Tours in Cairns & the Tropical North

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, stay dry and discover the reef in the underwater observatory or from the air-conditioned semi-submersible, and take to the skies on a spectacular 10-minute scenic helicopter flight for a truly unforgettable aerial perspective of this natural wonder. There’s also a great range of exciting optional activities including scuba diving and the exclusive Scuba-Doo underwater scooter - these are an additional cost paid on the day.

Zoom around the waters of Cairns on a thrilling 35-minute jet boat ride in the Trinity Inlet! Your jet boat speeds, spins and splashes as you cool down in the tropical heat. As you zip through the scenic waterway, watch for landmarks that your expert skipper points out. Who knows, you might even spot a croc drifting along the water. Be prepared to have fun and get wet on this exciting high-octane adventure!

See crocodiles up close at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Take a boat cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon and witness crocodiles being fed by experience Park staff. You can also get up close to kangaroos, wallabies, snakes, cassowaries, crocodiles, quolls and other iconic Australian wildlife. Spend a day at Hartley's and enjoy entertaining and educational wildlife presentations throughout the day.

This Multi Award winning boutique food and wine experience from Cairns will be tasting some of the best food and wine that the Atherton Tablelands has to offer. First stop is at Lake Barrine for a delicious breakfast overlooking the crater lake surrounded by lush rainforest, then to a private property to taste unique local produce, a quick visit to their gorgeous shop in Yungaburra. Lunch at the Platypus Park to watch them play and try Kangaroo, Crocodile and other delicacies followed by Tropical fruit wine and liqueur tastings!! Visit a dairy farm and sample their cheeses & chocolates, stop in for seasonal fruit tasting and Macadamia nuts. Then a tipple or 2 at Mt Uncle distillery, the last stop is Emerald Creek Ice creamery for a tasting bowl of their home made ice creams and sorbets. You will be taken through a variety of contrasting landscapes, relax as we taste our way around the regions 'Food Bowl.' 7 Unique gourmet Stops! maximum participants for this tour is 20.

This small-group tour includes a short transfer from your hotel to Cairns Railway Station where you will board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway for an amazing journey over 37 bridges & through 15 tunnels passing the rainforest to the charming village of Kuranda. It’s a short walk to the village where you will have over 2 hours to dine, explore, shop or perhaps an exciting encounter with wildlife at one of the zoos (fees apply) Later, make your way to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway where you will glide over the rainforest canopy as you make your way to the Barron Falls. View the magnificent Barron Gorge, the falls & visit the Rainforest Interpretive Centre before re-boarding the cableway and making your way to Red Peak Station. From there explore the World Heritage listed rainforest before re-boarding and completing your journey at Smithfield where you will be met and transferred to your accomodation. (please note the itinerary for this tour was reversed January 2022)

Experience rappelling, swimming under waterfalls, walking through old, vibrant rainforest while jumping off rocks into the deep fresh crystal clear water... Super friendly, qualified crew ensure your day is fun filled and ultra safe so your can enjoy the rest of your holidays, & tell of your adventures.

OceanQuest, our liveaboard vessel, offers the ultimate overnight experience on the Great Barrier Reef departing from Cairns. Spend your days and nights exploring premium outer Great Barrier Reef sites aboard our floating 'boatel'. When a single day at the reef isn't sufficient, an overnight journey from Cairns provides ample time. Enjoy vibrant snorkel sites during the day, and in the evenings unwind with fellow guests in our spacious lounge bar or relax in your air-conditioned cabin equipped with an en-suite bathroom. Our purpose-built, three-deck, 35-metre catamaran ensures a superior holiday experience, featuring a spacious dive deck, expansive open sundecks, and hot, freshwater showers. Indulge in delicious meals prepared by our onboard chef, including hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, topped off with a well-deserved dessert after your day in the water!

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.

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.

A Cape Tribulation day tour is something you must add to your Tropical North Queensland holiday. Amazing natural beauty and destinations, ancient rainforest flora and fauna, wide rivers and sandy beaches, are just the beginning. This is a full, fun adventure day tour which departs daily from Cairns or Port Douglas. Travel is in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach and commentary is provided by friendly, knowledgeable guides who are committed to your satisfaction. Whether you’re a youth traveler, flying solo or visiting with your spouse and/or friends, with or without children, this destination and tour has something for everyone. Our Cape Tribulation day tour takes a maximum of 20 guests, no minimum number for departure.

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.

