Pre-Conference Tours
We're excited to offer DNAC25 attendees the opportunity to connect with Northern Australia's industries, culture, and environment through a series of exclusive tours on Tuesday 22 July.
These unique experiences provide behind-the-scenes access, cultural immersion, and in-depth learning that go beyond the conference room. Whether you're interested in maritime innovation, Indigenous heritage, or ecological discovery, there's a tour for you!
Registrations close 3pm Thursday 17 July, and places are strictly limited so be sure to secure your spot early.
Tour 1: Norship Tour
By attending this tour, participants will gain:
Firsthand insight into world-class marine repair and refit operations – See how Norship services defence, commercial and superyacht vessels with precision and scale.
Behind-the-scenes access to a fully integrated shipyard – from dry docks to fabrication workshops – showcasing advanced marine engineering in action.
Understanding of supply chain and logistics critical to Northern Australia’s marine sector, and how Norship supports regional economic growth and industry resilience.
Exposure to cutting-edge innovation in vessel maintenance, environmental sustainability, and digital systems used in modern shipbuilding and servicing.
Opportunities for knowledge exchange – Hear from Norship experts about the challenges and opportunities in maritime defence, commercial fleets, and future-proofing marine infrastructure.
Participants required to wear closed-in shoes and no photography will be permitted.
Meeting Point for Tour: Cairns Convention Centre, bus departs at 10am, returns by 11am
Pricing: $33 per person
Limited to 20 people
Tour 2: Mandingalbay Authentic Tours – 2-Hour Cultural Experience
Join us for a unique and immersive cultural experience with Mandingalbay Authentic Tours, offering a rare opportunity to explore Country with Traditional Owners.
Inclusions:
- Return river cruise from Cairns Marina to East Trinity
- Exclusive access to the Indigenous Protected Area – East Trinity Reserve
- Traditional Welcome to Country (including ochre ceremony applied to the face or forearm)
- Cultural presentation in the Yulu (Stingray) Shelter
- Crocodile spotting along the waterways (most active during the warmer months)
- Complimentary morning tea with juice, tea, and coffee
Meeting Point for Tour: Mooz Gelato, 5/2 Marina Point Road, Cairns City at 8.30am, return 11am
Pricing: $99 per person (inc GST)
Limited to 40 people
Tour 3: Cairns Aquarium
Home to more than 16,000 Aquatic Animals, in 9 Key Ecosystems, across 11 Zones.
Highlights:
- Enjoy all-day admission to Cairns’ newest attraction!
- See the animals and habitats endemic to Tropical North Queensland and learn about the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
- Enjoy daily ecosystem talks, animal presentations, and marine touch tank shows.
- See Australia’s only 10-meter Deep Reef Tank, 360-degree Oceanarium, 20-meter underwater tunnel, mangrove boardwalk, and Australia’s largest freshwater exhibit.
- Get up close to freshwater fish, pythons, emerald tree monitors, crocodiles, colourful reef fish, sharks, rays, and more.
Pricing: $58 per person (inc GST) – book directly through Cairns Aquarium website:
https://www.cairnsaquarium.com.au/general-admission/
Tour 4: QBuild Site Tour - LIMITED PLACES
The tour involves a site visit to QBuild’s MMC facility (‘Rapid Accommodation and Apprenticeship Centre’) in Portsmith could help demonstrate to delegates, government investments in MMC and see first-hand how training facilities and recent projects are helping to build more homes for the community.
Meeting Point for Tour: Cairns Convention Centre, bus departs at 10am, returns by 11am
Pricing: $33 per person
Limited to 12 people
Tour 5: AVIATION PRECINCT
For our Aviation enthusiasts, this tour offers an insight into the Aviation Precinct at Cairns Airport.
You will experience two memorable experiences on this tour.
The team from the Precinct will take you through the former control tower and its workings.
In addition to the Control Tower, you will also have the chance to experience the flight simulator located in the precinct.
Participants are required to wear closed in shoes.
Please note that there are stairs involved and that you must also be comfortable with enclosed spaces to participate in this tour.
Meeting Point for Tour: Cairns Convention Centre, bus departs 8.30am, returns by 11am.
Pricing: $65 + GST per person
Limited to 8 people