Top Cairns & the Tropical North Tours by Duration

Hop aboard for a luxurious evening catamaran cruise of Cairns and experience Australia’s northernmost city from the water. Sip a complimentary drink as you glide along the Cairns waterfront precinct and along the idyllic Trinity Inlet, then tuck into a delicious 3-course dinner on-board as you watch the mesmerizing sunset over the city.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef and a lush island rain forest on this full-day catamaran tour to Green Island from Cairns. Create your own perfect day on this protected coral cay with a variety of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, Seawalking, nature walks, and tours on a glass-bottom boat. Upgrade to include a delicious buffet lunch on board the catamaran and/or a ride in a semi-submarine. It’s a fantastic way to discover the underwater wonders of the world’s most famous reef!

Explore the lush beauty, amazing wildlife and rich heritage of Tropical North Queensland on this customizable full-day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. Travel to this enchanting rain forest village aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, and choose from a variety of activities including visits to the Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park and Rainforestation Nature Park. Hang out with koalas and exotic birds, browse local markets and opt to include a delicious buffet lunch. At the end of the day, glide through the treetops back to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

This is the Original Daintree Rainforest Tour, locally owned and operated for over 36 years! Embark on a packed full-day adventure to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, learn about flora, fauna and the history of the Daintree on a guided boardwalk tour, take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rainforest on the rugged Bloomfield Track. One of the only tour operators who can travel on the Bloomfield Track due to the custom-made 4WD vehicles! You'll have free time at famous Cape Tribulation to take a guided walk and enjoy lunch. Then there is time to stop for a delicious homemade ice cream from the Daintree Ice-creamery before heading home. Group size is limited for a more personalized experience, and the tour includes round-trip transport from Cairns, Beaches and Port Douglas hotels.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest and observe native Australian wildlife on a full-day tour from Cairns. View the rain forest as you ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in a gondola. Tour the Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck vehicle that offers another vantage point on the forest, visit the koalas, kangaroos and other critters at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Learn about Aboriginal culture at the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. After a classic Aussie barbecue lunch, take the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway back to Cairns.

Experience the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest on a full-day tour from Cairns. Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda where you first visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest flight aviary in Australia. Tour the Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck vehicle, then see koalas, dingoes and more at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Take a dreamtime walk with a Pamagirri guide for the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, then feast on an Australian barbecue buffet lunch. Finally, return to Cairns on the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

First time in Cairns? Discover the gateway to Queensland’s tropical north on this 5.5-hour sightseeing tour. Visit city attractions like the Flecker Botanical Gardens and St Monica's Cathedral, and stroll along the scenic Cairns waterfront. Indulge in a delicious Devonshire afternoon tea (included) taking in the stunning views from the jetty at Palm Cove before taking a short hike through the Barron Gorge National Park. For the full experience, upgrade to include a 2-hour morning cruise to Green Island in the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef marine park. This small-group tour is limited to 20 people.

Experience the natural wonders of Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands to visit different parts of the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest on this outdoorsy day trip from Cairns. With a guide, you’ll take easy walks to three waterfalls—Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls and Dinner Falls—and take a refreshing swim in Lake Eacham. See the Cathedral Fig Tree, take in views of the volcanic crater in Mt Hypipamee National Park, and enjoy lots of time for swimming and photo ops. Morning and afternoon snacks are picnic lunch provided

Spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef at two different snorkel and dive sites on this luxury catamaran cruise from Cairns. Travel in style aboard a fast, comfortable catamaran to the outer edge Upolu Reef. Take an Adventure Snorkel & Glass Bottom Boat Tour through the highly protected no-fishing zone sites in the Marine Park. Refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran before heading to your next destination, Upolu Cay reef. Enjoy the shallow azure blue waters surrounding this natural Coral Cay with both snorkeling or diving on offer. Be mesmerised by coral teeming with colourful fish.

Experience Australia’s natural beauty up-close on a thrilling half-day 4WD adventure from Cairns. Venture off-road in the Barron Gorge National Park and Kuranda National Park, and witness the startling contrasts of tropical rainforest, savannah, and rugged mountains, as you drive along the Great Dividing Range. Stop along the way to snap photos of Lake Morris, Copperlode Dam and Surprise Falls; enjoy views of the Great Barrier Reef from Lamb Range; and stand before the mighty Barron Falls. This small-group tour is limited to 13 people for a personalized experience.

Maximize your time in Cairns on an action-packed 5-hour shore excursion that takes in the best of Queensland’s tropical north. Marvel over natural wonders like Barron Gorge and Surprise Falls as you explore the Barron Gorge National Park; climb the Lamb Range for spectacular views over the Great Barrier Reef and visit the Copperlode Dam. Then, venture off-road on a 4WD tour of Kuranda National Park and stop at Kuranda Village and Barron Falls. This small-group tour is limited to 13 people.

