best day tours cairns

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Cairns

Day trips from cairns.

• Cairns to Kuranda
• Cairns to Mossman
• Cairns to Mareeba
• Cairns to Dunk Island
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip

2. Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

3. Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns

4. Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

5. Atherton Tablelands, Waterfalls and Rainforest Tour from Cairns

6. Green Island Day Trip from Cairns

7. Ocean Free Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise

8. Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Bloomfield Track Tour

9. Small Group Kuranda Tour via Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail

10. 3B Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Crocodile Wildlife Cruise

11. Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

12. Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Day Tour from Cairns

13. Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

14. Full Day Tour to Sunlover Cruises Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island

15. Daintree, Mossman Gorge and Wildlife Tour from Cairns

16. Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Adventure from Cairns

17. Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, from Cairns

18. Small Group Kuranda Tour via Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Rail

19. Green Island Day Trip from Cairns with City Transfers

20. Kuranda Rainforestation & Kuranda Scenic Rail (R1BT)

21. Cape Tribulation Day Tour

22. Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns

23. Great Barrier Reef Adventure from Cairns including Snorkeling

24. Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

25. Atherton Tablelands Small-Group Food & Wine Tasting Tour from Port Douglas

26. Cairns City Sights and Surrounds Tour

27. Small Group Tour Kuranda via bus & Kuranda Scenic Rail

28. Private Waterfall and Rainforest Day Tour

29. Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour with Harbour Dinner Cruise

30. Full-day Tour at the Atherton Tablelands with Food Tasting

What travellers are saying.

• Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip
• Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel & Dive Cruise
• Atherton Tablelands, Waterfalls & Rainforest Day Tour from Cairns
• Grand Kuranda including Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Green Island Day Trip from Cairns
• Rainforest Spirit Tours
• Brett's Outback Tasting Adventures
• Barefoot Tours
• Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
• Discovery Tours Australia
• Global Travel Services
• Tropic Wings Cairns Tours
• Down Under Tours - Day Tours
• Passions of Paradise Reef Tour
• Helitours North Queensland
• Seastar Cruises Reef Day Trips

Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Day Trips from Cairns

15 Best Day Trips from Cairns

Cairns is perfectly situated on the eastern coastline of Australia, far up in the north of Queensland, overlooking the colourful marine world of the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical climes of the Daintree Rainforest.

The city is the largest at the top end of the state, and it’s the perfect base from which to explore the unique natural scenery that’s quite literally on the doorstep of Cairns.

Cairns is where the reef meets the rainforest.

Take a cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef and snorkel through the diverse and vibrant coral of one of the most iconic sights in the world, before heading inland to explore the humid jungle of the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree.

There are waterfalls to discover, gorges to hike and rivers to raft.

There’s a lot going on around Cairns, and here are our favourite day trips to make from the city.

1. Great Barrier Reef

Of course, anyone travelling to Cairns has to make the once-in-a-lifetime trip out onto the Great Barrier Reef.

This underwater marine world is absolutely huge.

In fact, the reef begins hundreds of miles to the south, and continues on along the coast far to the north, but Cairns is one of the best locations in Queensland from which to venture out to explore this natural wonder.

There are many specialised tour companies departing from the city and out into the coral cays and islands of the reef during the dry season.

The boats offer snorkelling, scuba diving and even trips in submersible vehicles during their day tours into the surrounding waters.

Different vessels travel out to different areas, and you could keep returning day after day to see more and more of this outdoor phenomenon.

Recommended tour : Great Barrier Reef 2-Stop Cruise: Outer + Coral Cay Reefs

2. Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is a spectacular island paradise that’s found just a short boat ride away from Cairns.

The island is surrounded by white sand beaches and some of the best coral in the barrier reef, making this an excellent place to visit if you want to experience the reef, but don’t fancy spending all day on a boat.

There’s a great resort on the island where you can hire snorkelling gear, or sign up for scuba diving trips too, while the turtle sanctuary offers tours that give an insight into the great rehabilitation work being done here to help save one of the reef’s endangered species.

Suggested tour : Fitzroy Island Full-Day Adventure Tour from Cairns

3. Green Island National Park

Green Island is a beautiful coral cay that’s found hidden away in the Great Barrier Reef.

It’s protected as a national park, and offers visitors from Cairns a great escape into the marine world, with fantastic snorkelling to be found all around the island.

If you would rather stay dry, then there are even glass bottom boat tours that explore the surrounding coral, and although Green Island is a perfect day trip from the city, there’s also a high-end resort here too for those looking to spend the night in luxury.

Suggested tour : Cairns: Green Island & Reef Full-Day Sailing Cruise

Kuranda is a small town that’s found in the mountains just outside of the city, and it makes for a great place to visit to escape the tropical humidity of Cairns.

The journey to Kuranda is a trip in itself, and although you can drive up to the town, many people choose to take either the spectacular scenic railway or the breathtaking cable car ride that carries you over the rainforest below.

Kuranda is home to some of the area’s best markets, and there are plenty of opportunities to try local foods and to enjoy the vibrant local life.

Recommended tour : Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & Kuranda Rail from Cairns

5. Barron Falls

Just outside Kuranda can be found one of Queensland’s most dramatic waterfalls.

Barron Falls is a truly incredible sight to witness, as the huge waterfall has multiple tiers that cascade over tumbling rocks and through the rainforest.

There’s a panoramic viewpoint that’s reached after a short walk through the trees, and while the falls can be just a trickle by the end of the dry season, visit just after it’s rained and you can experience what becomes one of the most powerful waterfalls in Australia.

Related trip : Barron River Half-Day Rafting Tour from Cairns

6. Barron River

The Barron River is the wide river that feeds its namesake, Barron Falls, and carves out the deep and beautiful Barron Gorge too.

The river starts high up, inland, and eventually flows all the way down to empty into the ocean by Cairns.

Although you can see the river from many points of course, an excellent day trip opportunity is to join one of the many whitewater rafting tours that depart from the city to explore the rapids in an adventurous fashion.

7. Chillagoe Caves

The Chillagoe Caves are found a long way from Cairns, but a day trip here is definitely worth the journey, as this is where the true Australian Outback really begins.

It’s a stark contrast to the reef and the rainforest, and the Chillagoe Caves are found in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by dust and nothingness.

This was once a thriving mining area, but now it’s all very quiet.

The caves themselves are a spectacular underground system of karst rocks and caverns, a truly unexpected sight to find way out in the interior.

Recommended tour : Chillagoe Caves and Outback from Cairns Full-Day Tour

8. Atherton Tablelands

Found away from Cairns at a much higher altitude inland, the Atherton Tablelands are a world away from the coast.

It’s cool and breezy in the Tablelands, and the climate is very much suited to agriculture and farming, meaning there’s a plethora of cheese factories, local dairy farms and more to visit.

Make sure you stop off at the incredible volcanic crater lakes to enjoy a scenic boat ride, and call in at the bat hospital to learn more about the many species of bats that are found in Queensland.

Foodie tour : Cairns: Atherton Tablelands Boutique Food and Wine Adventure

9. Josephine Falls

Josephine Falls is one of Queensland’s most picturesque waterfalls.

It’s found to the south of Cairns, hidden away in the rainforest.

A boardwalk leads through the humid trees and foliage to several viewing platforms that offer different angles from which to be utterly amazed by the multiple tiers of this cascading waterfall.

The lower plunge pool is somewhat of a favourite swimming hole, offering a refreshing respite from the sticky, jungle-like environment, but be careful here, as after heavy rain the area can be hit by flash floods.

10. Babinda Boulders

The Babinda Boulders are one of the most epic natural spots to be visited on a day trip from Cairns.

Located near Josephine Falls to the south, this is a spectacular area of huge boulders and dramatic gorges.

The Babinda River flows over smoothed, granite boulders, and at the start of the gorge, it’s safe and refreshing to swim in the shallows.

Head further along the trail though, and soon you will come to a viewing platform that gives you an intense panorama of the trees, the river and the boulders stretching far into the distance.

11. Palm Cove

Palm Cove is a beautiful, quaint and charming little seaside community that’s found just a short drive north along the coast from Cairns.

It’s a great place to relax on the beach, as the shoreline here stretches for mile upon mile, uninterrupted and lined by swaying palms.

Be careful heading into the sea though, and make sure to stick to the designated area and heed the local warnings, as although it looks beautiful, the coast of Queensland can be full of dangerous surprises too.

12. Port Douglas

Port Douglas is an hour north of Cairns, and this seaside town is a great place to visit on a day trip to enjoy the wonderful beaches and laid-back lifestyle.

There are some great harbourside restaurants and bars overlooking the marina, while the walking tracks from town lead straight to Four Mile Beach, where there are safety nets to allow swimming and bathing in comfort.

Many people will visit Port Douglas in order to make trips out to the Barrier Reef, in particular to the outlying sections of the reef, as from here it can be much quicker and more convenient to get to the remote areas in comparison to travelling out from Cairns.

13. Daintree River

The Daintree River is a long, meandering waterway that flows from the hinterland, through the Daintree Rainforest and out into the ocean to the north of Cairns.

Much of the river winds through the Daintree National Park, which protects the world’s oldest rainforest, and the river itself is a haven for local wildlife.

Visit Daintree Village, or the ferry crossing that takes visitors across to Cape Tribulation, in order to take one of the many boat tours that head out hourly in search of the fearsome, local crocodiles.

This is one of the best places to see these dangerous animals in the wild, as the local guides know the area well, and know the territories of the local crocs too.

14. Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge is found within the Daintree National Park, and is a really extraordinary place to experience the wealth of natural beauty that’s found in the rainforest.

There are many short walking trails that lead to the gorge, and it’s an immersive, if humid place to hike.

15. Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is found at the northern end of the Daintree National Park, and it’s a secluded, isolated and utterly spectacular place to visit.

To get here, you must cross the Daintree River by ferry, before driving through the rainforest, along the sandy beaches and finally, to Cape Tribulation, named by Captain Cook when he sailed along the coast and had to beach here to repair his ship when it was damaged on the Great Barrier Reef.

It’s wild and untouched, and one of the best day trips to make from Cairns.

15 Best Day Trips from Cairns:

• Great Barrier Reef
• Fitzroy Island
• Green Island National Park
• Barron Falls
• Barron River
• Chillagoe Caves
• Atherton Tablelands
• Josephine Falls
• Babinda Boulders
• Port Douglas
• Daintree River
• Mossman Gorge
• Cape Tribulation

16 BEST Cairns Day Trips Not to Be Missed [2024 Guide]

• Last Updated: February 6, 2024

Thinking about Cairns day trips to add even more adventure to your visit? In this post, we’ll cover 16 great ideas for memorable day trips from Cairns!

Cairns, in Tropical North Queensland, is known for the amazing tropical gateways, lush landscapes, towering waterfalls and of course for being the launching pad for adventures to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The town is a brilliant place to base your self to explore the this area, and while there are so many incredible things to do in Cairns , most of the top attractions are actually outside of the city.

There are tonnes of day tours from Cairns that offer visitors the chance to learn more about places like the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or about our Australian Aboriginal people and their land.

From beautiful beaches to fast flowing waterfalls and numerous World Heritage Sites, the area up here in Far North Queensland is easily one of the most unique destinations in all of Australia

And with so many Cairns tours you can choose from, where do you even start?

Right here, in this expert article…

Table of Contents

1) Palm Cove

2) the great barrier reef, 3) cape tribulation, 4) daintree river, 5) atherton tablelands, 6) mossman gorge, 7) port douglas, 8) fitzroy island, 9) chillagoe caves, 10) kuranda, 11) kuranda scenic railway, 12) barron gorge national park , 13) babinda boulders, 14) josephine falls, 15) mission beach, 16) green island national park, the best day trips from cairns, queensland.

Get out of the city with these best Cairns day trips filled with nature, adventure and tonnes of fun.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

• Distance from Cairns – 78km one way (1 hour and 15 mins)

Palm Cove is a beautiful little coastal town found just half an hour north from Cairns.

It’s so quaint, you might have trouble believing it’s real! This beautiful tranquil village is the perfect environment for anyone looking for a relaxing beach getaway while still having lots of exploring that can be done in the area.

The area is packed with lush rainforest trails where you might find wallabies hopping about as well as some stunning waterfalls just waiting to be discovered.

The waterfront stretches for miles with swaying palms to match the shoreline. Or wonder the streets and pick up some great souvenirs or gifts from local artists.

Palm Cove is perfect for spending a relaxing morning on the beach. While later spending the afternoon exploring nature trails by foot through old-growth forests of towering palms draped in lush vines.

You may want to be careful heading into the sea though. While they look invitingly blue from afar, Queensland coasts can hold some dangerous surprises too.

However, there is an area that is netted and patrolled by lifeguards where you can safely swim.

Other destinations than can be added on this day trip :

• Port Douglas
• Mossman Gorge
• Daintree River

• Distance from Cairns – 1.5 – 2 hours to get out there by boat one way.

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is easily one of the most popular day trips you can do from Cairns. And the best way to get out there (unless you own your own boat) is to jump on a guided tour .

The reef covers a vast expanse from eastern Australia and all the way up to New Guinea.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest wonders and mysteries in our world that stretches for over 2,900 kilometres and holds an area that’s nearly 344,400 square kilometres!

As the world’s largest coral reef, it is home to over 400 different types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,00 types of molluscs.

If you are lucky, you may spot a large green turtle or a dugong, also known as the sea cow, which are both threatened with extinction. There are so many reasons this reef needs to be protected.

The Great Barrier Reef was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status back in 1981 for its outstanding natural beauty and scientific interest. But now, the reef is under threat and in need of protection.

There are many boat companies offering snorkelling, scuba diving tours out on this huge underwater marine world. But note that when you do book a tour out to the reef, make sure the tour company is responsible and cares for the reef.

