Tours in Cairns & the Tropical North

Travel in air-conditioned comfort in your luxury purpose-built vehicle to Cape Tribulation; through some of the oldest rainforest in the world. Enjoy a guided rainforest walk through Mossman Gorge, a cruise on the Daintree River, delicious tropical lunch set amongst the rainforest, and a walk on famous Cape Tribulation Beach. Stop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company for a refreshing fruit ice cream before returning home.

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

On this 8-hour tour from Cairns, cruise out to an activity platform on the outer Great Barrier Reef for a day of exploring this natural wonder in different ways. Reef Magic's location is selected for its water clarity, coral quality, and diversity of marine life, which you can see while snorkeling or taking a tour by glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible vessel. Learn about the wildlife from on-board marine biologists, and choose to participate in more activities, if you wish, like scuba diving or a helicopter ride (additional expense). All ages and swimming abilities are welcome. Buffet lunch is included as well as morning and afternoon tea.

Immerse yourself in the exclusive and unparalleled experience of Cairns’ sole dinner cruise, where you'll be greeted with a welcoming glass of sparkling wine, beer, or a refreshing soft drink upon arrival. Enjoy a leisurely 2.5-hour evening cruise on tranquil waters, taking in the breath-taking scenery as day turns to dusk. Indulge in a delectable buffet dinner served onboard, featuring a variety of mouth-watering dishes to satisfy every palate. Relax in comfort aboard our luxurious air-conditioned vessel, complete with spacious outdoor decks that offer expansive views of the surrounding tropical beauty.

Enjoy a seamless and professionally guided journey to Kuranda. Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Cairns, followed by a breathtaking ride over the rainforest on the Skyrail. Upon arrival, explore Kuranda’s markets, butterfly sanctuary, and wildlife zoo, or opt for additional experiences such as Army Duck tours, horse riding, ATV adventures, and riverboat cruises. In the afternoon, return via the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, taking in stunning views of waterfalls and lush landscapes. All tickets and arrangements are handled by our guide for a smooth experience. To conclude, you will be transferred from Cairns Railway Station back to your hotel. Cruise ship guests are guaranteed a timely return before departure. A flexible, enjoyable, and stress-free tour, tailored to ensure the best experience.

Discover Fitzroy Island on a day trip from Cairns. Enjoy a scenic ferry ride and explore the many hiking trails. Admire the marine life native to the coral reef as you snorkel or observe from a glass-bottom boat. Choose from a range of packages, including transfers for you to explore on your own, or a package including snorkel or glass-bottom boat activities. Explore the Island's 339 hectares of lush rainforest that covers 94 percent of the island and is protected and managed as a National Park. Walking trails are suitable for all levels of fitness, allowing you to explore areas of the island at your leisure. The fast catamaran departs from the Marlin Marina, with check-in directly on the vessel. Cruise south along the calm waters of the coastline to reach Fitzroy Island in just 45 minutes, giving you up to 7 hours to explore the tropical island.

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are the only commercial operator allowed to land on stunning Normanby Island, offering ample space and time for relaxation and exploration. Customise your day trip with a variety of optional activities on our all-inclusive tour. The islands are also home to several endangered species like the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, spectacled flying-fox, and beach stone-curlews. Explore the vibrant underwater world with 200 coral species around Normanby and Mabel islands, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's total of 600 species. On Frankland Islands, stars aren't just in the sky—they're beneath your feet! Baclogypsina sphirulata, known as Sand Stars found on Normanby Island, are typically rare and found on beaches across the Indo-Pacific. They're often considered unique to Okinawa, Japan, but it's our hidden delight that you can also discover them in a secluded spot on Normanby Island.

Enjoy an outdoor adventure in Queensland with a 2-hour white-water rafting tour in Barron Gorge National Park. This experience is a suitable introduction to river rafting for first-timers, providing an exhilarating time with a rafting guide. Take in rainforest views along the Barron River as you navigate rapids up to grade III. When booking, you have the option to include pickup in Cairns and the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas, or drive yourself to the starting point.