Get a taste of the Atherton Tablelands during this 10-hour food tour and tasting experience from Cairns. Learn about how the volcanic soil allows cultivation of diverse range of produce and taste the spoils of this region. All tastings and meals are provided, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

Hop in a kayak and paddle from Palm Cove to Double Island, where mangroves and coral reefs await. Along the way, you’ll meet turtles, fish, and small rays, and, if you’re lucky, even dolphins and whales. No previous kayaking experience is needed, and the tour is suitable for all; kids as young as seven can take part. Even better: Shuttle bus transfers are included from Cairns hotels for a convenient trip.

Venture off-the-beaten-track and explore the UNESCO-listed wilderness of Australia’s tropical north on this full-day tour from Cairns. Journey along the Captain Cook Highway; take a guided hike through the Mossman Gorge and cool off with a dip in the Mossman River. After lunch (included), look out for crocodiles on a scenic cruise down the Daintree River, then continue to Cape Tribulation to trek through the Daintree Rainforest and enjoy magnificent views over the Great Barrier Reef. This small-group tour is limited to 14 people for a personalized experience.

Guarantee your entry to Cairns Aquarium, by booking your admission ticket in advance. Family-friendly and fun, Cairns Aquarium is home to 71 different exhibits that house marine life from Tropical North Queensland.

Dive into the spectacular underwater realm of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day snorkel and scuba cruise from Cairns. Travel aboard a luxurious catamaran to three renowned dive sites to swim among coral gardens and tropical marine life. All experience levels are welcome, and guides are on hand to assist with your choice of snorkeling, introductory scuba diving, or certified diving. A buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon tea on the catamaran are included.

If snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, don’t miss this day trip from Cairns. The 35-metre superyacht, Evolution, departs Cairns with a record 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day! You’ll visit 2 different locations on the barrier reef for the chance to see tropical marine life in the clear waters. Lunch is included onboard the boat, and you have the option to upgrade to include additional adventures such as introductory or certified scuba diving or a helicopter flight over this UNESCO World Heritage site. Both water sports enthusiasts and novices are welcome. Includes instruction and equipment provided by friendly and professional instructors.

Immerse yourself in Northern Queensland’s waterfalls, rainforests, and other natural wonders on this full-day tour from Cairns. Admire the untouched scenery and stop to swim in the famous Millaa Millaa, and Josephine Falls. In between, visit Babinda Boulders and Mount Hypipamee, watch for wildlife such as tree-kangaroos and platypus, and admire a tropical sunset at Lake Eacham. National Park admission, lunch, refreshments, and hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Enjoy the natural delights of the Great Barrier Reef on an activity cruise from Cairns that gives you several ways to experience this renowned underwater world. After traveling by catamaran to a pontoon moored on the reef, you can observe marine life on a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible vessel; go snorkeling to spot sea turtles; get your hands wet in the touch pool; upgrade to include a Seawalker Helmet dive; or upgrade to include an introductory or certified scuba dive. A buffet lunch is included, and the pontoon is equipped with showers.

Begin your visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures with breakfast in the company of a koala and its keeper. After morning hotel pickup in Cairns or Palm Cove, transfer to Hartley's in time for your hot Aussie breakfast and conversation with the keeper about the koalas. Then you can explore at your leisure: take a boat cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon to watch crocodiles feeding. Enjoy informative and entertaining wildlife presentations throughout the day, and see Australian wildlife up close, including kangaroos, wallabies, snakes, cassowaries, quolls and more.

Glide over the worlds oldest rainforest on the magnificent Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and enjoy a fabulous rainforest boardwalk and the views of the spectacular Barron Gorge and Falls as you make your way to the charming rainforest village of Kuranda. Once there choose from a vast array of activities including local markets, arts and crafts, enjoy an encounter with animals or butterflies (fees apply) and enjoy a relaxing lunch (own expense) before joining the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway on a spectacular journey through 15 tunnels and over 37 bridges enjoying magnificent views as you make your way to Freshwater Station to be met and transferred to your hotel, arriving about 4pm.

Get set for a wet and wild adventure as you hurtle down the Mulgrave River on a giant tube! Hang on tight as you navigate small rapids and then soak up the scenery as you drift through the rainforest. This fun-filled morning tour includes hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Cairns, plus around 2 hours of tubing. Best of all: there’s no experience necessary, so everyone can give it a go!

Go snorkeling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day cruise from Cairns. Relax on board your 80-foot (25-meter) luxury catamaran as your captain sails to two exclusive locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to snorkel or dive, with full instruction provided by guides, and see an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and corals. Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch, with additional beverages available for purchase.

Discover the underwater beauty of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour from Cairns. Glide across the Coral Sea on a catamaran ride to a premium outer reef location with diverse marine life. Spend hours at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef with exclusive access to an activity platform staffed by marine biologist guides. Snorkel, scuba dive, or opt to take a glass-bottom boat tour.