tour guide cairns

Cairns City Tours

Cairns area, reef day cruises, island day cruises.

Welcome to Cairns Discovery Tours

Cairns Dinner Cruise

Kuranda Day Tours

Stunning Palm Cove beach

Cairns Botanic Garden

Cairns Tours & Day Trips

Welcome to cairns discovery tours - locally owned and operating since 1995., book now pay later , our most popular tours.

Reef • Island • Moore & Fitzroy Island

Adult $285.00| Child $165|Family $735 Helmet Dive Special to 30th June 2024 - only $87 Normally $149.00  Departs Cairns 8.00am - 4.30pm Sat, Tue & Thur Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure combining 2 hours at Moore Reef Pontoon + 3 hour Fitzroy Island stop over in a day! Moore Reef Pontoon includes coral viewing with semi-submersible, glass bottom boat, underwater observatory, snorkelling & lots more. Then a leisurely time at Fitzroy Island to relax & unwind including lunch.

Join us for a unique outer reef tour where the Sunlover catamaran docks alongside a floating pontoon stationed in a natural lagoon fringed with beautiful coral. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, family traveller, experienced diver or on your first trip to the Great Barrier Reef, our expert team will deliver a unique reef tour experience for you. Experience the ultimate adventure combining 2 hours at Moore Reef pontoon on the Outer Barrier Reef + Fitzroy Island stop over in a day! Moore reef has all of our standard inclusions with time at Fitzroy Island to relax & unwind including lunch.

Dreamtime Snorkel from Cairns

Adult from $219|Child $139|Family $577 Departs daily 9.00am - 5.00pm Step back into the Great Barrier Reef’s Dreamtime with Indigenous Sea Rangers   as they recount the Dreamtime stories of the local people and help you gain a deeper cultural understanding of the diverse ecosystems that make up the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy up to 5 hours of fun with unlimited snorkelling with 2 Reef locations   in air-conditioned lounges and a licensed bar.

We acknowledge the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji , Mandingalbay Yidinji, Yirrganydji & Gunggandji people, Traditional Owners of the Sea Country on which you will travel

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Enjoy one of Cairns’ most unique & exclusive Great Barrier Reef tours. Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel invites you to step back into the Great Barrier Reef’s Dreamtime with Indigenous sea rangers on a day tour of two spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Reef sites visited may include Milln, Flynn, Hastings, Saxon, Norman or Thetford Reef. You will also experience our authentic Dreamtime experience with our Cultural Guides, sharing their stories of the history of the Great Barrier Reef. Indigenous sea rangers will recount the Dreamtime stories of the traditional people of this Sea Country and help you gain a deeper cultural understanding of the diverse ecosystems that make up the Great Barrier Reef.

Waterfalls and Rainforest Tour

Adult $149|Child 2-11yrs $129|Family 2A+2C $427 Departs daily 7.30am - 5.30pm On the Waterfalls and Wanderer tour you will travel south as you discover nature and the beauty of north Queensland’s most iconic waterfalls. This is a MUST-SEE for anyone wanting to experience pristine rainforest, cascading waterfalls, stunning panoramas of Queensland’s highest peaks and maybe a glimpse of rare and unique native wildlife. This fun tour is ideal for the young and the young at heart, looking to see the best of the Atherton Tablelands and waterfalls.

Walk amongst boulders, slide into cool pools, soak in the spray of waterfalls and dive into crater lakes, and that’s just the ‘wet’ stuff! On this full day tour you'll also visit and learn about culturally important places, visit the biggest tree you’ll ever see (the Curtain Fig Tree which is believed to be 500 years old!), and have the chance to spy a diverse array of rainforest creatures - if you're lucky you'll even spot an elusive platypus!

Travel south and discover the majesty and beauty of north Queensland’s most iconic waterfalls, a MUST-see for anyone wanting to experience pristine rainforest, cascading waterfalls, stunning panoramas of Queensland’s highest peaks and maybe a glimpse of rare and unique native wildlife. This fun tour is ideal for the young and the young at heart, looking to see the best of the Atherton Tablelands.

Waterfall Wanderers will provide morning and afternoon tea, lunch, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits and fruit throughout the day, as well as heaps of games and puzzles to keep you entertained as we explore the Atherton Tablelands by luxury air-conditioned coach.

Pack your swimmers . Australia’s most famous rainforest waterfalls await. Our Cairns waterfalls and rainforest tour is an epic road trip, which will have you in and out of the water all day. It takes you from Cairns, up, over and through the beautiful rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands.

Babinda Boulders  – Stunning scenery and refreshing swimming. Culturally significant to the Yidinji Traditional Owners, learn the tragic love story that still ‘haunts’ this beautiful place.

Josephine Falls  – Ready to slide and take a wild ride down the rocks, into a cool rainforest pool? This is it, and it doesn’t get any better, bring the Go Pros.

Millaa Millaa Waterfall – World famous hair flick waterfall which tumbles 18m down into a natural amphitheatre. Strike a pose, swim and explore.

Volcanic Crater Lake  – Dive right into Lake Eacham, a 65m former volcanic crater, now filled with crystal clear rainwater.

Cairns River Cruise & City Sights Tour

FROM $189 Departs daily 9.30am to 6pm On this Cairns Tour you will experience a calm water cruise along Trinity Inlet, which is an oceanic inlet and serves as the port for the city of Cairns. It meanders through pristine creeks and takes in some of the quirky sites of the backwaters of Cairns too. Includes lunch on the waterfront at the award-winning Dundees restaurant before joining your afternoon Cairns City Sights Tour

Make your way to the Cairns Marina, 1 Spence St Cairns and board the Cairns River Cruise at Berth A1 9.30 am - (Return Hotel transfer included)

Cairns River Cruise 9.45 am - 11.00 am

• 1 1/4 hr guided calm-water cruise explores the stunning sights of the Trinity Inlet and waterfront of Cairns. The extensive and stunning Inlet is mountain-mangrove-lined and is a sanctuary for many types of wildlife. The tour meanders through pristine creeks (the home of saltwater crocodiles) and takes in some of the quirky sites of the backwaters of Cairns. The Cairns River Cruises vessel is spacious and carries a maximum of 18 guests - so the tour is bespoke and personal, and everyone has access to the fantastic views of Cairns.

Free time for a stroll along the Marina or Cairns Pier Shopping Centre before enjoying a delicious lunch

• Lunch at Dundee's on the Waterfront at 12 noon Relax and take in the waterfront views at Dundee's Restaurant before joining Cairns Discovery Tours City Sights afternoon Tour.

Cairns City Sights & Highlights 1.00 pm - 6.00 pm

You will be collected at 1.00 pm from the Cairns Marina as you discover our vibrant city's history. Learn about the rich cultural heritage unique to Cairns and the Far North.

• St. Monica’s Cathedral  - Step inside one of Australia's most breathtaking cathedrals, featuring the World's largest themed stained glass windows.
• Cairns Museum  - visit the Cairns Museum. join our exclusive tour of the School of Arts building in the city's heart to see yesteryear's highlights.
• Afternoon Tea  A true local delight of warm, fresh-from-the-oven scones with strawberry jam and cream and your choice of Tea, Coffee
• Cairns Botanic Gardens  - Enjoy a professional guided walk through the lush Flecker Botanic Gardens, renowned for having one of the best exhibitions in Australia's tropical plants. Meander through the butterfly-lined pathways under the green canopy as your guide explains the various plants and wildlife you see along the way.
• Cairns Lookout  - Take in the panoramic views of the city and the Coral Sea
• Lower Barron Falls  - Enjoy a walk at the lower section of the Barron Gorge National Park, Surprise Creek Falls.
• Palm Cove Take a stroll along the jetty or on the sand on this picture-perfect beach, fringed with coconut trees. Nestled behind the beach is the quiet seaside suburb of Palm Cove, with its’ magnificent paperbark trees.
• Your day of discovery ends, returning to your chosen Cairns CBD accommodation at approx. 6.00 pm. Northern Beaches 5.30 pm

Please note - Wheelie Walkers and mobility scooters are not permitted as our vehicle is not equipped with a luggage area

Green Island & Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns

Special save up to $30 per person Normally Adult $318|Child $132|Family $816

Adult $288.00| Child $156|Family $740

Departs daily 8.30am - 5.20pm Enjoy the best of both worlds with this complete Great Barrier Reef and Island tour. Enjoy 2 hours on Green Island and  3 hours on the Outer Barrier Reef.  Fast 45-minute catamaran ride to beautiful Green Island and enjoy 2 hours on this iconic  coral cay, and then continue your day adventure and discovery with a further 45 minute ride  to Great Adventures spacious activity platform moored on the majestic Outer Great Barrier Reef.

The complete reef and island experience awaits with this exciting tour. Take a fast 45-minute catamaran ride to beautiful Green Island and enjoy two hours on this unique reef and rainforest coral cay. Then, you’ll depart Green Island to continue your day of adventure and discovery with 3 hours on board Great Adventures' spacious activity platform moored on the majestic Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Green Island It is a beautiful 6000-year-old coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – a premier world heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Grab your snorkel gear and head to the Lifeguard patrolled beach to explore the marine world off the beach, take a stroll thru the unique tropical rainforest, laze on the white coral sand beach or take part in some of the optional activities that Green Island has to offer

Outer Barrier Reef The stable reef activity platform is the perfect base for swimmers and non-swimmers to explore. Snorkel and/or dive, visit the underwater observatory, cruise in a semi-sub to view the surrounding coral or relax on the sundeck with a delicious buffet lunch. The vibrant marine life of the reef awaits you.

2 Day Reef and Daintree Rainforest

Adult  $425| Child 4-16 yrs $295| Family $1280 Departs daily Experience the very best of Cairns Reef and Daintree Rainforest Tours. This 2 day reef and rainforest package offers great value to visit our two amazing World Heritage National Parks - The Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest during your stay in Cairns. Tours do not need to be taken consecutively .  

Day 1 -Great Barrier Reef Tour Departs Daily Check-in from 7.15am - 7.45am at The Reef Fleet Terminal Departs 8am | Returns 4.30pm

Great Barrier Reef Tour onboard 'Evolution'

Join the luxurious and spacious yacht, Evolution, to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for your snorkelling experience. The 35-metre vesse, Evolution departs Cairns with a record 5 hours spent exploring two spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day!