You can venture southwards towards Queensland or head northward along the coast depending upon your location within Cairns city limits!

If you’re going to Cairns, don’t leave without exploring the Great Barrier Reef. The day tours are a full day from either Cairns, Port Douglas or Cape Tribulation beach.

BONUS –  Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code  “NOMADS10”  on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!

• Distance from Cairns – 111km one way (1 hour and 45 mins)

Cape Tribulation is a tropical paradise known for its lovely white sand beaches, lush rainforest and amazing wildlife!

Stepping straight onto the beach from the rainforest is a very special experience up here.

This amazing stretch of the Daintree National Park has so much to offer. You can explore the rainforest on multiple hikes then climb aboard a fast boat and explore the Great Barrier Reef all in one day!

You will get space on the beach to yourself, where you can explore the driftwood and shells that wash up to form natural sculptures.

Unfortunately, looking at the ocean is the only thing you can do here. These waters are not for swimming as there are crocodiles.

Please keep back from the water at least 5 metres as this is a croc’s striking distance and they are fast. But getting the chance to spot crocs in the wild is an experience of its own!

Experienced hikers can spend the day admiring spectacular views from Mount Sorrow , while those less experienced will enjoy shorter walks taking in these natural wonders.

Australia’s richest diversity of flora and fauna is found here. If you are on a day tour, your guide will explain the intricacies behind this ancient environment full of diverse wildlife like peppermint stick insects or Boyd’s forest dragons.

Guided tours on private properties allow you to see animals that may otherwise be difficult or impossible to find, as well as plants normally out of reach for most people.

If you are lucky you may spot a Cassowary out in its own habitat. We were lucky enough to spot 2 on our trip there. One was in a carpark and one ran out in front of us on the road. Definitely take care driving and slow down!

Not only can you visit this amazing Rainforest and look up at the canopy but also you can participate in unique tastings in the area.

From exotic fruits, to Jackfruit burgers and durian ice cream and more.

You can try things up here you never thought existed. Do not be shy now!

The Daintree River is a long, meandering waterway that starts in the hinterland, winding up through the Daintree Rainforest and then heading out into the ocean.

This area is the world’s oldest rainforest, which is protected by a World Heritage Site status, and it provides essential habitat for local wildlife.

The river offers a refuge for various wildlife as well as boat tours searching for crocodiles in one of Australia’s most beautiful natural landscapes.

If you want to see some wildlife, this is your best place. Visit one of many boat tours in search of crocodiles and pythons.

The Daintree River is an Australian national treasure with a rich cultural history that is not to be missed as one of the amazing day trips from Cairns.

We did a tour down the Daintree River with a company called Solar Whisper , which are the most eco-centred company in the area. Their boats are operated by solar and they do not make wakes.

This means their boats do not contribute to the river banks’ corrosion. They are also very quiet so the animals are not scared of them.

We got up so close to the birds, crocodiles and snakes we saw as they were not phased at our presence. The owners have so much knowledge about the area and this was easily one of the best tours we did up in the Daintree National Park.

Other destinations than can be added on this day trip –

• Cape Tribulation (this will be a big day though)

• Distance from Cairns – 93km one way (1 hour and 30 mins)

The Atherton Tablelands is a large green plateau with lots of places to explore. Found at a much higher altitude than Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands are worlds apart from their coastal counterpart.

Only an hour and a half inland, you can easily visit the Atherton Tableland from Cairns. You will not see everything on a day trip.

But you can get a taste of an escape from the usual tropical Queensland vacation on the beach. Take advantage of all that nature has to offer on some hiking trails or waterfalls near Cairns!

The cool and breezy climate of this region is well-suited to agriculture and farming. You’ll find plenty of cheese factories, local dairy farms or even bat hospitals if that’s your thing!

Stop off at a tea plantation or view the platypus in the rive or visit the number of beautiful waterfalls in the area like the famous Millaa Millaa Falls.

There is so much to do and see in the Atherton Tablelands and visiting is a great road trip from Cairns. You can do it in a big full day or break it up over two days and stay in one of the cute towns along the way.

Check out our guide here on the Atherton Tableland Waterfalls.

• Town of Kuranda
• Waterfall Circuit

Mossman Gorge is such an amazing place. At 56,000 hectares and a World Heritage Listed site, this place is an area best known for its spellbinding beauty.

It’s a place where crystal-clear waters tumble over ancient granite boulders into mossy green depths that lead up towards tree-clad mountains rising sharply from their banks.

Lush rainforests cloak the steep mountainsides from the riverbanks up to the rugged eastern slopes of the Main Coast Range. Here is where you can see amazing views while hiking through magnificent trails that will make your mouth drop in awe!

The Mossman Gorge Centre, a part of the Daintree National Park, is just 20 minutes north of Port Douglas. Yet it feels like a completely different world.

Catch the courtesy bus from the centre directly to your destination. Then take an easy 10-minute stroll along the elevated boardwalk that meanders through this stunning lower canopy before returning along Rex Creek.

Be amazed by vivid butterflies or catch sight of Boyd Forest Dragon clinging on tree trunks!

The Kuku Yalanji people are happy to share all about themselves here through a Dreamtime walk or one of their other tours.

If you’re looking to book a round-trip to Mossman Gorge from Cairns, make sure you check out this awesome tour here .

• Distance from Cairns – 67km one way (1 hour)

Port Douglas is a gorgeous town on Queensland’s east coast and is an easy drive of one hour north from Cairns.

You’ll find everything here for the adventurous and luxury-loving alike: wildlife encounters, wellness treatments in lush landscapes, or thrilling adventures into two World Heritage Sites right next door to each other (Daintree Rainforest National Park and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park).

This seaside oasis provides plenty of amazing restaurants to stop in for lunch, as well as great walking tracks that lead straight to Four Mile Beach.

Here you’ll find safety nets so you can enjoy the ocean without worrying about getting stung by jellyfish or other sea creatures.

READ MORE: Driving around? Check out our epic itinerary guide for a perfect Brisbane to Cairns road trip !

There’s also an incredible fringe reef just minutes away from Port Douglas. Tourists will love how quickly they’ll be able to explore this remote area near the Great Barrier Reef!

There are many day tours offered from Cairns to Port Douglas if you don’t have your own set of wheels.

• Distance from Cairns – 29km one way (45 min speed boat)

Fitzroy Island is a little piece of paradise that is found just a short boat ride away from Cairns.

The tourism industry thrives here due to its proximity to the coast, and many people come for day trips with their friends or family members.

The beach here is mind-blowing and you can snorkel or scuba dive in the coral reef. And if you want to learn more about turtle conservation there’s an excellent sanctuary at the resort on-site where they offer tours every day into marine life rehabilitation.

You’ll also find exotic flora, like Sheoak, Indian Beech and even native orchids on your bush walk.

Fitzroy also has two main walking trails that lead to beautiful lookouts. Sheoak Forest Trail and Monkey Mia Lookout Walk are just some of the options visitors have!

For some quick exploring, try The Secret Garden Walk for just about an hour of trekking through rainforest-filled paths before reaching lookout points overlooking the Coral Sea below you. 

For spectacular views, go up Fitz Roy Mountain at sunset by following Lighthouse Trail all the way to the summit.

Here it reveals spectacular views over Cairns from high above ocean waves crashing into the shore in front of the resort’s private white sand beach

• Distance from Cairns – 17km one way (22 mins)

The Chillagoe Caves in the Australian Outback is a bit of a journey from Cairns, but a trip that is so worth it!

The landscape here is stark and dry with scattered vegetation. But it’s usually calm outside of an occasional dust storm or whirlwind that blows through from time to time.

The Chillagoe Caves is very different from the reef-filled coastlines which have their own special beauty. These caves offer up something entirely new – a surprising underground system of karst rocks and caverns amid miles upon miles of nothingness.

The limestone has slowly dissolved over time to create caverns with ceilings decorated by calcite stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones that have been deposited there as water penetrates through the rock. It is absolutely beautiful!

The rocks here were originally laid down as calcareous mud in a shallow sea where Chillagoe is today. Subsequent tilting, folding and erosion exposed the limestone that towers over the surrounding plains. Scientists believe this happened about 400 million years ago!

Animal bone fossils, including those of the extinct giant kangaroo, have been found in the caves. And there are Aboriginal paintings in the National Park left behind by the hunters and gatherers who made the beautiful cave drawings.

The caves of Chillagoe are a popular location for many species of animals, including bats and swiftlets.

Get in your car and go on this road trip from Cairns. Or maybe spend the night in the town of Chillagoe.

• Kuranda Scenic Railway OR
• Town of Kuranda OR
• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Tijapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Kuranda is known for its cool and tropical climate as well as the World Heritage-listed rainforest surrounding it.

It is the traditional home of the Djabugay people, who call it Ngunbay or “place of the platypus”.

The village has many spectacular things to do, including walks along Barron River where you may see majestic fig trees.

It also includes walks around Kuranda itself, which boasts vibrant parrots in nearly every tree with an artist’s gallery that features Aboriginal art made by local members of Djabugay tribe.

You can also visit a butterfly conservatory filled with butterflies of all colours, great markets full of local foods, as well as plentiful opportunities for recreation like fishing, hiking and more!

Just outside Kuranda, near Barron Falls, can be found as one of Australia’s strongest waterfalls.

It has a number of tiers that cascade over tumbling rocks and through rainforests as it falls down from high cliffs into deep valleys below.

This is an incredible sight to behold and there are even panoramic view points for optimal viewing!

During dry season times when torrential rains dwindle away, this waterfall becomes just another trickle. But after heavy rainfall there is so much powerful water cover off the top, it is incredible and crazy at the same time.

READ MORE – Check out our article on Cairns Waterfalls.

• Distance from Cairns – 29km one way (30 mins)

I put this rail journey as a day trip in itself as you can travel out to Kuranda on the Original Kuranda Scenic Railway if you like. This journey comprises unsurpassed views of dense rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls within the World Heritage-listed Barron Gorge National Park.

The famous rail journey winds its way from Cairns to Kuranda with stops at Barron Falls Station for a bird’s eye view of falls before continuing through 15 hand-carved tunnels and 37 bridges.

The ride takes you into stunning Barron Gorge while passing by some amazing scenery in between. The Railway is a very relaxing and scenic journey worth doing as a day trip from Cairns.

Once you get to Kuranda you can get a bus transfer back to Cairns or stay the night in Kuranda and explore.

• Barron Falls

The Barron River is a tributary of the Pacific Ocean that carves out deep and beautiful gorges. It starts high in the mountains, inland from Cairns, before flowing all the way down to empty into its namesake waterfall at Barron Gorge.

You can visit Stoney Creek or stop off to view Barron Falls on foot. Or you can head to Glacier Rock where you can get equally stunning views.

You can see this breathtaking sight while driving by on one of the scenic drives or join whitewater rafting tours for an adventurous day trip!

Or you can check out the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway , which spans 7.5km and goes over and through some of the most remote areas in Queensland.

What a way to discover Australia’s world heritage listed rainforest in the Barron Gorge National Park.

• Distance from Cairns – 58km one way (1 hour)

The Babinda Boulders are huge boulders with dramatic gorges that you’ll want to explore and are definitely not want to miss.

There are areas where you can safely swim watch the river flow over smoothed granite rocks. And you’ll find a path following the gorge that you can explore stopping off at different view points.

Please do not go beyond the fence. People have died in the area after getting swept away.

You will find the Babinda Boulders near Josephine Falls so you can join the two on the same trip to make the most of your day trip from Cairns.

• Josephine Falls and Mission Beach OR
• Waterfall Circuit in the Atherton Tablelands.

• Distance from Cairns – 75km one way (1 hour and 15 mins)

The cascading waterfall, Josephine Falls, is found to the south of Cairns, hidden away in the Daintree Rainforest.

It’s a spectacular sight to behold, and shouldn’t be missed if planning an awesome Queensland road trip !

The falls are especially impressive during wet seasons when they become thundering torrents that can take your breath away with their natural beauty and power.

Josephine Creek starts as a gentle trickle high on the southeast side of the summit of Bartle Frere before it falls into Josephine Falls, which is fed by rains falling from Queensland’s highest peak.

The lower plunge pool offers a refreshing respite from the sticky jungle-like environment. But after heavy rain, it may get hit with flash floods so beware!

The waterfalls are located in Wooroonoram National Park and provide spectacular views along their 1.2 km return walk.

This is a relatively easy walk on gravel path and boardwalks that leads through humid trees and foliage to several viewing platforms that offer different angles from which you can be utterly amazed by this cascading waterfall’s multiple tiers.

It is a waterfall not to miss. This is a great day tour from Cairns with Babinda Boulders and Mission Beach added on to make the most of the day trip.

• Babinda Falls and Mission Beach

• Distance from Cairns – 139km one way (2 hours)

Mission Beach is a string of four beach villages linked by 14 kilometres of wide golden sands, situated midway between Townsville and Cairns.

This beautiful coastal area blends vibrant art and culture with unique tourism attractions to invite you to relax or unwind for the perfect holiday experience.

The four villages offer something for everyone. Whether it’s looking for romantic getaways, family holidays, wildlife sightings or backpackers, there are many adventure-seekers and campers who will find a perfect spot here too!

Mission Beach is a stunning place to go for a walk at sunset and watch the waves roll in. Grab some fish and chips from the restaurant at the caravan park and sit on the beach.

You might meet the local celebrity, the Cassowaries, that wander the area. There is one of these guys that wanders through the caravan park and is not fazed by people.

If you do see him, just please keep your distance as this is still a wild animal.

Note that aside from this, there is not a lot to do in the area. My advice would be to add this destination to a day trip with Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls to make a full day tour from Cairns.

• Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls

• Distance from Cairns – About 27km from Cairns (45 mins by boat)

Green Island is another one of the Cairns day trips you cannot miss.