The Tully River hosted the International Rafting Federation’s 2019 World Rafting Championships. This world class river provides a pinnacle rafting experience, with over 40 rapids ripping down through the stunning rainforest gorge surrounds. Classified as a Grade 4/5 river, the Tully provides one hell of a wild ride which ticks all the boxes for those seeking the ultimate Australian rafting adventure! We have two Tully River itineraries, check them out below, which are exactly the same except for departure times. The Tully River is a Hydro River and we’re informed on water release, which determines when we run.

This 40-minute reef scenic helicopter flight is incredible. By extending the flight by another 10 minutes, we take in all the highlights of the 30-minute product, but extend the flight path out to the east, passing Green Island and tracking to the outer edge of Arlington Reef – one of the largest reefs in the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. We traverse the very edge of the reef pushing toward the edge of the Australian continental shelf where the water clarity is unsurpassed, and the ocean floor drops away to over 1,000 feet. The additional time allows us to push further north past sandy Vlasoff Cay and on to the outer reaches of the Reef to immerse yourself in the colours and textures of the reef and clear blue waters. The massive North Queensland skies provide unforgettable backdrops for the keen photographer to capture once in a lifetime images. Our local pilot/guides provide commentary and insights into the reef and its abundance of marine inhabitants.

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 including scuba diving, scenic helicopter flights and the exclusive Scuba-Doo underwater scooter - these are an additional cost paid on the day.

Explore the waterfalls, rainforests, and hidden gems of North Queensland on this full-day Atherton Tablelands adventure. Swim at Millaa Millaa and Josephine Falls, hear Indigenous stories at the sacred Cathedral Fig Tree, and visit the mystical Babinda Boulders. Spot rare wildlife like tree-kangaroos and platypus, and soak in the tranquil beauty of Lake Eacham.

Sail from Cairns aboard a luxury sailing catamaran to Michaelmas Cay, a picturesque sand cay on Great Barrier Reef. Encircled by fringing reef of beautiful coral gardens with colourful fish, curious Green Sea Turtles and Blue-Spotted rays, it is also an important protected bird sanctuary for migratory seabirds. Witness the reef's coral and marine life from a semi-submersible submarine, try scuba diving or snorkel from the cay to witness the beauty of the coral gardens. Morning tea, Hot & Cold Buffet Lunch (including prawns), Afternoon Tea as well as complimentary bubbles and cheese/biscuits are served on board to satisfy your hunger while you explore Michaelmas Cay for 4 hours.

Save over 10% with this great tour combo! Combining a helmet dive experience with a visit to beautiful Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef is a unique and exciting day. Just 45 minutes from Cairns by Great Adventures fast catamaran, Green Island is a 6000 year old coral cay and home of the amazing underwater walking experience, Seawalker Green Island. It's an ideal activity for non-swimmers wanting to experience the reef underwater as you walk on the island's seafloor surrounded by colourful tropical fish & coral at a specially selected site, minutes offshore. It’s safe and fully supervised by professional underwater guides. Your head and hair stay dry and you can even wear glasses! Completing your day, the Green Island Eco Adventure includes the choice of a glass bottom boat tour or use of snorkelling equipment. After you've worked up an appetite, the day visitor facilities feature a pool bar, restaurant and refreshments for a range of affordable meal and snack options.

Extremely low passenger number Great Barrier Reef & Green Island tour (max 25 guests). In fact the only small sail, reef and tropical island experience in Cairns. Swim, snorkel or dive straight off the boat onto an exclusive magnificent GBR site - no crowds. The boat is moored just 1Km off Green Island - a highly protected Marine Park zone. From Cairns, sail to this reef site and Green Island in style on a two-mast schooner and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on board. After snorkelling off the boat take a tender transfer to explore the beauty of Green Island, see the rainforest or laze on the white sandy beaches.

