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

Consider this your cheat sheet to holidaying on Hamilton Island with the clan.

Keeping everyone in your crew happy on holidays is no small feat. Yet ask any parent who’s been and they’ll unanimously agree Hamilton Island multi-gen travel overdelivers – for many reasons.

Taking the family to this premier island destination is a rite of passage for many Aussie parents. Not only is Hamo stuffed to the brim with fun activities to suit all ages, but it’s accessible, safe and super easy to get around thanks to its relatively small size. And I suppose the fact that it’s undeniably stunning doesn’t hurt either.

Whether you’re spending time together creating magical memories or relaxing while giving the young ones some kids’ club time, this guide breaks down everything there is to know about holidaying on Hamilton Island for families.

Getting there, and around

Hamilton Island multi-gen travel on a buggy — Hire a buggy and explore at your own pace.

The easiest and most fuss-free way to get to Hamilton Island is to fly to Great Barrier Reef Airport, located on the island. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. Alternatively, fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) near Airlie Beach, then take a ferry from Shute Harbour with Cruise Whitsundays, which operates services daily.

Once you’re here, rental buggies make it easy to zip around from A to B (not to mention being a fun activity in themselves – the kids will love it).

Where to stay

Reef View Hotel Pool Terrace hamilton island multi-gen travel — Reef View Hotel offers pool and sea. (Credit: Kara Rosenlund)

Part of what makes Hamilton Island so appealing is its diverse range of family-friendly accommodation. Many include return airport or marina shuttles, along with complimentary use of non-motorised watersports equipment – making it easy to relax as soon as you step foot on the island.

Reef View Hotel is one of the most popular picks due to its spacious suites perfect for larger families and proximity to the island’s resort centre – a happening hub of restaurants, pools and water activities.

Meanwhile, families looking for something more self-contained can check into Palm Bungalows. Each modern bungalow is enveloped by lush tropical gardens and offers a kitchenette, bar fridge, microwave and coffee facilities – plus a private balcony for card games and evening drinks.

pool and sup boarders at The Sundays hamilton island — Take in pool and sea at The Sundays.

The Sundays is another fantastic option for families. The newest hotel on Hamilton Island, it has serious bragging rights thanks to its coastal chic design and stellar location at the end of Catseye Beach. Opt for one of the Family Connect Rooms for extra breathing room.

For that relaxed, home-away-from-home feeling, Hamilton Island Holiday Homes hit the nail on the head. Choose from more than 100 self-catering homes dotted around the island that accommodate both large groups and smaller families. From waterfront luxury to spacious villas, there’s something for everyone.

Family tip: Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and The Sundays all participate in Hamilton Island’s Kids Stay Free program, earning themselves a reputation as some of the best family-friendly accommodation on Hamilton Island. No extra charge is added for up to one or two (dependent on the hotel) children under 12 who are sharing a room with parents and using existing bedding.

Where to eat

coca chu on hamilton island — Sit down to a feast at coca chu.

Hamilton Island’s foodie scene is seriously worth its salt. From just-caught seafood to family-friendly staples, even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied.

Start at coca chu, one of the best Hamilton Island restaurants for families. Spotlighting vibrant Southeast Asian flavours, it offers a lively, high-ceiling setting overlooking Catseye Beach. Nearby is Catseye Pool Club, Josh and Julie Niland’s breezy coastal venue that’s at once elevated and laidback. Dishing up the likes of charcoal tiger prawns with lemongrass marinade and Greek-style lamb shoulder, it’s the perfect place to celebrate birthdays or milestone moments with older kids.

Got young ones who recoil at the sight of vegetables? Not to worry. Head straight to Romano’s for please-all pizza, or Marina Tavern for hearty pub classics in a relaxed atmosphere complete with an outdoor deck.

Catseye Pool Club hamilton island — Grab some tasty bites by the pool at Catseye Pool Club.

For brekkie or lunch, Bob’s Bakery is a family favourite for affordable pastries, sandwiches and pies, while Marina Cafe serves up bacon and egg rolls and salads with fresh smoothies. And Popeye’s does a mean fish and chips to go.

Sails Restaurant is the place to be for poolside bites with views of the Whitsundays’ famous turquoise waters. The kids can splash in the pool while parents sip spritzes and graze on mezze plates of za’atar pita, hummus and olives. The menu leans Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, though you’ll also find plenty of kid-friendly crowd favourites such as ham and cheese toasties. For something extra special, book in the Piper Package – expect exclusive access to a king-size sunbed with a shaded umbrella, plus a chilled bottle of Piper-Heidsieck NV Champagne and a showstopping seafood platter (I still have dreams about it).

Where to explore

hamilton island couple running on trail — Explore the island’s walking trails.

There are bucket loads of family-friendly activities on Hamilton Island that the whole clan can do together. First stop: hiring a buggy and taking your time to explore the island at your own pace. Next stop: getting active and creating memories together in the process.

One of the best activities on Hamilton Island for families is tackling one (or more) of its beautiful bush and walking trails, with the one-hour hike to Passage Peak a standout for panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Morning is a great time to go to beat the heat (and other walkers).

For the active and adventurous, the all-new E-mountain biking facilities make for an adrenaline-packed experience your teens won’t be able to stop talking about. It’s a self-guided trail taking riders to some of the island’s quietest and most scenic pockets, and the knowledgeable staff at Hamilton Island Trails HQ will fit you out with all the gear you need for a safe adventure.

E-mountain biking on hamilton island — Check out the all-new E-mountain biking facilities.

Come sunset, you’d be silly not to head up to One Tree Hill at least once during your stay. Offering breathtaking 360-degree views as the sun brushes the horizon with gold, it’s a popular place for groups and families to come together and enjoy a drink from the pop-up cocktail van.

Family tip: If you’re staying at the Sundays, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows or Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to a range of water activities, including catamarans, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkel equipment at Catseye Beach. Keep an eye out for the turtles that love to hang around the shallow fringing reef.

Where to play

heart reef — Take the family on a day tour to places like Heart Reef.

Kids are sure to have a field trip thanks to the island’s abundance of child-centric offerings.

Parents in need of some ‘me time’ can drop little ones between six months and 12 years off at the Clownfish Club, located near the Resort Centre and Pool. Overseen by trained professionals, the nursery offers a calm space for toddlers and babies with a balance of gentle play and rest. Meanwhile, older kids can unleash their imaginations with age-appropriate craft, games and group activities.

Parents seeking a stress-free night out can also make use of Hamilton Island’s babysitting services, which start from $40 an hour.

Hamilton Island Wildlife is another must-visit stop. Fun for children of all ages (and adults too!), the centre provides up-close encounters with a variety of cute and fascinating Aussie animals. Think marsupials, snakes, lizards, koalas and kangaroos, along with a giant saltwater crocodile. Catch the 10am or 2pm daily tours (included with entry) guided by expert keepers, or opt for a 30-minute private or small-group VIP encounter with an animal of your choice.

More kid-friendly entertainment awaits at Palm Valley Activities, where you can race around the go-karting track and reach up to 45 kilometres per hour. Kids under 16 can ride as passengers in double go-karts. Or perhaps try your hand at mini golf at the HI Fitness Club, navigating palms, playful challenges and pathways that wind through lush tropical gardens.

Keen to explore further afield? A wide range of Hamilton Island day trips promise endless excitement, from snorkelling on a Great Barrier Reef tour and chartering a boat to marvelling at the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach from a scenic plane.

To plan your family island escape, visit hamiltonisland.com.au.

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