Top Deck Club and Kuranda

Top Deck Club and Kuranda tour packages deliver the best of Far North Queensland.  Explore the world-famous Great Barrier Reef with an overnight stay on Australia’s best liveaboard, Reef Encounter.

Top Deck Club and Kuranda explore North Queensland.

Spend your time floating between four spectacular outer reef locations with Reef Encounter and discover the best coral reefs and marine life the Great Barrier Reef offers.

Next, explore Kuranda, a village in the rainforest.  On this day trip, you will travel to Kuranda via the famous historical, scenic railway.  Once you’ve arrived, stroll through the local markets and meet some of Australia’s native wildlife and Rainforestation nature parks.  On the way back to Cairns, soar above the rainforest canopy and enjoy the views with Skyrail.

Top Deck Club stays on the Great Barrier Reef.

The luxurious Top Deck Club is the ultimate way to experience an overnight stay at the Outer Great Barrier Reef in comfort and style.

The VIP Top Deck Club guarantees a relaxing Great Barrier Reef holiday style!

What is the Top Deck Club?

Fantastic service – A VIP Top Deck holiday for people who wish to experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef style!  Much like ‘first class’ with an airline, it’s a trip tailored to your needs, so everybody’s Top Deck experience will be specialised.

The Top Deck package comes with many additional luxuries, including a dedicated personal valet, late checkout times and deluxe three-course evening meals.  Read on for more exclusive Top Deck Club services.

A crew member just for you!  Whether it’s a professional in-water guide for private scuba/snorkel tours, a fountain of marine-life knowledge, or all of the above, your crew member ensures your holiday flows.

Top Deck Club

  • The best rooms on the boat
  • Spacious ensuite staterooms with uninterrupted ocean views, crisp Australian bed linen, plush bath robes, towels and toiletries
  • Champagne and a fruit platter await you upon arrival
  • An evening turn-down service for your Stateroom
  • Towels and toiletries

A deluxe three-course evening meal, freshly prepared by our onboard Chef each night of your stay.

Please advise us of any dietary requirements and any special requests upon booking.

Choose to dine privately under the stars or join the rest of the guests in the spacious dining saloon. Breakfast is served in your Stateroom.

Enjoy an Australian continental or cooked breakfast served to you just the way you like it, or join the rest of the guests for a buffet-style breakfast served in the dining saloon*

Complimentary sunset cocktail

Appreciate the ocean views from the sundeck or outdoor hot tub as you sip a chilled Australian cocktail while watching the sunset over the sparkling Coral Sea.  The perfect setting for photography lovers!

Late checkout times!  Top  Deck Club guests keep their staterooms until the transfer vessel departs to take you back to Cairns.

On the voyage to Reef Encounter, you can listen to a marine biology presentation about the coral reef and aquatic animals.

Top Deck guests can also enjoy local press coffee, tea and juices.

On the journey back into the Cairns Marina, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and a cheese and fruit platter.

About Reef Encounter’s Top Deck Club

Our spacious liveaboard is fully air-conditioned and has a large lounge and dining area, including a fully stocked bar.  Enjoy the rooftop sundeck and an outdoor heated spa for relaxation between snorkelling and scuba diving.

Reef Encounter Facilities

  • Air conditioning
  • Modern Ocean-View rooms
  • Private bathrooms
  • Large dining room
  • Bar and Lounge area
  • heated spa
  • Onboard water desalination plant
  • Hydraulic scuba dive/snorkel platform
  • Helipad
  • Sundeck and deck chairs

Please Note: Accommodation is not included on the night you return from Reef Encounter to Cairns.

Kuranda by Scenic Railway and Skyrail

Located just 25 km northwest of Cairns and surrounded by world heritage Rainforest, you will find the quaint and quirky village known as Kuranda.  Kuranda has become a famous tourist destination in Far North Queensland, known as the “Village in the Rainforest”.

The best way to experience Kuranda is by combining the Scenic Train journey with the world-famous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which is exactly what this tour offers.

Your day begins with a journey on Kuranda’s scenic railway

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Your day starts with a pickup from your Cairns city accommodation.  You will be transferred to the historical Freshwater train station.  During the 90-minute scenic railway journey, you will climb over 40 small bridges and many dark tunnels.  You will learn about the pioneering history of the Tropical North while enjoying views of Barron Falls.

