Your go-to guide for the best tours in Cairns by interest

Add these Cairns tours to your travel itinerary.

Don’t let all those laid-back tropical vibes distract you from your travel goal: to see as much of Tropical North Queensland as possible. Cairns tours and day trips are a wonderful way to explore more, but sometimes it’s nice to have someone else show you the way, sharing interesting information along the way.

From voyages out to the Great Barrier Reef and tasting adventures on the Tableland to a jet-ski excursion with crocs, here are the top tours to book in and around Cairns.

Day tours and trips near Cairns

Whether you want to meet the local wildlife, learn something new or raise your adrenaline on the rapids, let go of the reins and jump into one of these epic day tours.

Daintree River Cruise Centre: Ultimate Wildlife Experience Cruise

a boat cruising through the Daintree River — Join a wildlife cruise in the Daintree to see the unique tropical ecosystem. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Perfect for: Nature fanatics

Take a journey on an acclaimed wildlife adventure cruise to fully immerse yourself in the Daintree Rainforest. Leisurely glide along the river as a local guide shares their expert knowledge about the unique tropical ecosystem. Along the way, you’ll see native wildlife such as Estuarine Crocodiles in their natural habitat. Complimentary morning or afternoon tea is included.

Just a three-minute drive away is Daintree Ecolodge if you wish to pick up a deluxe picnic hamper or stop in for a spa treatment or cocktail class.

Price: $40 (adults), $20 (children), or $110 (family)
Location: 2914 Mossman – Daintree Road, Daintree
Tour duration: 60-90 minutes

Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre: Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk

an Indigenous guide on Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk — Immerse yourself in the Indigenous side of the Daintree Rainforest on a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Perfect for: Learning from the Traditional Owners

Discover the Indigenous side of the Daintree Rainforest and make your way to Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to join a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk . ‘Ngadiku’ means ‘stories and legends from a long time ago’ in the local Kuku Yalanji language, and the Dreamtime Walk provides a compelling narrative about the rainforest, including a demonstration on how to use traditional medicinal plants as well as how to identify native food. Traditional tea and damper follow.

Afterwards, wander the national park at your own pace, navigating the different walking tracks and trails, including the popular Gorge Circuit.

Price: $100 (adults), $50 (children), or $250 (family)
Location: Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, 212r Mossman Gorge Road, Mossman Gorge
Tour duration: Approximately 1.5 hours

Pacific Watersports: Kayak Turtle Tour

a sea turtle swimming underwater — Spot hawksbill turtles while exploring. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Perfect for: Marine life enthusiasts

On a Kayak Turtle Tour , embark on a steady 30-minute paddle from Palm Cove Beach across a glimmering stretch of the sea all the way to the reefs that fringe Double Island.

This is where the real exploration begins. Regular marine sightings include green sea turtles, eagle rays, shovel-nose sharks, blue-spotted lagoon rays, colourful fish and white belly sea eagles. Once you’re back on land, enjoy lunch at one of Palm Cove’s tasty restaurants.

Price: $119 (adults), $95 (children), or from $360 (family)
Location: 73a Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Tour duration: 3.5-4 hours

White Water Rafting Cairns: Tully River Rafting

White Water Rafting in Tully River, Cairns tours — Conquer the Tully River rapids with Raging Thunder Adventures. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Perfect for: Thrill-seekers

One of the more creative ways to see some of Tropical North Queensland’s most stunning landscapes is on the world-renowned Tully River, conquering awesome grade 3 and 4 rapids.

Not only is a Tully River Rafting Tour guaranteed to thrill, but this full-day outing cascades at high speed through one of the most pristine pockets of rainforest on the planet. The day tour includes a hearty pub dinner at a traditional Queensland country pub. Short on time? There’s also a half-day rafting tour available on the Barron River.

Price: $265pp
Location: Transfer pick-up from Cairns or Mission Beach, or self-drive to Tully
Tour duration: From 10am – 10pm if departing from Cairns

Hot Air Balloon Cairns: Classic Hot Air Balloon Ride

a hot-air balloon ride over Cairns — Marvel at 360-degree views of Cairns on a Classic Hot Air Balloon Ride. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Perfect for: Couple romance

Only taking half a day, a Classic Cairns Hot Air Balloon Ride with Return Transfers lets you experience something phenomenal, yet you’ve got the rest of the afternoon to enjoy at leisure.

