Things to Do in Cairns

Sail and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef and also see white coral sands, relax, take a dip in the shallow waters, and see a crocodile.

Start your evening in the tropics with a serene sunset cruise along the river. Sip on a refreshing drink and take in the breathtaking views of Cairns and its shimmering skyline as day turns to night.

This tour is so much more than a tasting tour! A full day exploring this diverse region heading west of Cairns is a plateau rising from 400 metres to 1200 metres above sea level on the Great Dividing Range, the Atherton Tablelands. Offering a full comprehensive guided tour visiting ten different locations in one day. We offer an interactive tour with wildlife, nature, history, culture and food. Our guide's experience and knowledge within the Wet Tropics Region deliver interesting and fascinating facts on tour. The tours are personable and intimate enhancing every traveler's experience. Visiting a number of National Parks, local produces, a nature park, and waterfalls while traversing across some of the most scenic natural landscapes in Far North Queensland. We travel in a comfortable modern Toyota Hiace. Please be sure to specify any special requirements for mobility and dietary as we will always do our best to accommodate all our passengers.

Travel through the rainforest aboard the famous Kuranda train

Explore the Great Barrier Reef by both sea and air on our Great Barrier Reef snorkelling & helicopter ride. You'll go on a yacht then hop in a helicopter!

• See over 16,000 animals from Queensland’s rich ecosystems, including crocodiles, reef sharks, and freshwater fish.
• Explore 10 animal habitats, from the Wet Tropics to the Coral Sea, inside one of Australia’s largest aquariums.
• Walk through a 20-meter tunnel, gaze up at a 10-meter deep reef tank, and enjoy a 360-degree Oceanarium.
• Attend daily ecosystem presentations and animal feeding sessions included with your ticket.

Dive into the thrill of a lifetime with a skydive over Cairns. Soak up views of Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef. Book now!

Spend the afternoon at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, with return transfers. Explore the park, watch the snake and crocodile shows, learn about the animals, and enjoy a wetland cruise.

Explore the World Heritage–listed Daintree Rainforest on this private 12-hour tour from Cairns. Traveling in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a naturalist guide, you'll visit Daintree National Park and its natural attractions such as Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. Discover the lush landscapes of what is most likely the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth, check out the town of Port Douglas, take a ferry ride across the Daintree River, and more.

Experience a marine wildlife safari in one of Queensland's top aquariums

Discover one of the most breathtaking ecosystems in the world on this snorkeling tour of the Great Barrier Reef, you'll explore an underwater paradise!

• **Opt for this self-guided tour of Kuranda** with scenic railway and skyrail tickets with round-trip coach transfers from Skyrail Terminal. • Pass through hand-carved tunnels on the historic **Kuranda Science Railway and glide over the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail**, with stops at **Red Peak** for complimentary ranger-guided tours. • **Explore Kuranda Village at your own pace**, browsing **local markets, cafés, and wildlife sanctuaries** like Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (entry at own expense). • Choose to upgrade your ticket to get a one-way Skyrail or one-way scenic train ticket for your convenience. • Did you know? The Scenic Railway is over 130 years old. It was originally built to connect Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands and support mining and agriculture.

Explore and enjoy the pristine coral bay, have a relaxing island trip in a comfortable boat and choose from an array of various activities.

Experience the newest pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef. Choose from a variety of activities including snorkeling, diving, guided snorkel tours, or even scenic helicopter flights.

Take the opportunity to learn to dive while you’re in Cairns! With classes limited to eight participants, led by professional and friendly instructors, you’ll learn to dive and earn an internationally recognized PADI certification on your 4-day PADI Open Water dive course. Hotel transfers are included each day, and your course is gradual and safe. Learn basic scuba skills in the classroom, a pool, and confined water dives, then explore the Great Barrier Reef on open-water dives. Once you have successfully completed your course, you’ll be a qualified PADI diver!

Take a guided after-hours tour of Cairns Aquarium

Imagine soaring above the Queensland rainforest in a cable car and aboard a scenic train. Join us on this captivating journey to Kuranda from Cairns!

• Enjoy the best of Kuranda in one day with a Skyrail ride, the scenic rail, and stress-free hotel transfers from Cairns.
• Travel on the 120-year-old Scenic Rail through tunnels and glide over the lush rainforest canopy on the cableway with stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls.
• Wander through Kuranda Heritage Markets, artisan shops, and cafes, or relax in the heart of this rainforest retreat.
• Upgrade to a tour for expert insights into Kuranda’s culture and discounted entry to Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld & Kuranda Koala Gardens.
• Did you know? The Skyrail is the world’s longest rainforest cableway, stretching over 7.5 kilometers above the rainforest canopy.