This island about a 40-minute boat ride, making it a perfect day trip from Cairns, and is known for its white-sand beaches, amazing snorkelling and great food!

Green Island is a beautiful coral cay that’s found hidden away in the Great Barrier Reef, with an abundance of natural wonder on land or sea.

The island has been called “a tropical paradise” with fantastic snorkelling all around the coastline.

It’s easy to enjoy whether you’re an experienced swimmer or just want to keep your head above water!

The Aboriginal people, Guru-Gulu Gungandji, are the traditional owners of this island as they have lived here for thousands of years.

Captain James Cook visited the island and named it after his ship, HMS Green Endeavour as it looks green from afar on clear days.

There is so much to see and learn about the beautiful island. Whilst exploring its depths might best be done snorkelling around the shoreline (with both fish to see as well as sunken wrecks), there are also glass-bottom boat tours that explore the surrounding coral.

You can do a Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel which will take you exploring the Great Barrier Reef’s Dreamtime with Indigenous sea rangers on a day tour.

It’s a great way to learn about what’s under the water and how their people survived living on the water.

You can get close up views of some incredible marine life such as giant clams and turtles swimming about while smaller reef fish gracefully glide through schools of bright corals below them. This is truly a breathtaking sight for divers at any level.

The best way to get there is book onto an organised tour , which maximises your time there.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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Cairns Tours

Best cairns tours & day trips.

Cairns Tours Package $410

There is no better way to explore Cairns than by joining our exclusive Cairns Tour Package. Including a cruise to The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, this package takes you to the two must visit destinations of Cairns. The Great Barrier Reef Tour will take you to explore two incredible dive sites on the Outer Reef, where you'll learn about the fascinating sea life of this unparalleled ecosystem. Swim amongst turtles and a plethora of colourful fish species, exploring the vibrant coral gardens. The tour includes snorkelling equipment, dive, glass-bottom boat tour, lunch, reef taxes and more. Explore the amazing beauty of the Daintree Rainforest on the Cape Tribulation and Daintree Tour with Mossman Gorge. Spot wildlife on an eco-accredited river cruise, take a guided rainforest walk along the Marrdja Boardwalk, explore Cape Tribulation Beach and much more on this exciting day tour. Book this great value Cairns Tour Package today!

Cairns Reef & Island Tour $255

Explore the tropical heaven of Green Island on an exclusive one-day sail trip from Cairns that will leave you in awe of the beauty of the island and the reef surrounding it. Once on the island, the day is completely yours to choose how you would like to spend it. The highly protected Pinnacle Reef provides a great location for snorkelling and scuba diving. If you prefer to stay out of the water, you can still enjoy the vibrant reef and marine life from a glass-bottom boat. The pristine sand on Green Island is perfect for a relaxing afternoon of lounging or indulging in a refreshing beach picnic. Book online today and enjoy an unforgettable journey to this tropical paradise!

Cairns Harbour Dinner Cruise $129

Wrap up a wonderful day in Cairns with an evening cruise through the beautiful Trinity Inlet. Enjoy an exquisite dinner while cruising across the calm waters along the coast of Cairns. As the sun slowly sets, indulge in a buffet of delicious local produce, from oysters to fresh fruit to an array of desserts. The Cairns Harbour Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to spend the evening with friends or family, surrounded by great food and spectacular scenery. Grab your complementary refreshment before an evening of sailing and fine dining. Embark on a lavish dinner cruise along the coast of Cairns today!

Kuranda Skyrail & Scenic Rail Experience From Cairns $179

Spend the day exploring the quirky town of Kuranda and its amazing natural attractions on this day trip from Cairns. We'll pick you up from your Cairns accommodation and take you to climb aboard the historical Scenic Railway. Be amazed by the incredible scenery of the Barron Gorge National Park as you meander past waterfalls and lush rainforest scenery. Once we arrive in Kuranda, you'll have around 3.5 hours of free time to explore the township, its famous markets and a world of fascinating attractions including the Butterfly Sanctuary or Kuranda Koala Gardens. Once it's time to return to Cairns, float your way back through the rainforest canopy on the Skyway before we return you to your Cairns accommodation. Including your Scenic Railway and Skyway tickets, this extraordinary journey through Tropical North Queensland is a day not to forget! Book now!

Great Barrier Reef Tours

No visit to Cairns is complete without a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. This magical underwater paradise is the largest coral reef system in the world, one of the seven natural wonders and a world heritage listed area. An exciting mecca of beauty, nature and colourful coral, the Great Barrier Reef is home to a plethora of unique sea life. We provide a number of different tour options that will suit all tastes and budgets from a 1-day cruise to a 3-day liveaboard experience. Whether you are a first-time snorkeler or an experienced certified diver, we have a Great Barrier Reef tour for you. Join one of our tours from Cairns to tick this natural wonder off your bucket list.

Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation Tours

The Daintree Rainforest is a world heritage listed region of tropical north Queensland, filled with rare plant and wildlife species. Located north of Cairns between Bloomfield River and Mossman Gorge the Daintree National Park opens up showcasing the spectacular Cape Tribulation. We offer both 1-day Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest Tours and a 2-day Daintree Rainforest Tour that reveal this tropical paradise at its best and are perfect for those wondering what to do in Cairns. Our tours depart daily and include lunch and a crocodile spotting river cruise.

1 Day Atherton Tablelands Tour $164

Our 1 Day Atherton Tablelands Tour from Cairns is a day full of action packed adventure! The Atherton Tablelands are located South-West of Cairns, and truly express the beauty of the region. The Atherton Tablelands consist of exotic waterfalls, majestic mountains, breathtaking lakes and is home to some of Australia's most beloved native wildlife. We’ll take you up into the Gillies Range to discover pristine waterfalls including Millaa Millaa and Dinner Falls, enjoy a dip at Lake Eacham and loads more. The Atherton Tablelands maintain a beautiful temperature throughout the year, which makes our 1 Day Atherton Tablelands Tour the ideal adventure all year round! Book your tour with us today!

1 Day Fitzroy Island Tour from Cairns $94

The Great Barrier Reef is home to many islands, Fitzroy Island being one of the most beautiful. On our 1 Day Fitzroy Island Tour, you can spend the day on the island however you like, whether it be going for a walk through the rainforest, kayaking and snorkelling or soaking up the sun and relaxing on the beach. A day trip to Fitzroy Island is the perfect way to spend your day.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure Day Tour $99

Get to ready to meet and greet some of Australia’s most iconic native animals, from the darling to the dangerous, with our Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure Day Tour. This day trip to Tropical North Queensland’s most iconic wildlife park offers unbeatable encounters with some of Australia’s most beloved (and feared) native animals. We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Cairns, ready for an action-packed day at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure. Learn all about the park’s animals and see them in action with talks and presentations available throughout the day. Enjoy a boat cruise along the Hartley’s Lagoon and witness the local crocodiles leap from the water for their daily feed. Besides crocodiles, there are also a range of Australian and exotic animals on display including koalas, wombats, cassowaries and more. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to observe and interact with the iconic wildlife of Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure!

1 Day Green Island Tour from Cairns $105

Green Island is a not to be missed adventure for anyone looking for a memorable Cairns tour. Green Island is located 27 kilometres offshore from Cairns, surrounded by coral reef protected in the Green Island National Park. This tropical rainforest island is the perfect Cairns Tour for all adventurers, travellers and families. A modern, state of the art catamaran will have you in paradise in 45 minutes where you can spend the day snorkelling, enjoying ocean views through the glass bottom boat or participating in a host of other activities.

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Cairns

Day trips from cairns.

• Cairns to Kuranda
• Cairns to Mossman
• Cairns to Mareeba
• Cairns to Dunk Island
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip

2. Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

3. Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns

4. Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

5. Atherton Tablelands, Waterfalls and Rainforest Tour from Cairns

6. Green Island Day Trip from Cairns

7. Ocean Free Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise

8. Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Bloomfield Track Tour

9. Small Group Kuranda Tour via Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail

10. Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

11. Full Day Tour to Sunlover Cruises Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island

12. Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Day Tour from Cairns

13. Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

14. Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Adventure from Cairns

15. Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, from Cairns

16. Small Group Kuranda Tour via Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Rail

17. Green Island Day Trip from Cairns with City Transfers

18. Kuranda Rainforestation & Kuranda Scenic Rail (R1BT)

19. Cape Tribulation Day Tour

20. Full Day Guided Tour in Kuranda including Kuranda Scenic Railway

21. Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns

22. Great Barrier Reef Adventure from Cairns including Snorkeling

23. Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

24. Atherton Tablelands Small-Group Food & Wine Tasting Tour from Port Douglas

25. Cairns City Sights and Surrounds Tour

26. Small Group Tour Kuranda via bus & Kuranda Scenic Rail

27. Private Waterfall and Rainforest Day Tour

28. 3B Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Crocodile Wildlife Cruise

29. Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour with Harbour Dinner Cruise

30. Full-day Tour at the Atherton Tablelands with Food Tasting

What travellers are saying.

• Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip
• Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel & Dive Cruise
• Atherton Tablelands, Waterfalls & Rainforest Day Tour from Cairns
• Grand Kuranda including Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Green Island Day Trip from Cairns
• Rainforest Spirit Tours
• Brett's Outback Tasting Adventures
• Barefoot Tours
• Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
• Discovery Tours Australia
• Global Travel Services
• Tropic Wings Cairns Tours
• Down Under Tours - Day Tours
• Passions of Paradise Reef Tour
• Helitours North Queensland
• Seastar Cruises Reef Day Trips

Top Cairns Day Trips

Day trips from cairns.

• Cairns to Kuranda
• Cairns to Mossman
• Cairns to Mareeba
• Cairns to Dunk Island
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip

2. Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

3. Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns

4. Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

5. Atherton Tablelands, Waterfalls and Rainforest Tour from Cairns

6. Green Island Day Trip from Cairns

7. Ocean Free Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise

8. Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Bloomfield Track Tour

9. Full Day Tour to Sunlover Cruises Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island

10. Small Group Kuranda Tour via Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail

11. Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

12. Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Day Tour from Cairns

13. Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

14. Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Adventure from Cairns

15. Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, from Cairns

16. Small Group Kuranda Tour via Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Rail

17. Green Island Day Trip from Cairns with City Transfers

18. Kuranda Rainforestation & Kuranda Scenic Rail (R1BT)

19. Cape Tribulation Day Tour

20. Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns

21. Great Barrier Reef Adventure from Cairns including Snorkeling

22. Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

23. Waterfall Wetlands and Skyrail from Cairns

24. Atherton Tablelands Small-Group Food & Wine Tasting Tour from Port Douglas

25. Cairns City Sights and Surrounds Tour

26. Small Group Tour Kuranda via bus & Kuranda Scenic Rail

27. Private Waterfall and Rainforest Day Tour

28. 3B Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Crocodile Wildlife Cruise

29. Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour with Harbour Dinner Cruise

30. Full-day Tour at the Atherton Tablelands with Food Tasting

What travellers are saying.

• Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip
• Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel & Dive Cruise
• Atherton Tablelands, Waterfalls & Rainforest Day Tour from Cairns
• Grand Kuranda including Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Green Island Day Trip from Cairns
• Rainforest Spirit Tours
• Brett's Outback Tasting Adventures
• Barefoot Tours
• Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
• Discovery Tours Australia
• Global Travel Services
• Tropic Wings Cairns Tours
• Down Under Tours - Day Tours
• Passions of Paradise Reef Tour
• Helitours North Queensland
• Seastar Cruises Reef Day Trips

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• 50 must-do day trips from Cairns

Rachel Holliday

While Cairns itself is known for its laid back city vibes and stunning esplanade, the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, waterfalls and quirky townships are just a stone’s throw away. Grab a pen and paper and add these day trips from Cairns to your holiday bucket list.

The phrase “make a day of it” must have been penned with Tropical North Queensland in mind. With lush emerald rainforest, azure waters and bustling attractions galore, each day here is worth making the most of. Whether you’re a first time visitor looking for those bucket list experiences or are a seasoned visitor seeking a new thrill, this list of 50 day trips from Cairns is a good time guaranteed.

1. Keep your cool and head twenty minutes out of Cairns to rainforest-clad Crystal Cascades . Wander along the walkway and choose your perfect pool or head right to the end for a tumbling waterfall. If you fancy a bit more of an adventure, veer into the forest to Fairy Falls and see how this magical spot got its name.

2. Time travel back to the groovy 70s at the Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets . Stay a whole day in the village in the rainforest and visit wildlife parks , taste culinary delights and browse the local stores and Heritage Markets.

3. Hit the reset button with a visit to the stunning seaside village of Palm Cove . Opt for a beach day or a spa day and choose your level of chill. Stay for dinner and dine at one of the taste-bud-tingling beachfront restaurants .

4. Take it all the way to the top with a visit to Ravenshoe , Queensland’s highest town. Take a short walk to a views of Millstream Falls and cool off in the nearby Little Millstream Falls . Fuel up with a meal and beer at Queensland’s Highest Pub and head to Windy Hill Farm for beautiful views.

5. Chase waterfalls on the Waterfall Circuit . First stop is the iconic Millaa Millaa Falls , a dreamy 18m plunge waterfall that is one of the most photographed in Australia. Gaze at Zillie Falls from the top at a viewing platform and plunge into Ellinjaa Falls . Keep your eyes peeled for the electric blue Ulysses Butterfly and the elusive platypus.

Millaa Millaa Falls is straight out a fairytale

Relax the day away in Palm Cove

Browse a rainbow of quirky markets in Kuranda

6. Dust off your hiking boots and hit one of Tropical North Queensland’s best hiking trails . Our picks? Lambs Head near Davies Creek offers stunning views over Lake Morris and the Atherton Tablelands, whilst Walshs Pyramid is a 6km steep challenge promising the reward of sweeping views.

