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.

Immerse yourself in the world of ancient Egypt with an entry ticket to the Tomb of the Pharaohs in Cairns. Explore 11 lavish tombs, see mummified remains, and admire over 450 display items.

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!

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.

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!

Discover northern Australia's amazing wildlife during your visit

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!

• 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.

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

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.

Join a zipline adventure to soar through a UNESCO-listed rainforest

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!

• **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.

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.

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

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.

Cruise along the vibrant coastlines of North Queensland

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.

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.

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

Snorkel the reef and tour in a semi-submarine

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!

• Experience Fitzroy Island in just half a day, perfect for a quick visit from Cairns to explore its beauty.
• Travel aboard a modern, air-conditioned catamaran that serves as your base, offering comfort and convenience while you explore the island’s beauty.
• Enjoy over two hours of free time to snorkel vibrant coral reefs, relax on stunning coral beaches, or wander rainforest trails at your own pace.
• Upgrade your experience by adding both snorkeling gear and a glass-bottom boat tour, or include a delicious lunch for the ultimate hassle-free adventure.

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.

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!

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.

Take a catamaran to Agincourt Reef and see the most lively coral and sea life

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

• Spend the day exploring 11 immersive ecosystems, from the Wet Tropics Rainforest to the depths of the Coral Sea.
• See over 16,000 creatures, including sharks, rays, and crocs, across Australia’s only 10-meter Deep Reef Tank and a 20-meter underwater tunnel.
• Join a 30-minute guided Turtle Hospital Tour and meet rescued sea turtles recovering from injuries and illness.
• Learn about the threats these turtles face and how the aquarium’s conservation team nurses them back to health.
• Did you know? 100% of the proceeds from the Turtle Hospital Tour go towards the care of the rescued sea turtles.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

• Spend a full day exploring Fitzroy Island with round-trip cruise, snorkel gear or glass-bottom boat tour, and access to rainforest trails.
• Discover vibrant marine life with ample time to snorkel at Welcome Bay, under the jetty, and Nudey Beach—Australia’s top-rated beach.
• Hike rainforest trails to the Summit or Lighthouse track for sweeping island and reef views, or relax on pristine coral beaches.
• Learn from an onboard reef presentation and visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to deepen your understanding of island ecology.
• Choose variants with snorkel safaris, kayak tours, or helmet diving to customize your adventure and enhance your reef experience.

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.

Visit Australia’s most spectacular aquarium. Explore stunning aquatic wildlife from 2 World Heritage-listed areas. Sea a huge variety of marine life and travel through ecosystems. Listen to presentations about life under water from passionate educators.

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 a coral lagoon and dive with a marine biologist

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.

• 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.

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.

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.