Top Cairns & the Tropical North How to Get Around - page 7

Get ready for a day filled with natural wonders, cultural discovery and great food as you embark on a guided Waterfall, Wetlands and Kuranda Scenic Rail 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 tasty lunch, coffee and coffee liqueur tasting at Skybury Coffee plantation and delight your tastebuds again, at Emerald Creek Ice Creamery where you can savour the most heavenly locally produced ice cream creations. To complete your day board the historic Kuranda Scenic Rail. Pass through 15 tunnels, over 37 bridges and past cascading waterfalls, as you wind through the stunning Barron Gorge National Park.

Find some of Cairns’ gnarliest bike parks, and then hit the big one—Smithfield. This trail is legendary among serious cyclists and if you’re a keen mountain biker, you have to try this out for size. Race through the rainforest on over 35 miles of green, blue and blak-rated trails. See wildlife as you speed past, and experience the thrill of riding fast through one of the world’s oldest jungles.

On this full-day tour, take an adventure into the bush to find some of Queensland’s lushest rainforest and hidden waterfalls. Explore caves and find even moer waterfalls, and follow your knowledgeable local guide to find hidden gems. Listen to indigenous folk stories about the region. Slide down a natural rock slide at Josephine Falls.

Pre-dawn our professional tour guide team will collect you from your accommodation and deliver you to the launch site for you to witness the impressive scene of hot air balloons being inflated. Once the balloon is ready, step into the basket with your experienced pilot; feel the peace and serenity of floating above the rainforest-covered hills, mountains and tablelands set against the stunning backdrop of the rising sun in the sky. Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy sweeping views of the Atherton Tablelands on one side then look towards the coast and Great Barrier Reef - it's the best of both worlds! Our very experienced pilots will slowly guide the balloon down to the landing point, where the fun continues, we all pitch in and fold up the balloon itself, have a laugh and take some more photos. Finally we came together with the pilot and ground crew for a chat and to toast the sensational flight experience with a glass of sparkling wine. Bonus - 3 Course meal at Ochre

This murder mystery experience is a true whodunit with suspects, alibis and a twist ending. It involves open world gameplay, where you receive a set of leads (locations) that you have to visit and you decide the order. At each location, you will solve a puzzle by interacting with something real, a plaque, a statue, a facade in the Cairns city centre, and collect the evidence to piece together the case and find the culprit. We offer 24/7 customer support and built-in hints to guarantee that you never stay stuck. The app will also provide real historical facts and local legends about the landmarks you're visiting. You can play anytime, at any hour. It will take you ~90-120 minutes with optional cafe breaks and you can pause and resume whenever. Total walking distance is about 1.5 miles and the game ends in the same area where it started. It's perfect for date nights, solo adventurers, couples, friends, families with older kids, or team-building events.

Start the morning at Palm Cove (weather permitting) before heading to Rainforestation Nature Park for two standout experiences: an Army Duck rainforest tour aboard a World War II amphibious vehicle, and the Koala and Wildlife Park, where you meet koalas, kangaroos, crocs, and cassowary. Spend two hours exploring Kuranda Village at your own pace, then finish with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding above the ancient rainforest canopy with Barron Gorge views and two intermediate station stops. Your local guide shares stories and insights throughout. Small group, maximum 10 guests. Air-conditioned coach. Kids pricing available.

Discover Cairns on a sun-soaked waterfront walk where reef meets rainforest and history lingers beneath the palms. From the heritage charm of the Barrier Reef Hotel to the Esplanade Lagoon’s sparkling waters, this self-guided tour blends gold-rush stories, cyclone survival, Indigenous culture, vibrant markets and ocean views. Wander past art galleries, historic ports, tropical plazas and seaside memorials while the Coral Sea keeps you company. Easygoing, layered and full of character, Cairns invites you to slow down, explore deeply and end your journey where the city breathes easiest — by the lagoon.

Experience the unique history and gorgeous scenery of North Queensland during this 10-hour day trip. Enjoy beautiful views at Barron Falls, the most famous waterfall in North Queensland and explore the pioneer village of Herberton, where you can check out the park’s collection of vintage cars, steam-operated machines and old-time blacksmith shops, plus have an old-fashioned country meal. Spend the afternoon discovering the scenic Crater Valley along the highway to Mount Hypipamee, returning to Cairns through the Kuranda Range. A guide, morning tea, lunch, entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport are covered.

Make the most of your time in port with a shore excursion from Cairns that puts crocodiles at the center of its itinerary. Instead of arranging transportation yourself, relax with round-trip transfers and entry handled. At the park, take a scenic boat cruise through the crocodile lagoon—with plenty of reptilian photo ops—then explore on land to view a variety of native Australian wildlife species.

⭐ Top-Rated Vacation Photoshoots 2025 We're not just photographers, we're storytellers capturing your holiday exactly as it feels. With over six years of experience photographing travellers around the world, our small team specialises in authentic, natural photography that truly reflects your trip. In Cairns, we combine creativity with local knowledge to show you hidden gems, secret angles, and the best light. You'll not only get beautiful, professional photos but also insider tips to make the most of your time here. We're proud to be recognised among the top-rated photography tours of 2025, trusted by travellers worldwide for our relaxed style and stunning results.

Experience the culture and beauty of Kuranda on this full-day tour from Cairns. Visit Rainforestation Nature Park and enjoy the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, featuring a traditional dance performance and insights into Indigenous culture. Meet native Australian wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos, then enjoy free time to explore Kuranda Village. Return to Cairns aboard the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway, travelling through spectacular World Heritage rainforest and mountain scenery. Highlights - Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience - See koalas, kangaroos and native wildlife - Free time in Kuranda Village - Travel on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway - Includes Cairns CBD hotel pickup

Enjoy a fun-filled day exploring Kuranda and the rainforest on this great-value guided tour from Cairns. Travel to Rainforestation Nature Park and experience the famous Army Duck amphibious vehicle, cruising through lush rainforest and waterways. Meet iconic Australian wildlife including koalas and kangaroos, then enjoy free time to explore Kuranda Village and its vibrant markets. Return to Cairns aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, passing through World Heritage rainforest, spectacular gorges and hand-carved tunnels.

