Awe-Inspiring Day Trips From Cairns

Get to know one of Queensland’s most adventurous cities.

A place of natural beauty, Tropical North Queensland has plenty of places to explore right on Cairns’ doorstep. Whether you want to glide above the ancient rainforest, dive on the Great Barrier Reef or relax on a tropical island, here are 11 incredible day trips from Cairns.

1. The Great Barrier Reef

Perfect for: Ticking off your bucket list

The coral reef that needs no introduction, this vast UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is best accessed from Cairns where a wide range of tour operators base themselves. Really, a visit to Cairns without at least one trip out into the blue would be criminal.

the Spirit of Freedom cruising along the Great Barrier Reef — The Spirit of Freedom is one of many cruise operators on the reef. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Some visitors commit days to exploring all that the Great Barrier Reef has to offer from a liveaboard, but you can easily get a taste with just a day to spare.

Swim, snorkel, sail or dive among the 400 types of coral and 1500 species of fish that the reef plays home to: you might even witness coral spawning, whales migrating or turtles nesting.

snorkelling with Divers Den at the Great Barrier Reef — Book a snorkelling trip with Divers Den to scour the barrier reef for marine life. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: Many boats depart from Cairns Marlin Marina (a five-minute drive from the city centre) or from Port Douglas. The reef boat journey can take between 45 minutes and two hours depending on your destination.

2. Kuranda

Perfect for: Nature and shopping

This mountain village of Kuranda is perhaps best known as the home of Skyrail: a seven-and-a-half-kilometre cableway that rises above the resplendent green canopy of Barron Gorge National Park – part of Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

train windows peeking through a waterfall at Kuranda Scenic Railway — Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through scenic valleys and past majestic waterfalls. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

It’s also home to the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a 37-kilometre-long railroad that traverses through valleys, past waterfalls and around mountaintops.

You can do both in one day with the combined railway and cableway round trip between Cairns and Kuranda.

the train at Kuranda Scenic Railway, Brett's Kuranda Tours — Journey through the rainforest on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

But beyond the big-ticket attractions, the town of Kuranda has some draws of its own too. Shop local in Kuranda Village around the bohemian shops, galleries, cafes and outdoor markets of Coondoo Street, enjoy a cultural experience at Rainforestation Nature Park , or take a peaceful stroll at the Butterfly Sanctuary .

a butterfly resting on a leaf at Australian Butterfly Sanctuary — The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary features a diverse range of butterfly species. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: 40 minutes to Kurnda directly. Alternatively, drive 20 minutes to Smithfield Terminal to catch the Skyrail there.

3. Palm Cove

Perfect for: Lazy relaxation

The coastal suburb of Palm Cove has become a destination in its own right – so much so that many catch the shuttle here straight from Cairns Airport and never venture outside of its postcode.

an aerial view of Palm Cove — Set foot on the sandy shores of Palm Cove. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

The balmy shores of this ‘tropical village by the sea’ are lined with palm trees, smart-casual cafes and restaurants, plus plentiful hotel spas and colourful boutiques.

While away an afternoon (or longer) exploring the colourful esplanade and strolling along the beach with ice cream, or hit the water by canoe, stand-up paddleboard, jet ski, or catamaran. And don’t leave without visiting the standout local restaurant Nu Nu (bookings highly recommended).

a woman drinking by the beach at Nu Nu Restaurant, Palm Cove — Dine on the sand at Nu Nu Restaurant. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: 30 minutes

4. Port Douglas

Perfect for: Tropical fun

Another nearby coastal town worth visiting is Port Douglas which is just as relaxing and luxurious as its Palm Cove cousin, yet it’s much bigger and its nightlife has far more energy.

sunrise at Port Douglas — Picture perfect scenes at Port Douglas. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

A day spent here can be easily filled by splashing in the warm waters of Four Mile Beach, dining at award-winning restaurants, shopping at the weekly markets, hopping on board a sunset cruise or creating your very own bar crawl.

a couple strolling along the beach in Port Douglas — Take advantage of the remote beauty and romance of Port Douglas. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: One hour

5. Daintree Rainforest & Mossman Gorge

Perfect for: Ancient culture

Part of the World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest, the Daintree is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and a must-do experience when in Tropical North Queensland. When you’re not looking around in awe at this green wonderland, you can see a croc in the wild, enjoy a walking tour of the Daintree Ice Cream Company orchard or visit the Mossman Gorge Centre .

Learn more when you join a guided Indigenous ecotourism experience led by the Kuku Yalanji people as you walk among the thick of the forest, hear about the plants used as medicine, identify bush foods, and take part in a traditional smoking ceremony to ward off bad spirits on the Dreamtime Walk.

a young woman at rainforest creek at Mossman Gorge — Mossman Gorge is a green wonderland you’ll struggle to leave. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: One hour 15 minutes

6. Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit

Perfect for: Easy-going wandering

For incredible scenery, magnificent waterfalls and delicious food all in one day trip, The Waterfall Circuit is for you.

Fit in as little or as much as you’d like, but some of the best itinerary items include grabbing freshly roasted coffee from the farm at Skyburry Cafe & Roastery , exploring the main trio of waterfalls (Millaa Millaa, Zillie and Ellinjaa), taking a break with Devonshire Tea at Lake Barrine Teahouse and tasting homemade ice cream at Mungalli Creek Dairy .

the Zillie Falls in Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit — Zillie Falls is a beautiful cascade sandwiched between dense greenery. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: One hour and 40 minutes

7. Mission Beach

Perfect for: Exploring off the beaten track

Part of the Cassowary Coast, Mission Beach is full to the brim with natural beauty. It’s made up of four gorgeous beach villages (Bingil Bay, North Mission, Wongaling Beach and South Mission), all linked by 14 kilometres of golden beach so there is plenty to discover.

Aside from uncrowded beach time and local cafe gems, there’s a surprising amount of high-adrenaline activities to get stuck into. From tandem skydiving and white water rafting to exploring the Outer Great Barrier Reef , you’ll leave feeling like you’ve accomplished something unbelievable.

a couple relaxing at v — Take it slow in Mission Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Or for something a bit more sedate but no less intriguing, nearby is Paronella Park. This surreal parcel of land has a stone structure that resembles a small castle hidden among a plethora of verdant foliage. The park’s ‘refreshment rooms’ were inspired by the late owner’s childhood memories of Catalan castles. Stay a while and stroll around the park, soaking up the abundant flora and fauna and admiring Mena Creek Falls.

Mena Creek Falls in Paronella Park — Paronella Park is renowned for the magnificent Mena Creek Falls. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/ Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: Two hours

8. Cape Tribulation

Perfect for: Scenic bushwalking

This remote headland is a wildly photogenic spot for a day trip. Known as the place where the rainforest meets the reef, go beyond the surface of Cape Trib with a bushwalk.

an aerial view of Kulki Beach — Embark on a bush walk to see sweeping views of Kulki Beach from above. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The easy Kulki Boardwalk is a great place to start as it’s just a 10-minute round-trip with promising views over the Coral Sea and Cape Tribulation Beach.

an aerial view of the Cape Tribulation Beach — Cape Tribulation Beach is where the rainforest meets the reef. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Otherwise, you can put your tastebuds to the test at a rare exotic fruit farm . Or, if you’d like to dial up the adventure a notch, then canter through the rainforest or the shallow waters of the sea on a guided horse ride .

Go on a guided horse ride at Cape Tribulation. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: Two hours 40 minutes

9. Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park

Perfect for: Exploring the unknown

The perfect tonic for hot sticky days when temperatures above ground are too much, join a ranger on a Chillagoe-Mungana Caves guided tour to discover spectacular limestone caves, small galleries of Aboriginal rock art, and a historically significant mining site.

the Balancing Rock in Chillagoe under the sky full of stars — The Balancing Rock in Chillagoe looks majestic under the night sky. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Whether you’re a budding geologist or travelling with curious kids, these subterranean limestone beauties are thoroughly engrossing. Wondering which cave to choose?

Donna Cave features beautiful columns and calcite crystals. Trezkinn Cave boasts an impressive ‘chandelier’ formation. And the vast Royal Arch Cave promises 11 different chambers, ancient marine fossils, and the novelty of carrying a hand-held lamp to explore. Good luck picking — you may as well do them all!

the Royal Arch Cave Chillagoe in Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park — Royal Arch Cave features spectacular stalactites. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: Two hours and 50 minutes

10. Fitzroy Island

Perfect for: Outdoor adventure

There are a few dreamy islands off the coast of Cairns but if we had to choose one that offers both paradise and adventure in equal measure, Fitzroy Island takes the prize.

a scenic aerial view of Fitzroy Island — Off the coast of Cairns is the stunning tropical paradise of Fitzroy Island. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Home to one of Australia’s best beaches (Nudey Beach), spectacular walking trails, easy access to the fringing reef and an abundance of island tours and activities, there is plenty to pack into a day here.

an aerial view of the turquoise waters of Nudey Beach — Slip into the turquoise waters at Nudey Beach. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Without question though, snorkelling is a real highlight and if you’re travelling light, you can hire equipment from the island’s resort. Peckish? Enjoy lunch on the outdoor terrace of Zephyr Restaurant or a cheeky cocktail at Foxy’s Bar & Cafe .

a couple enjoying a cocktail at Foxy’s Bar & Cafe overlooking Fitzroy Island — Sip a cocktail at Foxy’s Bar & Cafe with overlooking views of Fitzroy Island. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: A 45-minute ferry ride from the city’s Reef Fleet Terminal

Written by Chloe Cann with updates by Jemma Fletcher.

All day tripped out and want to flop on a Cairns beach? Check out the ultimate guide to Cairns’ beaches.

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery — Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek — Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers — Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland — Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.

10 unforgettable day trips from Cairns