Optional Symposium Tours – Wednesday August 20, 2008

In keeping with ISME tradition, no scientific sessions will be scheduled on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. Participants will be free to take advantage of the many leisure opportunities in and around Cairns.
All full-day optional tours on Wednesday August 20 are privately-chartered ISME tours and will depart from and return to the Cairns Convention Center.

Note: Prices for all optional tours are based on minimum participation for operation of the specific tour – in the case that the minimum number is not reached, the tour will be cancelled.

Cape Tribulation offers magnificent world heritage rainforest, pristine sandy beaches and access to the Great Barrier Reef. You can enjoy a walk in the rainforest, mingle with many native animals or just relax on beautiful Cape Tribulation Beach. Your journey north along the coast will have you taking in breathtaking scenery. Our first stop is for a light breakfast at Daintree followed by a river cruise on the famous Daintree River looking for the salt water crocodiles, which inhabit this area. Our informative guides will walk you through the Maardja or Jindalba Botanical Boardwalk where you will see some of the world's oldest rainforest. This is followed by a short drive and then time to relax and enjoy a delicious tropical lunch and leisurely walk on Cape Tribulation Beach. During the return trip to Cairns, take in spectacular views of the coast and Daintree River from the Alexandra Range lookout. After crossing the Daintree River by cable ferry, join your informative guide for a refreshing swim and interpretation of Aboriginal history at the famous Mossman Gorge. Port Douglas is the next stop to enjoy a walk through the village centre and time to soak up the atmosphere. Your guide will take you on a scenic drive through Port Douglas before the return journey back to Cairns.

Rate per person: AUD$ 104 (includes light breakfast and lunch)
Based on a minimum of 50 participants

WHITE WATER RAFTING – TULLY RIVER
Wednesday August 20, 2008
07:00 – 18:00

Cancelled

If you want the ultimate in rafting, you want an unforgettable day on the Tully River. Australia's most famous one-day white-water rafting experience! Join the thousands every year who raft the Tully River's 45 rapids in an action-packed white-water adventure in remote World Heritage Rainforest. It’s the North’s guaranteed tropical white water, white knuckle adventure. The magnificent waterfalls that cascade down the gorge walls through World Heritage Jurassic era rainforest provide an unforgettable backdrop. Attire: Bathers, enclosed shoes (that will get wet). Lunch included.

Rate per person: AUD$ 185 (+ AUD$30 insurance – payable on tour day)
Based on a minimum of 60 participants

GREEN ISLAND ADVENTURE
Wednesday August 20, 2008
10:30 – 17:00

Part of a protected Marine Park, Green Island is a beautiful coral cay (island composed entirely of debris from the reef) that is readily identified from the air by its emerald rainforest surrounded by white sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs. Green Island is a 6000 year old coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Travel to Green Island in a speedy comfortable air-conditioned catamaran. Once there, you can swim, snorkel, dive, or just simply relax on the sweeping sandy beaches. Your tour includes choice of snorkeling
equipment or glass bottom boat coral reef tour, morning tea and coffee.

Rate per person: AUD$115 (Lunch not included)

Based on a minimum of 60 participants

KURANDA SKYRAIL & SCENIC RAILWAY
Wednesday August 20, 2008
09:00 – 16:30

Experience the contrast of the regions oldest and most unique picturesque railway and the invisible technology of the world’s most beautiful cableway in one day. This breathtaking journey on one of the world's most scenic train routes will take you through 15 hand-cut tunnels, past spectacular waterfalls and across bridges with amazing views. Stop at Barron Gorge to view the falls before arriving at beautiful Kuranda Station. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the Village in the Rainforest. Explore the markets or visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and colourful Birdworld. You will board Skyrail for the worlds’ most beautiful and unforgettable rainforest experience. Glide over the rainforest canopy and take advantage of the two stops en-route to enjoy a walk through the rainforest or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. Your journey ends at Caravonica Lakes where your coach is waiting to take you back to your accommodation.

GREAT BARRIER REEF CRUISE
Wednesday August 20, 2008
09:00 – 17:00

Reef Quest offers fantastic value for money and gives you the opportunity to do up to 3 dives on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Snorkellers can enjoy unlimited snorkelling in 2 different locations, weather permitting. Reef Quest takes you to the Outer Reef in under 90 minutes, less time travelling and more time to snorkel and enjoy the reef. Purpose built for diving and snorkelling, ReefQuest allows you to experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef. If you have never tried scuba diving before you can experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef by joining our experienced dive instructors on an introductory dive. Simply complete and pass a medical questionnaire, listen to a short briefing and you’re off to blow bubbles underwater!

Notes:

• All full-day tours on Wednesday August 20 are privately-chartered ISME tours and will depart from and return to the Cairns Convention Center.
• All tours include entrance fees as per itinerary and touring in an air-conditioned bus with service of an English-speaking guide.
• Rates for all tours are based on minimum participation required for operation of the specific tour – in the case that minimum number as specified is not reached, the tour will be cancelled.
• Changes in routes, departure/arrival times may occur for reasons beyond our control.
• Comfortable walking shoes recommended for all tours.