In the afternoon, you have the option to add additional reef activities. Join us on the Semi-Submersible Tour, learning about the reef with our marine biologist, or add a scuba dive or a scenic helicopter flight over the reef. Finally, you'll cruise back to Cairns while enjoying a free glass of wine and a snack while you reflect on your day on the Great Barrier Reef.​

Day 2- Daintree Rainforest Tour Departs Daily Includes pick up & drop off from your Cairns, Northern Beaches or Port Douglas accommodation.

Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Tour with Billy Tea Safaris

Embark on a full-day adventure to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef! Sit back and relax in comfort in a custom-built 4WD air-conditioned vehicle while listening to informative and entertaining commentary by your local naturalist guide. Group size is limited for a more personalised experience. As one of the only tour operators to travel on the Bloomfield Track beyond Cape Tribulation, your experience will be like no other. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, learn about the flora, fauna and history of the Daintree on a guided boardwalk tour, take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rainforest on the rugged Bloomfield Track, enjoy lunch at a local Daintree Rainforest cafe, visit Cape Tribulation Beach and enjoy a homemade Daintree ice-cream on your journey home.

Daintree Rainforest • Cape Tribulation • 4WD Bloomfield Track Rainforest Day Tour

Adult $229|Child 4-16yrs $179 Family 2A+2C $780

Departs Daily **Please note revised itinerary until further notice due to weather event in December 2023 as some areas are not accessible or are closed Explore the Daintree Rainforest on a full-day tour with a local guide. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle, venture along the Bloomfield Track to Emmagen Creek for a freshwater swim. Take a Daintree River cruise to spot crocodiles, learn about the region on a guided boardwalk tour, and visit Cape Tribulation Beach. Wrap up the day with a homemade Daintree ice cream on your journey back.

Group size is kept to under 17 passengers so you have a more personalised experience. As the oldest Rainforest in the World, this is definitely something to tick off your bucket list.

Scenic Coastal Drive Your day starts by being picked up by your local eco-accredited tour guide. As you meet and greet your fellow travellers, sit back and relax as we start to make our way to the Daintree Rainforest. This coastal scenic road is one of the best drives in the world, so have your camera ready!

Daintree River Cruise After a light morning tea refreshment, it's time to board your Daintree River cruise. This peaceful and relaxing 1 hour Daintree River Cruise is precisely what the doctor ordered, sprinkled with a little adventure spotting crocodiles, other native Australian wildlife and mangroves.

Alexandra Lookout Alexandra Lookout provides a fantastic photo opportunity. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Daintree Rainforest to the ocean.

Guided Rainforest Walk Mossman Gorge  Your local guide will then take you along an elevated boardwalk into the Southern end of the Daintree National Park, providing detail on the flora, fauna and cultural history and significance of the Daintree Rainforest.  Opportunity for a freshwater swim at Mossman Gorge, subject to conditions on the day.

4WD Bloomfield Track- CLOSED Billy Tea Safaris is one of the only operators who can travel on the Bloomfield Track due on their custom-made 4WD vehicles.

Emmagen Creek Freshwater Swim- NOT ACCESSIBLE Cool off with a freshwater swim at Emmagen Creek. This also makes for a fabulous photo opportunity and is relaxing and refreshing! Swimming in the middle of the Daintree Rainforest?! What more could you ask for?

Lunch at a local cafe Enjoy lunch with your fellow travellers, and then it's off to Cape Tribulation Beach. The only place where the rainforest meets the reef. All dietary requirements must be notified at the time of reservation or at least 48 hours before travel. We cater for vegetarians and most other requirements within reason and providing they are of a medical nature.

Ice-cream stop No Daintree Rainforest day tour is complete without a stop for exotic homemade ice cream at the Daintree Ice-creamery. You will be amazed at the array of flavours made from the orchids on their property. After your sweet ice cream treat and a little exploration of this lush property, it's time to head home.

Kuranda Scenic Train and Skyrail Day Tour with return hotel transfers

Adult $181|Child $95|Family $457 Departs daily 7.30am - 5.30pm Experience a day of adventure from your Cairns hotel with Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway. Glide above the rainforest in comfortable six-person gondolas and explore Kuranda in your own time. Enjoy the 1.5 hour journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a historic railroad that travels through the breathtaking World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Travel to the rainforest village of Kuranda in style with our Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway package! Fly over the rainforest canopy on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Explore the rainforest at Red Peak and Barron Falls stations and join a guided ranger tour. Experience the brand new “Edge” lookout, which offers uninterrupted views of the mighty Barron Falls through glass panels. Enjoy your spare time in Kuranda Village. Browse for jewellery gifts and more at the Original and Rainforest Markets or taste a range of culinary treats at Kuranda’s many quirky cafes. Visit the world’s largest butterfly flight aviary at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or enjoy a relaxing walk along the Barron River. Experience the world’s most beautiful railway journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and journey past stunning rainforest waterfalls and past steep gorges. Stop at Barron Falls station and see the stunning Barron Falls.  Kuranda original and heritage markets open Wednesday through to Sunday

Optional Kuranda River Cruise & Lunch (Not available Monday and Tuesday)

Enjoy a tranquil 45-minute Wet Tropics calm water cruise on the Barron River in Kuranda aboard the MV Kuranda. The commentary highlights various aspects of the World’s most ancient tropical rainforest in Australia, river life and the history of Kuranda. The river is home to a host of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, turtles, snakes, fish and birds. Occasionally a wild cassowary may be spotted on the edge of the rainforest by the riverbank. Following your cruise make your way to Cafe Mandala for lunch where there will be a reserved table for you. Choose anything from Café Mandala’s menu to the value of $20 and pay the Cafe owner separately for anything ordered over the amount.

Half Day Green Island with Great Adventures

Adult $116 |Child $62|Family $292 Depart daily 8.30am or 10.30am Returns 3.20pm Have a leisurely start to your day with a 10.30am departure from Cairns to Green Island, or if you are an early bird you can choose the 8.30am departure. Enjoy up yo 6 hours on Green Island to explore, relax, snorkel and swim. Paradise awaits.

Snorkelling Snorkel and swim in the clear, cool island waters straight from the beach. Encounter a wide variety of colourful fish, turtles and other marine creatures whilst exploring the beautiful coral reef gardens surrounding Green Island. Mask, snorkels and fins in all sizes are available. Lycra suits available for hire

Glass Bottom Boat Float across the reef, looking through large viewing windows while enjoying an informative commentary from your guide. This 30-minute tour allows you to view the spectacular coral reef, where abundant fish is guaranteed during a lively fish feed.

Lunch at Emerald Restaurant  is available to be pre-booked between 11.00am-2.00pm. Choose one of the following delicious menu options plus a Australian beer, wine or soft drink. Truffle pasta, Pesto barramundi, Grilled chicken breast with avocado salsa, Green Island beef burger or vegetarian burger. Adult $42.00 Child $20.00  Valid to 31.3.24

Optional Activity One of Green Island’s most unique attractions is indeed, Marineland Melanesia. Not only is it home to the largest captive crocodile in Australia, Cassius, it is also home to one of the largest private collections of exotic Melanesian tribal artifacts and aquariums. With twice daily crocodile shows and the chance to hold a baby croc, it’s definitely a family favourite, especially with the children.

From $25.00 per adult $12.50 per child

Established by two partners in the early 1960s, Marineland Melanesia has been proudly owned and operated by the Craig family since 1971. From working in Papua New Guinea, family patriarch George Craig (perhaps one of the original ‘crocodile hunters’) set about bringing to reality an island habitat for huge crocodiles and a magnificent range of carvings and ancient primitive tribal art from the region known as Melanesia.

Locally Owned & Operated Cairns Tours Since 1995

Established over 28 years ago, Cairns Discovery Tours is proud of its roots in the vibrant and tropical region of Cairns. We've been bringing unforgettable experiences to locals and visitors alike since 1995, delivering unique tour services that highlight the richness and natural splendour of the region. As a locally owned and operated business, we possess a deep connection to our surroundings and a passion for showcasing our beloved region's beauty to the world.

Over the years, we've nurtured strong relationships with local businesses and cultural institutions, which allow us to provide an authentically local tour experience rich in insights you won't find in your typical guidebook. With us, you're not just a traveller but fellow explorers ready to share the beauty of our unique tropical paradise.

We Tour Fascinating Sites, Great Views & Landmarks around Cairns

Embarking on a journey with Cairns Discovery Tours is a ticket to a mesmerising world of awe-inspiring landmarks, breath-taking views and unique wildlife encounters.

• Local Landmarks : We explore the heritage-rich areas with notable architectural wonders, revealing the hidden stories behind their existence.
• Panoramic Views : Our tours encompass some of the most scenic routes, offering panoramic views of stunning landscapes that will leave you inspired. Our tour routes are carefully designed to traverse unique habitats where you can experience the region's remarkable biodiversity.

Our tours go beyond sightseeing to provide a deeper understanding of our region's natural and historical heritage. That’s why each site is chosen not just for its inherent beauty but also for its cultural or ecological significance.

Informative, Knowledgeable Local Guides

At Cairns Discovery Tours, our team of professional local guides bring a wealth of knowledge and local insights to your tour, painting vivid pictures of the region's past and present, while introducing you to the nuanced ecological interactions that make our area such a biodiversity hotspot.

Our team aren’t just guides; they're storytellers, historians and nature enthusiasts, providing an enriching and educational adventure that you'll remember for a lifetime. Friendly and approachable, our guides encourage questions and create an engaging, interactive experience. Moreover, our team will prioritise your safety and comfort throughout the tour, ensuring you have the best possible experience.

Why Choose Cairns Discovery Tours

Choosing Cairns Discovery Tours means opting for an immersive, comprehensive and authentically local experience. We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our service. As a locally owned and operated business, we bring a uniquely local perspective to our tours, showcasing the real essence of our region. With over two decades in the industry, we have perfected our tours to provide an unforgettable experience. Our local guides are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and dedicated to delivering an engaging, informative tour. We value each of our customers, tailoring our tours to accommodate specific interests and needs.

Join us at Cairns Discovery Tours for an adventure of a lifetime, as we guide you through the incredible sights, rich heritage and spectacular natural beauty of beautiful Cairns. Book a tour today and get ready to discover the undiscovered!

Featured Tours

Cairns Discovery Tours Reviews

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Cairns Tours & Trips

Find the right adventure for you through Cairns. We've got 260 adventures going to Cairns, starting from just one day in length, and the longest tour is 147 days. The most popular month to go is October, which has the most tour departures. Don't forget to visit the Great Barrier Reef .