Offering 360-degree views of what looks like a little miniature world, a hot-air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands will change your perspective on the highland plateau. See ancient crater lakes that appear like murky potholes, tiny broccoli trees and fertile farmland that looks like a rumpled fleece blanket balled up with little lint sheep. Receive a commemorative certificate and a glass of bubbles or juice with a breakfast snack on landing.

Price: $495pp
Location: A transfer coach will pick up guests from any Cairns accommodation
Tour duration: Including transfer time, the day runs from around 5.30am – 11 am

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Cairns Aquarium tours

a couple looking at an aquarium with fish and corals at Cairns Aquarium — See vibrant marine life up close at Cairns Aquarium. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Perfect for: Family fun

Short on time but want to see the incredible marine life of Tropical North Queensland? Head to Cairns Aquarium and view it up close without getting wet.

Choose between the Turtle Hospital Tour (meet rescued turtles and learn all about the threats they face), the Aquariam by Twilight Tour (see the marine life as day slips into sunset) or Night at the Aquarium (a glimpse into nocturnal behaviour). They’re a great way to learn more without going too far.

Price: From $78 per adult and $47 per child
Location: 5 Florence St, Cairns City
Tour duration: From 30 minutes

Back Country Bliss: River Drift Experience

a group of people in river sleds in Mossman Gorge rainforest on the River Drift Experience tour, Back Country Bliss — Float through Mossman Gorge rainforest on a river sled. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Perfect for: A rainforest adventure

Just 20 minutes north of Port Douglas, escape into the Mossman Gorge rainforest on the River Drift Experience tour. Starting with a river walk, you’ll then be provided with a river sled so you can float and experience the varied pace of the river’s flow. From calm sections under green canopy to navigating faster currents, it feels exhilarating being this connected to the great outdoors.

Price: $145 (adults), $110 (children) and $465 (family)
Location: Departs twice a day from Port Douglas
Tour duration: 2 hours

Food tours from Cairns

Taste your way around the fresh produce and flavours of Cairns’ local food scene on these delectable food tours.

Cairns Brewery Tours: Cairns Walking Brewery Tour

beers at Hemingway's Brewery, Cairns tours — Hemingway’s Brewery pours first-class brews. (Image: Krista Eppelstun)

Perfect for: Beer lovers

If you want to stretch your legs and sip on award-winning craft beers and spirits along the way, join a guided Cairns Walking Brewery Tour to discover two unique microbreweries and a local gin distillery. Located in the heart of the city, all businesses are independently owned and locally operated, with each venue offering its own amazing flavours and personal stories.

Price: $115pp
Location: Starts from Hemingway’s Brewery, Wharf St, Cairns City
Tour duration: Available by request, Wednesday to Sunday, and takes approximately 3.5 hours

No Limit Adventures: Cairns Tablelands Tasting Tour

a group exploring the Atherton Tablelands with No Limit Adventures, Cairns tours — Tour the Atherton Tablelands with No Limit Adventures. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Perfect for: A day of indulgence

Take your tastebuds on a tour of the Atherton Tablelands with No Limit Adventures to sample everything from native tropical fruits to organic tea and small-batch spirits produced in the vibrant, highland plateau.

Start the day at Crater Mountain Coffee (the highest-altitude coffee plantation in Australia), followed by lunch at a dairy farm and drinks at a brewery. Tours run on request, on a private basis only.

Price: From $260pp
Location: Transfer pick up from your Cairns accommodation
Tour duration: Departs Cairns at 8am and returns at 5pm

Daintree Food Trail

scooping chocolate ice cream, Daintree Ice Cream Company — Discover Daintree’s most beloved ice cream haunts. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Perfect for: Independent wanderers

Got a few days up your sleeve for a self-guided tour? Embark on a delicious journey from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation, following winding roads through farmlands and small communities to taste the best of the Daintree.

From gelato and chocolate to barramundi and chorizo, the Daintree is home to an eclectic range of small farms, orchards, and growers often hidden from view. Celebrate fresh flavours and meet producers telling their stories.

Price: Purchase food items at your own cost
Location: Map starts in Port Douglas
Tour duration: A few hours, days, or weeks — it’s up to you! 

Jet ski tours near Cairns

Add a splash of excitement to your sightseeing of Cairns on a heart-racing jet ski tour.

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NQ Water Sports: Guided Cairns Jet Ski Tour

boats cruising the Trinity Inlet, Cairns tours — Travel through Trinity Inlet on a guided jet ski tour of Cairns. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Perfect for: A different view of Cairns

Suitable for every age, have the ride of your life while enjoying unique views of the Cairns Lagoon on a guided jet ski tour of Cairns . Travel through Trinity Inlet and see an original Sydney Harbour ferry, and pass multi-million dollar boats as you cruise up and around Admiralty Island. There’s also the opportunity to pick up speed and see what these machines can really do.