7. Indulge in a day of natural swimming and rock hop your way along Davies Creek Falls . The grand finale? A stunning infinity pool on the top of the falls. Walk 1.9km to the Bunda Bibandji rock art site – you’ll find the turnoff is located further down along Davies Creek Road.

8. Explore the world’s oldest surviving rainforest on a day trip to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation . Wander through rainforest boardwalks and search for crocodiles on the Daintree River with tours by Jungle Tours & Trekking or Billy Tea Safaris . See where the rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation or cool off in rainforest swimming holes.

9. Hit the highway on the Great Barrier Reef Drive , one of Australia’s most beautiful drives. Beach hop your way from Palm Cove to Port Douglas , stopping at unnamed beaches that you are likely to have to yourself. Wander through the palm plantation at Thala Beach Nature Reserve and have lunch or dinner with the ultimate view at Osprey’s Restaurant .

10. Hop on a Great Adventures ferry and cruise to Green Island , a stunning coral cay just 27km off the shore of Cairns. Relax on white sandy beaches, wander through a rainforest path and snorkel fringing coral straight off the beach.

Snorkel the reef from the beach at Green Island

Challenge yourself to hike Walshs Pyramid

Beach hop along the Great Barrier Reef Drive

11. Ch-ch-choose the Kuranda Scenic Rail and journey past rainforest, rocky gorges and stunning waterfalls en-route to Kuranda. Return on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and glide over the rainforest canopy. Marvel at Barron Falls from the Edge Lookout.

12. Head behind Walshs Pyramid and walk 3.5km to Behana Gorg e. The reward? A refreshing dip in the stunning Clamshell Falls, the grand finale of the hike.

13. Experience the local tastes of the tropics with Brett’s Outback Tasting Tour , which visits local food and wine producers on the Atherton Tablelands and includes visits to exclusive venues. Alternatively, self-drive and check out these food trail highlights .

14. Get your adrenaline fix and tackle white water rapids on the mighty Tully River with Raging Thunder .

15. Rock hop through an abundance of swimming holes at Stoney Creek . Walk through the rainforest to the stunning Old Weir Falls. If you fancy more of a challenge, head uphill for a 7km return hike to Glacier Rock Lookout and be rewarded with sweeping views of the city.

Hike to the stunning Behana Gorge

Taste the tropics on the tablelands

Hit the rapids on the Tully River

16. Crack a geode and marvel at over 600 crystals and fossils at the Crystal Caves in Atherton. Up the “awww” factor and spend the afternoon meeting rescued bats at Tolga Bat Hospital .

17. Delve into an underwater wonderland and explore the Great Barrier Reef on a day tour to the outer barrier reef and search for all its famous residents. Up the ante with an introductory scuba dive .

18. Step back in time to the pioneer era at Historic Village Herberton , home to over 60 original buildings, vintage vehicles and more. Stop by at the Spy Camera Museum for a truly unique experience.

19.  Wander through the rainforest at Mossman Gorge and have a dip in a boulder-lined rainforest stream. Join a local Kuku Yalanji guide for a Ngadiku Dreamtime Wal k and learn about traditional plant use, smoking ceremonies and more.

20. Get your art deco fix by visiting the rural town of Innisfail , an hour and a half south of Cairns. Test your croc-o-dial with Snapping Tours and search for the mighty saltwater crocodile and other wildlife on a Johnston River cruise.

Step back in time at Historic Village Herberton

Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef

Take a dip in Mossman Gorge

21. Plunge into refreshing rocky pools at Emerald Creek Falls near Mareeba and walk to the lookout for a stunning view of the falls. Treat yourself to a tasty ice-cream at Emerald Creek Ice Creamery .

22. Head south to Mission Beach and explore funky beachside villages and palm-fringed shores. Make a pit stop at Murdering Point Winery to sample tropical fruit wines, ports and liquors produced on-site.

23. Wander through gardens of stunning tropical rainforest plants at Cairns Botanic Gardens. The street comes alive during the Tanks Art Market, which takes place monthly between April and November. Enjoy brunch at the trendy suburb of Edge Hill.

24. Live out your castaway dreams with a trip to the Frankland Islands , a paradise with white sand beaches and fringing coral teeming with marine life.

25. Fly away on a hot air balloon in Mareeba and soar over fields of green farmlands on the Atherton Tablelands .

Soar through the sky on a hot air balloon

Wander through the Cairns Botanic Gardens

Explore Mission Beach

26. Cast a line with a fishing charter to the reef or in one of Tropical North Queensland’s many rivers and creeks.

27. Make for a lake day and head to the Atherton Tablelands. Dive into a volcanic crater lake at Lake Eacham and tuck into a Devonshire Tea with dreamy views of Lake Barrine . Explore the village of Yungaburra, spot platypus at Peterson Creek and marvel at the Curtain Fig Tree or Cathedral Fig Tree .

28. Head to the barefoot paradise of Port Douglas . Visit the stunning Four Mile Beach and browse shops and restaurants on Macrossan Street. Visit on a Sunday for the Port Douglas Markets.

29. Set your compass south to Babinda Boulders and swim in emerald rainforest pools. Walk to the Devil’s Pool lookout and learn about the eerie Indigenous legend behind its moniker. Continue south to Josephine Falls , a triple-tiered wonder tumbling from Queensland’s highest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere . Swim in the bottom pool which has its own natural waterslide!

30. Caffeinate your way through Mareeba for a day full of local-produced delights. Head to Coffee Works for locally-produced coffee and chocolate. Finish at Skybury Coffee and treat your tastebuds to some papaya, which is grown on-site.

Swim in a volcanic crater lake

Get hooked on a fishing charter

Slide down a natural waterslide at Josephine Falls

31.  Have croc-o-clock with a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures . Cruise the makeshift lagoon and see crocodiles jump for their dinner, or hold a wombat or cockatoo on a Premium Wildlife Encounter.

32. Walk into the ultimate fairytale at Paronella Park , a Spanish castle in the rainforest located around and hour and a half south of Cairns.

33. Pedal your way around 60km of world-class trails at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park , or blaze the trails of the Atherton Mountain Bike Park .

34. Embrace the best kind of blues with swim in the Cardwell Spa Pool , a vibrant-blue natural pool that shot to fame on Instagram. Make a day of exploring the Cardwell Forest Drive, which also features the beautiful Attie Creek Falls .

35. Join a Kuku Yalanji Indigenous guide on Walkabout Cultural Adventures for a day of traditional spearfishing and learn about bush tucker before visiting the Daintree Rainforest.

Join an Indigenous Guide on Walkabout Cultural Adventures

Explore Paronella Park

Jump into the Cardwell Spa Pool

36. Head deep into the rainforest on a 6.6km return hike to Nandroya Falls , a gigantic drop that looks straight out of Jurassic Park. Make way to nearby Wallicher Falls and Tchupala Falls for a full day of waterfall adventures.

37. Seas the day at Trinity Beach , a beach paradise that’s a hit with the locals. Relax on the beach and treat yourself to breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants.

38. Kayak down a crystal clear rainforest creek with Babinda Kayaking and search for fish, turtles and platypus. Don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy along the way.

39. As its name suggests, swimming is a no-no at Lake Placid, however this scenic lake, which is only 15km from the city centre, is worth a visit. While you’re in “this end of town”, drive to Barron Gorge and wander across the bridge for views of the Barron River and hydro station. In summer, you can often see Surprise Creek Falls cascading down into the valley.

40. Bird is the word in the Cassowary Coast! Spot Cassowaries at Etty Bay , located 15km from Innisfail. Search for birds and wildlife at Eubenangee Swamp National Park , home to hundreds of bird species.

Trinity Beach is popular with locals

Kayak through the rainforest with Babinda Kayaking

Search for Cassowarys at Etty Bay

41. Enjoy a day on island time at Fitzroy Island . Walk to the stunning Nudey Beach, SUP off the main beach or simply relax and enjoy a cocktail at Foxy’s Bar.

42. Drive up a winding range to Copperlode Dam and Lake Morris, 22km from Cairns. Walk to the intake tower and breathe in the beautiful glory of this lake, which despite being so close to Cairns, feels a whole world away.

43. Have a Dr Doolittle of a day at Granite Gorge Nature Park , an animal lovers paradise. Hand-feed wild Mareeba rock wallabies and meet an abundance of birds, horses, reptiles and even a pig! Rock hop your way through walking trails and cool with a swim in the weir.

44. Stare 57 metres down into the eerie  Mt Hypipamee Crater . Enjoy a refreshing swim at the nearby Dinner Falls before heading to the rural village of Malanda. Plunge into Malanda Falls and search for the endemic Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo near the Nerada Tea plantation .

45. Head north to the stunning, palm-fringed Ellis Beach . Tuck into a hearty lunch at Ellis Beach Bar & Grill .

46. Make way to the southern Atherton Tablelands to marvel at Mungalli Falls and for lunch at Mungalli Creek Dairy . Enjoy sweeping views of rolling hills at Millaa Millaa Lookout.

Don't have a car?

Hand feed rock wallabies at Granite Gorge Nature Park

Stare into the Mt Hypipamee Crater

SUP off Fitzroy Island

Check out these action-packed days in the Cairns CBD.

47. Unleash your inner art critic with a visit to Cairns Art Gallery and the Courthouse Gallery . Discover the unique and interesting history of Cairns at Cairns Museum .

48. Do as the locals do and browse locals shops and boutiques in Cairns city. Fuel up with coffee and brunch at one of Cairns’ best coffee spots .

49. Spend the day swimming at the iconic Cairns Lagoon , featuring its own sandy beach. Wander along the Esplanade to Muddy’s Playground , a kids paradise with water play areas, slides and a flying fox. No kids in tow? The newly revamped Esplanade Dining Precinct has funky roof top bars and a range of restaurants to sink your teeth into.

50. Go where the wild ones are and meet native animals at Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome before zip-lining over a 4.5m crocodile. Step into an underwater wonderland at Cairns Aquarium and refuel with lunch or dinner at the on-site Dundees at the Aquarium.

Your home away from home

Now that you’ve got your itinerary sorted, you just need to find the perfect place to rest your head.

10 relaxing ways to sleep in the rainforest

This summer, swap your inner city stresses for cool, rainforest rejuvenation, checking into one of these accommodation providers in the rainforest.

Luxury places to rest your head

Escape to luxe island hideaways, indulgent outback retreats or tranquil ancient rainforests. Kick off your shoes, take some much needed R&R and discover the unique landscape of Tropical North Queensland.

Guide to Daintree & Cape Tribulation Accommodation

Where else but Tropical North Queensland can you sleep soundly in a spot where two World Heritage listed sites meet?

Dive into this guide of swim-out hotel rooms

Walk in: swim out. For that added splash of luxury to your weekend getaway, family holiday or romantic retreat the following hotels will get you as close as you can to the most convenient and luxurious pools in the region.

Home is where you park it: 10 caravan parks to stay at

Have caravan, will travel. Say bye-bye to bricks and mortar accommodation and check out these incredible caravan parks in Tropical North Queensland.

Sleep tight in paradise

Rest your head easy on a visit to Tropical North Queensland. From sleeping on a luxury island to pitching a tent on the beach, here’s your guide to an unforgettable stay in the tropics.

Where to stay in Cairns, Port Douglas & Palm Cove with Accor

Choosing to visit Tropical North Queensland is easy. Choosing where to stay, that’s a lot harder.

8 Ways Crystalbrook Collection combines sustainability with luxury

If you haven’t met them already, there are three hotel siblings in Cairns you should really know by name – Riley, Bailey and Flynn. 

Great places to go camping near Cairns

Are your campsites better described as camp palaces, or do you just roll with the bare essentials? Whether you’re at one end of the spectrum or the other, lace up your hiking shoes, load up your 4WD (or hatchback) and string your fairy lights around these camping sites near Cairns.

Self-care has a new home, Pullman Cairns International

We’ve got you covered with five reasons that will leave your energy-tank overflowing faster than the bubble bath you’re about to pour.

Quick! Grab these deals before they go

Discover fantastic discounts on tours, accommodation and experiences.

Privacy Overview

Accessibility, accessibility modes, online dictionary, readable experience, visually pleasing experience, easy orientation.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Accessibility Statement

Accessibility Statement

• tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
• May 13, 2024

Compliance status

We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability.

To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.

This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.

Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML, adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.

If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email

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Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements, alongside console screenshots of code examples:

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These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.

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Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Disability profiles supported in our website

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Browser and assistive technology compatibility

We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).

Notes, comments, and feedback

Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to

Cairns City Tours

Cairns area, reef day cruises, island day cruises.

Welcome to Cairns Discovery Tours

Cairns Dinner Cruise

Kuranda Day Tours

Stunning Palm Cove beach

Cairns Botanic Garden

Cairns Tours & Day Trips

Welcome to cairns discovery tours - locally owned and operating since 1995., book now pay later , our most popular tours.

Daintree Rainforest - Cape Tribulation Rainforest Day Tour

Adult $229| Child (4-16yrs) $179 Family 2A+2C $780

Departs Daily 7.00am Revised itinerary until further notice as some areas are not accessible or are closed due to Cyclone Jasper Dec 2023 Explore the Daintree Rainforest by 4wd air-conditioned vehicle as you journey north along the Captain Cook Highway with spectacular views of the coast. Take a Daintree River cruise to spot crocodiles, learn about the region on a guided boardwalk tour through Mossman Gorge. Guided beach walk in Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the reef. Enjoy a tropical fruit Daintree ice cream before your journey back to your accommodation

Group size is kept to under 17 passengers so you have a more personalised experience. As the oldest Rainforest in the World, this is definitely something to tick off your bucket list.

Scenic Coastal Drive Your day starts by being picked up by your local eco-accredited tour guide. As you meet and greet your fellow travellers, sit back and relax as we start to make our way to the Daintree Rainforest. This coastal scenic road is one of the best drives in the world, so have your camera ready!

