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Popular Activities in Cairns

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Our most recommended Cairns Activities

1. From Cairns: Private Rainforest and Nocturnal Wildlife Tour

You'll be picked up by your own private driver/tour guide from your accommodation in Cairns or Northern Beaches, before heading south to view the agile wallabies that live within the city limits. Make a second stop at the Cathedral Fig Tree, an 8,000-year-old Strangler fig with a giant root system. Enjoy afternoon tea at the world-renowned Lake Barrine, before taking a guided walk through the rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for musky rat-kangaroo, Boyd's forest dragon, rainforest birds, butterflies and flying foxes. After a quick stop at Lake Eacham, visit a platypus viewing area in Yungaburra for a high chance of seeing this unique mammal. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant in the township of Yungburra before your nighttime spotlighting adventure begins. Walk under the night stars and into the rainforest. Look out for Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo, northern leaf-tailed gecko, ring...
2. From Cairns: Fitzroy Island Return Catamaran Transfer

Depart from Cairns Marina and visit Fitzroy Island, a national park covered in lush tropical rainforest and boasting granite outcrops, open woodlands, mangroves, coral beaches. Walk to the lighthouse, dine at the restaurant, or relax at the famous Nudey Beach, voted the best beach in Australia. This return catamaran transfer gives you 5 hours to explore paradise at your own pace. Check in at Cairns Marina is between 8:30 AM and 9:15 AM. Enjoy tea and coffee on board the vessel before your departure. At 9:30 AM, depart Cairns Marina for Fitzroy Island. Enjoy the ferry ride to Fitzroy Island on an air-conditioned catamaran. Travel for just 45 minutes until you are there. Arrive at Fitzroy Island at 10:15 AM. On arrival, enjoy over 5 hours on the island. With up to 5 hours free time you will be able to explore the island through self-guided rainforest walks to the summit, lighthouse, secr...

A great day at Fitzroy Island. Couldn't believe we saw a turtle up close in the ocean. Amazing.

Reviewed by Kate, 16/09/2021
3. From Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Adventure Tour

Fitzroy Island was once part of mainland Australia, before being separated by rising waters. Over time a fringing coral reef surrounded the island, providing a sheltered home to a variety of fish and coral species. Explore this marine wonderland on a day tour from Cairns, crossing by ferry to enjoy wilderness hiking trails and snorkeling adventures. 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 at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. Cruise south along the calm waters of ...

We had a great day. The crew were fantastic. Lots of fun. Def would recommend it.

Reviewed by Anonymous, 23/09/2021
4. Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Day Trip, Scenic Rail & Skyrail

On this 7-hour excursion, you’ll visit the beautiful village of Kuranda, nestled in pristine World Heritage-listed rainforest. You will be picked up from your hotel (in the Cairns city area) in a modern and comfortable coach and travel to the train station. Climb aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and take in views of the surrounding mountains along the way to Kuranda. Rising from sea level to 328 meters, the journey to Kuranda passes spectacular waterfalls and then takes you into the stunning Barron Gorge. Enjoy 2.5 hours of free time to explore the markets, shops and walking trails or take a river cruise (seasonal). Discover the amazing array of food stalls and cafés or dine with the resident water dragons at Frog’s Restaurant, famous for their freshly made sauces and dressings. Take the famous Skyrail down, spanning 7.5 kilometers over the pristine rainforest canopy. This is...

A smooth and insightful journey. The contrast of industrial transport amongst the daunting natural landscape was thrilling.

Reviewed by Pl, 27/09/2021
5. Cairns: Full-Day Glass Bottom Boat Snorkel Tour

Discover the lush rainforest of Green Island on this full-day snorkel tour and encounter some of the many marine animals that call the island home. Climb aboard the modern, air-conditioned catamaran "Reef Rocket" to cruise over to this idyllic part of the Great Barrier Reef, and enjoy a full-day reef tour just 45-minutes from Cairns. Snorkel and dive among the reef fish and coral gardens, or stay dry on a spectacular semi-submersible submarine or glass-bottom boat to discover the underwater life in comfort. Alternatively, simply laze on the white sandy beach and soak up the sun. These are just a few of the many activities available at Green Island. The friendly crew will help you organize your day to make the most of your time at this stunning Marine National Park.
6. From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

Meet your crew at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and hop aboard the luxury catamaran. The crew will select reef locations depending on the day's conditions from Flynn and Milne reef or further north at Norman and Hastings reefs. All offer diverse reef structures teeming with exotic marine life.

