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Eco-Expedition for Families & Groups

Explore the reef, rainforest and wild places of Far North Queensland with your family or group

Eco-Expedition for Families & Groups is a 5-day conservation-focused adventure from Cairns, designed for families, small groups, school groups and curious travellers who want more than a standard holiday. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Atherton Tablelands through reef education, wildlife observation, cultural learning and guided eco-experiences, while contributing to marine conservation through snorkelling-based reef activities and citizen science with the O2E team.

O2E is proud to support responsible ecotourism: low-impact travel that helps people experience fragile and extraordinary natural environments with care.

This expedition is designed as a small-scale alternative to mass tourism, helping participants learn about the reef, rainforest and tropical ecosystems of Far North Queensland. More importantly, it encourages families and groups to understand why these places matter, what threatens them, and how we can help protect the wildlife, habitats and communities connected to them.

This 5-day expedition takes families and groups from Cairns across some of Far North Queensland’s most iconic environments — the Great Barrier Reef, tropical islands, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and the outback.

Across the week, you’ll take part in snorkelling-based marine conservation, learn from the O2E team and marine experts, experience First Nations cultural storytelling, explore ancient rainforest, visit reef and island sites, and discover outback landscapes, wildlife and rock art.

Each day offers a different window into the reef, rainforest and wild places that make this region so extraordinary. Your full itinerary will be provided on the next page before booking

This program is suitable for infants, children and adults, with no upper age limit.

All children must be supervised by their parent or guardian at all times. Children or adults who are not confident swimmers will not be able to participate in in-water activities.

Participants should bring curiosity, respect for nature and a genuine desire to learn about the environment.

This is an active outdoor expedition, so plans may change with weather, ocean conditions, road access, tour schedules or safety requirements.

Participants should be prepared for early starts, full days, tropical heat and humidity, boat travel, walking, swimming, snorkelling and time outdoors in changing conditions.

Families and groups should also keep in mind that children remain the responsibility of their parent or guardian at all times, including during tours, transfers, reef days and free time.

A flexible attitude, respect for local guides and care for the environments you visit will help you get the most from the experience.

Participants usually arrive in Cairns on a Sunday, with Eco-Expedition start dates generally available during the first three weeks of each month.

Please check current availability before booking, as dates may vary depending on season, group size, tour operations and local conditions.

5 days (with arrival on Sunday to start Monday)

This is a 5-day program with one scheduled conservation or tour activity each day, Monday to Friday.

Each day offers a different experience and may include reef conservation, island activities, rainforest exploration, cultural learning, wildlife observation or outback touring.

Daily timing may vary depending on the activity, weather, transfers and local operator schedules.

Accommodation is not included in this program.

Cairns has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, group sizes and travel styles. We simply ask that you choose somewhere that allows you to meet the O2E team on volunteering days at the Reef Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns.

Please consider travel time, early starts and group logistics when choosing where to stay.

Lunch is included Monday to Friday.

Morning tea, afternoon tea or snacks are also included on selected days, depending on the scheduled activity.

Breakfasts, dinners and any additional snacks or drinks are not included. Cairns has plenty of cafes, restaurants and supermarkets, so families and groups can choose meals that suit their budget, preferences and routine.

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What's Included

Pre-departure support
Project Information Pack
24-hour in-country support

5 days of activites to various locations weather depending)
Certificate of Participation, if requested

Morning tea, lunches and afternoon tea (depending on the program activities).
24-hour O2E emergency phone

*Please note some items are not included in the project fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, accommodation, travel insurance, mealsn & snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country tours and return airport transfer (unless mentioned above). Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the O2E Volunteers Terms and Conditions.

Location

How Your Contribution Creates Impact

Conservation Delivery 40%

Field-based reef activities, boats, conservation gear, and marine logistics.

Tours, Transfers & Field Excursions 35%

Guided sightseeing tours and local field excursions delivered by trusted local partners, including scheduled meals, transfers, entry fees, and activity-related transport where applicable.

Meals 3%

Fresh, locally sourced meals.

Program Coordination 5%

Team members supporting your experience ethically and safely.

Governance & Compliance 13%

Taxes, permits, and legal charges that uphold international and local standards.

Donation 4%

Future Impact Fund – Additional contributions that extend support beyond your stay through ethical projects.

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Heidi O.

France

Such an amazing experience! The amount you can explore and see in a day was really impressive.

I appreciate the transparency in knowing where my money was going and exactly how it was helping.