The Ultimate Guide to the Best Cairns Tours

Explore the very best of Tropical North Queensland with these unforgettable Cairns tours.

Seen the Cairns Esplanade, sampled the city’s dining scene and dipped your toes in the lagoon? It’s time to venture further. From the Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforest to Indigenous experiences and scenic flights, these are the best tours to book in and around Cairns.

In short

If you only book one tour from Cairns, make it a full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise. There’s simply no better way to experience one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Great Barrier Reef tours

There are countless ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef, but these tours are among the very best, whether you want to snorkel, dive, cruise or see it from above.

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel: Dreamtime Cruise

Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel, Great Barrier Reef — Explore stunning dive sites off the coast of Cairns. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Exploring the Reef through an Indigenous lens

Deepen your appreciation of the Great Barrier Reef by experiencing it through the eyes of its Traditional Owners. Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel combines spectacular reef snorkelling with powerful Indigenous storytelling, as Gunggandji sea rangers share creation stories, song and dance that reveal their enduring connection to Sea Country.

Between reef sites, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how First Nations people have cared for and lived alongside the reef for thousands of years. A buffet lunch is included, making it one of the most rewarding ways to combine reef exploration with First Nations culture.

Duration: Full day
Departs from: Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina, Cairns City
Price: From $225 for adults, $160 for children and $670 for families

Passions of Paradise: Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Tour

Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef tour — Embark on a dreamy Great Barrier Reef tour with Passions of Paradise. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Learning more about the Reef

Walk down to Marlin Marina to meet the friendly crew onboard Passions of Paradise, for an award-winning full-day adventure on the Great Barrier Reef.

The 25-metre catamaran sails daily from Cairns to two unique reef locations where you can try an introductory dive, 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.

Duration: Full day
Departs from: Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina, Cairns City
Price: From $275 for adults or $175 for children

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

Big Cat Green Island Cruises fish viewing — See vibrant marine life. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Families and first-time reef visitors

If you’re looking for an easy introduction to the Great Barrier Reef, Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises ticks all the boxes. Departing daily from Cairns, the full-day tour combines a fast ferry ride with plenty of free time to snorkel, swim, explore rainforest boardwalks or simply relax on the island’s white-sand beaches. It’s an easy, family-friendly way to experience both a tropical island and the Great Barrier Reef in a single day.

Duration: Full day
Departs from: Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina, Cairns City
Price: From $122 for adults, $61 for children and $305 for families
Good to know: On the full day tour, choose between the free Glass Bottom Boat or snorkel hire.

Fitzroy Island Adventures

Fitzroy Island Resort from above — Fitzroy Island Adventures offers full-day ferry transfers. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Island adventures

Just a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns, Fitzroy Island feels a world away. Fitzroy Island Adventures offers full-day ferry transfers, giving you plenty of time to snorkel straight from the beach, hike to the island’s lookouts, relax on award-winning Nudey Beach or explore the fringing reef. Optional extras, including snorkel hire and glass-bottom boat tours, make it easy to tailor the day to your travel style.

Duration: Full day or half day available
Departs from: Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina, Cairns City
Price: From $108 for adults, $62 for children and $278 for families
Good to know: Pack reef shoes if you plan to snorkel straight from the beach.

Nautilus Aviation: Reef Scenic Flight

Best for: Seeing the reef from above

Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from above is an experience unlike any other. Nautilus Aviation’s 30-minute scenic helicopter flight reveals the reef’s incredible scale as you soar over Green Island, Arlington Reef and the dazzling white sands of Upolu Cay.

From above, the swirling coral formations and vibrant shades of blue are impossible to fully appreciate from a boat or beneath the surface, making this one of the most spectacular ways to experience the World Heritage-listed reef.

Duration: 30 minutes
Departs from: Pier Heliport, 2 Pier Point Road, Cairns City
Price: $487pp including $32pp fuel surcharge
Good to know: Morning departures usually offer the calmest conditions and clearest visibility for photography.

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

Nature and culture tours

Meet local wildlife, connect with Traditional Owners and discover Tropical North Queensland’s incredible natural environments on these unforgettable tours.