Experience the Great Barrier Reef and a tropical island all in one day, visit the iconic Nudey Beach and see an incredible 360-degree view as you walk to the summit.

Discover the excitement of white-water rafting on the Barron River! Enjoy up to two hours of fun on grade two and three rapids—perfect for beginners and returning rafters seeking adventure!

If you are a keen cyclist you can't miss the opportunity to tour this area with our experienced guide, showing you all the beauty of the area. Tropical North Queensland has a bounty of amazing mountain-bike parks but for sheer recognition one name stands above them all – Smithfield. This iconic rainforest trail network is the oldest mountain-bike park in the country, this world-famous facility offers more than 60km of green, blue and black-rated trails that twist through spectacular vine-clad jungle, over clear-flowing streams and along jagged ridges that overlook the Great Barrier Reef.

Take to the skies and enjoy great views of the Whitsundays

Delve into the rainforest landscapes of Daintree National Park, gaze at views of a World Heritage Rainforest & enjoy a local ice-cream.

• Set off on a high-speed half-day cruise to Green Island aboard a modern, air-conditioned catamaran—perfect for those short on time.
• Choose your reef encounter: snorkel through vibrant coral gardens or relax on a glass-bottom boat tour for stunning marine views.
• Receive a quick yet thorough safety briefing before diving into your aquatic adventure, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
• Spend over 2 hours on the island—stroll rainforest boardwalks, unwind on sandy beaches, or upgrade to a semi-submarine ride for a unique underwater view.
• Designed for busy travelers, this experience delivers the essential highlights of the Great Barrier Reef in one efficient and memorable trip.

Board at Cairns, then spend 5 hours at Moore Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef on a semi-submersible and glass bottom boat.

Drift along the Mulgrave River, ride gentle rapids, and take in stunning rainforest scenery on a fun-filled river adventure in Tropical North Queensland.

Do you want to have your own private tour guide and vehicle all to yourself? Exclusive half day tour takes in three Wet Tropics Rainforest National Parks, and includes a visit to the most famous waterfall in Cairns, the Barron Falls. You’ll see stunning scenery, ranging from lush tropical rainforest to outback Savannah. Visit mighty trees, swim in crystal clear waters. If you have limited time, want to escape the crowds and experience the true tropical rainforest of North Queensland, book this tour today. Please note: the departure times are 7.00 am and 1.00pm, you can change the pick up time to suit but the return time is still 12.00 and 6.00pm

Visit Kuranda Rainforestation and return along the Kuranda Scenic Railway

Discover the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands on a tour from Cairns. We'll visit stunning waterfalls, explore lush jungles and swim in volcanic Lake Eacham!

• Explore the aquarium after dark on a 1.5-hour guided tour through 10 tropical ecosystems—from mountain streams to the Great Barrier Reef.
• Watch the shift in behavior as nocturnal predators like sharks, rays, and moray eels begin their nightly hunt.
• Learn from expert wildlife educators as you witness the glow of coral and elusive rainforest species at night.
• Upgrade to include a 2-course dinner with dishes like fried calamari and lamb chops in Squires Loft, an aquatic-themed restaurant.

Discover the Cairns Aquarium after dark, on this exclusive two hour evening guided tour to witness a remarkable transition as day slides into sunset. Witness reptiles, amphibians, insects, and more.

Escape to Fitzroy Island on a trip from Cairns. Enjoy the peaceful paradise, untouched beaches, rainforest trails, and optional add-ons like a picnic lunch box, snorkel gear, or a glass-bottom boat.

Get ready for a day filled with natural wonders, cultural discovery and great food as you embark on a guided Waterfall, Wetlands and Skyrail adventure from Cairns! Embrace the tranquility of Cattana Wetlands as you meander through the enchanting feather palm forest and past reflective Jabiru Lake, on a driver-guided walk. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature as you witness the awe-inspiring Barron Falls, guided by a Djabugay cultural ranger who will share knowledge on this Make Travel Matter® experience. Indulge in a delectable lunch, coffee and coffee liqueur tasting at Skybury Coffee plantation and delight your tastebuds again, at Emerald Creek Ice Creamery where you can savor the most heavenly locally produced ice cream creations. To complete your day embark on an unforgettable Skyrail Rainforest Cableway journey. As you soar above and through the magnificent World Heritage Listed rainforest, prepare to be mesmerized by the sheer beauty that surrounds you.

