Top Cairns & the Tropical North Day Trips

Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a superyacht in Cairns and set sail to two different outer reef locations. Explore the colorful world underneath the water, and snorkel or dive for a closer look. A delicious barbecue lunch and light refreshments are included.

Head out on a rainforest adventure on the original Daintree Rainforest Tour. Take a guided walk through the ancient Daintree Rainforest and along the flawless white beaches of Cape Tribulation with your guide. Then, hop aboard a river cruise and listen to commentary about the local wildlife as you try to spot crocodiles. Then, take a freshwater swim in the heart of the rainforest and enjoy a homegrown tropical fruit ice cream.

If you want to enjoy a tropical island beach paradise from Cairns but don’t have a lot of time, this half or full-day trip to Green Island is ideal. Be transported by fast catamaran from Cairns to save time. Choose between a glass-bottomed boat tour or the use of snorkeling equipment. Get access to the island’s pool or take a self-guided walk of the island if you want to be more active.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef and a lush island rain forest on this 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.

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!

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders and Aboriginal heritage of Australia's Tropical North Queensland on this full-day tour from Cairns. First, head to the Mossman Gorge to take part in a traditional smoke ceremony with the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people. Then, enjoy lunch in the Daintree Village. After lunch, join a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River where you might see a crocodile, and learn about the fragile ecosystem of this impressive, serpent-like river system. Finally, head to Thornton’s Beach, where the rainforest meets the reef.

Discover the Kuranda Rainforest from a unique perspective on a Skyrail and train tour that saves you the hassle of booking separate activities. Marvel at panoramic views of the rainforest, and let expert guides introduce you to the culture of Kuranda village. Plus, you can tailor your tour according to your interests, and add on activities such as horseback riding and ATV experiences.

Travel by air-conditioned catamaran from Cairns Marina to our Moore Reef Pontoon located on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, perfectly positioned and equipped for you to explore this reef that is teeming with colourful coral and fascinating fish. Spend 4 hours exploring the reef by taking advantage of the free inclusions such as glass bottom boat tours, all snorkelling equipment, underwater observatory, fish feeding presentation, an enclosed ocean pool for kids and buffet lunch. The pontoon also features an upper sundeck to relax in the sun and look out over the turquoise waters in between activities. This is where you'll find the waterslide - the only theme park waterslide on the reef! Dial up the adventure and add on optional extras like include Introductory or Certified diving, Seawalker Helmet dive, Guided Snorkel Tour or even a Scenic helicopter flight.

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest independently can be time-consuming and complex, with transport, tickets, and timing to manage. This full-day tour from Cairns simplifies the experience by combining the region’s highlights into one seamless itinerary. Journey to Kuranda aboard the historic Scenic Railway, visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, tour Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck, and see koalas, dingoes, and native wildlife at the Koala and Wildlife Park. An immersive Dreamtime walk with a Pamagirri guide, and an Australian barbecue buffet lunch are included, before returning to Cairns via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Explore two iconic tropical islands in a single day, immersing yourself in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend over 6 hours on the reef with opportunities for snorkeling at both Fitzroy Island and Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour at Fitzroy Island, where expert guides reveal the wonders of marine life. Choose to snorkel at both islands or relax on pristine beaches, with options for a boxed lunch at Fitzroy or a buffet lunch on board the Big Cat at Green Island. - Visit Fitzroy and Green Islands, iconic destinations of the Great Barrier Reef - Snorkel in vibrant waters, discovering rich marine biodiversity - Take a glass-bottom boat tour for a unique perspective of the reef - Options for a boxed lunch or buffet lunch to enhance your day

Spend a full day on Fitzroy Island with fast catamaran transfers from Cairns and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. Cruise from the Marlin Marina to the island, then enjoy up to seven hours to snorkel the surrounding reef, view marine life from a glass-bottom boat, relax on the beach, or walk rainforest trails within the national park. Choose from a range of packages, including simple transfers or options which include snorkeling or glass-bottom boat activities, depending on your interests and budget.