Daintree River Cruise After a light morning tea refreshment, it's time to board your Daintree River cruise. This peaceful and relaxing 1 hour Daintree River Cruise is precisely what the doctor ordered, sprinkled with a little adventure spotting crocodiles, other native Australian wildlife and mangroves.

Alexandra Lookout Alexandra Lookout provides a fantastic photo opportunity. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Daintree Rainforest to the ocean.

Guided Rainforest Walk Mossman Gorge  Your local guide will then take you along an elevated boardwalk into the Southern end of the Daintree National Park, providing detail on the flora, fauna and cultural history and significance of the Daintree Rainforest.  Opportunity for a freshwater swim at Mossman Gorge, subject to conditions on the day.

4WD Bloomfield Track- CLOSED Billy Tea Safaris is one of the only operators who can travel on the Bloomfield Track due on their custom-made 4WD vehicles.

Emmagen Creek Freshwater Swim- NOT ACCESSIBLE Cool off with a freshwater swim at Emmagen Creek. This also makes for a fabulous photo opportunity and is relaxing and refreshing! Swimming in the middle of the Daintree Rainforest?! What more could you ask for?

Lunch  Enjoy lunch with your fellow travellers, and then it's off to Cape Tribulation Beach. The only place where the rainforest meets the reef. All dietary requirements must be notified at the time of reservation or at least 48 hours before travel. We cater for vegetarians and most other requirements within reason and providing they are of a medical nature.

Ice-cream stop No Daintree Rainforest day tour is complete without a stop for exotic homemade ice cream at the Daintree Ice-creamery. You will be amazed at the array of flavours made from the orchids on their property. After your sweet ice cream treat and a little exploration of this lush property, it's time to head home.

Reef and Island • Moore & Fitzroy Island

Adult $285.00| Child $165 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $735 Helmet Dive Special to 30th June 2024 Pay only $87  - Normally $149.00  Departs Cairns 8.00am - 4.30pm Tue, Thu & Sat July - August Departs 8.00am Tue, Wed & Sat Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure combining 2 hours at Moore Reef Pontoon + 3 hour Fitzroy Island stop over in a day! Moore Reef Pontoon includes coral viewing with semi-submersible, glass bottom boat, underwater observatory, snorkelling & kids waterslide. Then a leisurely time at Fitzroy Island to relax & unwind including lunch.

Join us for a unique outer reef tour where the Sunlover catamaran docks alongside a floating pontoon stationed in a natural lagoon fringed with beautiful coral. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, family traveller, experienced diver or on your first trip to the Great Barrier Reef, our expert team will deliver a unique reef tour experience for you. Experience the ultimate adventure combining 2 hours at Moore Reef pontoon on the Outer Barrier Reef + Fitzroy Island stop over in a day! Moore reef has all of our standard inclusions with time at Fitzroy Island to relax & unwind including lunch.

Kuranda Scenic Train and Skyrail Day Tour with return hotel transfers

Adult $181|Child $95|Family $457 Departs daily 7.30am - 5.30pm Experience a day of adventure from your Cairns hotel with Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway. Glide above the rainforest in comfortable six-person gondolas and explore Kuranda in your own time. Enjoy the 1.5 hour journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a historic railroad that travels through the breathtaking World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Travel to the rainforest village of Kuranda in style with our Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway package. Fly over the rainforest canopy on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Explore the rainforest at Red Peak and Barron Falls stations and join a guided ranger tour. Experience The Rainforest Interpretation Centre and the new “Edge” lookout, which offers uninterrupted views of the mighty Barron Falls. Enjoy your spare time in Kuranda Village. Browse for jewellery gifts and more at the Original and Rainforest Markets or taste a range of culinary treats at Kuranda’s many quirky cafes. Visit the world’s largest butterfly flight aviary at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or enjoy a relaxing walk along the Barron River. Experience the world’s most beautiful railway journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and journey past stunning rainforest waterfalls and past steep gorges. Stop at Barron Falls station and see the stunning Barron Falls. Kuranda original and heritage markets open Wednesday through to Sunday

Cairns River Cruise & City Sights Tour

Adult $199|Child $149 Departs daily 9.30am to 6pm On this Cairns Tour you will experience a calm water cruise along Trinity Inlet, which is an oceanic inlet and serves as the port for the city of Cairns. It meanders through pristine creeks and takes in some of the quirky sites of the backwaters of Cairns too. Includes lunch on the waterfront at the award-winning Dundees restaurant before joining your afternoon Cairns City Sights Tour

Make your way to the Cairns Marina, 1 Spence St Cairns and board the Cairns River Cruise at Berth A1 "A" Finger. 9.30 am - (Return Hotel transfer included)

Cairns River Cruise 9.45 am - 11.00 am

• 1 1/4 hr guided calm-water cruise explores the stunning sights of the Trinity Inlet and waterfront of Cairns. The extensive and stunning Inlet is mountain-mangrove-lined and is a sanctuary for many types of wildlife. The tour meanders through pristine creeks (the home of saltwater crocodiles) and takes in some of the quirky sites of the backwaters of Cairns. The Cairns River Cruises vessel is spacious and carries a maximum of 18 guests - so the tour is bespoke and personal, and everyone has access to the fantastic views of Cairns.

Free time for a stroll along the Marina or Pier Shopping Centre before enjoying a delicious lunch

• Lunch at Dundee's on the Waterfront at 12 noon. Relax and take in the waterfront views at Dundee's Restaurant short 2 minute walk from where your river cruise ends before joining Cairns Discovery Tours City Sights afternoon Tour.

Cairns City Sights & Highlights 1.00 pm - 6.00 pm

You will be collected at 1.00 pm from the Cairns Marina at the front of the Reef Fleet Terminal. Discover our vibrant city's history and learn about the rich cultural heritage unique to Cairns and the Far North.

• St. Monica’s Cathedral  - Step inside one of Australia's most breathtaking cathedrals, featuring the World's largest themed stained glass windows.
• Cairns Museum  - visit the Cairns Museum. join our exclusive tour of the School of Arts building in the city's heart to see yesteryear's highlights.
• Afternoon Tea  A true local delight of warm, fresh-from-the-oven scones with strawberry jam and cream and your choice of Tea, Coffee
• Cairns Botanic Gardens  - Enjoy a professional guided walk through the lush Flecker Botanic Gardens, renowned for having one of the best exhibitions in Australia's tropical plants. Meander through the butterfly-lined pathways under the green canopy as your guide explains the various plants and wildlife you see along the way.
• Cairns Lookout  - Take in the panoramic views of the city and the Coral Sea
• Lower Barron Falls  - Enjoy a walk at the lower section of the Barron Gorge National Park, Surprise Creek Falls.
• Palm Cove Take a stroll along the jetty or on the sand on this picture-perfect beach, fringed with coconut trees. Nestled behind the beach is the quiet seaside suburb of Palm Cove, with its’ magnificent paperbark trees.
• Your day of discovery ends, returning to your chosen Cairns CBD accommodation at approx. 6.00 pm. Northern Beaches 5.30 pm

Please note - Wheelie Walkers and mobility scooters are not permitted as our vehicle is not equipped with a luggage area

Green Island & Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns

Special save up to $30 per person Normally Adult $318|Child $132|Family $816 Adult $288.00| Child $156|Family $740

Departs daily 8.30am - 5.20pm Enjoy the best of both worlds with this complete Great Barrier Reef and Island tour. Enjoy 2 hours on Green Island and  3 hours on the Outer Barrier Reef.  Fast 45-minute catamaran ride to beautiful Green Island and enjoy 2 hours on this iconic  coral cay, and then continue your day adventure and discovery with a further 45 minute ride  to Great Adventures spacious activity platform moored on the majestic Outer Great Barrier Reef.

The complete reef and island experience awaits with this exciting tour. Take a fast 45-minute catamaran ride to beautiful Green Island and enjoy two hours on this unique reef and rainforest coral cay. Then, you’ll depart Green Island to continue your day of adventure and discovery with 3 hours on board Great Adventures' spacious activity platform moored on the majestic Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Green Island It is a beautiful 6000-year-old coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – a premier world heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Grab your snorkel gear and head to the Lifeguard patrolled beach to explore the marine world off the beach, take a stroll thru the unique tropical rainforest, laze on the white coral sand beach or take part in some of the optional activities that Green Island has to offer

Outer Barrier Reef The stable reef activity platform is the perfect base for swimmers and non-swimmers to explore. Snorkel and/or dive, visit the underwater observatory, cruise in a semi-sub to view the surrounding coral or relax on the sundeck with a delicious buffet lunch. The vibrant marine life of the reef awaits you.

Dreamtime Snorkel from Cairns

Adult from $219|Child $139|Family $577 Not available 20th May - 7th June inclusive Seasonal dates and prices apply Departs daily 9.00am - 5.00pm Step back into the Great Barrier Reef’s Dreamtime with Indigenous Sea Rangers   as they recount the Dreamtime stories of the local people and help you gain a deeper cultural understanding of the diverse ecosystems that make up the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy up to 5 hours of fun with unlimited snorkelling with 2 Reef locations   in air-conditioned lounges and a licensed bar.

We acknowledge the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji , Mandingalbay Yidinji, Yirrganydji & Gunggandji people, Traditional Owners of the Sea Country on which you will travel

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Enjoy one of Cairns’ most unique & exclusive Great Barrier Reef tours. Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel invites you to step back into the Great Barrier Reef’s Dreamtime with Indigenous sea rangers on a day tour of two spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Reef sites visited may include Milln, Flynn, Hastings, Saxon, Norman or Thetford Reef. You will also experience our authentic Dreamtime experience with our Cultural Guides, sharing their stories of the history of the Great Barrier Reef. Indigenous sea rangers will recount the Dreamtime stories of the traditional people of this Sea Country and help you gain a deeper cultural understanding of the diverse ecosystems that make up the Great Barrier Reef.

Waterfalls and Rainforest Tour

Adult $149|Child 2-11yrs $129|Family 2A+2C $427 Departs daily 7.30am - 5.30pm On the Waterfalls and Wanderer tour you will travel south as you discover nature and the beauty of north Queensland’s most iconic waterfalls. This is a MUST-SEE for anyone wanting to experience pristine rainforest, cascading waterfalls, stunning panoramas of Queensland’s highest peaks and maybe a glimpse of rare and unique native wildlife. This fun tour is ideal for the young and the young at heart, looking to see the best of the Atherton Tablelands and waterfalls.

Walk amongst boulders, slide into cool pools, soak in the spray of waterfalls and dive into crater lakes, and that’s just the ‘wet’ stuff! On this full day tour you'll also visit and learn about culturally important places, visit the biggest tree you’ll ever see (the Curtain Fig Tree which is believed to be 500 years old!), and have the chance to spy a diverse array of rainforest creatures - if you're lucky you'll even spot an elusive platypus!

Travel south and discover the majesty and beauty of north Queensland’s most iconic waterfalls, a MUST-see for anyone wanting to experience pristine rainforest, cascading waterfalls, stunning panoramas of Queensland’s highest peaks and maybe a glimpse of rare and unique native wildlife. This fun tour is ideal for the young and the young at heart, looking to see the best of the Atherton Tablelands.

Waterfall Wanderers will provide morning and afternoon tea, lunch, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits and fruit throughout the day, as well as heaps of games and puzzles to keep you entertained as we explore the Atherton Tablelands by luxury air-conditioned coach.

Pack your swimmers . Australia’s most famous rainforest waterfalls await. Our Cairns waterfalls and rainforest tour is an epic road trip, which will have you in and out of the water all day. It takes you from Cairns, up, over and through the beautiful rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands.

Babinda Boulders  – Stunning scenery and refreshing swimming. Culturally significant to the Yidinji Traditional Owners, learn the tragic love story that still ‘haunts’ this beautiful place.

Josephine Falls  – Ready to slide and take a wild ride down the rocks, into a cool rainforest pool? This is it, and it doesn’t get any better, bring the Go Pros.

Millaa Millaa Waterfall – World famous hair flick waterfall which tumbles 18m down into a natural amphitheatre. Strike a pose, swim and explore.

Volcanic Crater Lake  – Dive right into Lake Eacham, a 65m former volcanic crater, now filled with crystal clear rainwater.

2 Day Reef and Daintree Rainforest

Adult $425| Child 4-16 yrs $295| Family 2A+2C 4-16yrs $1280 Departs daily Experience the very best of Cairns Reef and Daintree Rainforest Tours. This 2 day reef and rainforest package offers great value to visit our two amazing World Heritage National Parks - The Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest during your stay in Cairns. Tours do not need to be taken consecutively .  

Day 1 -Great Barrier Reef Tour Departs Daily Check-in from 7.15am - 7.45am at The Reef Fleet Terminal Departs 8am | Returns 4.30pm

Great Barrier Reef Tour onboard 'Evolution'

Join the luxurious and spacious yacht, Evolution, to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for your snorkelling experience. The 35-metre vessel, Evolution departs Cairns with  5 hours spent exploring two spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day!

In the afternoon, you have the option to add additional reef activities. Join us on the Semi-Submersible Tour, learning about the reef with our marine biologist, or add a scuba dive or a scenic helicopter flight over the reef. Finally, you'll cruise back to Cairns while enjoying a free glass of wine and a snack while you reflect on your day on the Great Barrier Reef.​

Day 2- Daintree Rainforest Tour

Due to the impact of severe tropical cyclone Jasper and the associated flooding & road closures, there have been some itinerary changes to ensure you still have a great time in the Daintree Rainforest.

Includes pick up & drop off from your Cairns, Northern Beaches or Port Douglas accommodation.

Group size is kept to under 17 passengers for a personalized experience. Explore the oldest Rainforest in the World, an essential bucket list experience!

