Top Cairns & the Tropical North Day Trips

Explore the lush beauty, amazing wildlife and rich heritage of Tropical North Queensland on this customizable full-day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. Travel to this enchanting rain forest village aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, and choose from a variety of activities including visits to the Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park and Rainforestation Nature Park. Hang out with koalas and exotic birds, browse local markets and opt to include a delicious buffet lunch. At the end of the day, glide through the treetops back to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders and Aboriginal heritage of Australia’s tropical north 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 a close encounter with native wildlife on the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk and visit Cape Tribulation, the meeting point of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest. After lunch at Cape Trib Beach House, embark on a scenic cruise along the Daintree River (optional).

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.

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.

Embark on a packed full-day adventure to Cape Tribulation, where the rain forest meets the reef. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise and take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rain forest on the rugged Bloomfield Track. Savor a traditional Aussie barbecue and break for afternoon billy tea in the company of wallabies. Group size is limited for a more personalized experience, and the tour includes round-trip transport from Cairns or Port Douglas hotels.

Explore the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest on this diverse full-day tour from Cairns. Take a guided nature walk through some of the oldest rainforests in the world at Mossman Gorge, spot crocs on a cruise down the Daintree River, and stroll on the famous Cape Tribulation Beach. Enjoy a traditional Aussie barbecue at a private rainforest retreat and stop for a refreshing snack att he Daintree Ice Cream Company. Port pickup and drop-off and transport in a luxury coach complete this memorable adventure through the Wet Tropics of Queensland.

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.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef and a lush island rain forest on this full-day 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!

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 or Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park — the latter option with or without lunch.

Immerse yourself in Northern Queensland’s waterfalls, rainforests, and other natural wonders on this full-day tour from Cairns. Admire the untouched scenery and stop to swim in the famous Millaa Millaa, and Josephine Falls. In between, visit Babinda Boulders and Mount Hypipamee, watch for wildlife such as tree-kangaroos and platypus, and admire a tropical sunset at Lake Eacham. National Park admission, lunch, refreshments, and hotel pickup and drop-off included.

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.

Explore the wild landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands on this full-day tour from Cairns. Cruise around the Lake Barrine crater lake, spot native wildlife the UNESCO-listed wet tropics rainforest, and tour the magnificent Paronella Park. Along the way, see natural wonders like the Curtain Fig Tree, and take a swim beneath Millaa Millaa Falls. Enjoy your choice between three itinerary options for the day.

Experience Australia's rich Aboriginal culture and the Daintree Rainforest on a full-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Meet your local indigenous guide at Cooya Beach to learn traditions of hunting and gathering food supplies, then explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. This small-group tour that has a maximum of 18 participants, ensuring a hands-on experience with your guide. Choose from two afternoon options: a guided hike to a water hole; or upgrade to tour the forest with an Aboriginal guide who shares Dreamtime stories.

Explore the Kuranda Rainforest — a UNESCO World Heritage site — on a full-day tour from Cairns. Travel on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda, getting views of the rainforest and Barron Gorge along the way. Visit the Rainforestation Nature Park and see the wildlife during a tour in an amphibious Army Duck vehicle. Then step on board the 6-person gondola at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for the return journey to Cairns, with time to stop at Barron Falls and Red Peak Station en route.

Grab your camera and set out to experience the wild beauty of the UNESCO-listed Daintree rainforest on this full-day small-group tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Spot exotic birds, vibrant butterflies and crocodiles as you cruise along the Daintree River; take a hike through the ancient jungle; and enjoy spectacular views of the Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation. After lunch (included), get to see native animals like kangaroos, wallabies and lizards, stop for photos at the Alexandra Range Lookout and take a ride the Daintree River Ferry.

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.

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.

Explore Green Island and use an innovative new diving system to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a luxury catamaran ride to Green Island and a delicious buffet lunch while aboard (with optional upgrade). Choose from a variety of activities, including a glass-bottomed boat trip, a rainforest walk, or a dive in the amazing Great Barrier reef using the SNUBA Doo® Power Snorkel.

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.

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.

This small-group tour includes transfers from your hotel or port to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway where you will glide over the rainforest canopy as you make your way to Red Peak Station. From there explore the World Heritage listed rainforest before re-boarding the cableway to the Barron Falls. View the magnificent Barron Gorge and Barron Falls and visit the Rainforest Interpretive Centre before re-boarding the cableway and making your way to Kuranda. I will meet you there and transport you to Kuranda village in the rainforest (if you prefer, take a five-minute walk). There you will have at least two hours to eat, shop and explore. Afterwards, I will take you to Kuranda Railway Station to board the Kuranda Scenic Railway for a journey through the rainforest that takes you over 37 bridges & through 15 tunnels. From Freshwater Station you will be transferred back to your hotel or port. Alternatively, you may choose to travel onwards to Cairns Station and walk to your city accommodation.

Swap your cruise liner for a catamaran on this 6-hour shore excursion from Cairns and sail out to explore the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef. Cruise to the Green Island, where you can snorkel amid schools of tropical fish, hike through the rainforest or admire the colorful corals from a glass-bottomed boat. Alternatively, make the most of optional activities like scuba diving or a Seawalker Helmet dive. This tour is also covered by Viator’s worry-free policy, ensuring on-time return to your cruise ship. Note: Departures only from Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns. This tour does not depart from Yorkey's Knob.

Make the most of your time in port with this half-day city sightseeing tour of Cairns, including afternoon tea. Visit attractions like the St Monica's Cathedral, Flecker Botanical Gardens and Cairns waterfront and walk through the Barron Gorge National Park. This small-group shore excursion is limited to 20 people and is covered by Viator's worry-free policy, ensuring on-time return to your ship.

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 scuba dive, tour the reef on a glass-bottom boat or view coral from a semi-submersible submarine.