250+ Cairns tour packages with 554 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Snorkel to Adventure (3 Days)

This experience really exceeded my expectations. The staff are helpful and friendly, the whole experience of snorkeling and scuba diving is fantastic. Definitely an unforgettable memory.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Learn To Dive (5 Days)

Absolutely amazing, best instructors!

• In-depth Cultural

Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays

I liked all of the activities we did, it would have been nice to have some chill time.

Rainforest & Reef – 4 Day Boutique Comfort Tour

Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns

A truly unforgettable experience! Seeing some of the worlds most beautiful places in the company of amazing people. I thoroughly recommend anyone considering this to just do it.

Brisbane to Cairns Adventure (8 Days) (14 destinations)

Daintree Rainforest Discovery - 4 days

East Coast Highlights - 3 Week | ULTIMATE

Hannah is amazing! She puts in so much effort to make sure that you are having the best time on the tour. She has great knowledge and expertise about the East Coast. Hannah is a kind, caring and lovely person to help you settle into travelling. I would love Hannah to be my tour guide again :)

• €35 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Volunteering

Eye On The Reef - Marine Conservation Program on the Great Barrier Reef

This was an amazing trip. It's perfect if you are looking to get certified and if you are looking to support conservation efforts. I went as open water certified, looking to get my advanced open water so I had the first two days to hang out in Cairns while the open water people did their classroom training. The hostel we stayed at was really great, lots of people, decent cheap food for dinners. It's nice because you are traveling with the same people for all legs of the trip so you dont really have to worry about "strangers" in your room. Konrad was really great organizing everything and met with us prior to each leg. The live aboard was very well structured, knowledgeable staff and honestly really good food considering the limitations. The days afterward spent learning about marine conservation and doing your part helping with the efforts are definitely once in a lifetime. Russell is extremely knowledgeable and understanding in that you might not be on the marine biology path, but you want to help. I went on this trip as a single who wanted to go on a dive trip to check the box of diving the Great Barrier Reef but I definitely got a lot more out of it. The people that are involved in this trip from No Limit Adventures to Reef Teach to Eye on the Reef to the Turtle Hospital are all so passionate about their jobs and it made this trip truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree

East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE

I just finished my 5 week tour of the east coast and it was the best decision of my life! The experience was one that I will never forget because of the people who made it so memorable. Our group became so close, we felt like a family after the first week! We couldn't have been more blessed with our amazing tour guides. Jazz and Canel were the best. They were like my moms and best friends all in one. Canel always made me feel so safe and comfortable and that's something that I am so so so grateful for. She really does light up every room she enters and she holds a special place in my heart. Jazz is hilarious and never fails to make me smile. She was always there with open arms whenever I needed it and I am so thankful to have met her. I can't put into words how amazing they are. I'm trying not to cry as i'm writing this review! If you have any doubts about doing a trip like this, I felt the same way but the only advice I can give you is to DO IT!!!!

• Educational

【Cairns】All-Inclusive 7 Days Touring Package with Fitzroy Island

Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days

I had an amazing time with Intro Travel in Australia, the 28 days were packed but that ensures you see the most and do the most worthwhile activities around the east coast! All the activities included (as well as optional) were outstanding. Travelling for the first time can be scary, but everything was well taken care of especially due to our amazing tourguide Zack. He was always able to keep the group together, set a good mood, joker around helped out / fixed issues if needed and thus provided everyone with a sense of security. Honorable mention: 10/10 at card tricks and playing ****head, dad jokes and really bad puns

21 Day Emu East Coast Adventure Tour: Sydney > Cairns

Kayla is the sweetest and funniest girl! And such an amazing tour guide! Made the experience ten times better!

• Coach / Bus

Contrasts of Australia (9 Days)

Nellie was an amazing tour guide and I had the best time ever! Great trip! The only thing I would Recommend is booking restaurants with more of a vegetarian variety but everything was great! My favourite part was swimming the Great Barrier Reef I was nervous but Nellie took me out and showed me and stayed with me until I was comfortable! Thank you for such a great experience!

What people love about Cairns Tours

This tour was excellent. The skipper and crew worked seamlessly through some rough weather to ensure we had the best opportunity to view the reef with comfortable, clean, and safe accomodations onboard. Exceeded all of my expectations, particularly the chance to discover dive with Christine and the delicious food prepared by Zoe and Joost, who also kept us entertained with his fantastic music selection between dives. Good vibes from everyone working with us really made the trip special!

The trip was great. However, I didn’t like the hostel in Airlie Beach. It was the worst one in this trip. Overall was great

Tours starting from Cairns

• for 2 Weeks (10)
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• for 3 Weeks (5)
• to Australia/Oceania (32)
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• Australia Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
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International Versions

• Deutsch: Cairns Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits et voyages au Cairns
• Español: Circuitos y viajes por Cairns
• Nederlands: Cairns Rondreizen

THE 10 BEST Cairns Tours & Excursions

Tours in cairns.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

2. Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip

3. Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise from Cairns

4. Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

5. Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

6. Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

7. Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from Cairns

8. Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest Day Tour

9. Wunyami Cultural Tour on Green Island's Eco Adventure

10. Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns

11. Ocean Free Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise

12. Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour

13. Great Barrier Reef with Cultural Guides-Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel

14. Full Day Reef Cruise and 10 Minute Helicopter Scenic Flight

15. Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Bloomfield Track Tour

16. Green Island Half-Day Trip from Cairns

17. Atherton Tablelands, Waterfalls and Rainforest Tour from Cairns

18. Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

19. Tully River Full-Day White Water Rafting

20. Tusa Reef Tours All Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns

21. Green Island Day Trip from Cairns

22. Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience

23. Fitzroy Island Day Tour from Cairns

24. Reef Rainforest Fusion - 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight

25. Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

26. Gold Class VIP Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns by Luxury Superyacht

27. Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest 45-minute Helicopter Tour

28. Atherton Tablelands Rain Forest by Night from Cairns

29. 40-Minute Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight from Cairns

30. Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

What travellers are saying.

• Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
• Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip
• Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran
• Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise from Cairns
• Atherton Tablelands, Waterfalls & Rainforest Day Tour from Cairns
• Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Uncle Brian's Tours
• FNQ Nature Tours
• Aussie Macro Photos
• Marine Discoveries
• Kuranda Rainforest Journeys ATV Tours
• Rainforest Spirit Tours
• Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
• Brett's Outback Tasting Adventures
• Mike Ball Dive Expeditions
• Barefoot Tours

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There are literally hundreds of Cairns Tours available. At VisitCairns we only list tours that we would be happy to do ourselves or recommend to friends and family. Use the Menu on the left to browse what we have available. We've also listed some general information and suggested some of our favourite Cairns Tours below to make your life a little bit easier. 

Great Barrier Reef Day Tours.

On top of just about every Cairns visitors wish list is a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. There's a perfect reef trip for just aboput everyone. We've got  Island Day Trips - perfectly suited to families or non swimmers. Barrier Reef Pontoons, structures permanently moored at the reef, whic make great all round options for mixed groups. We've got  snorkelling trips if you want to spend the whole day in the water. We also pride ourselves on our knowledge of Cairns Scuba Diving . Here's a few selections or use the menu on the left to browse all our options.

or click here to see our full range of Great Barrier Reef Day Tour  Options

Adventure/Adrenalin Tours.

Cairns is fast becoming known as the "Adventure Capital of Australia", and it's not hard to see why. With 3 world class  whitewater rafting rivers closeby, spectacular  skydiving and Australia's original  Bungee among others. Here's a few of our most popular adventure options or use the menu at the left to browse our whole selection.

or click here to see our full range of Cairns Adventure Tour  Options

Kuranda Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Rail Tours.

No holiday to Cairns would be complete without a visit to Kuranda. Kuranda is a quaint little village nestled in the rainforest famous for its Arts & Craft Markets. By far the most popular way to experience Kuranda is with either the Skyrail Cablecar or Kuranda Scenic Rail , although most visitors choose to dom a  package including both. In the "wet" or "green" season the spectacular Barron Falls are a sight not to be missed. Both the Skyrail & Scenic Rail will give you a great view of the falls. Use the menu on the left to browse our Kuranda options or maybe look at our 3 recommended Kuranda options below.

or click here to see our full range of Kuranda Tour  Options

Cape Tribulation & The Daintree Tours.

The World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest is the worlds oldest rainforest. Situated North of Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest, and it's most famous section - Cape Tribulation, are well worth a visit. There are numerous  Cape Tribulation day tours and it is also v ery popular as an  overnight option . We've selected a couple of very popular and high quality Cape Tribulation tours below or you can browse the full selection in the menu to the left.  

or click here to see our full range of Cape Tribulation & The Daintree Tour  Options

Scuba Diving Day Trips.

Cairns is simply the best place in Australia to scuba dive! As the closest point to the Great Barrier Reef from the Australian Mainland, as well as it's proximity to the isolated northern sections of the reef, all make it a scuba divers paradise. Whilst scuba diving is offered on just about every Great Barrier Reef Cruise, some trips are better suited to the scuba divers. You wouldn't be dissappointed with any of our 3 suggested cruises below or use the menu at the left to browse our whole  scuba diving section. There's  Learn to Dive courses,  overnight reef cruises as well as " expedition scuba trips " for the more serious divers. 

or click here to see our full range of Scuba Diving Day Trip  Options

Overnight/Liveaboard Scuba Diving Trips.

Cairns has some great options for overnight or liveaboard scuba diving. With great destinations such as the Cod Hole, Osprey Reef and the Northern Ribbon Reefs there's a trip to suit everyone. Don't worry if your partner or travelling companions don't dive - most of these cruises have snorkelling options as well. For the keener or more experienced scuba divers    we've also got our " Expedition scuba diving " section, these cruises will certainly give you some unforgettable diving experiences.

or click here to see our full range of Overnight Scuba Diving  Options

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Cairns, Queensland

Guide to Cairns

Aboriginal name:  Gimuy (pronounced Gee-moy)

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• Getting to Cairns
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The gateway to Queensland's tropical north, Cairns is a laid-back city best enjoyed outdoors.

The region of Cairns is home to the iconic Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, but the city of Cairns itself is also a must-visit. You'll find brilliant cafés, bustling markets and plenty of beaches nearby. Relax by a resort pool or spend your days exploring this tropical oasis.

The Gimuy-walubarra yidi are the Traditional Owners of Cairns and the surrounding district.

Today, Dreamtime stories are still woven through both land and sea experiences throughout Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef . 

