Top Cairns & the Tropical North Extreme

Explore the magnificent nature of Northern Queensland on this eco-friendly safari. After a convenient hotel pickup, travel to a tropical rain forest and see unique wildlife like the cassowary, Boyd’s Rainforest Dragon, and the Musky Rat Kangaroo. Marvel at the 900-year-old “strangler” fig tree and the dramatic changes of scenery. Enjoy hand-made ice cream made from locally grown fruit and a delicious buffet lunch included in the tour price.

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 gentle rapids and full instruction provided, this tour is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners.

Get your adrenaline pumping on a skydiving adventure from Cairns. Enjoy incredible bird’s-eye views of the World Heritage–listed Great Barrier Reef as you jump out of a plane on a tandem skydive with an experienced diver. Fall freely from 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) in the air before floating by parachute back down to the ground. First-timers are welcome.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. From Great Adventures' spacious reef activity platform moored at the majestic Outer Reef, the coral and marine biodiversity is at its most extreme. There’s an abundance of activities for all ages, swimmers and non-swimmers to enjoy. Snorkel and dive or stay dry and discover the reef in the underwater observatory or from the air-conditioned semi-submersible. There’s also a great range of exciting optional activities includingl scuba diving, scenic helicopter flights and the exclusive Scuba-Doo underwater scooter.

Experience Australia’s natural beauty up-close on a thrilling half-day 4WD adventure from Cairns. Venture off-road in the Barron Gorge National Park and Kuranda National Park, and witness the startling contrasts of tropical rainforest, savannah, and rugged mountains, as you drive along the Great Dividing Range. Stop along the way to snap photos of Lake Morris, Copperlode Dam and Surprise Falls; enjoy views of the Great Barrier Reef from Lamb Range; and stand before the mighty Barron Falls. This small-group tour is limited to 13 people for a personalized experience.

Escape the tourist trail for an off-road adventure in Australia’s tropical north on this full-day tour from Cairns. Hop aboard a 4WD for a thrilling tour of the Barron Gorge National Park and Kuranda National Park, exploring hidden trails not normally accessible to the public and admiring natural wonders like Surprise Falls and Lake Morris. After free time to enjoy lunch (own expense) and browse the markets in Kuranda Village, enjoy aerial views over the Kuranda rainforest with a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Scenic Railway.

Experience the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest on a full-day tour from Cairns. Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda where you first visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest flight aviary in Australia. Tour the Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck vehicle, then see koalas, dingoes and more at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Take a dreamtime walk with a Pamagirri guide for the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, then feast on an Australian barbecue buffet lunch. Finally, return to Cairns on the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

If a quarter horse wasn't the kind of horsepower you had in mind to discover this working farm, swap to four wheels and take an ATV, where you will see some 150 head of Angus and Waygu roaming in the lush rolling hills.

This is the Original Daintree Rainforest Tour, locally owned and operated for over 36 years! Embark on a packed full-day adventure to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, learn about flora, fauna and the history of the Daintree on a guided boardwalk tour, take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rainforest on the rugged Bloomfield Track. One of the only tour operators who can travel on the Bloomfield Track due to the custom-made 4WD vehicles! You'll have free time at famous Cape Tribulation to take a guided walk and enjoy lunch. Group size is limited for a more personalized experience, and the tour includes round-trip transport from Cairns or Port Douglas hotels.

Enjoy incredible views of the Great Barrier Reef from the air during a 30-minute scenic flight from Cairns. See highlights such as Green Island, Upolu Cay, Oyster Reef, Arlington Reef, Vlassof Reef and Michaelmas Reef, taking in the sights as your guide points out the landmarks below. You also fly over Cape Grafton, False Cape, Double Island and Palm Cove and other Northern Beaches, with the route changing depending on the day’s conditions. Everyone has a window seat, allowing unobstructed viewing of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonder.

See the best of Cairns with a two-day package that provides the ultimate reef and rainforest experience. Cruise from Cairns onboard the fastest, award-winning luxury vessel “EVOLUTION” for the best value tours to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for an adventure-filled experience. You will enjoy a personalised day on the Great Barrier Reef with our friendly and professional boat crew. Embark on a full-day adventure to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef! Sit back and relax in comfort in a custom-built 4WD air-conditioned vehicle while listening to informative and entertaining commentary by your local naturalist guide. Group size is limited for a more personalised experience. As a locally owned operator company for over 30 years, you will have an unforgettable experience with the perfect mix of professionalism, service, and fun!

Discover the wild jungle, remote beaches and unique wildlife of Australia’s tropical north on a private full-day tour. Hop off to hike in the UNESCO-listed Daintree Rainforest National Park, take a dip in the Mossman River and spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise. After a delicious lunch (included), enjoy another close wildlife encounter on the Marrdja Boardwalk, then admire views over the Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation beach.

