any good rainforest excursions at Airley Beach?

[Open sea]

We will be visiting Airley Beach (Shute Harbor) and are looking for a good Rainforest excursion. Anyone have advice on reputable tours? Thanks.

[swirlidz]

Hi,

 

I live a few hours away from Airlie Beach. There are a few travel agents on the main st of Airlie.

 

Conway National Park is closeby to Airlie, however I have never thought of it as a 'rainforest' (will stand corrected). There is a rainforest at Eungella which is over 2 hours away and probably wouldn't be worth the trip on a port day.

[marquisite]

Yes, there's a guided rainforest tour out of Airlie Beach run by a small company - the guide's name is Steve, who is very informative with a whole range if tidbits relating to the rainforest's flora within the Conway National Park. I went on this excursion earlier this month when the Rhapsody of the Seas was in town (well... dropped anchor!) - on this particular day the tour was split up into 4 parts:

 

1. Conway National Park (an insight into the flora - what's dangerous, how they compete, how to numb a tooth pain ... yes you heard right!)
   
2. Conway Beach (sandwich lunch and fresh fruit provided)
   
3. Cedar Creek Falls (option for a swim - so take swimwear & a towel)
   
4. Airlie Beach (includes a visit to a lookout of sorts and up to 30 minutes to explore the main street)
   

 

EDIT: I forgot to say what the tour is called - onboard the Rhapsody of the Seas it was called Tropical Rainforest & Countryside, but the actual company name is Fawlty Tours – 4WD Tropical Rainforest Tour. FYI this is the only company with a permit to operate rainforest tours in this area!

Edited April 20, 2014 by marquisite