• Traditional name: Gimuy (pronounced Gee-moy)
• Indigenous Peoples: Gimuy-walubarra yidi 
• Traditional languages: Yidiny language 

Cairns Airport (CNS) is the main gateway to Tropical North Queensland making this the perfect starting point for your tropical holiday. 

• Cairns Airport (CNS) is 5.5km (3.5mi) from the city and services international and domestic arrivals
• Car hire, taxis, rideshares and transfer services are available to book prior to your arrival, or on the day

The city centre is fairly flat, so getting around is easy, even on foot. However, Cairns offers a wide range of transport options, including a network of buses and taxi services. Unless you are joining an organised tour, car hire is recommended for reaching nearby attractions such as the Daintree Rainforest.

Cairns' weather  is one of the best things about this stunning tropical destination, and there are benefits to visiting any time of the year. Different to Australia’s southern regions, Queensland's north has only two seasons: a summer season and a dry season. While the dry season boasts great weather and even migrating whales, you should expect larger crowds. The summer season is characterised by tropical weather, including summer showers.

• High season: Dry season (May to October)
• Low season: Summer season (November to April)
• Don’t miss:  Taking a dip with dwarf minke whales  (June and July)

Cairns is the perfect hub for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, and you’ll find accessible options for accommodation  and attractions . 

• Arrival: Special assistance is offered at Cairns International Airport for those with visible or hidden disabilities . 
• Getting around: You can organise for a qualified carer to accompany you as a tour companion with Out There Travel Care , and wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire is available with Wheelies Van Rental .
• Accessible experience highlights: Sail atop the Great Barrier Reef on a Reef Magic catamaran and explore the Daintree Rainforest on wheelchair-friendly trails through Mossman Gorge .
• Helpful resources: Find itineraries and inspiration for your trip with this accessible travel guide .

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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16 BEST Cairns Day Trips Not to Be Missed [2024 Guide]

• Last Updated: February 6, 2024

Thinking about Cairns day trips to add even more adventure to your visit? In this post, we’ll cover 16 great ideas for memorable day trips from Cairns!

Cairns, in Tropical North Queensland, is known for the amazing tropical gateways, lush landscapes, towering waterfalls and of course for being the launching pad for adventures to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The town is a brilliant place to base your self to explore the this area, and while there are so many incredible things to do in Cairns , most of the top attractions are actually outside of the city.

There are tonnes of day tours from Cairns that offer visitors the chance to learn more about places like the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or about our Australian Aboriginal people and their land.

From beautiful beaches to fast flowing waterfalls and numerous World Heritage Sites, the area up here in Far North Queensland is easily one of the most unique destinations in all of Australia

And with so many Cairns tours you can choose from, where do you even start?

Right here, in this expert article…

Table of Contents

1) Palm Cove

2) the great barrier reef, 3) cape tribulation, 4) daintree river, 5) atherton tablelands, 6) mossman gorge, 7) port douglas, 8) fitzroy island, 9) chillagoe caves, 10) kuranda, 11) kuranda scenic railway, 12) barron gorge national park , 13) babinda boulders, 14) josephine falls, 15) mission beach, 16) green island national park, the best day trips from cairns, queensland.

Get out of the city with these best Cairns day trips filled with nature, adventure and tonnes of fun.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

• Distance from Cairns – 78km one way (1 hour and 15 mins)

Palm Cove is a beautiful little coastal town found just half an hour north from Cairns.

It’s so quaint, you might have trouble believing it’s real! This beautiful tranquil village is the perfect environment for anyone looking for a relaxing beach getaway while still having lots of exploring that can be done in the area.

The area is packed with lush rainforest trails where you might find wallabies hopping about as well as some stunning waterfalls just waiting to be discovered.

The waterfront stretches for miles with swaying palms to match the shoreline. Or wonder the streets and pick up some great souvenirs or gifts from local artists.

Palm Cove is perfect for spending a relaxing morning on the beach. While later spending the afternoon exploring nature trails by foot through old-growth forests of towering palms draped in lush vines.

You may want to be careful heading into the sea though. While they look invitingly blue from afar, Queensland coasts can hold some dangerous surprises too.

However, there is an area that is netted and patrolled by lifeguards where you can safely swim.

Other destinations than can be added on this day trip :

• Port Douglas
• Mossman Gorge
• Daintree River

• Distance from Cairns – 1.5 – 2 hours to get out there by boat one way.

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is easily one of the most popular day trips you can do from Cairns. And the best way to get out there (unless you own your own boat) is to jump on a guided tour .

The reef covers a vast expanse from eastern Australia and all the way up to New Guinea.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest wonders and mysteries in our world that stretches for over 2,900 kilometres and holds an area that’s nearly 344,400 square kilometres!

As the world’s largest coral reef, it is home to over 400 different types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,00 types of molluscs.

If you are lucky, you may spot a large green turtle or a dugong, also known as the sea cow, which are both threatened with extinction. There are so many reasons this reef needs to be protected.

The Great Barrier Reef was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status back in 1981 for its outstanding natural beauty and scientific interest. But now, the reef is under threat and in need of protection.

There are many boat companies offering snorkelling, scuba diving tours out on this huge underwater marine world. But note that when you do book a tour out to the reef, make sure the tour company is responsible and cares for the reef.

You can venture southwards towards Queensland or head northward along the coast depending upon your location within Cairns city limits!

If you’re going to Cairns, don’t leave without exploring the Great Barrier Reef. The day tours are a full day from either Cairns, Port Douglas or Cape Tribulation beach.

BONUS –  Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code  “NOMADS10”  on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!

• Distance from Cairns – 111km one way (1 hour and 45 mins)

Cape Tribulation is a tropical paradise known for its lovely white sand beaches, lush rainforest and amazing wildlife!

Stepping straight onto the beach from the rainforest is a very special experience up here.

This amazing stretch of the Daintree National Park has so much to offer. You can explore the rainforest on multiple hikes then climb aboard a fast boat and explore the Great Barrier Reef all in one day!

You will get space on the beach to yourself, where you can explore the driftwood and shells that wash up to form natural sculptures.

Unfortunately, looking at the ocean is the only thing you can do here. These waters are not for swimming as there are crocodiles.

Please keep back from the water at least 5 metres as this is a croc’s striking distance and they are fast. But getting the chance to spot crocs in the wild is an experience of its own!

Experienced hikers can spend the day admiring spectacular views from Mount Sorrow , while those less experienced will enjoy shorter walks taking in these natural wonders.

Australia’s richest diversity of flora and fauna is found here. If you are on a day tour, your guide will explain the intricacies behind this ancient environment full of diverse wildlife like peppermint stick insects or Boyd’s forest dragons.

Guided tours on private properties allow you to see animals that may otherwise be difficult or impossible to find, as well as plants normally out of reach for most people.

If you are lucky you may spot a Cassowary out in its own habitat. We were lucky enough to spot 2 on our trip there. One was in a carpark and one ran out in front of us on the road. Definitely take care driving and slow down!

Not only can you visit this amazing Rainforest and look up at the canopy but also you can participate in unique tastings in the area.

From exotic fruits, to Jackfruit burgers and durian ice cream and more.

You can try things up here you never thought existed. Do not be shy now!

The Daintree River is a long, meandering waterway that starts in the hinterland, winding up through the Daintree Rainforest and then heading out into the ocean.

This area is the world’s oldest rainforest, which is protected by a World Heritage Site status, and it provides essential habitat for local wildlife.

The river offers a refuge for various wildlife as well as boat tours searching for crocodiles in one of Australia’s most beautiful natural landscapes.

If you want to see some wildlife, this is your best place. Visit one of many boat tours in search of crocodiles and pythons.

The Daintree River is an Australian national treasure with a rich cultural history that is not to be missed as one of the amazing day trips from Cairns.

We did a tour down the Daintree River with a company called Solar Whisper , which are the most eco-centred company in the area. Their boats are operated by solar and they do not make wakes.

This means their boats do not contribute to the river banks’ corrosion. They are also very quiet so the animals are not scared of them.

We got up so close to the birds, crocodiles and snakes we saw as they were not phased at our presence. The owners have so much knowledge about the area and this was easily one of the best tours we did up in the Daintree National Park.

Other destinations than can be added on this day trip –

• Cape Tribulation (this will be a big day though)

• Distance from Cairns – 93km one way (1 hour and 30 mins)

The Atherton Tablelands is a large green plateau with lots of places to explore. Found at a much higher altitude than Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands are worlds apart from their coastal counterpart.

Only an hour and a half inland, you can easily visit the Atherton Tableland from Cairns. You will not see everything on a day trip.

But you can get a taste of an escape from the usual tropical Queensland vacation on the beach. Take advantage of all that nature has to offer on some hiking trails or waterfalls near Cairns!

The cool and breezy climate of this region is well-suited to agriculture and farming. You’ll find plenty of cheese factories, local dairy farms or even bat hospitals if that’s your thing!

Stop off at a tea plantation or view the platypus in the rive or visit the number of beautiful waterfalls in the area like the famous Millaa Millaa Falls.

There is so much to do and see in the Atherton Tablelands and visiting is a great road trip from Cairns. You can do it in a big full day or break it up over two days and stay in one of the cute towns along the way.

Check out our guide here on the Atherton Tableland Waterfalls.

• Town of Kuranda
• Waterfall Circuit

Mossman Gorge is such an amazing place. At 56,000 hectares and a World Heritage Listed site, this place is an area best known for its spellbinding beauty.

It’s a place where crystal-clear waters tumble over ancient granite boulders into mossy green depths that lead up towards tree-clad mountains rising sharply from their banks.

Lush rainforests cloak the steep mountainsides from the riverbanks up to the rugged eastern slopes of the Main Coast Range. Here is where you can see amazing views while hiking through magnificent trails that will make your mouth drop in awe!

The Mossman Gorge Centre, a part of the Daintree National Park, is just 20 minutes north of Port Douglas. Yet it feels like a completely different world.

Catch the courtesy bus from the centre directly to your destination. Then take an easy 10-minute stroll along the elevated boardwalk that meanders through this stunning lower canopy before returning along Rex Creek.

Be amazed by vivid butterflies or catch sight of Boyd Forest Dragon clinging on tree trunks!

The Kuku Yalanji people are happy to share all about themselves here through a Dreamtime walk or one of their other tours.

If you’re looking to book a round-trip to Mossman Gorge from Cairns, make sure you check out this awesome tour here .