**Due to High Fuel Prices a $10 levy is payable direct to Daintree Aviation** Experience the Great Barrier Reef like never before with a half-day adventure that combines thrilling snorkeling and stunning aerial views. Choose between a morning Snorkel/Fly or an afternoon Fly/Snorkel, both offering an intimate setting with just 27 guests on the vessel and 8 per flight. Dive into the vibrant marine life at Upolu Reef or Breaking Patches, then take to the skies with a 40-minute scenic flight over the breathtaking reef, Green Island, and Michaelmas Cay. Enjoy included snacks, snorkeling gear, and safety briefings for a seamless adventure. - Half-day tour featuring snorkeling at Upolu Reef or Breaking Patches - 40-minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef for stunning views - Small group sizes ensure personalized experiences (8 guests per flight) - Convenient transfers included between check-in location and General Aviation airport

Discover Fitzroy Island’s beauty on a half-day trip! Snorkel vibrant reefs, relax on Nudey Beach, and soak in tropical views. Book your adventure now! Departs Fitzroy Island's jetty at 12.15pm.

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.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Kuranda Rainforest, and observe native Australian wildlife, on a full-day tour from Cairns. Enjoy multiple top experiences in one time-saving trip, including the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, the Kuranda Scenic Railway, and the Rainforestation Nature Park. Round-trip transit from Cairns aboard an air-conditioned vehicle makes getting there, and experiencing it all, easy and hassle-free.

Discover the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland on a full-day tour to Chillagoe Caves and Granite Gorge. Travel from Cairns by rugged 4WD vehicle with a naturalist guide, passing over the McAllister Ranges and the Great Dividing Range as you explore the Australian Outback. Visit Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, drive near the wetlands to spot Australian native wildlife, and stop by historic mining towns. This small-group tour also included morning tea and a pub lunch.

Journey to the rain forest village of Kuranda via two unique transit options on this memorable full-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Skip the line and enjoy Gold Class service aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through lush mountain passes and waterfall gorges along the way. In the opposite direction, glide above the treetops in a gondola and soak up spectacular views of the mountains and coastline on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. In Kuranda, enjoy leisure time to explore the heritage markets, learn about aboriginal culture or interact with native wildlife.

Make the most of your time in Tropical North Queensland with this all-in-one day trip through the Atherton Tablelands. Take in natural beauty and cultural insight in one comprehensive experience. Start beneath the ancient Cathedral Fig Tree, where a guide reveals the rainforest’s deep spiritual and ecological roots. Take a dip in the waters of Lake Eacham, enjoy a hearty pub lunch made with local ingredients, and visit two of the region’s most scenic waterfalls—Millaa Millaa and Josephine Falls. Along the way, spot native wildlife such as tree-kangaroos, and end your journey at the Babinda Boulders.

Discover the underwater treasures of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day catamaran cruise to Michaelmas Cay from Cairns. Snorkel straight from the white sandy beaches to swim among amazing coral gardens and get an up-close encounter with tropical marine life. Go deeper with an optional introductory scuba dive, or admire the reef on a semi-submarine boat tour. Chat with marine biologists to learn about the thousands of migratory seabirds that nest on the protected cay, and refuel with a buffet lunch featuring fresh seafood.

Take a day trip from Cairns to Kuranda on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and return via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Alternatively, make the 1-way journey by railway and return by skyrail. Enjoy a tranquil ride as you soar above the rainforest canopy, with views from Cairns all the way to the Great Barrier Reef, and spend free time in Kuranda Village. If you wish, upgrade your transport with admission to the Rainforestation Nature Park — the latter option with or without lunch.

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef or view it from a bit of a distance, this day trip to the outer reef has you covered. The activity platform at the reef provides opportunities to snorkel, dive, and swim, and to view it from the comfort of a semi-submersible and an underwater observatory. An ideal day trip for the whole family.

Explore Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, an award-winning eco-tourism attraction - the best place to see crocodiles in Tropical North Queensland! Discover native Australian wildlife as you stroll through the parks' woodland and rainforest areas and enjoy a Wetland Cruise for an exciting close-up view of saltwater crocodiles! Observe these prehistoric predators from a specially designed boat, as you cruise through the melaleuca wetlands. *Operates on select days as per Cairns Cruise Ship Schedule

Discover Paronella Park by Day and Night Embark on an immersive journey through Paronella Park, where history, nature, and enchantment come to life. This tour allows you to experience the park both during the day and after sunset, offering a unique perspective on its beauty. Travel in style with one of our latest luxury vehicles and enjoy a guided experience led by a local expert, ensuring insightful stories and hidden gems along the way. Pick-up is scheduled around 2:30 p.m., with a return at 9:00 p.m., providing ample time to explore the park’s breathtaking architecture, serene waterfalls, and lush rainforest setting. Whether basking in the sunlight or admiring the illuminated wonders of Paronella Park at night, this unforgettable tour combines comfort, history, and adventure.