Feel the wind in your hair as you set sail for the outer Great Barrier Reef. Relax with morning tea on the way, get to know the crew and learn all about the marine eco-system from a marine expert. Review snorkeling techniques with the crew during the journey.

Arrive at the first outer reef location, where you can snorkel, dive or swim in the water. You may also choose to sunbathe, or chill on the boat on the upper sun deck or the netted deck trampoline at the bow of the boat. You can avail complimentary guided tours from the staff.

Great reef locations. Super friendly and professional crew. Safety was always their priority. Excellent equipment. Super chill vibe, great tunes and space to relax whilst travelling to and from the reef. Thoroughly enjoyed our day. Highly recommend this activity!

Reviewed by Dane, 27/09/2021
7. Kuranda: 1-Hour Rainforest ATV Tour

Explore a secluded estate atop the majestic Barron Falls on a personalized ATV tour with a friendly local tour guide. The estate, owned by a local family since 1969, is surrounded by a UNESCO World Heritage Rainforest and is home to the elusive cassowary and other Australian wildlife. You’ll feel secure and prepared after receiving a training session at the beginning of the tour. Confidently ride through the rainforest and take in the atmosphere of this vibrant flora.

Follow the ancient timber logger tracks and discover unique trees. As you venture through the forest, your tour guide will share amazing facts and stories from the history of the pioneers. Get your blood pumping as you ride through the water of a permanent creek crossing. Bite into a piece of fresh fruit straight from the tree. The property houses a gorgeous orchard of 600+ trees. If you're lucky, you m...

Excellent experience. We had so much fun and the staff were amazing! Thank you !

Reviewed by Kerri, Australia, 25/09/2021
8. From Cairns: Green Island Eco Adventure

Boasting a lush rainforest that is home to over 120 native plant species and colorful bird life, Green Island is surrounded by coral gardens and abundant marine life. The tropical island, just 45 minutes from Cairns offers the unique opportunity for a combined reef and rainforest tour. And with the choice of 3 daily departures, the Green Island eco adventure is perfect for a half or full-day experience with up to 7 hours on the beautiful Great Barrier Reef island. Your cruise includes the choice of an informative glass bottom boat coral viewing tour, or use of snorkeling equipment to snorkel directly off the sandy white beaches. Whether you’re up for adventurous activities or island relaxation, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can explore the island’s lush rainforest with a leisurely self guided walk, see the reef from the glass bottom boat coral viewing tour, snorkel from the beach, o...

I really enjoyed the day out to Green Island. It's a small, quiet, relaxing place to be. All the stuff of restaurants, shops, the boat are very friendly and informative. If you want to meet up with turtles, this is the place to go.

Reviewed by Anonymous, 31/07/2020
9. Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Pontoon with Activities

Take a cruise out from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef. Encounter an outstanding landscape of marine life, and enjoy a choice of activities including snorkeling, a visit to the underwater observatory.

Prior to departure from the marina, sup on some complimentary tea and coffee. Depart from Cairns’ Marlin Marina at 9:30 AM and enjoy a cruise out of the Harbour. Witness the stunning landscape before the catamaran makes its way out to open seas.

Sail in air-conditioned comfort onboard the catamaran to the state-of-the-art activity pontoon at Moore Reef. Moore Reef is a prime location on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, abundant with soft corals and marine life. Learn about the reef and its diverse ecosystems on the outward journey with presentations given by resident marine experts. Upon arrival at the pontoon at 11:30 AM, choose from an array of activities sui...

We had such an amazing experience, 10 out of 10, I wish I could give extra rating stars! The crew are super friendly, buffet was great, semi submersible tour is very cool! Highlight of the day was the guided snorkel tour, very knowledgeable guide, my wife doesn't swim at all and had a fantastic time! There's also an underwater photographer onboard who takes great photos!

Reviewed by Kai, 25/07/2021
10. Port Douglas: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

Meet your experienced ballooning team at Atherton Tablelands at 6.00 AM, just in time to witness the inflation of the hot air balloons. Experience the fun and unique sensation of a hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands, Australia. Enjoy the picturesque landscape at sunrise with 60-minutes of flying time. At 6.30 AM the patchwork panorama below brings new sights every day, watch out for the variety of Australian birdlife and take in the peace and serenity that is hot air ballooning.