• Distance from Cairns – 67km one way (1 hour)

Port Douglas is a gorgeous town on Queensland’s east coast and is an easy drive of one hour north from Cairns.

You’ll find everything here for the adventurous and luxury-loving alike: wildlife encounters, wellness treatments in lush landscapes, or thrilling adventures into two World Heritage Sites right next door to each other (Daintree Rainforest National Park and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park).

This seaside oasis provides plenty of amazing restaurants to stop in for lunch, as well as great walking tracks that lead straight to Four Mile Beach.

Here you’ll find safety nets so you can enjoy the ocean without worrying about getting stung by jellyfish or other sea creatures.

READ MORE: Driving around? Check out our epic itinerary guide for a perfect Brisbane to Cairns road trip !

There’s also an incredible fringe reef just minutes away from Port Douglas. Tourists will love how quickly they’ll be able to explore this remote area near the Great Barrier Reef!

There are many day tours offered from Cairns to Port Douglas if you don’t have your own set of wheels.

• Distance from Cairns – 29km one way (45 min speed boat)

Fitzroy Island is a little piece of paradise that is found just a short boat ride away from Cairns.

The tourism industry thrives here due to its proximity to the coast, and many people come for day trips with their friends or family members.

The beach here is mind-blowing and you can snorkel or scuba dive in the coral reef. And if you want to learn more about turtle conservation there’s an excellent sanctuary at the resort on-site where they offer tours every day into marine life rehabilitation.

You’ll also find exotic flora, like Sheoak, Indian Beech and even native orchids on your bush walk.

Fitzroy also has two main walking trails that lead to beautiful lookouts. Sheoak Forest Trail and Monkey Mia Lookout Walk are just some of the options visitors have!

For some quick exploring, try The Secret Garden Walk for just about an hour of trekking through rainforest-filled paths before reaching lookout points overlooking the Coral Sea below you. 

For spectacular views, go up Fitz Roy Mountain at sunset by following Lighthouse Trail all the way to the summit.

Here it reveals spectacular views over Cairns from high above ocean waves crashing into the shore in front of the resort’s private white sand beach

• Distance from Cairns – 17km one way (22 mins)

The Chillagoe Caves in the Australian Outback is a bit of a journey from Cairns, but a trip that is so worth it!

The landscape here is stark and dry with scattered vegetation. But it’s usually calm outside of an occasional dust storm or whirlwind that blows through from time to time.

The Chillagoe Caves is very different from the reef-filled coastlines which have their own special beauty. These caves offer up something entirely new – a surprising underground system of karst rocks and caverns amid miles upon miles of nothingness.

The limestone has slowly dissolved over time to create caverns with ceilings decorated by calcite stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones that have been deposited there as water penetrates through the rock. It is absolutely beautiful!

The rocks here were originally laid down as calcareous mud in a shallow sea where Chillagoe is today. Subsequent tilting, folding and erosion exposed the limestone that towers over the surrounding plains. Scientists believe this happened about 400 million years ago!

Animal bone fossils, including those of the extinct giant kangaroo, have been found in the caves. And there are Aboriginal paintings in the National Park left behind by the hunters and gatherers who made the beautiful cave drawings.

The caves of Chillagoe are a popular location for many species of animals, including bats and swiftlets.

Get in your car and go on this road trip from Cairns. Or maybe spend the night in the town of Chillagoe.

• Kuranda Scenic Railway OR
• Town of Kuranda OR
• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Tijapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Kuranda is known for its cool and tropical climate as well as the World Heritage-listed rainforest surrounding it.

It is the traditional home of the Djabugay people, who call it Ngunbay or “place of the platypus”.

The village has many spectacular things to do, including walks along Barron River where you may see majestic fig trees.

It also includes walks around Kuranda itself, which boasts vibrant parrots in nearly every tree with an artist’s gallery that features Aboriginal art made by local members of Djabugay tribe.

You can also visit a butterfly conservatory filled with butterflies of all colours, great markets full of local foods, as well as plentiful opportunities for recreation like fishing, hiking and more!

Just outside Kuranda, near Barron Falls, can be found as one of Australia’s strongest waterfalls.

It has a number of tiers that cascade over tumbling rocks and through rainforests as it falls down from high cliffs into deep valleys below.

This is an incredible sight to behold and there are even panoramic view points for optimal viewing!

During dry season times when torrential rains dwindle away, this waterfall becomes just another trickle. But after heavy rainfall there is so much powerful water cover off the top, it is incredible and crazy at the same time.

READ MORE – Check out our article on Cairns Waterfalls.

• Distance from Cairns – 29km one way (30 mins)

I put this rail journey as a day trip in itself as you can travel out to Kuranda on the Original Kuranda Scenic Railway if you like. This journey comprises unsurpassed views of dense rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls within the World Heritage-listed Barron Gorge National Park.

The famous rail journey winds its way from Cairns to Kuranda with stops at Barron Falls Station for a bird’s eye view of falls before continuing through 15 hand-carved tunnels and 37 bridges.

The ride takes you into stunning Barron Gorge while passing by some amazing scenery in between. The Railway is a very relaxing and scenic journey worth doing as a day trip from Cairns.

Once you get to Kuranda you can get a bus transfer back to Cairns or stay the night in Kuranda and explore.

• Barron Falls

The Barron River is a tributary of the Pacific Ocean that carves out deep and beautiful gorges. It starts high in the mountains, inland from Cairns, before flowing all the way down to empty into its namesake waterfall at Barron Gorge.

You can visit Stoney Creek or stop off to view Barron Falls on foot. Or you can head to Glacier Rock where you can get equally stunning views.

You can see this breathtaking sight while driving by on one of the scenic drives or join whitewater rafting tours for an adventurous day trip!

Or you can check out the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway , which spans 7.5km and goes over and through some of the most remote areas in Queensland.

What a way to discover Australia’s world heritage listed rainforest in the Barron Gorge National Park.

• Distance from Cairns – 58km one way (1 hour)

The Babinda Boulders are huge boulders with dramatic gorges that you’ll want to explore and are definitely not want to miss.

There are areas where you can safely swim watch the river flow over smoothed granite rocks. And you’ll find a path following the gorge that you can explore stopping off at different view points.

Please do not go beyond the fence. People have died in the area after getting swept away.

You will find the Babinda Boulders near Josephine Falls so you can join the two on the same trip to make the most of your day trip from Cairns.

• Josephine Falls and Mission Beach OR
• Waterfall Circuit in the Atherton Tablelands.

• Distance from Cairns – 75km one way (1 hour and 15 mins)

The cascading waterfall, Josephine Falls, is found to the south of Cairns, hidden away in the Daintree Rainforest.

It’s a spectacular sight to behold, and shouldn’t be missed if planning an awesome Queensland road trip !

The falls are especially impressive during wet seasons when they become thundering torrents that can take your breath away with their natural beauty and power.

Josephine Creek starts as a gentle trickle high on the southeast side of the summit of Bartle Frere before it falls into Josephine Falls, which is fed by rains falling from Queensland’s highest peak.

The lower plunge pool offers a refreshing respite from the sticky jungle-like environment. But after heavy rain, it may get hit with flash floods so beware!

The waterfalls are located in Wooroonoram National Park and provide spectacular views along their 1.2 km return walk.

This is a relatively easy walk on gravel path and boardwalks that leads through humid trees and foliage to several viewing platforms that offer different angles from which you can be utterly amazed by this cascading waterfall’s multiple tiers.

It is a waterfall not to miss. This is a great day tour from Cairns with Babinda Boulders and Mission Beach added on to make the most of the day trip.

• Babinda Falls and Mission Beach

• Distance from Cairns – 139km one way (2 hours)

Mission Beach is a string of four beach villages linked by 14 kilometres of wide golden sands, situated midway between Townsville and Cairns.

This beautiful coastal area blends vibrant art and culture with unique tourism attractions to invite you to relax or unwind for the perfect holiday experience.

The four villages offer something for everyone. Whether it’s looking for romantic getaways, family holidays, wildlife sightings or backpackers, there are many adventure-seekers and campers who will find a perfect spot here too!

Mission Beach is a stunning place to go for a walk at sunset and watch the waves roll in. Grab some fish and chips from the restaurant at the caravan park and sit on the beach.

You might meet the local celebrity, the Cassowaries, that wander the area. There is one of these guys that wanders through the caravan park and is not fazed by people.

If you do see him, just please keep your distance as this is still a wild animal.

Note that aside from this, there is not a lot to do in the area. My advice would be to add this destination to a day trip with Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls to make a full day tour from Cairns.

• Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls

• Distance from Cairns – About 27km from Cairns (45 mins by boat)

Green Island is another one of the Cairns day trips you cannot miss.

This island about a 40-minute boat ride, making it a perfect day trip from Cairns, and is known for its white-sand beaches, amazing snorkelling and great food!

Green Island is a beautiful coral cay that’s found hidden away in the Great Barrier Reef, with an abundance of natural wonder on land or sea.

The island has been called “a tropical paradise” with fantastic snorkelling all around the coastline.

It’s easy to enjoy whether you’re an experienced swimmer or just want to keep your head above water!

The Aboriginal people, Guru-Gulu Gungandji, are the traditional owners of this island as they have lived here for thousands of years.

Captain James Cook visited the island and named it after his ship, HMS Green Endeavour as it looks green from afar on clear days.

There is so much to see and learn about the beautiful island. Whilst exploring its depths might best be done snorkelling around the shoreline (with both fish to see as well as sunken wrecks), there are also glass-bottom boat tours that explore the surrounding coral.

You can do a Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel which will take you exploring the Great Barrier Reef’s Dreamtime with Indigenous sea rangers on a day tour.

It’s a great way to learn about what’s under the water and how their people survived living on the water.

You can get close up views of some incredible marine life such as giant clams and turtles swimming about while smaller reef fish gracefully glide through schools of bright corals below them. This is truly a breathtaking sight for divers at any level.

The best way to get there is book onto an organised tour , which maximises your time there.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Cairns Wildlife Tours

    welcome to cairns wildlife tours,     join us and enjoy exploring the wilderness of far north queensland and beyond    , personalised nature tours just for you, cairns wildlife tours offer privately guided tours of the cairns, atherton tablelands, daintree and cape york regions. tours can be selected from our standard 3 or 6 day tour packages, or customised to suit your interests and budget. our expert guide, terry reis , brings years of professional guiding experience, having guided in australia, china, japan, malaysia, papua new guinea and brazil.   contact us to customise your tour package..