Journey north on the scenic coastal drive to the Daintree Rainforest with spectacular views of the Coral Sea coastline. Embark an informative one hour River Cruise on the mighty Daintree River where you spot and learn about estuarine crocodiles, mangrove forests and endemic wildlife as you unwind in nature's embrace. Light refreshment of tea/coffee and biscuits provided. Your experienced Guide will give an information commentary on the rich local flora/fauna and cultural significance of the area as you drive through the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Get sand on your feet as you join a guided beach walk where the "Rainforest meets the Reef".  Savour a delicious lunch at a local restaurant amidst the unique backdrop of the Daintree Forest (please advise in advance of ay special dietary requirements) followed by a stop for a a delicious tropical fruit ice-cream enroute to the Daintree Ferry. Your last stop is at the famous Mossman Gorge for a guided rainforest walk on a selection of trails and elevated boardwalks (easy grade) with time for an invigorating freshwater swim (subject to river conditions) before heading back to your hotel.

A forest so spectacular, Sir David Attenborough called it “the most extraordinary place on Earth.”

• Scenic Coastal Drive : Capture breathtaking views as we journey to the Daintree Rainforest.
• Daintree River Cruise : Spot crocodiles and native wildlife during a serene river cruise.
• Guided Rainforest Walk : Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Daintree with a knowledgeable guide.
• Lunch at Cape Tribulation : Enjoy a delicious meal at a local cafe.
• Ice-cream Stop : Indulge in exotic homemade ice cream before heading home.

Half Day Green Island with Great Adventures

Adult $116 |Child $62|Family $292 Depart daily 8.30am or 10.30am Returns 3.20pm Have a leisurely start to your day with a 10.30am departure from Cairns to Green Island, or if you are an early bird you can choose the 8.30am departure. Enjoy up yo 6 hours on Green Island to explore, relax, snorkel and swim. Paradise awaits.

Snorkelling Snorkel and swim in the clear, cool island waters straight from the beach. Encounter a wide variety of colourful fish, turtles and other marine creatures whilst exploring the beautiful coral reef gardens surrounding Green Island. Mask, snorkels and fins in all sizes are available. Lycra suits available for hire

Glass Bottom Boat Float across the reef, looking through large viewing windows while enjoying an informative commentary from your guide. This 30-minute tour allows you to view the spectacular coral reef, where abundant fish is guaranteed during a lively fish feed.

Lunch at Emerald Restaurant  is available to be pre-booked between 11.00am-2.00pm. Choose one of the following delicious menu options plus a Australian beer, wine or soft drink. Truffle pasta, Pesto barramundi, Grilled chicken breast with avocado salsa, Green Island beef burger or vegetarian burger. Adult $42.00 Child $20.00  Valid to 31.3.24

Optional Activity One of Green Island’s most unique attractions is indeed, Marineland Melanesia. Not only is it home to the largest captive crocodile in Australia, Cassius, it is also home to one of the largest private collections of exotic Melanesian tribal artifacts and aquariums. With twice daily crocodile shows and the chance to hold a baby croc, it’s definitely a family favourite, especially with the children.

From $25.00 per adult $12.50 per child

Established by two partners in the early 1960s, Marineland Melanesia has been proudly owned and operated by the Craig family since 1971. From working in Papua New Guinea, family patriarch George Craig (perhaps one of the original ‘crocodile hunters’) set about bringing to reality an island habitat for huge crocodiles and a magnificent range of carvings and ancient primitive tribal art from the region known as Melanesia.

Locally Owned & Operated Cairns Tours Since 1995

Established over 28 years ago, Cairns Discovery Tours is proud of its roots in the vibrant and tropical region of Cairns. We've been bringing unforgettable experiences to locals and visitors alike since 1995, delivering unique tour services that highlight the richness and natural splendour of the region. As a locally owned and operated business, we possess a deep connection to our surroundings and a passion for showcasing our beloved region's beauty to the world.

Over the years, we've nurtured strong relationships with local businesses and cultural institutions, which allow us to provide an authentically local tour experience rich in insights you won't find in your typical guidebook. With us, you're not just a traveller but fellow explorers ready to share the beauty of our unique tropical paradise.

We Tour Fascinating Sites, Great Views & Landmarks around Cairns

Embarking on a journey with Cairns Discovery Tours is a ticket to a mesmerising world of awe-inspiring landmarks, breath-taking views and unique wildlife encounters.

• Local Landmarks : We explore the heritage-rich areas with notable architectural wonders, revealing the hidden stories behind their existence.
• Panoramic Views : Our tours encompass some of the most scenic routes, offering panoramic views of stunning landscapes that will leave you inspired. Our tour routes are carefully designed to traverse unique habitats where you can experience the region's remarkable biodiversity.

Our tours go beyond sightseeing to provide a deeper understanding of our region's natural and historical heritage. That’s why each site is chosen not just for its inherent beauty but also for its cultural or ecological significance.

Informative, Knowledgeable Local Guides

At Cairns Discovery Tours, our team of professional local guides bring a wealth of knowledge and local insights to your tour, painting vivid pictures of the region's past and present, while introducing you to the nuanced ecological interactions that make our area such a biodiversity hotspot.

Our team aren’t just guides; they're storytellers, historians and nature enthusiasts, providing an enriching and educational adventure that you'll remember for a lifetime. Friendly and approachable, our guides encourage questions and create an engaging, interactive experience. Moreover, our team will prioritise your safety and comfort throughout the tour, ensuring you have the best possible experience.

Why Choose Cairns Discovery Tours

Choosing Cairns Discovery Tours means opting for an immersive, comprehensive and authentically local experience. We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our service. As a locally owned and operated business, we bring a uniquely local perspective to our tours, showcasing the real essence of our region. With over two decades in the industry, we have perfected our tours to provide an unforgettable experience. Our local guides are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and dedicated to delivering an engaging, informative tour. We value each of our customers, tailoring our tours to accommodate specific interests and needs.

Join us at Cairns Discovery Tours for an adventure of a lifetime, as we guide you through the incredible sights, rich heritage and spectacular natural beauty of beautiful Cairns. Book a tour today and get ready to discover the undiscovered!

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• NORTHERN IRELAND
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12 Best Day Trips from Cairns, Queensland: beautiful places to visit & excursions

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Visiting Queensland and looking for the best day trips from Cairns, Australia ? We are here to help!

Cairns is located in tropical north Queensland. It’s a popular destination for backpackers , outdoor lovers and the ultimate destination on an East Coast road trip.

The city itself is quite small. It’s very easy to explore on foot. Although you can easily spend some time in Cairns CBD, going on day trips from Cairns is the best way to explore the area.

In this article, you will discover the best Cairns day trips and how to get there.

🔎 Table of Contents

Best day trips and places to visit within 1 hour of Cairns

Let’s get started with the nearest places. The following destinations are less than 1 hour away from Cairns which makes them very easily accessible.

Fitzroy Island

Located only a short boat trip away (45 minutes), Fitzroy Island is one of the most popular day trips from Cairns. It’s the perfect tropical island.

It has everything you expect an island in tropical North Queensland to be like.

From there, you can explore the Great Barrier Reef and go snorkelling or scuba diving. 

But the best thing to do is to adventure yourself on the island itself.

The beaches are insanely white and beautiful. There is even a nude beach! Make sure to take hiking shoes as you will want to go on one of these wonderful trails:

• Summit Track (2.6km return, 3 hours)
• Secret Garden Track (1km return, 45 minutes)
• Nudey Beach Track (1km return, 45 minutes)

HOW TO GET TO FITZROY ISLAND:  The best way to get there is by booking a day tour. It includes a ferry transfer from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, snorkelling, hiking and lunch. 

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s most famous natural landmark.

It stretches over 2,300km, all the way down to the Whitsundays and Fraser Island . It’s so big that you can even see it from space.

Not only is it beautiful but it’s also a very important ecosystem. It protects the coast from sharks and is home to thousands of species.

No matter what you do, visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a must-do in Australia. The best places to explore it from are Cairns and Airlie Beach .

HOW TO GET THERE: There are several ways to see the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns:

1. Going on a cruise from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef: this is the best way to experience the GBR in one day.

You will be going on a day cruise from Cairns to the outer and coral reefs. It’s a glass-bottom boat which means that you can admire the stunning corals from the boat.

You can also go on a snorkelling tour with a marine naturalist which is very interesting. See prices here.

2. Snorkelling and diving: if you want to see the true beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, you need to go in the water.

Snorkelling and scuba diving is the best way to get close to the coral and see many fish!

To do that, you can book a snorkelling and diving cruise. See prices here.

3. Going on a scenic flight: the only way to truly understand how big and beautiful the Great Barrier Reef is, is from the sky.

By going on a scenic flight, you will get to soak up the stunning views of the reef. See prices here.

4. Booking an all-in-one tour with helicopter flight, cruise and snorkelling. See prices here.

PRO TIP: If you are planning on going on a road trip on the East Coast and visiting the Whitsundays , I would highly recommend exploring the Great Barrier Reef from there.

There are many tours from Airlie Beach and day trips you can take. The Whitsundays are a magical place and it’s well worth it.

However, it usually is more expensive. If you are on a budget, then exploring the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns is the best option.

But if you want to get the best of everything, skip the GBR for now and opt for another Cairns day trip listed in this article.

Green Island

If you’d rather discovering a hidden gem near Cairns and stay away from the crowds, visiting Green Island will be the perfect day trip for you!

Green Island is another tropical island near Cairns. It only takes 45 minutes to get there and there is a lot to see and do!

Green Island is surrounded by coral which makes it the perfect place to go snorkelling.

You can also opt for a glass-bottom boat ride if you don’t want to get wet. 

You will also find amazing boardwalks on the island. If you like hiking, you will love those!

It’s placed under the protection of Australia parks. The aboriginal name for it is Wunyami.

HOW TO GET TO GREEN ISLAND:  Getting to Green Island is very easy. You can book a day tour which includes the transfer, lunch and activities on site.

The tour provider also offers packages with snorkelling and/or glass-bottom boat rides.

Click here to see the latest prices.

If you are not into water activities, going on a day trip from Cairns to Kuranda will be a better choice for you. 

Kuranda is a mountain town located only 30 minutes from Cairns.

It’s the ideal place to visit if you want to discover what Far North Queensland is really like. It’s a tropical town with a strong historical background.

There is a bit of everything and will make happy all kinds of visitors, even kids and backpackers!

The main attractions are the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a historical train that will take you around the town.

Not only is the experience very unique but it’s also a great way to experience the Australian culture, landscapes and learn more about history.

For fantastic views, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is the way to go.

This 7.5-kilometre scenic tourist cableway runs above the Barron Gorge National Park.

It goes from Smithfield to Kuranda and is an amazing journey!

If you are travelling with kids, consider going to the Australian Butterfly sanctuary . Finally, Kuranda is also an excellent destination for outdoor lovers.

There are many hiking trails you can take. You can also opt to go rafting on the Barron River. 

HOW TO GET TO KURANDA:  If you have a car, you can drive to Smithfield or Kuranda and hop on the railway and cableway. Click here to see the prices.

Alternatively, you can book a day tour with transfer included.

You will be picked up at your accommodation in Cairns and go to Smithfield to take the cableway up to Kuranda before exploring the town and take the train.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability.  

Wooroonooran National Park

Situated 1 hour south of Cairns, Wooroonooran National Park is often overlooked by visitors but yet, has so much to offer.

If you love swimming in natural waterholes, you are in for a treat!

The main attraction in Wooroonooran is Josephine Falls but Babinda Boulders, Behana Gorge, Goldsborough Valley, and Nandroya Falls are also worth a visit.

If you like hiking, you will also find loads of trails. Make sure to wear your swimsuit as you will want to go for a dip. The flora is also incredible.

You will discover amazing trees! Walsh’s Pyramid is a half-day hike that will take you up to the summit of one of the most beautiful natural pyramid in the world.

The views from the top are breath-taking. For more stunning views, you may also want to consider going on the Johnston River Lookout walk and the Mamu Tropical Skywalk .

HOW TO GET THERE : You can easily get there by car. There are many free carparks on site.

The distance will vary depending on the activities you want to do. Walsh’s Pyramid is only 26km from Cairns (30 minutes) where as Josephine Falls is 75 km away (1h).

If you don’t have a vehicle, there are two day tours you can book:

Waterfalls Combo day tour from Cairns with Millaa Millaa Falls and Josephine Falls. Click here to see the prices.

Wooroonooran Rain Forest Full-Day Safari which includes a stop at the Josephine Falls and the Babinda Boulders. Click here to see the latest prices.  

Looking for a beach day trip from Cairns? Welcome to Palm Cove!

Located 30 minutes north of Cairns, Palm Cove is a coastal suburb its sandy beaches and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

Unlike the other day trips mentioned in this article, this one is more about relaxing and enjoy a bit of tranquillity.

The first thing you should do in Palm Cove is going to the beach.

It stretches over 1 kilometre so you will have plenty of room! Although you can swim there, make sure to check the signs and only go in the water where it’s allowed.

I know it’s tempting to go swimming but tropical north Queensland is also home to sea animals that can kill you so don’t try it!

After the beach, don’t forget to walk along the esplanade. It’s a very pleasant walk. You can even take a skateboard or a bike. You will find loads of restaurants and ice-cream parlour there. 

HOW TO GET THERE: It’s only an easy 30 minutes drive from Cairns to Palm Cove so if you have a car, this is the best way to get there. Alternatively, you can get a taxi or book a transfer from Cairns airport to Palm Cove.  

Best day trips and places to visit within 2 hours of Cairns

Want to see more around Cairns? If you don’t mind going a bit further, there is a whole new world of day trip destinations opening itself up. Here are some beautiful places to visit within 2 hours of Cairns.  

Millaa Millaa

If you love waterfalls , Millaa Milla will be your paradise! It’s home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Australia!