Explore Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, an award-winning eco-tourism attraction located between Cairns and Port Douglas. Cruise the wetlands to see crocodiles lazing on the riverbanks and witness the stealth and power of these prehistoric animals at the Crocodile Attack show. This innovative wildlife park has five distinct zones, showcasing Australian wildlife in their natural environment. Enjoy guided walks, keeper-talks, animal shows and a behind-the-scenes look at crocodile farming.

Enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest as you soar above the canopy aboard the Skyrail on a day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. Option to upgrade to the popular Rainforestation Nature Park.

The only Outback Full-Day Tour! Explore the Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge and other gems of the Australian Outback on this full-day tour. With a naturalist guide, you'll travel by 4WD vehicle through the McAllister Ranges, the Great Dividing Range and the Australian Outback while listening to informative commentary about the region’s wildlife, history and Aboriginal culture. Take a guided tour through the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park with a local ranger, drive near the wetlands to spot Australian native wildlife, see historic mining towns, and enjoy morning tea at the local Skybury Coffee Plantation and lunch at a classic Chillagoe Pub during this small-group tour limited to 19 passengers.

See Australia's unique animals and birds in their natural environment on a rainforest wildlife-spotting tour in the Atherton Tablelands. Led by an expert nature guide, your small-group nocturnal tour visits a number of locations including lush tropical rainforest and a volcanic crater lake. See tree kangaroos, lizards and musky rat kangaroo by day, and search for platypus at dusk. Enjoy afternoon tea at Lake Barrine and dinner at a country restaurant, then go spotlighting for possum, bandicoots, owls, bats and tree kangaroos by starlight on this fascinating nocturnal wildlife tour.

Seeking a white water rafting adventure? The Barron River, 20-minutes north of Cairns, offers spectacular scenery as you paddle through the Barron Gorge National Park on this exciting two-hour white water rafting tour from Cairns, Northern Beaches and Port Douglas.

Northern Experience Eco Tours was established in 1997 and is the original Tablelands-Paronella Park tour. Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned mini coach with local naturalist guides and experience the uniqueness of the tropics and the diversity of our beautiful tropical rainforests. Tour south of Cairns for a full day out traveling through the magnificent World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforests of Wooroonooran National Park, swimming in waterfalls, traveling through the Atherton Tablelands, viewing Volcano’s and visiting local must see attractions such as Millaa Millaa Falls, Lake Barrine, Curtain Fig Tree, extended touring time at Paronella Park and much more.

Discover Fitzroy Island’s beauty on a half-day trip! Snorkel vibrant reefs, relax on Nudey Beach, and soak in tropical views. Book your adventure now! Departs Fitzroy Island's jetty at 12.15pm.

Enjoy the picturesque surrounds of Fitzroy Island and kick back in paradise! Departs Cairns at 10:15am, Returns to Cairns at approximately 4:30pm (*Seasonal or operational time changes may apply). Book a transfer only, or opt for a package building your day by selecting from options of picnic lunch box, snorkelling equipment hire and / or glass bottom boat tour! Fitzroy Island is a favourite trip for Cairns' locals with 99% of its landscape covered in lush tropical rainforest as well as granite outcrops, open woodlands, mangroves and coral beaches. Enquire about further upgrading your day with optional activities such as snorkel safari, kayak tour, visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation centre or guided nature walks.

Be our VIP’s for the day! Cruise to the Outer Reef onboard superyacht, Evolution, with access to your own private Gold Class lounge for the day with lots of inclusions. Dial up the luxury with VIP access to the exclusive Gold Class Lounge, located on the second level a luxury catamaran for the day. Enjoy all the benefits of a large, stable, fully equipped catamaran with the feel and service level of a private charter but at a fraction of the cost. Complete with dedicated concierge service and a range of value adds, the Gold Class lounge delivers an unparalleled experience for couples, honeymooners, multi-generational families, small groups of friends (up to 8 guests), or anyone seeking a premium Great Barrier Reef experience without the high-end price tag. This lounge is unique to Cairns and one of a kind.