3-day Private Tour

6-day Private Tour

Custom Tour

Why choose cairns wildlife tours, at cairns wildlife tours, it is our goal to bring you the far north queensland wildlife experience of your dreams. to achieve this, we have dedicated our tour services to focus on you, our vip guest, and provide you with an intimate and well-designed guided journey of the place we are proud to call home..

Custom Itinerary

We will customise each and every itinerary to best meet your interests.

Whether this is targeting species, slowing down for photographic opportunities, or altering accommodation options to meet your budget, we will do what we can to bring you the tour that you want.

Private Tours

All of our tours are 100% private, with no uninvited guests added to your booking, regardless of your party size.

Small Groups

We take a maximum of 4 guests per tour, with multiple benefits.

Reduced noise, increasing the likelihood and quality of fauna spotting. Reduced impact to the protected areas that we visit. Increased flexibility to tailor the tour to your liking.

Check out what makes us special

Testimonials

  "we strongly recommend terry for his exceptional ability to identify and spot animals that are often hidden to the untrained eye. he is an engaging storyteller and passionate about preserving wildlife and their habitats. terry is truly a walking-talking 'ecological wikipedia'." yan & julian - durack  ,   "terry is an expert wildlife guide and his attention to detail is second to none. he has an incredible ability to not only locate animals, but to ensure you get the best view. he is able to accurately and succinctly guide your eyes and camera to even the most camouflaged of animals." madeleine - st. lucia  ,   " terry was a wonderful guide, showing us amazing wildlife around cairns and the atherton tablelands. he is very knowledgeable, extremely enthusiastic, and happy to answer questions about the area, animals, and plants. he tailored an itinerary around what we wanted to see and has an obvious passion for australia’s unique wildlife. we highly recommend him for anyone interested in seeing wildlife. "   maria and will - moorooka  , cairns wildife tours.

All images are the property of Terry Reis and are copyright under Australian law. Contact us for permission.

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Cairns travel blog — the fullest cairns guide & suggested 3 days itinerary in cairns for first-timers.

Referring to Australian tourism, travellers immediately think of big cities that have been famous for a long time such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth but perhaps few visitors know today the city of Cairns also has been becoming a new tourist paradise which attracting millions of visitors every year. Cairns is a harmonious city of combination of modern, bustling beauty with unspoiled nature. Cairns also impresses visitors with its breathtaking natural landscape from poetic golden sand beaches to mangrove forests, primeval forests and spectacular mountain ranges. In particular, a World Heritage Area recognized in 1981 – Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 new natural wonders of the world. If you’re planning a trip to Australia this summer, you definitely can’t miss Cairns. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Cairns for the first-time? Let’s check out our Cairns travel blog (Cairns blog) with the fullest Cairns travel guide (Cairns guide, Cairns tourist guide, Cairns visitor guide, Cairns Australia travel guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do and suggested Cairns itinerary 3 days to find out the answer!

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The city of Cairns is located in the north of Queensland State, Australia was established in 1876. It was named after the Governor of the state of Queensland at that time, William Wellington Cairns. Cairns about 1,700 km from Brisbane and 2,420 km from Sydney with an area of 1,687 km² and a population of nearly 280,000 people.

From Cairns, you can head straight to the tropical fertile highlands of Atherton Tablelands, riding along the Savannah Way – a route of highways and major roads in the northern Australia that linking Cairns with Broome in Western Australia or learn about the history and traditions of the indigenous inhabitants at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Even more wonderful, you can hiking to Australia’s northernmost point on the Cape York Peninsula.

Cairns guide: Overview of Cairns

Cairns is a small city in Far North, Queensland, Australia. The city of Cairns is very beautiful, modern, peaceful and there are so many things to do, to see, especially it has two World Heritage Areas are the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland.

Initially, it was established to serve miners at the Hodgkinson Mineral Area. However, today Cairns has become a famous tourist city that attracts a large number of tourists around the world by countless attractive and interesting destinations. Cairns is one of the top 10 destinations for international tourists. According to Wikipedia, this is the fourth most popular destination for international visitors after Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. However, there are less domestic tourists come here because it is too far away and isolated from major Australian cities.

Cairns travel blog: When to go?

Cairns climate has two characteristic of seasons: Wet and dry. The wet season starts from December and lasts until February or March. Winter is dry and cool from April or May and usually lasts until September. October and November are considered the peak season of scuba diving and snorkeling activities because the weather conditions during this time are most ideal.

The water temperature in the coral reef areas ranging from 22 degrees Celsius (in winter) to 29 deegrees Celsius (in summer), making it suitable for most times of the year to explore these areas. The weather in the tropical rainforest is similar but the rainforest is more attractive in the blooming season. July and August are the best times to watching Minke whales and humpback whales as they migrate along the coast. November marks the annual coral spawning season, making the scenery so breathtaking that you can only see on the Discovery Channel.

Cairns Australia travel guide: Getting there

Getting to Cairns from other Australian cities you can travel by bus, train or the most convenient way is by plane. Airfares from Brisbane to Cairns ranging from AU$ 115 – AU$ 250 with low-cost carriers like Jetstar or Tiger Air. You can find cheap and affordable tickets and suitable routes on Skyscanner, Google Flights or Kayak.

Airport information

The airport is only about 7km from the city center of Cairns. So, after arriving at the airport, you can take a taxi to get to the hotel you booked in advance, traveling time about 10 minutes for AU$25.

If you do not take a taxi, you can also use the Sun Palm Shuttle express bus with the fare of AU$ 16 / adult to Cairns CBD, and AU$ 27 to the Northern Beaches and to Port Douglas.

Additionally, you can hire a transfer service in advance here , it picks you up at the airport and will drops you off at the door of your hotel.

Cairns travel blog: Getting around

The main taxi station is located at Lake Street in the city center. Call 131 008 or visit www.blackandwhitetaxis.com.au for more information. Besides, the blue Sunbus is a cheap and reliable means of transportation. These buses run to suburbs, northern beaches and Palm Cove, and also offer service to smaller towns, including Atherton Tablelands, Cooktown, Kuranda, Mission Beach and Port Douglas.

Cairns guide: What to do and where to go?

The great barrier reef.

Great Barrier Reef is one of the most tourist attractions in Cairns. It is the largest coral reefs in the world and home to a wide variety of marine life including 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometers over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers. This is one of the 7 new natural wonders of the world. It is the only natural wonder the world you can see from space.

• Great Barrier Reef Cruise (GBRA)

You can reach the Great Barrier Reef in just 90 minutes to 120 minutes away from the city center of Cairns, the world’s largest coral reef. With blue and transparent water that seems to be seen at the bottom, Great Barrier will surely attract you at first sight. It is one of the most enjoyable experiences in Cairns. You can snorkeling or scuba diving to observe the diversity of coral reefs and thousands of different sea life.

On the way to the coral reef you will stop by an island called Green Island. This island has only 37 acres area but this is the only island owns the Rain Forest in which there are many kinds of birds and very rare and special trees.

Great Barrier Reef Cruises from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island

You can book a boat tour to enjoy cool sea breeze, fresh air and watch the romantic, poetic scenery here, you can also dive into the water to see a variety of colorful corals as well as swimming with sea creatures of all kinds such as whales, stingray, dolphins, sea turtles…

From June to October, the average temperature of seawater is 26 degrees Celsius, this is a best time for you to snorkeling and watching the coral.

Dolphins and whales watching

The city of Cairns is known for its diverse marine activities and if you love to watching dolphins and whales, you’ve come to the right place. There are many tour operators operating cruising excursions and you will find a wide range of marine species here depending on the time you visit.

The Great Barrier Reef forms a spawning sanctuary for cetaceans (whales and dolphins) with 35% of the total species of whales and dolphins living in the oceans chose the reef as their home. In particular, in the period from July to September, there are over 2,000 humpback whales migrate to the city of Cairns to giving birth and raising their babies, making a round trip of over 10,000 km from the waters of Antarctic.

Kuranda Village and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

Coming here you will have the opportunity to learn about the customs, culture and history of the first people once live in Australia. Watching them perform traditional dances, throwing boomerang – a very special weapon that hits the enemy and turns back to the pitcher.

Kuranda Day Tour from Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Port Douglas

Kuranda is a village surrounded by rainforest and one of the most attractive places to visit in Cairns. It has many great attractions such as the aviary, wildlife park and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Kuranda Village is a must-see place for those who love nature, peace and tranquility. Without high-rise buidlings and houses or hustle and bustle life, Kuranda was idyllic with pretty small wooden houses, green trees and red dirt roads.

Visiting Kuranda market, you will surely be attracted by the intricately crafted handicrafts, the fabrics or colorful brocade clothes characteristic of indigenous peoples.

• Grand Kuranda Experience

Another interesting experience here is you can take a scenic train through Kuranda. This is a trip by steam locomotive which passing many sights of the rainforest surrounding the village. You also can watch the rainforest by riding by Skyrail Rainforest Cableway . Or you can enjoy both on the same day by taking a train to Kuranda and a cableway ride back to Cairns.

Crystal Cascades

Crystal Cascades is a series of natural water holes (pools) on the Freshwater Creek surrounded by many rocks and magnificent waterfalls. These pools are extremely familiar to locals and recently, many tourists also started coming here and exploring. With the clear water surrounded by large rocks and water from the natural spring source that is extremely cool and pure, surely immersing in these pools will make your soul and body to be relaxed in the maximum and most wonderful way.

• Cairns Canyoning

Crystal Cascades are also known as a popular spot for cliff diving where adventure lovers often jump off the surrounding cliffs into the water below. Its highest point is known as No No Fear. However, this game is quite risky, so you should consider it carefully before trying this thrills.

Address: Redlynch Intake Rd, Lamb Range QLD 4870, Australia Hours: Open 24 hours

Daintree Rainforest

This promises to be one of the most exciting places to visit in Cairns. During your vacation, you can take a zip lining tour in the Daintree rainforest. This rainforest is one of the most beautiful attractions of Cairns. While exploring this place, you can also spotting some of the local rainforest wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos – the animals that make up the beautiful symbol of Australia.

• Cape Tribulation and Daintree Wildlife Tour

Address: 2333 Cape Tribulation Rd, Cape Tribulation QLD 4873, Australia Hours: 8:20AM–5PM

Journey to the past

The Tropical North Queensland is a region that preserves the intact green and long-standing rainforests of Australia. This place is immersed in the heritage; indigenous mysticism; cascading waterfalls and ancient pine trees. The rainforest is also home to a peaceful home to a quarter of the amphibian population, one third of mammals and freshwater fish and nearly half of the country’s bird population. A place you can not miss when coming to the North Tropical Queensland is Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park.