As you get to the Millaa Millaa Falls, you may have this feeling of déjà vu. This is normal! It was featured in the song “Mysterious Girl” by singer Peter Andre back in 1995.

Loads of people watched that video clip so that’s where you know the waterfall from.

If you don’t, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to watch it!

Millaa Millaa Falls are what we would call “the perfect waterfall”. They are 18m high and surrounded by lush plants and trees.

The water falls into a waterhole with pristine water. The sound is amazingly relaxing.

Everything about these waterfalls is pretty magical. You can also swim there if you want to. Make sure to bring a picnic.

There are many picnic tables around and it’s a very nice thing to do.

While you are in the area, make sure to check out the other waterfalls: Ellinjaa Falls and Zillie Falls.

To do that, you can drive to both locations and park your car in the carpark across the road. You will then need to walk down for a few minutes and will discover the waterfalls.

But if you feel like going on an adventure, opt for the 17km Waterfall circuit loop. It’s the best way to discover the 3 waterfalls!

HOW TO GET TO MILLAA MILLAA:  If you are driving, enter “Millaa Millaa Falls” in your GPS. It takes 1h45 to get there. Otherwise, you can opt for a day tour from Cairns (which also includes Atherton Tablelands and Josephine Falls).

Atherton Tablelands

Although technically speaking Kuranda and Millaa Millaa are part of the tablelands, it’s worth mentioning Atherton Tablelands as a destination in itself. 

The Tablelands are a vast region (65,000 sq metres) but the main towns are Atherton and Mareeba.

There are many hiking trails in the area and it’s a great place to discover the different landscapes.

In the tablelands, you can walk in the forest and enjoy amazing views over the plateau.

It feels less tropical and more “countrylike”. There are also loads of lakes.

You can walk around them. It’s very pretty and an easy stroll.

Here are some hikes worth going on:

• Mount Ida Firetrail – Herberton (5.7km circuit – 2hrs – moderate)
• Peterson Creek Walking Track – Yungaburra (5km circuit – 1.5hrs – easy)
• Hallorans Hill – Atherton (3km – moderate)
• Jungaljungal Walk – Lake Tinaroo (8.2km – 3.5hrs – moderate)
• Yabi Mountain and Mt Baldy – Atherton (8.5km – moderate to hard)
• Torpedo Bay – Lake Tineroo (8km circuit – 2.5hrs – moderate to hard)
• Lake Barrine (6km circuit – 1.5hrs – easy)
• Davies Creek Falls – Mareeba (1.1km – 1h – easy)
• Granite Gorge – Mareeba (2-3km circuit – 1.5hrs – easy)

HOW TO GET TO ATHERTON: It takes an hour and a half to get to Atherton from Cairns, by car. Alternatively, you can book a day tour from Cairns (which also includes Millaa Millaa and Josephine falls.

Port Douglas

Port Douglas is where the rainforest meets the reef, making it an all-in-one destination in Tropical North Queensland.

It’s a popular holiday destination. Sea views, outdoors, beach, restaurants…

Port Douglas truly has it all!  Even though it’s worth spending a few days in Port Douglas, it’s also a good day trip from Cairns.

There is plenty to do in Port Douglas so you won’t be bored for a single second!

Here are some ideas:

• Relaxing on the beach – The Four Mile Beach is an incredibly pretty beach. Palm trees, soft sand… it has it all! There is a patrolled area where you can swim. As the beach is very wide, it’s also a good place to play frisbee, volleyball or other beach games.
• Going on a scenic flight to the Great Barrier Reef. See prices here.
• Shopping at the Port Douglas markets – If you are visiting on a Sunday, make sure to visit the markets. You will find food, jewellery… and plenty more!
• Going on a Catamaran cruise to the Outer Reef . See prices here.
• Going snorkelling in one of the secluded islands. See prices here.

HOW TO GET TO PORT DOUGLAS : It takes a bit over an hour to get to Port Douglas from Cairns. The best way to get there is by car. There are also a few buses going there every day. Port Douglas Bus is one of the providers you can check out.

Finally, if you want to go straight from/to the airport, you can book this transfer.  

Mission Beach

Located 1h45 drive south of Cairns, Mission Beach is one of the best coastal towns in Australia.

This tropical paradise is a popular destination for families who want a relaxing beach escape and backpackers who love outdoor activities.

The most obvious thing to do is to head to the beach and enjoy a relaxing few hours but if you are up for a bit of a walk, make sure to go up to the summit of Bicton Hill.

This 4kms hike takes 2 hours to complete. Once you get to the top, you will discover stunning views of Mission Beach. Most visitors head straight to the beach and completely overlook this walk.

This is a mistake you don’t want to make.

Mission Beach is also one of the best places in Australia to skydive . Thrill-seekers come from all over the country (and world) to skydive here!

It’s one of the rare places where you can land on the beach! During the jump, you can also admire the jaw-dropping views over the Great Barrier Reef. Click here to see the latest prices.

HOW TO GET TO MISSION BEACH: You can easily drive from Cairns to Mission Beach. It takes a bit under 2 hours.  If you don’t have a car (or don’t want to rent one), you can book a Greyhound bus ticket .

If you like to discover hidden gems, going on a day trip to Tully will be ideal for you.

Although Tully is a pretty big town in Queensland, most visitors never bother visiting.

Yet, there are a lot of things to do in the area, especially for outdoor lovers.

The best place to visit is the Tully Gorge National Park. It’s home to beautiful waterfalls such as the Tully Falls and the Tully River where you can go rafting. See prices here.

You will also find a plethora of walking trails in the Tully Valley. Make sure to check out Mount Tyson.

The panoramic views from the lookout are stunning! If seeing all the Australian “Big Things” is on your bucket list, then you can check another off the list!

Tully is home to the Golden Gumboot which is, in effect, a giant gumboot!

HOW TO GET TO TULLY: It takes 1h50 to drive from Cairns to Tully. This is from far the best way to get there, especially since you will need to get around to explore the National Park.

Alternatively, you can take a Greyhound bus to Tully but it won’t be easy to get around from there.

Best day trips and places to visit within 3 hours of Cairns

Cape tribulation & daintree rainforest.

Going to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest is a must-do when visiting North Queensland.

It’s a bit further than all the other destinations mentioned in this post however, it’s well worth the effort because the road trip in itself is a journey too!

The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest in the world and lies by the Great Barrier Reef.

A bit further up, Cape Tribulation offers the perfect combination between rainforest and beaches. 

Here are the best things to do in Daintree and Cape Trib:

• Bloomfield Track Cruising the Daintree River Going up to the Alexandra Lookout (although you will need a 4WD for that) Admiring the wildlife (Cassowaries, kangaroos…)
• Elevated boardwalk Animal Refuge centre Bungy jumping ( prices here )
• Relaxing on the beach of Cape Tribulation Mossman Gorge

Please note that if you have a bit of time to spare, you may want to stay overnight and camp in Cape Tribulation. It’s a very unique experience.

HOW TO GET THERE: You will need to leave early to get there as it takes about 3 hours. It is an easy drive from Cairns but some parts require a 4WD.

You can explore the area with a 2WD but that’s something you should be aware of as you won’t be able to go everywhere.

To make the best of your time, you should opt for an organised day tour from Cairns. It includes transport and lunch. Click here to see the latest prices and availability.

Daintree Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the aboriginal culture is all around.

If you’d like to learn more about this aspect, you may want to opt for a guided tour with an aboriginal guide. Click here to se e the latest prices and availability .

Now that you know everything about the best Cairns day trips, pack your bag and have fun!  

You may also be interested in:

• The 21 Best Waterfalls near Cairns, Queensland
• 18 Incredibly Unique & Best Airbnbs in Cairns, Queensland
• 17+ Best Airbnbs in Queensland to book for your next holiday
• Places to see in Australia
• Man-made landmarks in Australia
• Best places to skydive in Australia  

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

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Cairns Tours

Best Cairns Tours & Day Trips

Cairns is a vibrant destination that is home to two of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders : the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest . With its tropical climate, laid-back atmosphere, and endless activities and attractions, Cairns is a must-visit for travelers. Our Cairns tours offer the opportunity to explore the amazing array of life on land and underwater, visiting top destinations such as the Atherton Tablelands , Fitzroy Island, and, of course, the Great Barrier Reef. Come discover all that Cairns has to offer!

Cairns Reef Day Tours & Trips

The Great Barrier Reef may be the only living thing visible from space, but to truly experience the beauty of this colourful underwater world, you need to dive in and swim among it! With several day trips on offer to explore the outer reef from Cairns, we’re certain to have the perfect tour for you. All our Cairns reef tours depart daily and include snorkelling and equipment to get you among the sea life.

Whether you are a certified diver or thinking about trying it for the first time, our Great Barrier Reef Deluxe Tour includes a scuba dive to explore deeper underwater. Or join our action-packed Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Adventure for stacks of ways to experience the reef including fish feeding presentations, glass-bottom boats and a semi-submersible. If you don’t feel that a day trip to the reef will be enough, join one of our one- or two-night liveaboard tours to stay overnight on the Great Barrier Reef. Sleep aboard our luxury boat and enjoy two or three days of nothing but snorkelling or diving in one of the most environmentally rich areas in the world.

While our tours to the Great Barrier Reef will take you to snorkel sites in the outer reef, our Green Island and Fitzroy Island tours explore the inner reef. Enjoy a day trip from Cairns to either of these tropical island paradises where you can snorkel off the beach, wander the trails through the rainforest on the island or just relax on the idyllic beaches. The seagrass meadows surrounding the islands are known habitats for turtles, so keep an eye out as you snorkel the tropical waters!

More Sightseeing Tours from Cairns

Not just famous for the reef, Cairns is also well known for the verdant jungles and pristine beaches of the Daintree Rainforest. Wander among the lush tropical rainforest vegetation, spot the native wildlife and soak up the tranquil surrounds of “the most extraordinary place on Earth” (according to none other than Sir David Attenborough). Our one- and two-day tours from Cairns will take you to explore the astonishing scenery of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, enjoying guided walks, wild swimming and a chance to spot crocs on a boat cruise down the Daintree River. Stay overnight at Cape Tribulation for free time to further explore this gorgeous area.

For more nature-based adventures, join our one-day Atherton Tablelands tour . Bring your bathers as we go chasing waterfalls at iconic locations including Millaa Millaa Falls and Josephine Falls. Admire the impressive Curtain Fig Tree and keep an eye out for some of Australia’s most elusive native animals including the cassowary, platypus and tree kangaroo.

Tours in Cairns

19 tours found

Cairns Tour Package Deluxe

A great value package of our two top Cairns day tours - the Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest

Duration: 2 Days

Tour type: Small Group; Boat/Cruise

Available Now

Great Barrier Reef Deluxe Tour with Dive

Ultimate Great Barrier Reef tour including a dive, snorkelling, meals & more!

Duration: 1 Day

Tour type: Boat/Cruise

1 Day Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation Tour

A day filled with rainforest walks, swimming, wildlife spotting, and lunch on a beautiful beach.

• Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Adventure

Explore the reef from a floating platform with an undersea observatory and heaps of fun activities!

1 Day Daintree & Cape Tribulation Tour with Port Douglas

Wander incredible beaches, enjoy a crocodile cruise, and bathe in a rainforest freshwater stream!

Tour type: Small Group

• Great Barrier Reef Premium Snorkelling Tour

Climb aboard the stylish sailing catamaran to snorkel amongst the corals and colourful marine life.

1 Day Fitzroy Island Tour from Cairns

Spend a day in paradise exploring the pristine beaches and fringing reef of Fitzroy Island.

Kuranda Skyrail & Scenic Rail Experience

Admire the incredible views from the Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail with transport from Cairns.

Tour type: Large Coach; Attraction

1 Day Outback Tasting Tour from Cairns

Enjoy the flavours of Far North Queenslands' outback with local produce tastings at 7 spots.

Atherton Tablelands & Waterfalls Tour

Enjoy this action-packed day tour of swimming & discovering the natural treasures of the Tablelands.

1 Day Green Island Tour

Swim among the corals that border this stunning island, or relax on the beach beside the rainforest!

3 Day Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard

Dive and snorkel morning, noon, and night if you wish, and see the reef like never before!

Duration: 3 Days

Great Barrier Reef Small Group Tour

Be amazed as you snorkel or dive at Upolu Reef on our small group cruise limited to 20 travellers.

Cairns Dinner Cruise

Sail among Australia’s finest seascapes while indulging in first-rate cuisine on our dinner cruise.

Duration: 3 Hours

Hartley's Crocodile Adventure Day Tour

Get to know the formidable animals of Hartley's Crocodile Adventures with transfers from Cairns.

Tour type: Attraction

2 Day Daintree, Cape Tribulation & Atherton Tablelands Tour

Explore the waterfalls and lush rainforests of two top Cairns locations on this all-inclusive tour.

2 Day Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard

Stay the night on the Great Barrier Reef to spend two days snorkelling and exploring top reef sites.

Green Island Snorkelling Tour from Cairns

Join an exclusive reef and island experience, and discover the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.

Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation Tour Overnight

Stay overnight in the Daintree for more time to explore the rainforest and stunning beaches. 

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What Our Customers Are Saying about Cairns Tours

Cairns tours information, cairns tour photos.

Cairns Tour Map

Frequently Asked Questions about Cairns Tours

What are the best day tours in cairns.

• 1 Day Cape Tribulation and Daintree Tour
• 1 Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise Deluxe
• Atherton Tablelands & Waterfalls Tour
• 1 Day Fitzroy Island Tour

What are the best Great Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns?

What are the best places to visit around cairns.

• Daintree Rainforest
• Great Barrier Reef
• Green Island
• Atherton Tablelands

What should I bring on a Cairns tour?