This small-group tours includes transfers from your hotel to the amazing Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. There you will glide over the world's oldest rainforest as you ascend to the maginficent Red Peak boardwalk and its attractions. From there journey to the spectacular Barron Gorge and falls as you make your way to the charming rainforest village of Kuranda. Once there choose from a vast array of activities including local markets, arts and crafts, enjoy an encounter with animals or butterflies (fees apply) and enjoy a relaxing lunch (own expense) before joining the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway on a spectacular journey through 15 tunnels and over 37 bridges enjoying magnificent views as you make your way to Freshwater Station to be met and transferred to your hotel, arriving about 4pm.

Dive into an adventure where flexibility meets the beauty of nature. Our tour stands out by adapting to weather and group preferences, ensuring a personalized experience. Discover the Atherton Tablelands' stunning waterfalls like Millaa Millaa and Josephine, swim in Lake Eacham's clear waters, and marvel at the ancient Cathedral Fig Tree. With surprise stops and a commitment to eco-friendly practices, our expert guides make each moment special. Enjoy inclusive snacks and lunch, capturing unforgettable memories in Queensland's natural paradise. Join us for a day of exploration, laughter, and connection with nature.

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.

This sightseeing tour is bespoke and personal with a maximum of 14 guests on the vessel at one time. The tour takes in the stunning sights of the Cairns Trinity Inlet with amazing photo opportunities of the mountain-lined waterway at dusk as the local wildlife are settling for the evening. Bring your camera for stunning photo opportunities. The sightseeing tour also showcases the Cairns city skyline from the waterfront and your local guide offers interesting insights into the history, culture and wildlife in the destination while on tour. The vessel is comfortable and spacious, with lounge-style seating and an onboard toilet for passenger comfort.

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 5.00pm.

Low Isles is an idyllic, unspoilt coral cay island just one hour's sailing from Port Douglas aboard the 30 metre sailing catamaran, Wavedancer. With snorkelling direct from the beach, this is the perfect day for families and couples seeking island relaxation.  From the moment Wavedancer moors in the picturesque lagoon, a host of reef activities await. It's a leisurely, informative day where island visitor numbers are limited.Throughout the day, a shuttle boat transfers guests between the boat and the island. Snorkelling, glass bottom boat tour, marine biologist guided snorkel tour and island walk, tropical buffet lunch served onboard, morning and afternoon teas all included.

For a once in a lifetime experience, combine your scenic flight with an exclusive getaway to your own piece of paradise. Feel the thrill of flying over the picturesque coral-studded sea before landing on Vlasoff Cay (ex Cairns) - a pristine sand cay in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Relax on the pure white sand, beach comb for treasures, lay in the shallow crystal waters or snorkel straight off the cay and discover the magic of the underwater world. The experience is complete with a gourmet picnic hamper, sparkling wine and snorkelling equipment.

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.

Explore Fitzroy Island’s coral reefs and Nudey Beach on a 6-hour day trip! Snorkel gear included—discover vibrant marine life and stunning landscapes. Departs Fitzroy Island's jetty at 5.00pm.

This 30-minute scenic helicopter tour departs Cairns airport and tracks out from the mainland with views of the city of Cairns and Trinity inlet, passing False Cape where you can see the remnants of WWII defences, Mt Yarrabah, Mission Bay and Cape Grafton. From there we strike out to the inner edge of the Reef and Green Island, a 6,000 year-old coral sand island that boasts its own native rainforest eco-system. Tracking to the north, we explore the western side of Arlington Reef, home to a diverse range of marine creatures – turtles, sharks and sting rays. Continuing north we’ll circle Vlasoff Cay a tiny sand island in the middle of the reef that reduces to only a few hundred square metres in size at high tide. From Vlasoff Cay we head west, over Upolu Cay and back to Cairns taking in fantastic views of the North Queensland coastline framed by the lush rainforest-covered eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range.

This Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest and wildlife tour takes you on a full day adventure to the only place in the world where the rainforest meets the reef. Enjoy guided walks, time on Cape Tribulation Beach and guaranteed wildlife spotting as well as a delicious tropical lunch.

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.

Join Tropic Wings, the longest established coach operator in Cairns, for a full day adventure to Kuranda, located in the middle of World Heritage Rainforest. Your experience includes a visit to the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park, where you can take a tour on a historic World War II Army Duck, as well as \ feed a kangaroo and meet a Cassowary in the Koala & Wildlife Park. Be sure to visit the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience including boomerang and spear throwing and traditional Aboriginal dances. Travel to Kuranda on the new 100% electric bus and return on the renowned Kuranda Scenic Railway.