Top Cairns & the Tropical North How to Get Around

They say the rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation, and you’ll see why on this day tour from Cairns. Hop on board the Daintree River ferry to get to the Cape. Tour the rainforests and beaches safely with a guide, looking out for saltwater crocs, cassowaries, and other tropical wildlife. Cool off with a swim in a freshwater creek and relax on pristine beaches. This is a fun-filled day and an easy way to visit this wild area.

Enjoy aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef on a scenic flight from Cairns. With window seats guaranteed, this flight features informative commentary from your pilot as you fly over the city of Cairns, then head out over the turquoise sea to Green Island and Palm Cove. Pass over Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Double Island and North Queensland’s coast before heading back to the mainland. Your flight also includes a free transfer courtesy bus from your centrally located accommodations in Cairns.

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.

Green Island is one of the closest parts of the Great Barrier Reef to Cairns, but planning a day trip visit there can be complicated. However, your options are all laid out in front of you with this half-day trip. Easily book activities, such as a ride on a semi-submarine or glass bottom boat, together with your catamaran ride between Cairns and the island.

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. All kayaking equipment and light snacks are provided.

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.

Take a trip to Kuranda from Cairns and explore the World Heritage Rainforest of the area. Visit the Rainforestation Nature Park to see local wildlife up close, including koalas and cassowaries. Meet local indigenous Pamagirri Aboriginal guides at the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and learn Aboriginal dance, and spear and boomerang techniques, opr head out on a Dreamtime walk.

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 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 5.00pm.

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

Make the most of your time in the Kuranda rainforest with an action-packed itinerary that includes three top attractions. Enjoy full access to Scenic World as you ride the Scenic Railway, Cableway, and Skyway with spectacular views of the Jamison Valley, Barron Falls, and Three Sisters. Afterward, get close to crocodiles and other wildlife at Hartley’s Crocodiles Adventures and visit the mountaintop village of Kuranda.

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.

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.

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.

Ensure a memorable experience on the Outer Great Barrier Reef on this full-day cruise aboard a catamaran. Head for Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Outer Reef and plunge into the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel among its rich marine life or include an introductory or certified dive (additional cost). Includes a buffet lunch and morning and afternoon tea on board, all snorkeling gear, and wetsuits or stinger suits.

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.

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.

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.

Get a rounder perspective of the Great Barrier Reef by viewing it from the air on this scenic flight from Cairns. Soaring over the UNESCO-listed reef allows you to take in its colors and appreciate its vastness. Enjoy unobstructed photo opportunities from your window seat as you take in such sights as Green Island, Upolu Cay, Vlassof Cay, and Michaelmas Reef.

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.

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are the only commercial operator allowed to land on stunning Normanby Island, offering ample space and time for relaxation and exploration. Customise your day trip with a variety of optional activities on our all-inclusive tour. The islands are also home to several endangered species like the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, spectacled flying-fox, and beach stone-curlews. Explore the vibrant underwater world with 200 coral species around Normanby and Mabel islands, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's total of 600 species. On Frankland Islands, stars aren't just in the sky—they're beneath your feet! Baclogypsina sphirulata, known as Sand Stars found on Normanby Island, are typically rare and found on beaches across the Indo-Pacific. They're often considered unique to Okinawa, Japan, but it's our hidden delight that you can also discover them in a secluded spot on Normanby Island.

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.

See the beauty of cains on this sunset cruise of the Cairns Trinity Inlet. Check out the mountain-lined waterway at dusk and get your camera ready for some lovely shots. Your guide will tell you stories about the history, wildlife, and culture of the city, too. Sit back and relax for about an hour and a half on the comfy boat while you take in the skyline.