NQ Water Sports operates its guided Cairns jet ski tours daily at: 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, and no experience is necessary.

Price: $100 for a solo tour or $160 for a tandem tour
Location: B Finger Marlin Marina, Cairns
Tour duration: 30 minutes

NQ Water Sports: Croc Spotting Jet Ski Tour

an aerial view of boats on Trinity Inlet, Cairns tours — Observe crocs on the mud flats of Trinity Inlet. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Perfect for: Adrenaline junkies

How fast can a crocodile swim? Not as fast as a jet ski, says NQ Water Sports owner Steve Singleton. After a safety briefing, participants on the Croc Spotting Tour hit the throttle of their jet ski and follow Steve’s lead toward Admiralty Island in Trinity Inlet, where, after hopping a few waves, they kill the engine and observe giant crocodiles sunbaking on the mud flats.

Price: $190 for a solo tour or $260 for a tandem tour
Location: B Finger Marlin Marina, Cairns
Tour duration: 1 hour

NQ Water Sports: Jet Ski Reef Snorkelling Tour

diving the Milln Reef, Cairns tours — Milln Reef is a popular dive and snorkel site on the Great Barrier Reef. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Nigel Marsh)

Perfect for: Anyone short on time

Combine the fun and adventure of a guided jet ski tour with exploring the Great Barrier Reef. After departing Cairns Marina, bypass the crowds and head straight to the Reef for a morning of discovery .

On arrival, open your glove box for a quick breakfast snack while bobbing on your jet ski right above the reef itself. Don your snorkel gear and dive right in to take in the colourful sights.

Price: $250 for a solo tour or $320 for a tandem tour
Location: B Finger Marlin Marina, Cairns
Tour duration: 2 hours

Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef tours

If you’d rather tour the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef on a boat than on a jet ski, there are plenty of tours to choose from. Here are a couple of our favourites that let you thoroughly sit back and enjoy.

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel: Dreamtime Cruise

snorkelling at Flynn Reef with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel, Cairns tours — Explore stunning dive sites off the coast of Cairns. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Perfect for: Exploring the Reef through an Indigenous lens

Join local Indigenous sea rangers on a Dreamtime Cruise day tour that cruises through the blindingly blue tropical waters to two reef sites off the coast of Cairns.

In addition to a guided diving and snorkelling tour, this experience is all about cultural immersion as the Gunggandji First Nations’ people share Great Barrier Reef creation stories, song and dance about their connection to country. The tour focuses on how traditional owners lived off the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. A buffet lunch is included.

Price: $225 (adults), $145 (children), or $595 (family)
Location: Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns City
Tour duration: From 8.15am – 5pm

Passions of Paradise: Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Tour

a Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Tour with Passions of Paradise — Embark on a dreamy Great Barrier Reef tour with Passions of Paradise. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Perfect for: Learning more about the Reef

Walk down to Marlin Marina to meet the friendly crew onboard Passions of Paradise ready to whisk you away on an award-winning full-day Great Barrier Reef Tour .

The 25-metre catamaran sails daily from Cairns to two unique reef locations where passengers can try diving for the first time, enjoy a fully guided snorkel tour to see turtles, colourful fish and coral, and listen to a presentation from their eco-accredited marine naturalist about the Reef. A chef-prepared tropical buffet lunch is included.

Price: $269 (adults) or $169 (children)
Location: Marlin Marina, 1 Spence Street, Cairns City
Tour duration: From 8am – 5pm.

For great accommodation ideas, check out our Cairns accommodation guide

Under wide-open outback skies, discover a fossicking gem that’s managed to slip under the radar.

While the name Clermont may feel new to even the most intrepid traveller, its gilded history stretches back centuries. You’ll find it just off the highway, humming quietly under the hazy veil of Queensland’s outback sun. It’s here, hemmed in by mountains and perched atop soil heavy with the earth’s treasures, that one of Australia’s most accessible outback adventures awaits.

Thanks to deposits of gold, copper and gemstones – souvenirs left by exploding supernovas and the heave of tectonic plates – Clermont became a centre point of Queensland’s Gold Rush. And now? Australia’s fossicking capital is yours to discover.

Getting there

car driving along Capricorn Way in queensland — Take a drive through Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. (Image: Sean Scott/ TEQ)

You’ll find Clermont in Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. To get here, it’s an easy three-hour drive over sealed roads from Mackay. Or, if you’re heading from the Sapphire Fields of Emerald, the drive will carve out just over an hour from your day.

