Top Palm Cove Outdoor Activities

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.

Embark on a full-day adventure to the rain forest village of Kuranda and delve into the rich history of Tropical North Queensland. Travel to and from Palm Cove aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which lets you soar through the treetops on a gondola. In Kuranda, choose from a variety of itineraries to suit your interests, such as a visit to the Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park and wildlife counters with koalas, butterflies and kangaroos.

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!

Explore the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest on a full-day tour from Cairns. Take a guided nature walk through some of the oldest rainforests in the world at Mossman Gorge, look out for crocs on a cruise down the Daintree River, and stroll on the famous Cape Tribulation Beach. Enjoy a tropical lunch in a rainforest setting and stop for a refreshing snack at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Round-trip luxury coach transfers complete this memorable adventure through the Wet Tropics of Queensland.

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.

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.

Tackle the grade II and III rapids of the Barron River on this adrenaline-pumping half-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Prepare to get wet and wild as you hurtle over the rapids, then float downstream past the jagged cliffs, plunging ravines, and lush rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. Best of all: With full instruction provided, this tour is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners.

Explore Northern Queensland’s natural beauty on a full-day tour of Cape Tribulation and the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Daintree Rainforest from Cairns. Start the day spotting koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles at a wildlife park in Port Douglas, then head to Cape Tribulation beach. Take a guided hike through the rainforest, looking out for native birds such as cassowaries. End with a cruise on the Daintree River and perhaps spy wild crocodiles.

Experience the thrill of a half-day whitewater rafting trip on the Barron River from Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Port Douglas. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Wet Tropics as you raft through tropical terrain, including highlights such as Barron Falls. There's no need to worry about gear or experience, as your guide provides all necessary rafting equipment and paddling instruction—so you can focus on having fun.

Begin your visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures with breakfast in the company of a koala and its keeper. After morning hotel pickup in Cairns or Palm Cove, transfer to Hartley's in time for your hot Aussie breakfast and conversation with the keeper about the koalas. Then you can explore at your leisure: take a boat cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon to watch crocodiles feeding. Enjoy informative and entertaining wildlife presentations throughout the day, and see Australian wildlife up close, including kangaroos, wallabies, snakes, cassowaries, quolls and more.

Join us on an ultimate 2-day adventure through Tropical North Queensland, departing from Cairns. Start your day with a Welcome to Country and Smoke Ceremony at Mossman Gorge, before embarking on a scenic Daintree River wildlife cruise, keeping an eye out for crocodiles and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Spend the night in Cape Tribulation at a comfortable safari lodge. Choose from optional extras - zipline through the rainforest canopy of Cape Tribulation or dive into the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with a guided snorkeling tour. This adventure combines wildlife, culture, and tropical exploration for an unforgettable overnight experience. Your final stop of the day is at the Daintree Ice Cream Co. where you will be able to try some locally made delicious ice cream flavours (available at own cost), before making your way back to your accommodation in Cairns. Shared Room with Shared Bathroom - maximum 4 per room Private Room with Ensuite - minimum 2 guests

Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in Queensland. This self-guided tour includes hotel pickup and round-trip transfers from Palm Cove, plus full-day all-access tickets to the wildlife park. During your visit, set sail on a cruise around Hartley's Lagoon, take a tour of the crocodile farm, and watch the crocodile, wallaby, and koala feedings.

Embark on a full-day adventure to the pristine coral cay of Low Isles on this Great Barrier Reef sailing and snorkeling cruise from Palm Cove. Travel aboard a luxury catamaran with marine biologist guides, and snorkel straight from the white sandy beach among famous coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, giant clams and green sea turtles Experience the reef another way on a glass-bottom boat tour, and explore the island on a guided nature walk. Your full-day tour includes a delicious buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea and round-trip hotel transport from Palm Cove.

Travel sustainably on this full-day experience to the Daintree and Mossman Gorge. With the combination of a brand-new electric coach and the participation in the Reforest programme, you will undertake a climate positive journey like no other. Immerse yourself in wildlife through recreated natural environments and learn about conservation efforts of the advanced eco-certified Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas on your Exclusive Wildlife Tour which includes morning tea. Connect with Indigenous culture through the traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at Mossman Gorge, then join a guided walk through World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest before indulging in a delicious café lunch. Discover the unique mangrove ecosystem on a Daintree River cruise and search for wildlife including wild Estuarine Crocodiles. Relax and soak in the views on the way home of the Great Barrier Reef Drive, knowing you've chosen an eco-conscious adventure.

Combine nature, culture, and food in one seamless day on an adventure from Cairns. Enjoy guided walks through the Cattana Wetlands, a Djabugay cultural ranger–led visit to Barron Falls, lunch and tastings of coffee and liqueur at Australia's oldest coffee plantation, as well as an unforgettable Skyrail Rainforest Cableway journey over World Heritage–listed rainforest.

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.

See the Atherton Tablelands from above on this unique hot air balloon tour. Experience the thrill of flying over untouched rainforest, savannah and wetlands, spotting wildlife and scenic views as well as waterfalls and shadowy mountains. Learn about the history and geology of this special place from your trained balloon pilot and guide. Explore the Australian bush without touching the ground.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lush surroundings of the Cairns Botanic Gardens with a knowledgeable mushroom guide and professional photographer. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe and shoot some of the most stunning and colorful mushrooms in the world.

Spend a day immersed in the beauty and culture of Tropical North Queensland. Departing from Palm Cove, glide above the coastal canopy in a gondola during a ride on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. When you arrive in the mountain village of Kuranda, catch a ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway that winds through waterfall gorges and World Heritage-listed rainforest and explore the local heritage markets.

Cruise to Green Island from Cairns and find a tropical paradise on the Great Barrier Reef. You'll spend either four or five hours at Green Island, with plenty of time to snorkel or tour the reef on a glass-bottom boat or view coral from a semi-submersible submarine.

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.