Kuranda is not complete without a visit to Rainforest Station

Rainforestation wildlife park on 100 acres of World Heritage Rainforest.  Here, you will experience the tropical Rainforest from a unique perspective.

Rainforestation is home to the Army Duck Rainforest Tours on land and water, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and native Australian wildlife like the Koala and Kangaroo.  After exploring everything Rainforestation offers, you will enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch at Rainforestation’s traditionally styled Aussie Restaurant.

Soar above the Rainforest with Skyrail

Skyrail rainforest cableway

The Kuranda Scenic Train gives visitors a fantastic view of the rainforest from ground level.  The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway provides an extraordinary birds-eye view of the Rainforest as it soars silently only metres above the Rainforest canopy.

Stretching 7.5 km through the tropical rainforests of North Queensland, Skyrail provides people with a unique opportunity to see and experience the rainforest safely and in an environmentally friendly way.

You’ll glide just metres above the Rainforest canopy before descending through the canopy layers and deep into the heart of the Rainforest at Skyrail’s two mid-stations, Barron Falls and Red Peak Station.

 

 

Accommodation is Not Included on this night (3rd Night)</em

Highlights

Explore the Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda the village in the rainforest in style.

Itinerary

Top Deck Club Itinerary

Please note, this itinerary is based on a 3-day /2-night stay with Reef Encounter

First Day

Arrive

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 2 Day Dives + 1 Night

7:30am
Board the transfer vessel 'Reef Experience' at Cairns Marlin Marina for breakfast, check-in and your journey to Reef Encounter

9:30am
Arrive onboard Reef Encounter for your 'Welcome & Safety Talk' before being shown to your room to settle in and relax

10:30am
 Water Session: Time to snorkel for all guests before lunch

12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon

13.00
Water Briefings: Certified Diver Briefings / Try Scuba Diving Briefings / Snorkel Adventure Briefings

13.30
 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time

15:00

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

15:30
 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

Summer


18:00
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

18:45
Night Dive Briefings

19:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

Winter


17:30
Night Dive Briefings

18:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

19:15
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

20:00
Dessert is served in the dining saloon

Full Day

On the Reef

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 3 Day Dives + 1 Night

6:00am
Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session

6:30am
 Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

7:30am
Breakfast is served in the dining saloon

8:00am

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

8:30am
 Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

10:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon

13:30
 Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

15:00

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

15:30
 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

Summer


18:00
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

18:45
Night Dive Briefings

19:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

Winter


17:30
Night Dive Briefings

18:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

19:15
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

20:00
Dessert is served in the dining saloon

Last Day

Return

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 3 Day Dives

6:00am
Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session

6:30am
Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

7:30am
Breakfast is served in the dining saloon

8:00am

Room Checkout

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

8:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

10:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon

13:30
 Water Session: Snorkel only session available to passengers before departure

14:45
Departing passengers board the transfer vessel 'Reef Experience' for the journey back to Cairns. Complimentary wine, cheese and biscuits served on the return journey

15:00 

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

16:30
Approximate arrival time to the Cairns Marlin Marina

*Please note, this itinerary does not apply to 'Great Barrier Reef Deal' bookings.

*Stateroom Check-In time is 10.00am with Check-Out time 8.00am on the morning of departure (access to a shared transfer/baggage room with bathroom is available along with all other boat facilities)

*Top Deck Club Check-in time is 10.00am with Check-Out time 2.00pm on the day of departure>

*This itinerary may vary due to weather conditions or other circumstances.

Kuranda Classic Itinerary

  • 7:30 am  Approximate pickup from your Cairns Accommodation
  • 8.50 am  Board the Kuranda Scenic Railway at the Freshwater Heritage Train Station
  • 10:30 am Arrive at Kuranda Railway Station.
  • 11:45 am Please be at the bus stop outside the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary to transfer to Rainforestation Nature Park.
  • BBQ Lunch. Enjoy a delicious hot buffet and a wide selection of salads, cheeses and fruits.
  • Army Duck Rainforest Tour with Tropical Fruit Orchard.
  • Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience.
  • learn to throw a boomerang and watch spear-throwing and didgeridoo playing.
  • Koala and Wildlife Park. Join a guided tour, and see crocodiles, wombats, snakes, dingoes, and a cassowary, and hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to have your photo taken cuddling a holding a small crocodile (Optional extra)
  • 3:45 pm Transfer to Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Terminal for 4.00 pm boarding.
  •   5:15 pm Coach transfer to your accommodation.