Explore the UNESCO-listed wilderness of Australia’s tropical north on this 5-hour off-road adventure from Cairns. Marvel over the natural wonders of the Barron Gorge National Park, including Surprise Falls, Copperlode Dam and Barron Falls, and admire native flora like the Clohesy River Fig. Get off-the-beaten-track in a 4WD as you wind along rainforest trails, climb through the Great Dividing Range and enjoy spectacular views over the Great Barrier Reef. Best of all: this private tour can be customized to your preference and ensures the undivided attention of your guide.

Experience two of Cairns’ finest water adventures without touching the wheel. Start the day with a leisurely tubing trip through the rainforest on the Mulgrave River or Behana Gorge; in the afternoon, tackle the year-round Grade III rapids of the foaming Barron River. Your tour includes tuition, safety equipment, and door-to-door round-trip transfers in a group no larger than 12: A river levy charge is payable on the day.

Customize your visit to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns with your selection from three travel options with a choice of snorkeling, scuba diving, and a one-way or round-trip scenic helicopter tour. Admire views of the Great Barrier Reef from your helicopter as you get a multi-angled perspective on one of the world’s top natural wonders. Then enjoy a close experience of the coral reef by choosing to snorkel or enroll in an optional scuba diving course (additional expense).

Take in the highlights of Northern Queensland on a 2-day 4WD adventure from Cairns, including overnight accommodation. Drive the scenic Captain Cook Highway and explore the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Daintree National park, stopping to spot wildlife in rainforest and enjoy views of Black Mountain. After visiting historic Cooktown, travel through the diverse landscapes of cattle stations and the Palmer River gold mine region.

Take a sailing trip off the beaten path and travel to some of the best remote reef sites around Cairns. This small-group, 2-night sailing trip is limited to 12 people and offers both certified and introductory diving, as well as certification courses, so that even beginner divers can experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef such as schools of iridescent fish, turtles, and colorful corals. Choose from private or shared accommodation on board.

Check all of the boxes on must-see attractions in Far North Queensland on this 3-day tour from Cairns. With a small group and a naturalist guide, visit the Atherton Tablelands, Cooktown, and Daintree National Park in a 4WD vehicle. Two nights' accommodation, meals per itinerary, and all transportation included.

At Cairns To Cooktown 4WD Tours, we offer fun, interesting and informative day tours in our purpose built air conditioned 4WD coach. Having crossed the mighty Daintree River on a vehicle ferry, we head North through the lush, ancient Daintree Rainforest where we enjoy a stroll on secluded Thornton Beach. We now tackle the iconic 4WD Bloomfield Track taking in the wonderful sights along the way, before we arrive at the histiric 1875 Lions Den Hotel for a well earned "coldy". Shortly after we arrive in the charming settlement of Cooktown and take in the amazing Endeavour River, Grassy Hill Lookout & of course Capatain James Cook's monument. We'll buy you a tasty pub lunch at the 1874 Cooktown Hotel, better known these days at The Top Pub, before we head to the best regional museum in Australia, The James Cook Museum, where we'll take care of your admission. Heading home via the inland, outback route we stop at the mysterious Black Mountains and the remote Palmer River Goldfields.

Enjoy a morning driving along our picturesque ocean road then spending time at the Barramundi farm catching your first Barra. This is an ideal option for all ages to get a taste of fishing in the far north, with easy access to the water’s edge.

Go fishing in the smooth waters of Trinity Inlet during a half-day outing a professional guide. After a convenient hotel pickup, board a 19-foot (6-meter) flat-bottom boat called the River Rocket. Explore mangroves and watch for wildlife—including saltwater crocodiles—as you search for Grunter, Fingermark, Blue Salmon, Queen Fish, Thread Fin, and other local species. Enjoy all necessary gear included in the tour price.

Abseil into the clear waters of the gorge Take in the natural beauty of the Behana Canyon Walk through the rainforest with your local guides

Enjoy unforgettable views of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef as you fly over the UNESCO-listed natural wonder in a helicopter. Experience the magnitude of the vast reef as you float overhead on a 25-minute flight, spotting landmarks like Green Island and Upolo Cay and swooping low enough to see coral clusters and schools of tropical fish and rays. This tour includes pick-up from Cairns and Northern Beaches hotels.

Cockatours is operated by Rossy, a local who has lived in Cape York for several years, and has ran ecology projects in the Cape for several years. Rossy's background in ecology, his passion for sharing history and his connections with Indigenous groups in Cape York present experiences and opportunities hard to come by elsewhere. As Cockatours is owner-operated, we have the flexibility to make spontaneous decisions for the best and there's always a small touch of adventure along the way somewhere. Most importantly, Rossy is compassionate and respectful and loves sharing his knowledge and the experience with everyone on board. We become a family on tour!