Top Cairns & the Tropical North Day Trips

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.

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.

The Daintree's rainforest, coast, and the rugged Bloomfield Track are spread across a big stretch of Far North Queensland, hard to cover self-driving in a day. Join a 4WD tour that links them with a guided walk through the ancient rainforest and along the sand at Cape Tribulation. Watch for crocodiles on a river cruise, cool off with a freshwater swim in the forest, and finish with a tropical fruit ice cream.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hop aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned catamaran for a dinner cruise from Cairns, and experience a new perspective on the city from the water's edge. Sip a complimentary welcome drink as you glide along the Cairns waterfront precinct and along the idyllic Trinity Inlet, then tuck into a delicious hot and cold buffet dinner featuring seafood and fresh local produce. Vegetarian and other dietary options can be catered for.

Enjoy an unforgettable animal encounter with a visit to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures from Cairns. Brave a face-to-face meeting with menacing crocodiles or hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies with guidance and supervision from the friendly staff, then get up-close to other Aussie creatures like Koala's, cassowaries, quolls and snakes. Best of all, your self-guided tour includes entrance tickets, hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Cairns.

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.

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

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.

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.

Venture into the rainforest of the Atherton Tablelands with an expert guide to observe Australian native animals in the wild. From Cairns, travel into the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland to observe kangaroos, lizards, and possums by daylight, then continue after sundown to look for nocturnal critters like the elusive platypus and Lumholtz tree kangaroo. Enjoy afternoon tea at Lake Barrine and dinner at a country restaurant. This small-group tour is limited to 11 people, which ensures a more personalized experience with your guide.

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.

Discover the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef from all angles on this action-packed tour—something few travelers get to enjoy. Cruise onboard a high-speed catamaran and enjoy an introductory or certified scuba dive at two different dive sites. After marveling over the colorful corals and marine life from underwater, hop aboard for a helicopter flight to see the islands and reefs from above.

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 of Upolu Reef, "Wonder Wall," and the Upolu Cay reef area, where you can choose to snorkel or dive (additional cost) and observe the coral that's teeming with colorful fish. Refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran, ensuring there's

If visiting the ancient coral cay of Green Island for the day wasn’t great enough, add a seawalker helmet dive to your package. Take a super-fast catamaran from Cairns to the island and choose between the use of snorkeling gear or a glass-bottom boat ride (included). Add more fun to the day by donning a glass helmet and taking a guided walk on the seabed, surrounded by coral and tropical fish while keeping your head dry.

Reaching the outer Great Barrier Reef requires a boat, gear, and staff who can match the day to your experience in the water. Cruise out from Cairns by catamaran to three dive sites, swimming among the coral and marine life at each. All levels are welcome, with guides on hand whether you snorkel, try an introductory scuba dive, or dive as a certified diver. Buffet lunch and morning and afternoon tea are included.

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 coral gardens and encounter 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 about migratory seabirds nesting on the protected cay, and enjoy a buffet lunch featuring fresh seafood.

The Daintree's highlights are spread across rainforest, river, and coast, which is a lot to link up on a self-drive day from Cairns. Take a guided walk through the ancient forest at Mossman Gorge, watch for crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, and walk the sand at Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the beach. A tropical lunch and a stop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company round out the day, with hotel pickup included.

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.