Explore the enchanting Kuranda region with the Deluxe tour that combines a scenic railway journey and a visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. This 9-hour adventure begins with a coach pickup from Cairns/Palm Cove/Port Douglas, leading you to the Rainforestation Nature Park. Experience the Army Duck rainforest ride and the captivating Pamagirri Aboriginal cultural show and visit Australian wildlife in Wildlife Park. Savor a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch before immersing yourself in the magic of thousands of butterflies at the sanctuary. Conclude day with a scenic ride back to Cairns (or Freshwater Station for Palm Cove and Port Douglas guests) on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, surrounded by stunning rainforest views.

Explore the lush landscapes of Kuranda on a captivating day tour that combines the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with wildlife encounters and cultural experiences. Starting with a scenic gondola ride through the rainforest canopy, you'll then embark on an Army Duck tour for a unique view of the wetlands. The Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience provides insight into Indigenous culture, visit Australian Animals in Wildlife Park, while the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary offers a chance to admire thousands of free-flying butterflies. A hearty Aussie BBQ lunch fuels your adventure, making this a perfect outing for families and nature lovers alike.

Get ready for the ultimate Tropical North Queensland adventure with two unforgettable days of thrills, natural beauty, and pure fun. Day 1, is all about heart-pounding excitement as you take on the mighty Tully River – regarded as Australia’s premier white-water rafting destination. Expert guides will help you tackle the challenging grade 3–4 rapids, while taking in the jaw-dropping rainforest scenery. This is an adrenaline rush you’ll never forget. Day 2, slow the pace and soak up the magic of the Atherton Tablelands on a breathtaking waterfall and rainforest tour. Discover cascading falls, crystal-clear swimming holes, and ancient rainforest trails. Swim beneath famous waterfalls, spot native wildlife, and take in sweeping mountain and valley views. This is the perfect way to experience the very best of the region – from wild rivers to tranquil rainforest escapes. Note: River Levy $35 per person can be paid on the day of travel for Tully River Rafting.

At Sunlover, every introductory and certified dive is fully guided, with a maximum of just four divers per instructor. Smaller groups mean more individual attention, a relaxed pace and a better opportunity to experience the incredible marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. After your dive, enjoy the facilities of our outer reef pontoon, with snorkelling, underwater viewing, a waterslide and plenty of time to soak up one of the world's greatest natural wonders.

Experience the best of Tropical North Queensland with two days of unforgettable adventure and natural wonder. Day 1, kick off with a journey down the mighty Tully River. Guided by expert river professionals, you’ll take on thrilling grade 3–4 rapids surrounded by lush World Heritage rainforest. It’s the ultimate rush for adventure seekers, with a perfect balance of excitement, teamwork, and breathtaking scenery. Day 2, your journey will take you north to the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Explore its towering canopy, spot unique wildlife, stroll along pristine beaches, and stand where the rainforest meets the reef. You’ll uncover hidden boardwalks, cross the Daintree River, and soak up spectacular coastal and rainforest views. With the perfect mix of heart-pumping action and serene nature experiences, this two-day package is your ticket to the ultimate Far North Queensland escape. Please note: River Levy $35 per person payable on the day for Tully Rafting.

See it all! This signature flight includes a bird’s eye view of Green Island, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Daintree. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and the amazing contrast of colours is something that’s best experienced from the air. After becoming airborne you’ll enjoy a tour of all the offshore sights, before heading to the renowned Daintree Rainforest and Daintree River. Returning towards Cairns you’ll follow the mainland coast and past Port Douglas.

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from above and below with Sunlover’s unique Moore Reef helicopter experiences. Choose to fly out to the reef, fly back to Cairns, fly both ways, or add a scenic helicopter flight at the pontoon. Combined with time on our spacious Outer Reef pontoon, guests can snorkel vibrant coral gardens, discover incredible marine life or simply relax surrounded by one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Theres even a waterslide, and a great array of included activities such as a glass bottom boat, semi submersible and buffet lunch.

Nestled along the Coral Sea coastline, Palm Cove to Port Douglas unveils a tropical paradise where azure waters meet ancient rainforests—a quintessential North Queensland escape blending luxury, wildlife, and breathtaking vistas. Coastal Journey Scenic Drive: Wind along the Captain Cook Highway, hailed as Australia’s most stunning coastal road. Stop at Rex Lookout—perched 150m above the ocean—for heart-stopping views of Trinity Bay’s sugar-white sands and emerald islands. Pro tip: Sunrise transforms the cliffs into gold! Four Mile Beach A 4-mile crescent of powdered silica sand fringed by coconut groves. Swim in stinger-safe nets (Nov-May), swing in beachfront hammocks, or stroll to tidal pools at low tide. Don’t miss: The iconic "Port Douglas" sign framed by palm shadows. Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse This red-and-white striped sentinel guards Port Douglas’ harbor entrance. Climb the hill for 360° panoramas—where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.

Step into the world’s oldest living rainforest on this immersive, small-group journey through Tropical North Queensland. From soaring above the canopy on the Skyrail gondola to cruising quietly along crocodile-inhabited rivers, this nature-rich escape blends wild beauty with cultural depth. Walk in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough, connect with First Nations people, and discover where the rainforest meets the reef — all in just three unforgettable days.