Top Cairns & the Tropical North Outdoor Activities
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A pint-sized island of lust rainforests, white sands, and vibrant coral, the aptly named Green Island is a highlight of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and it’s a popular half- or full-day tour from Cairns. Here are some can’t-miss activities.
Cruises and Boat Tours
Set sail on a catamaran cruise or glass-bottom boat tour of Green Island, and explore the protected landscapes of the Green Island National Park. Along the way, stop at the Pinnacle Reef to swim and snorkel, visit Marineland Melanesia to see the crocodiles, or enjoy a buffet lunch onboard.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The shores of Green Island are teeming with marine life, so grab your snorkel gear and dive in to discover the underwater wonders. There are numerous spots for snorkeling and scuba diving, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see sea turtles, giant clams, starfish, and sea anemones, as well as a huge variety of tropical fish.
Active Adventures
Head to the Green Island Resort to go canoeing, sailboarding, and surf skiing; try kayaking or windsurfing at the island’s beaches, or spot wildlife on a hike through the rain forest. For something a little different, take a Seawalker Helmet dive or a semi-submersible coral-viewing tour.
Helicopter Tours
You don’t have to get wet to marvel at the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef—the most thrilling way to take in the views is on a helicopter tour. Take off from Cairns and soar over the beaches and reefs of Green Island, enjoying unrivaled aerial views.
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Barron Gorge National Park Half-Day White Water Rafting from Cairns or Port Douglas
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.
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From
$82.33
From
$82.33

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
If snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, don’t miss this day trip from Cairns. The 35-metre superyacht, Evolution, departs Cairns with a record 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day!
You’ll visit 2 different locations on the barrier reef for the chance to see tropical marine life in the clear waters. Lunch is included onboard the boat, and you have the option to upgrade to include additional adventures such as introductory or certified scuba diving or a helicopter flight over this UNESCO World Heritage site. Both water sports enthusiasts and novices are welcome. Includes instruction and equipment provided by friendly and professional instructors.
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From
$129.37
From
$129.37
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Kayak Turtle Tour from Palm Cove
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; kids as young as seven can take part. Even better: Shuttle bus transfers are included from Cairns hotels for a convenient trip.
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From
$64.34
From
$64.34

Great Barrier Reef Eco Snorkel and Dive Cruise from Cairns - Including Lunch
Enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving on the outer Great Barrier Reef during a full-day cruise that lets you explore the underwater world. Depart Cairns to cruise out to two sites that are ideal for the day's conditions. Travel on a custom-built boat with ample space for 60 passengers. Your expert guides lead guided snorkel tours with informative commentary and necessary gear provided, helping you to make the most of your time at this Australian natural treasure. Includes morning and afternoon tea, and buffet lunch.
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From
$188.18
From
$188.18

AquaQuest Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise from Cairns
Get more than four hours to explore the outer Great Barrier Reef on this full-day tour, which offers snorkeling or diving experiences from two different reef locations. You can choose between different options for this experience based on your snorkeling or diving levels. While out on the water, keep an eye out for wildlife, including fish, rays, and turtles.
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From
$156.82
From
$156.82
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Cairns Jet Boat Ride
Get your adrenaline pumping on a Cairns jet boat ride. As you zoom across the waters of Trinity Inlet, hang on tight while the experienced boat captain performs spins and other maneuvers to make sure you stay cool in the splashing water. Admire landmarks from the boat, and keep your eyes open for marine life—you may get lucky and spot a crocodile. It’s a great way to spend 35 minutes in Queensland’s tropical heat.
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From
$51.16
$5.69 savings
From
$51.16
$5.69 savings

Hot Air Ballooning Tour from Cairns
Get a bird’s-eye perspective of Tropical North Queensland on an unforgettable hot air balloon flight at sunrise. Soar over the Atherton Tablelands as golden sunlight breaks across beautiful farmlands, rivers, and forests. Choose the duration of your flights and enjoy pickup and drop-off from your Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Palm Cove hotel. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful way to start your day!
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From
$195.24
From
$195.24
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Great Barrier Reef Tour with Indigenous Sea Rangers-Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel
Explore the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier reef, with an indigenous perspective. This tour offers the unique opportunity to see the sites of the reef and learn about its Aboriginal history. The tour begins with a welcome Aboriginal greeting. Learn about the Reef’s creation story, passed down tens of thousands of years. Snorkel among tropical fish and brilliant coral.
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From
$160.74
From
$160.74
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Cairns ATV Adventure Tour
Conquer the rugged off-road terrain around Cairns on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on this half-day tour. Follow a guide, who takes care of instructions and navigation, through the rain forest, on dirt tracks, and across creeks. Morning or afternoon tea (depending on tour time) and hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairns make for a seamless, stress-free experience.
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From
$131.39
From
$131.39

Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip
Avoid the crowds and experience The Great Barrier Reef the way nature intended. No other operator in this category can offer you this superb personalised service. Join us, and our fun loving crew, for an amazing day on the Great Barrier Reef. Our destination, Upolu Reef, is a very beautiful location situated on the edge of the Outer Barrier Reef, and is teeming with a large variety of interesting marine life and a beautiful array of corals. In the sheltered lagoon you will see a multitude of; giant clams, turtles, sea stars and reef fish. This offers a perfect snorkelling or diving experience in warm clear protected waters. A complementary snorkel guide is available, which offers a fun and informative addition to the day’s exploration.
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From
$116.83
From
$116.83
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Mulgrave River Tubing from Cairns
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!
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From
$58.81
From
$58.81
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

Silverswift Outer Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Cruise from Cairns
Dive into the spectacular underwater realm of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day snorkel and scuba cruise from Cairns. Travel aboard a luxurious catamaran to three renowned dive sites to swim among coral gardens and tropical marine life. All experience levels are welcome, and guides are on hand to assist with your choice of snorkeling, introductory scuba diving, or certified diving. A buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon tea on the catamaran are included.
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From
$188.96
From
$188.96
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Tour and Cruise from Cairns
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).
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From
$293.24
From
$293.24
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Cruise from Cairns by Luxury Catamaran
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.
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From
$145.05
From
$145.05
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise from Cairns
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 comfortable catamaran to a mooring off of Upolu Cay. Take a glass-bottom boat to Upolu Cay, then have time to snorkel or scuba dive. Refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran before heading to your next destination, for more water time, including a guided snorkeling tour.
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From
$167.40
From
$167.40
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Coral Sea Dreaming: Overnight Dive, Snorkel and Sail Experience from Cairns
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.
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From
$349.66
From
$349.66

Cairns ATV Adventure Tour and Afternoon Rafting
Explore Cairns on an all-day ATV and white-water rafting adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup, travel into a spectacular rainforest, receive a safety briefing, and get outfitted in necessary equipment. Then, ride along trails, over jumps, and through creek crossings on a thrilling off-road ride. Enjoy morning tea and head to Barron Gorge National Park to spend the afternoon paddling rapids in a white-water raft—all on one combo tour.
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From
$267.02
From
$267.02

Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets
Visit two of the most popular wildlife venues in the Cairns area with this combo admission to the Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld. Aussie animals are renowned for various reasons—from adorable (koalas) to elusive (wombats). You’ll have the chance to see an array of wildlife. Some activities are an additional fee.
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From
$25.87
From
$25.87
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome
Get an up-close look at the rainforest from the middle of Cairns at Carins ZOOM and Wildlife Dome. This family-friendly attraction is home to Australian animals like koalas, snakes, tropical birds, and a saltwater crocodile. You can simply explore the park at your leisure, or choose some of the many activities like a ropes course, zipline, dome climb and more. You also have the option to upgrade your admission to the 4 Park Pass if you want to visit other Cairns-area attractions like the Butterfly Sanctuary and Rainforestation.
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From
$19.60
From
$19.60

Skip the Line: Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park Ticket
Explore Kuranda's Rainforestation Nature Park, a 100-acre (40-hectare) tropical rainforest and World Heritage site located within five minutes of Kuranda village, accessible from Cairns. Your admission ticket to this family-friendly attraction includes three eco-experiences: see Australia's native animals at the Koala and Wildlife Park; ride the amphibious Army Duck on a unique rainforest tour; watch an Aboriginal Dance Show at the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and take a Dreamtime Walk.
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From
$40.77
From
$40.77

Outer Reef Pontoon Experience from Cairns
Enjoy the natural delights of the Great Barrier Reef on an activity cruise from Cairns that gives you several ways to experience this renowned underwater world. After traveling by catamaran to a pontoon moored on the reef, you can observe marine life on a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible vessel; go snorkeling to spot sea turtles; get your hands wet in the touch pool; upgrade to include a Seawalker Helmet dive; or upgrade to include an introductory or certified scuba dive. Snacks and a boxed lunch are included, and the pontoon is equipped with showers.
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From
$156.03
From
$156.03
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Ocean Spirit Michaelmas Cay Dive and Snorkel Cruise from Cairns
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 amazing coral gardens and get an up-close encounter with 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 to learn about the thousands of migratory seabirds that nest on the protected cay, and refuel with a buffet lunch featuring fresh seafood.
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From
$177.20
From
$177.20
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

Full Day Rainforest 4WD Tour from Cairns
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.
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From
$173.28
From
$173.28

Full-Day River Pack-River Tubing and White-Water Rafting Adventure from Cairns
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.
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From
$132.71
From
$132.71
- Mt. Whitfield
- Barron Gorge National Park
- Cairns Cruise Port
- Behana Gorge Waterfall
- Rusty's Markets
- Centenary Lakes
- Cairns Night Markets & Food Court
- Wet Tropics World Heritage Area
- Fitzroy Island
- Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome
- Granite Gorge Nature Park
- Lake Barrine
- Birdworld Kuranda
- Esplanade Boardwalk
- Trinity Beach
- Mamu Tropical Skywalk
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- Cairns Aquarium
- RainForeStation Nature Park
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