Whether you’re road-tripping through outback Queensland or just tracing your way through all that Australia has to offer, Clermont is remote but easily accessible.

Best accommodation in Clermont

Theresa CreekDam in clermont — Camp by Theresa Creek Dam. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

All accommodation comes with a generous helping of country hospitality here. The choice is yours between modern hotels, parking up the camper or pitching a tent.

Theresa Creek Dam lies just outside town. Begin each day with crisp country air and bright outback sunrises. Spend the night under the sparkling country stars and your days out on the dam fishing or kayaking. Even if you aren’t camping, be sure to save space in your itinerary for an afternoon on the red dirt shore.

To stay closer to town, opt for a central hotel to base yourself between exploring and fossicking, like Smart Stayzzz Inn and Clermont Country Motor Inn .

Things to do in Clermont

three people on a tour with Golden Prospecting — Join a tour with Golden Prospecting.

One does not visit Clermont without trying their hand at fossicking. There are strict rules when it comes to fossicking, so stick to areas dedicated for general permission and make sure you obtain your license beforehand. Try your luck at McMasters , Four Mile , Town Desert, McDonald Flat and Flat Diggings . To increase your odds, sign on for a tour with the expert team at Golden Prospecting . They’ll give you access to exclusive plots and expert advice along the way.

Once you’ve tried your luck on the gold fields, head to the Clermont Township and Historical Museum . Each exhibit works like an archaeologist’s brush to dust away the layers of Clermont’s history. Like the steam engine that painstakingly relocated the entire town inch by inch to higher ground after it was decimated by flooding in 1916. See the tools that helped build the Blair Athol mine, historic fire engines, shearing sheds and all sorts of relics that make up Clermont’s story.

The historic Copperfield Chimney offers a change of pace. Legend has it that fossickers found a solid wall of copper here, over three metres high, kick-starting Queensland’s first-ever copper mine.

Bush Heli Services flying over clermont queensland — See Clermont from above with Bush Heli Services. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

For hiking, nearby Dysart is the best place to access Peak Range National Park. Here, mountainous horizons stretch across the outback as if plucked from another world. Set off for a scenic drive along the Peak Downs Highway for access to countless geological wonders. Like the slanting rockface of Wolfang Peak. Summit it, and you’ll find yourself looking out across a scene surely conjured up by Banjo Paterson. Dry scrub dancing in the warm breeze, grazing cattle, eucalypts and the gentle creak of windmills. Don’t miss visiting Gemini Peaks, either, for one of the park’s best vistas, and a blanket of wild flowers after rain.

Then, take to the skies with a scenic helicopter tour with Bush Heli-Services . Shift your perspective and cruise above all the sights from your trip. Spots like Lords Table Mountain and Campbell’s Peak are best viewed from the skies.

Before you head home, be sure to explore the neighbouring townships. Spend a lazy afternoon in the shade of Nebo Hotel’s wrap-around verandahs . The hotel’s 1900s dance hall has since been replaced with one of the area’s biggest rodeo arenas, so consider timing your trip to line up with a boot scootin’ rodeo. Or, stop by a ghost town. Mount Britton was once a thriving town during the 1880s Gold Rush. It’s been totally abandoned and now lies untouched, a perfect relic of the Gold Rush.

Best restaurants and cafes in Clermont

meal at Commercial Hotel — Stop into the Commercial Hotel Clermont.

Days spent fossicking, bushwalking and cramming on history call for excellent coffee and hearty country meals. Luckily, Clermont delivers in spades.

Lotta Lattes Cafe is beloved by locals for a reason. Start your days here for the best caffeine fix in town and an impeccable brunch menu.

For a real country meal, an icy cold beer and that famed country hospitality, head straight to the town’s iconic hotel: the Commercial Hotel (known endearingly to locals as ‘The Commie’). It’s been a staple in Clermont since 1877. The hotel even survived the flood of 1916 when it was sawn in two and moved to higher ground.

Naturally, time spent in the outback must include calling into the local bakery. For delicious pies and a tantalising array of sweet treats, make Bluemac Bakehouse your go-to while in town.

Discover more of The Mackay Isaac region, and start planning your trip at mackayisaac.com.

Your go-to guide for the best tours in Cairns by interest

Add these Cairns tours to your travel itinerary.

Day tours and trips near Cairns

Daintree River Cruise Centre: Ultimate Wildlife Experience Cruise