Cruise the Daintree River in search of crocodiles

the Daintree River Cruise Centre tour — Glide along the Daintree River and spot native wildlife. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Wildlife encounters

One of the best ways to spot wildlife in the Daintree Rainforest is from the water. Head to the Daintree River Cruise Centre and 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, where you can pick up a deluxe picnic hamper or stop in for a spa treatment or cocktail class.

Duration: 60-90 minutes
Departs from: Daintree River Cruise Centre, 2914 Mossman – Daintree Road, Daintree
Price: From $40 for adults or $20 for children
Good to know: Morning cruises generally offer the best chance of spotting crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.

Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre: Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk

Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre Dreamtime Walk — Immerse yourself in the Daintree Rainforest on a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Indigenous culture

Discover the Indigenous side of the Daintree Rainforest and make your way to the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to join a Guided 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.

After the tour, cool off in the crystal-clear waters of Mossman Gorge or tackle one of the rainforest walking trails at your own pace.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
Departs from: Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, 212 Mossman Gorge Road, Mossman Gorge
Price: From $105 for adults, $53 for children or $262.50 for families
Good to know: Wear enclosed shoes and swimmers if you’d like to take part in the traditional river ceremony.

Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours

Best for: Cultural experiences

Discover a side of Cairns that many visitors never see with an immersive journey into Mandingalbay Yidinji Country. Beginning with a short boat ride across Trinity Inlet, this guided cultural tour explores ancient wetlands and rainforest while Traditional Owners share stories of Country, bush foods, traditional practices and the deep cultural significance of the landscape. It’s a fascinating opportunity to experience Indigenous culture just minutes from the city.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Departs from: Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina, Cairns City
Price: From $169 for adults, $89 for children and $427 for families
Good to know: The tour includes short guided walks over uneven ground, so comfortable enclosed shoes are recommended.

Kayak with turtles off Palm Cove

Best for: Marine life enthusiasts

One of the most memorable ways to experience Palm Cove’s coastline is from the water. Pacific Watersports’ Kayak Turtle Tour takes you 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.

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

Duration: Half day
Departs from: Pacific Watersports Trailer, opposite Pete’s Place on Williams Esplanade
Price: $119 for adults and $95 for children

Adventure tours

Looking for a little more adrenaline? From white-water rafting and waterfall adventures to hot-air balloons and jet skis, these tours will get your heart racing.

White Water Rafting Cairns: Tully River Rafting

white water rafting down the Tully River — Conquer the Tully River rapids. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Thrill-seekers

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Tropical North Queensland 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.

Duration: Full day
Departs from: Transfer pick-up from Cairns or Mission Beach, or self-drive to Tully
Price: $280 per person
Good to know: No previous rafting experience is required.

Watch the sunrise from a hot-air balloon

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

Best for: Sunrise views

Floating above the Atherton Tablelands at sunrise is one of Tropical North Queensland’s most unforgettable experiences. As the balloon drifts over ancient crater lakes, rainforest and patchwork farmland, you’ll enjoy spectacular 360-degree views before celebrating with a light breakfast and a glass of bubbles on landing.

Duration: Half day
Departs from: A transfer coach will pick up guests from any Cairns accommodation
Price: $420 per person
Good to know: Flights are weather dependent and can be rescheduled if conditions aren’t suitable.

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Back Country Bliss: River Drift Experience

Best 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 sledge so you can float and experience the varied pace of the river’s flow. From calm sections under a green canopy to navigating faster currents, it’s a refreshing way to experience the rainforest from a completely different perspective.

Duration: 2 hours
Departs from: Transfers available from Port Douglas and Mossman
Price: $155 for adults, $115 for children and $495 for families
Good to know: The minimum age is 4

Barefoot Tours by Cairns Waterfalls

Best for: Waterfall chasing

Skip the planning and let the locals show you the Atherton Tablelands’ most spectacular swimming spots. Barefoot Tours takes you beyond the city to a handpicked collection of waterfalls, crater lakes and rainforest swimming holes, with plenty of time to cool off between stops.

Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the region, visit lesser-known locations and enjoy a relaxed day exploring one of Tropical North Queensland’s most beautiful landscapes. Expect plenty of swimming, short walks and a few hidden spots you probably wouldn’t find on your own.

Duration: Full day
Departs from: Accommodation pick-up from Cairns
Price: From $169 for adults and $144 for children

Good to know: Bring swimmers, a towel and comfortable walking shoes, as there are plenty of opportunities to swim throughout the day.

Terra Marine Adventure Co: Croc Spotting Jet Ski Tour

Best for: Adrenaline junkies

Swap sightseeing for speed on this one-hour jet ski adventure through the mangrove-lined waterways of Trinity Inlet. After a safety briefing, you’ll head out across the water in search of saltwater crocodiles basking on the mudflats, with plenty of opportunities to spot birds and other local wildlife along the way. No licence or previous experience is needed, making this an easy way to combine adrenaline with an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Duration: 1 hour
Departs from: B Finger, Marlin Marina, Cairns City
Price: $232 for a solo tour
Good to know: Drivers must be at least 16, while passengers must be at least 8

Food and drink tours

One of the best ways to get to know Tropical North Queensland is through its food. These tours introduce you to the region’s tropical produce, local breweries and hidden foodie gems.

Cairns Brewery Tours: Cairns Walking Brewery Tour

Hemingway's Brewery, Cairns — Hemingway’s Brewery pours first-class brews. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

Best for: Beer lovers

Sip your way around Cairns’ growing craft beer scene on 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.

Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Departs from: Hemingway’s Brewery, Wharf Street, Cairns City
Price: $115 per person

Daintree Food Trail

Daintree chocolate ice cream — Discover Daintree’s most beloved ice cream haunts. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Independent wanderers

Prefer to explore at your own pace? 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.

Duration: It’s self-guided, so a few hours, days, or weeks – it’s up to you!
Departs from: Starts in Port Douglas
Price: Purchase food items at your own cost

Ancient rainforest, coral reefs, laid-back luxury and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Port Douglas offers a side of Australia unlike anywhere else.

Mornings in Port Douglas start with a beautiful symphony. As day breaks, the lyrical calls of Rainbow Lorikeets, cries of the sulphur-crested cockatoos and rhythmic Coral Sea waves create a colourful soundtrack for Tropical North Queensland’s sunrise. If there’s one place in Australia that captures the sweet spot between luxury and laid-back living, it’s here. This small, seaside village has just enough glamour to feel indulgent and just enough barefoot charm to make you feel like you’ve escaped the chaos of everyday life.

Whether you’re diving into the warm waters on Four Mile Beach or enjoying an ice-cold drink and a Barramundi burger overlooking the marina, Port Douglas offers more than just a seaside holiday.

Local gourmet goodies

Nautilus restaurant port douglas — Nab an open-air table beneath a canopy of palms at Nautilus. (Image: Toby Stanley)

The tropical food scene in Port Douglas is influenced by the rich agricultural regions surrounding it, with fresh produce arriving daily from nearby farms and tropical growers across the region. At Nautilus – a hidden, palm-fringed restaurant just off Macrossan Street – the menu showcases regional flavours. Its Signature Nautilus Mango Soufflé is a long-time favourite.

Nearby, Hi-Tide by the Beach offers a relaxed way beachfront dining experience overlooking the Coral Sea. From crocodile and lemon myrtle spring rolls to wild barramundi and a volcanic hot stone steak, taste the diverse flavours of Tropical North Queensland.

Visitors can also explore the region’s local markets. Port Douglas Markets offers artisan products and tropical treats each Sunday, while the Saturday morning Mossman Markets is the place for fresh local produce from the surrounding farming community.

Just outside of Port Douglas, Ospreys at Thala Beach Nature Reserve has one of the region’s most memorable dining outlooks. Perched on a small headland between rainforest and sea, take in views across the coastline and mountains while you dine. The seasonal menu highlights local seafood, tropical fruits and native ingredients sourced from across the region

Travelling with young humans

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures port douglas — Catch a spectacle at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. (Credit: TTNQ)

Port Douglas caters for all types of visitors, but families especially love the walkable streets, wide beaches and range of activities nearby. An attraction that never fails to delight all ages is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – a wildlife sanctuary and ecotourism park with some of the region’s largest crocodiles. Here, you’ll also find koalas, cassowaries, turtles and other Australian wildlife.

For something slower paced, sit back and enjoy a tranquil visit aboard the historic Lady Douglas River Cruise. Glide along the calm waters of Dickson Inlet, keeping an eye out for birdlife and estuarine crocodiles along the mangroves. Children can take part in activity sheets onboard and even have the opportunity to help steer the boat.

This region is also deeply connected to Indigenous culture, and a Dreamtime Walk is one way to learn about it. Discover the stories, traditions and connection to Country of the local Kuku Yalanji people from local Indigenous guides, while exploring the rainforest and waters of Mossman Gorge.

Exploring local waterways

Coya Beach port douglas — Walk along the peaceful Cooya Beach. (Credit: TTNQ)

Join a guided tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures to explore the peaceful Cooya Beach. Led by deeply knowledgeable local Aboriginal guides, try seasonal local bush tucker, take in the beautiful landscape and gain insight into the history, culture and traditions of this land.

Surrounded by dense canopy and ancient species, nearby Hartley’s Creek Falls are at their finest after rain. These beautiful falls are reached via a lush rainforest walk that winds through creek crossings, towering greenery and moss-covered boulders.

To swim where the locals swim, head out past local farms and into the foothills of the Mossman River to Shannonvale – a low-key freshwater swimming hole surrounded by sun-warmed rocks and deep pockets of clear water. It’s a quiet area to spend a few hours retreating from the world.

Adrenaline adventures

Take to the ocean with Sailaway Port Douglas. (Credit: TTNQ)

One of the most high-octane ways to enjoy the nature of Tropical North Queensland is white-water rafting down the impressive Barron River. With Grade two and Grade three rapids, expect plenty of splashing, some teamwork, and a few moments where everyone in the raft screams and laughs at the same time.

Join Back Country Bliss for the most unique floating experience you’ll ever encounter. Head into the rainforest and float along the serene Mossman River on your individual board, taking in the sights and sounds of the ancient landscape around you.

If you prefer ocean swimming, Sailaway Port Douglas explores the idyllic Low Isles and the outer reef on their snorkelling tours. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from above or below and look out for coral gardens, giant clams, colourful reef fish and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.

For land-lovers, the Devil’s Thumb is a challenging but rewarding hike with incredible views over the coast and endless cane fields. This 10km return hike will take around six to eight hours, so leave a whole day and pack snacks!

Experiences that give back

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway port douglas experiences — See the rainforest from above on The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Credit: TTNQ)

With two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforest region – it’s not surprising Tropical North Queensland is a hub for eco-tourism. The stunning Daintree Ecolodge was founded on the principles of minimising environmental impact, supporting the local community and teaching guests about the local Indigenous culture. Their elevated rainforest-style ‘bayans’ are tucked among the trees, bringing nature into every part of a guest’s stay.

Further down the coast, the luxury bungalows and treetop hideaways of Thala Beach Nature Reserve are dotted across 45 acres of protected headland, forest and beach. The property’s design intentionally preserves large areas of native vegetation and beachfront ecosystem, while conserving the surrounding habitat. The private beach and various swimming pools offer a cool retreat from the heat of the day, while the main lodge offers the perfect place to read and relax.

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 7.5-kilometre cableway between Cairns and nearby Kuranda, has won multiple tourism and environmental awards. It’s also the first tourism attraction in the world to achieve Platinum EarthCheck Accreditation, for its long-term environmental management and sustainability initiatives.

Start planning your Port Douglas adventure at tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au.

The ultimate guide to the best Cairns tours

Explore the very best of Tropical North Queensland with these unforgettable Cairns tours.

In short

Great Barrier Reef tours

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel: Dreamtime Cruise