Cairns Night Markets

If you want to shop in Cairns, this is definitely a must-go place. The night market in Cairns opens at 5pm and has almost everything you need: Clothes, jewelry, electronics, food … Like many other markets, the night market in Cairns city is a shopping paradise for shopaholic. It sells many typical items of local people so you can freely choose and buy souvenirs to give to friends and relatives.

Address: 54-60 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia Hours: 10:30PM

Rusty’s Markets

In addition to the night market, you may also want to visit the Rusty market. This is one of the best places to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Rusty Market is open on early Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Actually, this is quite an interesting place because not only tropical fruits, but this market also offers a variety of foods such as Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese with relatively cheap prices from AU$ 10 – AU$ 15.

Address: 57/89 Grafton St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia Hours: Friday: 5AM–6PM/Saturday: 5AM–6PM/Sunday: 5AM–3PM

Cairns Botanic Gardens

The Flecker Botanic Gardens was established in 1886 and has a number of rare plants. Along with the diversity of plants, there are also many species of birds living here. In addition, there are two cafes with various options for breakfast and lunch. The botanical garden is a great place to have a picnic with family and friends.

Address: 78-96 Collins Ave, Edge Hill QLD 4870, Australia Hours: 8:30AM–4PM/Saturday, Sunday: 9:30AM–2PM

Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls

Atherton Tablelands with a collection of spectacular falls located in northern Queensland, including 10 majestic waterfalls and rich tropical forests. Places to visit such as: Australia’s largest Millstream waterfall, Millaa Millaa waterfall with wonderful natural scenery, Nandroya waterfall with many unique shapes… Also, if you love to exploring the rainforests and want to challenge yourself with an exciting trekking trip, this place is the perfect choice for you.

Cape Tribulation Beach

Coming to Cairns, you will have the opportunity to freely indulge in the wild and windy beaches. So, don’t forget Cape Tribulation beach nestled in the Daintree rainforest. Currently in Cairns, there are many day trekking trips through the forest, exploring the ancient ecosystem in the oldest rainforest in the world. You will have more knowledge about flora and fauna after this exciting journey.

Snorkeling and scuba diving

With the largest coral reef system in the world including more than 3,000 coral reefs and a variety of diverse and rich corals, snorkeling or scuba diving and watching coral is an activity you cannot miss when traveling to Cairns. In Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef is listed in the list of natural wonders of the world with a diverse species of marine life, many of which are listed on the red list. Not only that, with about 900 large and small islands off the coast of Queensland, this is the ideal place for you to explore the mysterious of the ocean, watch exotic algae, seaweed, immerse yourself in cool seawater, swimming with whales and more than 1,500 species of fish, more than 100 species of sharks…

Norman Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight and Cruise Half Day Tour from Cairns

Peaceful villages

Explore the two coastal villages of Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Palm Cove is a quiet and relaxing place with ancient Melaleuca trees. You will love your ride in this tranquil and delicate setting. While Port Douglas is a tropical oasis, half an hour to the north of Cairns on a nice path through the forest and along coastline. Port Douglas is the perfect place for you to experience a peaceful atmosphere of a village, a place to recover, regain your spirits and health. Enjoying the turquoise waters of the coral reefs, crystal clear waters at Mossman Gorge or Four Mile Beach with golden sand stretches next to palm trees, surely you will be relaxed and satisfied.

Helicopter tours

Cairns is a beautiful land but have you ever thought of admiring this place from above? You can see this beautiful city from above in a helicopter. The helicopter tour will last around thirty minutes and gives you an incredible and panoramic view of everything of the city, majestic falls, rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef.

This is also one of the best ways to see the Great Barrier Reef. You will also get amazing views of Atherton Tablelands, the Daintree Rainforest and other beautiful spots in the Cairns region. You will also participate in a parachuting trip with an experienced instructor.

Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Scenic Helicopter Flight Tour [Klook Exclusive 10% Off]

Thrilling bungy jumping in the Cairns rainforest

Do you like adventure games? Then try bungy jumping in the Cairns rainforest. This will be an unforgettable experience for you. You will challenge yourself when take a bungee jumping from the top of a tower with a height of more than 50m, this is the most popular activity in Australia, do not forget to wear a helmet and fasten your seat belt to ensure safety. In addition, you can also enjoy romantic dinners or “playing hard” at the skybar at Cairns tower.

AJ Hackett offers bungy jumping service with 16 different styles, including Minjin Jungle Swing – an user-controlled set of jump equipment that allows 3 people to jump and fly through the forest at a speed of 45m / 3.5 seconds, maximum speed at 120km / h. Those who want to see can sit in the high available huts.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Watching the vast landscape from above, enjoying the feeling of floating in the middle of the air and taking pictures of the majestic scenery… is an experience not to be missed. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway was built as a pioneer in the world in the field of environmental tourism. This service gives riders have 90 minutes (one way) or 2.5 hours (round trip) overhead to see the heritage rain forest of Cairns. You can choose to start or end your journey at Caravonica or Kuranda Village. It is better to combine the sightseeing by cable car with other ways like going by train on the Kuranda Scenic Railway for a half or full day tour.

Seeing the lava up-close-and-personal

Normally, being able to see the lava up close wouldn’t be an entertaining idea, but don’t worry, the place is completely safe! At Undara Volcanic National Park, guided tours will take you into an off volcano so you can firsthand see Undara Lava. Only 23 countries have the lava tubes and lava tubes in Undara are said to be the longest in the world.

There’s so much more fun in Undara: You can stay overnight at a tent village or a hut, enjoy a Wildlife tour at Sunset, or watch exciting events like Opera in the Outback is held once a year in October.

Lyquid Nightlife

The city of Cairns is extremely popular with young backpackers from all over the world and a great nightlife scene has popped up to serve. Among the various great spots around, Lyquid is considered the best nightclub in town. The interior is lavish with a beautiful whirlpool entrance and is a great way to meet and mingle with active travelers from around the world.

Cairns guide: Cairns itinerary 3 days, suggested on how to spend 3 days in Cairns

Day 1: the sights in cairns.

Morning: Walking, cycling or skateboarding along The Cairns Esplanade before stopping for breakfast and immerse yourself in saltwater swimming lagoon.

Afternoon: Take a tour with your guide through Cairns Flecker Botanical Garden then visit Cairns Tropical Zoo. Or get up close to crocodiles and tropical fish by boat along the mangrove waterways of nearby Trinity Bay.

Evening: Explore the Cairns Night Markets to find and buy gifts and local Aboriginal artworks. Watch the blazing red sun sink over the horizon at Marlin Marina before kicking off a seafood feast at a restaurant along the Cairns Esplanade.

Day 2: Great Barrier Reef

Taking a full day tour to Green Island, a 6,000-year-old atoll in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Snorkeling to see tropical fish through 15 hectares of colorful coral reefs. Then stop to explore the island’s white sand beaches and lush rainforests. Or you can spend the whole day on a snorkeling excursion in the Great Barrier Reef. Diving into the crystal clear waters and explore secret gardens, floating mounds and sea turtle shelters with an experienced guide.

Day 3: Kuranda Rainforest

Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway train through mountains, rainforest, waterfalls and national park to the picturesque village of Kuranda set in a tranquil rainforest. Visitors also can take a boat down the river, see butterflies, colorful parrots, platypus and freshwater crocodiles. Or hike through World Heritage-listed rainforest to the Barron Falls Observatory. Buy aboriginal antiques, handicrafts and jewelry as well as macadamia nuts and tropical juice from village market. Learn how to play a didgeridoo at Doongal Aboriginal Art and watch a famous performance at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Cairns travel blog: What to eat?

There are many signature dishes in Australia you can find in Cairns such as: Beetroot burger, grilled crocodile meat, grilled lamb, grilled kangaroo, pavlova cake..

Cairns guide: Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to..

• Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $177/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ) .
• Hilton Cairns, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $177/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ) .
• Pullman Cairns International, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $175/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ) .
• Cairns Plaza Hotel, a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $89/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ) .
• Mantra Esplanade Cairns, a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $89/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ) .
• Mantra Esplanade Cairns, a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $133/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ) .

Check out top ratings and reviews hotels in Cairns on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Cairns guide: Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Cairns you can refer to

• Shared Cairns Airport Transfer (CNS) from and to Cairns, Port Douglas, Palm Cove
• Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class Admission in Cairns [Klook Exclusive 10% Off]
• Cairns Highlights Half Day Tour
• Unpublished Cairns Reef Tours Full Day Green Island by Big Cat
• Cairns Aquarium General Admission Ticket
• Fitzroy Island Ferry Transfer Ticket from Cairns

Are you looking for more top things to do in Cairns: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here and Australia here .

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Cairns Travel Guide

Last Updated: July 6, 2023

Cairns is Australia’s gateway to northern Queensland. Whether you are backpacking around the region, looking to dive, want to visit the forests, or are heading deeper inland, Cairns is a worthwhile stop on everyone’s itinerary.

From here you can visit the Great Barrier Reef , the Daintree rainforest, the Atherton Tablelands, Cape Tribulation, and much more.

Cairns is a pretty typical tropical city and life here focuses on taking the time to stop and smell the roses. With so much to see, the city deserves a longer stay than most people give it.

While you don’t need a lot of time to visit Cairns, it does make for a good base of operations for day trips to the interior or further north. I suggest staying for around four days. This gives you enough time to explore the city as well as do some tours and excursions from the city.

Be sure to spend at least a few nights traveling up north if you can. There are fewer crowds, tons of beaches, more jungle, and it’s just really an under-appreciated – and visited – part of the country.

This travel guide to Cairns can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this incredible area of Australia !

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Cairns

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Cairns

1. See the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the best places to dive in the world. It’s the largest living organism on Earth, spanning some 344,000 square kilometers (133,000 square miles) (you can actually see the reef from space). Naturally, the reef is brimming with wildlife, including giant clams, manta rays, sharks, turtles, clown fish, and more! Cairns is the most popular jumping-off point for dive trips to the reef. I was blown away by the abundant wildlife and coral. It did not disappoint! Dive trips start around 230 AUD.