Enjoy breezy return transfers to and from Green Island and Cairns

If you want to spend a day among crystal clear waters, paradisiacal beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, choose the Fitzroy Island Ferry Transfer.

• Step inside 11 recreated burial chambers and explore over 450 artifacts, a rare chance to encounter Egypt’s treasures outside Cairo.
• Wander past towering statues, gem-encrusted jewelry, silver coffins, and walls lined with hieroglyphs that bring 3,000 years of history vividly to life.
• Experience life-like scenes of decorated tombs, mummified animals, and treasures once belonging to Queen Nefertari, King Tut, and the Silver Pharaoh.
• Enjoy the exhibition in complete comfort; this is a fully air-conditioned, indoor venue with lifts, accessible restrooms, and even ground surfaces, making it easy for all ages and mobility levels.
• Choose your own pace: linger in the galleries for a deeper look or move quickly between chambers, then stop by the gift shop for Egyptian-inspired keepsakes.

Get up close and personal to the sea turtles on a 30-minute guided tour of the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Learn about the dangers that sea turtles face, and how they are rescued, treated, released and tracked.

Discover the Cairns World Heritage Rainforest on this tour from Cairns to Kuranda village. Soar over the rainforest on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and return on the Kuranda Scenic Rail train.

Explore ancient Egypt's mysteries on a guided night tour of Tomb of the Pharaohs in the heart of Cairns. This exclusive experience offers an incredible insight into the 3,000 year history of ancient Egypt while walking through the recreated tombs of the Pharaohs and their Queens. Learn about the daily rituals and funerary practices of the ancient Egyptians. - 1.5-hour guided tour wit exclusive after-hours access to the Tomb of the Pharaohs - Discover 11 burial chambers and learn about ancient Egyptian funerary practices

Explore beaches, rainforests and stunning views in Australia's tropical north

If you're a croc fanatic, you will love the excursion to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Here you can see crocodiles, snakes and much more!

• Journey to Green Island aboard the spacious 'Big Cat' catamaran and enjoy a full day exploring this unique coral cay, where vibrant reef meets lush rainforest—entirely at your own pace.
• Choose how you'll witness the underwater magic. Snorkel straight off the pristine beaches, glide over coral gardens on a glass-bottom boat tour, or descend for a submariner's view in our semi-submarine. Guided snorkel safaris are also available.
• Wander shaded rainforest boardwalks under ancient trees, relax on sun-kissed white sand beaches, or dive into the turquoise waters. Enjoy up to 5 hours of leisure time to explore Green Island's beaches and rainforest trails independently.
• For a fully planned day, opt for the tour that includes a buffet lunch. You'll enjoy freshly-prepared hot and cold items with native Australian ingredients from an award-winning restaurant.

Join a guided snorkeling or diving experience at the Upolu Reef in Cairns, discover the many different marine species or just relax on the boat and soak up the sun.

Enjoy a late pickup from your hotel and journey down the Captain Cook highway to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Visit Kuranda Village to explore the markets and return on the scenic train.

Join a private tour to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Led by a local and knowledgeable guide, this tour includes a 1-hour crocodile cruise along the Daintree River, morning tea in the rainforest, lunch including beer wine or soft drink, a visit to Cape Tribulation Beach and the Daintree Ice Cream Company.

Snorkel in the reef and walk through the rainforest

There's no better place in the world to start scuba diving than the Australian Great Barrier Reef. You'll discover this incredible underwater paradise.

• Relax on the scenic trip to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and enjoy interesting commentary from the driver along the way. • Take advantage of plenty of free time to explore the park's abundant fauna, which includes aquatic birds, turtles, wallabies, and cassowaries. • Stroll along the pathways and boardwalks through the woodland to see a wide range of rare animals. • Learn more about the park's most lethal residents through the Crocodile Attack Show and the Snake Show. • Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife spotting on a wetlands cruise through the saltwater crocodile's domain.

Book your Cairns Aquarium Twilight guided tour with three course dinner to learn how marine animals' behaviors adapt from day into night with a local guide.

Explore Kuranda with these combo tickets if you have your own car. Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, enjoy free time in Kuranda, and experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway.