Cairns Tours & Activities
Cairns Reef Tours
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Whether you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Cairns, indoor activities for when it’s raining, or leisurely day tours where you can relax in luxury, we can help. With so many different things to do in Cairns throughout the day and night, we’re sure to have the perfect experience to suit your needs.
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Free Things to Do in Cairns
Discover Cairns without breaking the bank with these free activities. From its beautiful beaches and lush gardens to its idyllic water holes and charming markets, Cairns is full of budget-friendly activities for the whole family.Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular Cairns tours are Great Barrier Reef day trips, Daintree and Cape Tribulation rainforest tours, and the Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Rail. Island day trips to Green Island and Fitzroy Island are great-value alternatives, and skydives and scenic flights suit adventure seekers.
Prices vary by experience. A Kuranda riverboat tour starts from AUD $30, island day trips from around AUD $105, rainforest and waterfall day tours from around AUD $187, and Great Barrier Reef day trips from around AUD $269. Tandem skydives start from AUD $355. Many tours also earn cashback when you book with us.
August is the perfect month to plan a trip to Cairns owing to the suitable weather for all kinds of activities. Generally, May-October is the best time to visit Cairns if you are looking forward to enjoy outdoor activities. During these months, the weather in Cairns is pleasant, not too humid and there are very minimal rains.
It depends on your priorities. Outer reef tours such as Moore Reef or AquaQuest offer the most impressive snorkelling and diving, sailing trips like Reef Daytripper offer a relaxed day, and island trips are better value if you're short on time. Compare duration, inclusions and reviews on each tour page.
Both are an easy ferry ride from Cairns. Green Island is a coral cay with beaches and reef snorkelling close to shore, and Fitzroy Island has rainforest walking tracks as well as beaches and snorkelling. Choose Green Island for an easy beach day and Fitzroy for a bit of walking.
Yes. A guided day tour to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation usually includes Mossman Gorge, wildlife spotting and a river cruise or beach stop, and it saves you driving the long, winding road yourself.
Absolutely. The city centre is walkable, and most of the big attractions, including reef cruises, the Daintree and Kuranda, offer tours that depart from Cairns. If you'd like to explore at your own pace, you can hire a car or campervan with Backpacker Deals.
Yes, three days covers the highlights: a Great Barrier Reef day trip, a day in the Daintree or Kuranda, and a flexible day for the Esplanade, an island trip or an adventure activity. With more time you can add a skydive, a hot air balloon flight or a trip to the Atherton Tablelands.
Stinger season runs from about November to May, when jellyfish are more common in the water. Reef tours operate throughout the year, and operators supply protective stinger suits during the season. Swim only at netted beaches or in the Esplanade Lagoon, and follow local safety signage.
Yes, Cairns has crocodiles in its waterways. You can easily spot crocodiles in Daintree River and Trinity Inlet. If you want to observse these creatures up close, there are guided tours in Cairns to spot crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Cairns Aquarium, the Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail, indoor wildlife experiences and many reef cruises are good rainy-day options. Check the tour page for weather policies before you book.
The Great Barrier Reef is the headline attraction, with reef cruises, snorkelling and diving departing from Cairns daily. The Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda and the Cairns Esplanade are also popular.