Included

Top Deck Club Inclusions

  • Double or Twin Stateroom with Private Bathroom
  • Dive Briefings
  • On-board Chef preparing all meals whilst on board
  • Coffee, Tea, Milo, Water and fresh fruit
  • Snorkelling and Scuba Diving equipment
  • Guided Snorkel Tours
  • Reef Video presentation
  • Marine Biologist presentation on Reef Experience

Kuranda Classic Inclusions

  • Kuranda Scenic Railway
  • Kuranda Village
  • Rainforestation Nature Park
  • Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
  • Army Duck Rainforest Tour
  • Koala and Wildlife Park
  • BBQ Buffet Lunch
  • Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
  • Return Transfers to and from Cairns City Accommodation

Optional Extras

Top Deck Club Optional Extras

  • Underwater cameras  $59.00
  • Prescription mask hire is $10.00 per day
  • Snacks from the bar etc
  • Barista Coffee
  • Alcohol available on board – NO BYO – Reef Encounter is a licensed Vessel

What to bring

What to Bring for Top Deck Club Great Barrier Reef stay

  • Overnight bag – If you wish to store any excess luggage, we are happy to do so in our office at 100 Abbott street Cairns.
  • For safety reasons, Reef Encounter has a “No Shoe” policy. (There is no need to bring extra pairs of shoes)
  • Cash or credit card for purchases of snacks from the bar/souvenirs for sale on-board or underwater camera hire.
  • Sun hat, swimming clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and light casual clothing.
  • As the air-conditioning is set for heat during the day, it can become quite cool in the evenings. Even just being on the Great Barrier Reef can be cooler at night; therefore, a light pullover and cardigan should be packed.

How to get there

Getting to Reef Encounter

Reef Encounter is always on the Great Barrier Reef.

By Boat (included in tariff)

Our sister vessel, Reef Experience, operates daily transfers meeting up with Reef Encounter on the outer reef.

Boarding starts at the Cairns Marina at 7:30 am on Finger A on the Marlin Jetty, Cairns.

Reef Experience will bring you back to the same destination between 4 and 4:30 pm on your final day.

Helicopter Transfers (optional extra)

Reef Encounter has a helipad on board for guests looking at adding some magic to their stay. You may choose to take a spectacular scenic flight.

Important Information

Important Information for Scuba Divers

This information is for all guests participating in scuba diving activities.

Australia has the strictest scuba diving rules globally and the safest scuba diving record.

Therefore you must understand Queensland’s scuba diving laws.

Great Barrier Reef liveaboard boats are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules, including the requirements for a dive medical, where applicable, as required by law.

Please complete our dive medical questionnaire as some medical conditions, age and medications may prevent you from scuba diving.

Our mission is always to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef tour.

If you have any questions, we will be delighted to assist you.

Please contact our office on +61 7 4037 2700 or email our helpful team today.

Alternatively, you may like to consult your Doctor for a Queensland Dive Medical using the Australian QLD Standard Form AS.4005.1

Flying after Scuba Diving

Plan your travel itinerary.

On the final day of your Reef Encounter stay, your last dive will be completed by 1 pm.

Do not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after scuba diving for a single no decompression scuba dive. You should not fly for 24 hours after your last scuba diving in multiple dives.

If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after your dive.

We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.

from $1,235
from $1,095
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Included

Top Deck Club Liveaboard✨

Double Bed

1 x Double bed, en-suite cabin. Requires 2 guests or sole occupancy.

Grand Kuranda

Grand Kuranda - Ex Cairns (CKBB)

Combining the Scenic Train journey with the world famous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Rainforestation including lunch is a great way to experience this World Heritage listed tropical rainforest and Kuranda.

Departs

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