2. Explore the Daintree Rainforest

While Australia is known for its arid Outback, the continent is also home to rainforests. Daintree stretches over 1,200 square kilometers (460 square miles) and is part of the largest tropical rainforest in Australia. It’s also the oldest rainforest on the planet, dating back over 120 million years. There are all kinds of day and multi-day trips available here. Most people visit on their way north to Cape Tribulation. Two-day guided trips cost around 350 AUD per person.

3. Visit Cape Tribulation

Cross the Daintree and continue up into Cape Tribulation, Cooktown, and Cape York. Few tourists make it up this way. There isn’t anything to do here except relax, enjoy nature, and swim. Skip doing a day trip and spend at least one night here instead. The stunning landscapes are worth your time and it’s just 140 kilometers (87 miles) north of Cairns.

4. Try some extreme sports

If hiking, diving, and swimming are too mundane for you, there’s always bungee jumping or sky diving. AJ Hackett, the man who created modern-day bungee jumping, has a a canyon swing here too. A 50-meter (164-foot) bungee jump costs 139 AUD while a tandem skydive from 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) over the Great Barrier Reef is around 310 AUD.

5. See the Atherton Tablelands

The Atherton Tablelands are a mix of rainforest, wetlands, and savanna. Home to wallabies and tree kangaroos, day tours here are long, (you’ll leave early and get back late), but you’ll see a ton of stunning waterfalls, including the famous Millaa Millaa Falls (which is crazy beautiful!). If you go, use Uncle Brian’s tours . Their tour packs a lot in and the drivers are funny and engaging. Day tours cost 129 AUD.

Other Things to See and Do in Cairns

1. visit the cairns wildlife dome.

This wildlife exhibit is located in a 20-meter-tall glass dome on top of the Reef Hotel Casino. The dome is host to a wide range of native animals, from lorikeets and rosellas to frogmouths and kookaburras. They also have an indoor rope course with rope ladders and bridges that let you explore the space. You can also zipline over a crocodile pond. Admission is 26 AUD.

2. Hang out by the lagoon

Spend a few hours relaxing by Cairns’ Lagoon (read: really big pool) when the weather is nice. You can’t go swimming in the water in the city because of jellyfish so the town built a giant pool. Many hostels have pools too but if you want to chill at a bigger place, the lagoon is pretty amazing — and you’ll find more locals around. It’s a good place to soak up the sun with a book. Admission is free.

3. Go white water rafting

There are two main rafting rivers that are all popular among adrenaline junkies in Cairns. In a tropical region that gets plenty of rain, the rivers always overflow, and rafting is a popular activity here. Trips include lunch and start at around 130 AUD and go up to 250 AUD depending on what river you want. There are also tubing trips down the rivers too if you want something more laid back.

4. Participate in an Aboriginal culture walk

There are many Aboriginals in the area (they’ve inhabited the region for over 5,000 years) and they have done a great job of setting up an ecotourism area to highlight their culture to visitors. You can walk with them and learn about their culture, history, plant life, herbal medicine, and even go traditional Aboriginal spearfishing. Tours last 3 hours and cost 140 AUD.

5. Try wake boarding

When you get tired of sightseeing, head to the Cairns Wake Park to try wakeboarding. Various jumps and challenges are set up to keep you entertained for a few hours. It’s 39 AUD for a one-hour pass and 54 AUD for a two-hour pass. There’s also a section where kids can play in the water on trampolines and inflatable slides (15 AUD).

6. Meander through the Botanical Gardens

Just 5 minutes from the airport, this is a lovely stop to make on your way out of Cairns. There are several paths to walk along and the garden is rich in trees, ferns, plants, and a lake. There are 50 different kinds of birds here too. Admission is free and they also offer free 60-90-minute tours on weekdays.

7. Relax at Palm Cove

This suburb of the city is around 27 kilometers (16 miles) north of Cairns and is home to a lovely stretch of beach. Come here to relax, swim, and escape the city. There’s a nice path along the water where you can stroll and lots of upscale places to eat. It makes for a good place to spend half a day when you want to relax and take in the feel of the city.

For more information on other cities in Australia, check out these guides:

• Alice Springs Travel Guide
• Brisbane Travel Guide
• Broome Travel Guide
• Fraser Island Travel Guide
• Gold Coast Travel Guide
• Melbourne Travel Guide
• Perth Travel Guide
• Sydney Travel Guide
• Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide

Cairns Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Dorms are plentiful in Cairns, costing 25-35 AUD per night. Private rooms start at 50 AUD but average closer to 75-110 AUD. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also include self-catering facilities. Only some include free breakfast so be sure to check before you book.

If you have a tent, you can camp outside the city for under 10 AUD per night for a basic plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start around 100 AUD, though most budget options are closer to 150 AUD. Standard amenities include air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, and even some include breakfast.

On Airbnb, private rooms start at 50 AUD per night but average closer to 150 AUD. For an entire home/apartment, expect to pay at least 150 AUD (however, prices can be double or even triple if not booked early).

Food – Popular food here is similar to elsewhere in the country. Chicken and lamb are two main staples, with things like burgers, steak, and prawns following close behind. BBQ is super common, and in restaurants, you can usually find all kinds of pasta and seafood dishes as well. Meat pies, fish and chips, seafood, chicken parmigiana (chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, ham, and melted cheese), and of course the infamous vegemite on toast are other common staples.

Cheap meals like sandwiches can be found for under 15 AUD. Most casual restaurant meals cost between 20-30 AUD for a main dish. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 15 AUD for a combo meal.

If you want to splash out, an upscale meal with a drink will cost at least 60 AUD. For something like Indian or Chinese food, expect to pay 20-25 AUD for a meal.

Beer costs around 7-8 AUD while a latte/cappuccino is 5 AUD. Bottled water is around 3 AUD.

If you cook your own food, plan to spend between 70-90 AUD per week for basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Cairns Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Cairns for 70 AUD per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, taking the bus to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like hiking and enjoying the pool. If you plan on drinking, add 10-20 AUD to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 200 AUD per day or more, you’ll be able to stay in an Airbnb, eat out at cheaper restaurants for most meals, enjoy a few drinks at the bar, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do a couple paid activities like visiting the Great Barrier Reef or going bungee jumping.

On a “luxury” budget of 400 AUD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, rent a car to get around, drink more, and do as many activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in AUD.

Cairns Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

The best way to save money in Carins is to avoid taking lots of expensive tours and trips. If you do that, you’ll save a ton. But that’s part of the draw of visiting so here are some other ways to save in Cairns:

• Buy a package deal – There is a lot to see and do in the area — at the expense of your budget. Consider booking tours and excursions together with one company as that can often get you a slight discount. Many hostels also have deals so ask them too!
• Eat cheap – Eating out can be very expensive, however, there are a lot of sandwich shops around that can keep your costs down. Avoid the sit-down restaurants, and instead, grab a sandwich or pack a lunch for a picnic.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host to host you during your visit. This way, you not only have a free place to stay, but you’ll have a local host that can share their insider tips and advice.
• Drink goon (box wine) – Goon is infamous on the Australian backpacker hostel trail. This cheap box of wine is the best way to drink, get a buzz, and save a lot of money at the same time.
• Cook your own meals – Eating out is not cheap so the best way to reduce your costs is to cook as many meals as possible. It’s not glamorous, but it’s cheap!
• Work for your room – Many hostels offer travelers the chance to work for their accommodation. In exchange for a few hours a day of cleaning, you get a free bed. Commitments vary but most hostels ask you to stay for at least a week.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber is cheaper than taxis and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Cairns is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic use. Lifestraw makes durable water bottles with built-in filters to ensure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Cairns

Cairns has a plenty of hostels to help you visit on a budget. Here are my favorite places to stay:

• Gilligan’s Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns
• Mad Monkey Backpackers
• Bounce Cairns

How to Get Around Cairns

Public transportation – Cairns has reliable public bus system run by Translink that can take you just about anywhere you need to go. A single zone fare starts at 2.40 AUD and goes up from there. A daily single-zone pass starts at 4.80 AUD.

To save money, get a Go Card. It’s an electronic pre-paid ticket that saves you around 30% on each ticket. You’ll need to load it with 20 AUD but you’ll easily use that if you’re here for a few days.

Bike rental – Cairns has an excellent network of cycling paths, with some of the most popular routes being the Esplanade, Centenary Lakes, and the Botanic Gardens. Some of the hostels rent out bicycles, or you can rent from Cairns Scooter & Bicycle Hire. Rentals start from 25 AUD per day.

Taxis – Taxis are expensive so I would avoid them. Prices start at 2.90 AUD and go up by 2.30 AUD per kilometer. Skip them if you can!

Ridesharing – Ridesharing apps are available here and are a bit cheaper than taxis.

When to Go to Cairns

Cairns’ location in North Queensland makes for hot, humid summers and dry, mild winters. The average daily high in the winter is 26°C (88°F) and 31°C (79°F) in the summer, making Queensland a great place to visit year-round.

Summer (December-February) is the wettest time of year, and average temperatures are between 75-89°F (25-31°C). This is also the busiest time of the year since Australian summer is when most people visit the country.

It’s still nice and warm in autumn (March-May), and the rain lets up in April, making this a nice time to visit as well.

If your primary goal is to visit the Great Barrier Reef, spring (September-November) is the best time to visit. The reef really comes to life in November during the annual coral spawning.

To beat the crowds, aim for the shoulder season (April-May or September-October). There will be fewer people and lower prices.

How to Stay Safe in Cairns

Cairns is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel. Violent attacks are rare and people are friendly and helpful

Most incidents in Cairns tend to occur because visitors are not used to the region’s unique climate and wilderness. Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen and stay as hydrated as possible. Carry mosquito spray as there is a risk of Dengue Fever.

If you’re swimming in the ocean between November to May, only swim where there is a beach stinger net otherwise you risk getting stung by jellyfish. Always check the weather before you go out hiking as well and make sure to bring water and sunscreen. If you’re venturing out of the city, be mindful of wildlife, especially snakes and spiders. If you’re bitten, seek immediate care.

Solo female travelers are generally safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.). Consult other solo female travel blogs for specific advice.

If you’re worried about travel scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here . There aren’t many here though.

If you experience an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Cairns Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. It’s one of the best transportation websites out there!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Cairns Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Australia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Sydney

Where to Stay in Brisbane: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Brisbane

The Best Walking Tours in Melbourne

The Best Walking Tours in Sydney

Where to Stay in Melbourne: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Photo credits: 1 – Tourism Australia , 5 – AJ Hackett

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