Almost all our Cairns tours offer the opportunity to swim, so be sure to bring your own swimwear and a towel. We also recommend bringing adequate sun protection. Depending on the weather, you may want to bring a rain jacket and a change of clothes. Check your confirmation email for any specific requirements for your tour.

What should we do if we are running late?

Please ensure you arrive at your meeting point early. Tours run on a tight schedule and cannot wait for latecomers. If you’re running late, please call our office on 1300 661 225 . Unfortunately, if you miss your pickup or boat departure, you will miss your tour with no opportunity for a refund.

Is there parking at Marlin Marina?

Paid parking is available at several locations around the Marlin Marina. The Shangri-La and Hilton hotels offer all day parking for about $15. The Pier Shopping Centre and Cruise Terminal carparks also offer paid parking. Parking doesn’t need to be pre-booked. But please ensure you leave plenty of time to arrive at your meeting point before departure.

What happens if it rains?

You get wet! Cairns is a tropical location with plenty of rain. But that doesn’t mean your tour will be ruined. Storms are usually brief, and your guide knows how to make the most of the weather to offer you the best experience. If it is raining on the day of your tour, bring along a rain jacket and a change of clothes.

Unless it’s unsafe, tours will run regardless of the weather. On the very rare occasions when we do need to cancel a tour for safety reasons, we’ll contact you to offer a change of date. If you can’t travel another day, we’ll process a full refund.

What happens if I want to cancel a Cairns tour?

If you decide to cancel your tour, it will be subject to our cancellation policy . It may be possible to change the date of your tour, subject to availability. If you need to cancel or make any changes to your booking, please contact our reservations team.

Top Cairns Reef Sites

• Breaking Patches
• Hastings Reef
• Jorgensen Patch
• Michaelmas Cay
• Norman Reef
• Osprey Reef

Top Attractions near Cairns

• Babinda Boulders
• Cairns Botanic Gardens
• Cairns Esplanade
• Cairns Harbour
• Cape Tribulation
• Cape Tribulation Beach
• Daintree Rainforest Park
• Daintree River
• Four Mile Beach
• Lake Tinaroo
• Malanda Falls
• Mangrove Boardwalk
• Mossman Gorge
• The Daintree Rainforest
• Tropical North Queensland

Related Articles about Cairns

• 6 Best Things To Do in Cairns
• Are there crocodiles in Cairns?
• Cairns is open and waiting for you!
• What can families do in Cairns?
• What is the best month to visit Cairns?
• Why you should visit Rex Lookout

Things to Do near Cairns

• Great Barrier Reef Tours
• Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation Tours
• Green Island Tours
• Fitzroy Island Tours
• Atherton Tablelands Tours
• Port Douglas Tours

Other Great Australian Destinations

• Melbourne Tours
• Great Ocean Road Tours
• Phillip Island Tours
• Sydney Tours
• Blue Mountains Tours
• Kakadu Tours
• Uluru Tours

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The 15 Best Day Trips From Cairns

This post was last updated on 2024 April 21

This article on The Best Day Trips From Cairns may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase using these links, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting Frugal Frolicker! :)

One of my greatest surprises on our big Aussie road trip has been how much I enjoyed Cairns.

It’s the main hub for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, but it’s also very close to dozens of other incredible natural attractions. There’s so much to see within a 90 minute drive (or boat trip) that you’ll never get bored living in or staying in Cairns.

From epic waterfalls to tropical islands to dramatic gorges, here are the best day trips from Cairns:

Table of Contents

Great Barrier Reef

First thing’s first: you can’t come all the way to Cairns and skip the Great Barrier Reef. It’s the stuff of bucket list DREAMS.

As such, there are a million and one ways you can get out there and experience the reef on a day trip from Cairns. Many, MANY operators run Great Barrier Reef trips by boat with options to snorkel and dive (too many to list here). They’re all pretty similar in that regard, but differ in terms of inclusions and level of luxury.

Planning a trip to Cairns?

These are the sites I use and recommend for booking travel:

Hotels in Cairns: Booking.com

Flights to Cairns / Australia: Skyscanner

Car rental in Cairns: DiscoverCars.com

Activities in Cairns: GetYourGuide or Viator

Travel insurance for Australia: Safety Wing or World Nomads

The only reef day trip I’ve done is to Green Island (also included in this blog post), so I can’t recommend a specific reef trip based on my personal experience. I’ve done an overnight reef trip, but had a bit of a mixed experience with the operator so can’t recommend them to you (and therefore won’t mention them here, but you can read about it in this post ). I recommend taking to Google to research the various options and read reviews before you book.

Also, you may have heard that there’s a lot of coral bleaching and that the Great Barrier Reef is not worth visiting anymore because of it. NOT TRUE. There are many parts of the reef that are alive and thriving, with colorful coral and fishes galore. If you get lucky, you might find yourself swimming with turtles and rays. So yes, the reef is still worth seeing and should be #1 on your list of Cairns day trips to do.

Here are some things you might want to look for when deciding which Great Barrier Reef day trip to book:

• Diving – Do they offer intro dives for those who are not certified divers? Seawalker helmet dives? How many dives can certified divers do?
• Snorkeling – Is all equipment provided? Is there a guided snorkel tour?
• Food – Are breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks included?
• Other Activities – Glass bottom boat tours, semi-submersible boat tours, paddle boarding, etc
• Pontoon – Does the boat stop at a pontoon, or are all activities done right off of the boat?
• Boat – What kind of boat? How big? How many passengers?

BONUS: Up the ante by booking a Great Barrier Reef scenic flight ! If ever there was a place to splurge on something like this, Cairns is it (though I did mine in the Whitsundays ).

READ MORE IN THIS POST:   Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef with Divers Den

Green Island

Green Island is just a 45 minute boat ride from Cairns and offers both beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

There are a couple different boat operators that run day trips to Green Island; I went with Big Cat Green Island and had a fantastic time on their day trip from Cairns, so can highly recommend booking with them. Click here to book a trip to Green Island .

At Green Island, you can relax on the beach, go snorkeling off the jetty, or partake in activities offered by your boat. Big Cat does guided snorkel safaris (highly recommend!) and glass bottom boat tours over the reef near the island.

In general, snorkeling is the thing to do at Green Island, which is why the boat operators all offer it. There’s a very high chance you’ll see and/or swim with turtles while there. The Big Cat snorkel safari takes you a bit further out on the reef where you’ll see much nicer coral and a wider array of fish.

READ MORE IN THIS POST:   Fitzroy Island or Green Island: Which is Better?

Fitzroy Island

Also 45 minutes away from Cairns by boat is Fitzroy Island, one of my favorite day trips from Cairns and home to one of Australia’s best beaches: Nudey Beach.

Being a beach snob myself, I can confirm that it’s definitely worthy of that title. Nudey Beach is absolutely STUNNING with its white sand (well, more like coral bits) contrasted against bright turquoise water. There are some big boulders you can climb onto for some of the best views of the beach, and some smaller rocks on the beach you can lay or sit on between swims. And of course, it’s equipped with a rope swing for all your Instagram needs 😉

I wouldn’t blame you at all if you spend the whole time at Nudey Beach (I did this!), but if you’re up for it there are other beaches and hikes worth doing. You can also hire snorkel gear and stand-up paddleboards to use while on the island. Or you can take a break from the sun and grab a drink or bite to eat at the island beach bar, Foxy’s.

Overall, Fitzroy Island is just the perfect little island escape that you will probably want much more than just one day to enjoy. I booked our transfers with Fitzroy Flyer . Click here to book a trip to Fitzroy Island .

Waterfall Circuit

If you have limited time in Cairns, the Waterfall Circuit will give you the most bang for your buck in terms of maximizing the number of incredible waterfalls you’re able to see in one visit. This 22km loop is about 1.5 hours south of Cairns and includes 3 of the best waterfalls near Cairns.

IMO driving the Waterfall Circuit feels touristy and like you’re checking waterfalls off a to-see list, rather than going on a proper adventure to just one or two falls. It’s just a different vibe. Depends on what you like, really.

These are the 3 waterfalls you’ll visit on the Waterfall Circuit:

• Millaa Millaa Falls – The big kahuna. One of the most beloved falls in all of Australia. Features an 18m single drop fall and a small pool below for swimming.
• Zillie Falls – From the car park, there’s a short trail that leads to the top of this waterfall; from here, there’s an unofficial trail that will have you at the bottom of the falls in 10 minutes. The view from the bottom of Zillie Falls is the best part of the entire Waterfall Circuit. It’s too shallow to swim here, unfortunately!
• Ellinjaa Falls – An easy 10 minute walk from the car park takes you to this gorgeous waterfall flowing over black volcanic rock. A great spot for a swim.

BONUS: If you have enough time, you can tack on a 4th waterfall to your tour: Nandroya Falls. It’s about 15 minutes from Millaa Millaa, heading back towards Cairns.

Kuranda is one of the most popular Cairns day trips. This little hippie-ish village is just a half hour drive inland from the city, but you don’t want to drive there!

Instead, take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway up to Kuranda, and then the Kuranda Scenic Railway back down to Cairns. TRUST ME ON THIS. Getting there and back is the most fun part of the whole trip! And that’s really saying something, coming from someone who’s prone to motion sickness and just a wee bit impatient to reach her destination.

The Skyrail takes you up and over the rainforest and makes a couple of scenic stops before arriving in Kuranda. The whole ride is very smooth and somehow it never seems to start-and-stop as it picks up or drops off passengers.

The view over Barron Gorge shortly before you pull into Barron Falls station is SENSATIONAL, so make sure you have your camera ready for it!

The Scenic Railway also makes a stop so you can glimpse the gorge from the other side. The views of the coast are excellent, and at one point you get to ride right next to a waterfall which is just so cool.

Also, did I mention that you’re riding in an old heritage-style train carriage? The seats may not be all that comfortable, and there may not be any air conditioning, but taking this train is such a unique experience.

Kuranda’s got plenty of things for you to fill your afternoon with, from cafes to markets to wildlife attractions. If you have time for just one thing, head to the Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets (NOT the Heritage Market), grab lunch there, and wander around all the new age market stalls. Think candles, crystals, and psychic readings.

Click here to book a Skyrail + Kuranda Scenic Rail combo ticket .

Davies Creek Falls & Emerald Creek Falls

Want something less touristy and more off-the-beaten-track? Head an hour inland past Kuranda towards Mareeba and the Atherton Tablelands and you’ll find a couple of waterfalls worth writing home about. In fact, it’s one of my favorite day trips from Cairns.

Davies Creek Falls is home to a natural infinity pool. It’s slightly less dramatic than the one at Windin Falls (mentioned later in this post), but is pretty sizable and perfect for a swim.

From the Davies Creek Falls car park, there is a 1.1km loop walk that you can follow to the creek, which then continues on to the falls and back to the car park. We enjoyed the creek without anyone else around for at least an hour – it’s such a nice spot for a picnic and a quick splash.

Emerald Creek Falls is a bit further down the road from Davies Creek Falls. It’s one of my favorite waterfalls near Cairns because it’s fully in the sun and has plenty of smooth, spacious boulders for sunbathing on. From the rock, you can walk down into the pool and swim right up to (and behind!) the falls. Just note that the rock gets VERY slippery here, so be super careful walking on it.

The falls are just a 10 minute walk from the car park. There’s also a lookout above the waterfall that tacks an additional 5 minutes onto the walk (I wouldn’t say it’s a must-do; the view is best from below).

Atherton Tablelands

A couple of the Cairns day trips in this post are technically a part of the Atherton Tablelands region, but I wanted to include a day trip to the Tablelands specifically. It’s a 1-1.5 hour drive west and inland from Cairns, depending on where you go.

First off, it’s much less humid up in the Atherton Tablelands than it is in Cairns and along the coast, so if nothing else, this day trip from Cairns is worth doing just for a little reprieve from the humidity.

But there’s plenty to do here as well. I think the best way to spend a day in the Atherton Tablelands is to wander around Mareeba and/or Atherton (the two main towns), sample some fresh produce and dairy from the region (what it’s known for!), and maybe stop off to check out a couple of natural sights nearby.

Here are some of the best things to do in the Atherton Tablelands:

• Sample some wines made from tropical fruit at Golden Drop Winery
• Indulge in some cheese and chocolate from Gallo Dairyland
• Try to spot a platypus in the wild at the Yungaburra Platypus Viewing Platform
• Visit the majestic Curtain Fig Tree
• Go berry picking at Shaylee Strawberries

READ MORE IN THIS POST:   Our AmazingCo Mystery Picnic in Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands

Babinda Boulders & Josephine Falls

These two spots are only 20 minutes apart and pair quite nicely as a full day trip from Cairns.

Babinda Boulders is about an hour south of Cairns and definitely one of the most popular Cairns day trips. The main attraction is the crystal-clear pool (more like a pond, really, as it’s pretty big) – it’s a great spot to relax, swim, and float around in a floatie.

If you want honesty, here it is: I just don’t understand what the fuss is about with Babinda Boulders. I’ve visited twice now and both times left me wondering if I was missing something. I think it’s just an easy spot for families to enjoy with little threat to kids’ safety. I’ve seen a bazillion prettier/cooler places on my travels, many of which are other Cairns day trips included in this post. Suffice it to say that Babinda Boulders isn’t my top pick, however it’s nice enough, easy, and worth a quick stop if it’s your style.

If you do go, don’t miss the short walking path to the Devil’s Pool! I had no idea it existed on my first trip to Babinda, but the second time I found it and was 1000x more impressed with the sights along the trail than with the main pool. The rock formations along the creek here are stunning, but please DO NOT swim anywhere along the trail! It’s not safe and definitely not worth the Insta-shot.

At the end of the trail there’s a platform from which you can take in the view, and there’s a hidden little path off to the left if you want to hike down and get a little closer to the creek. Just be mindful of the conditions and again, don’t get in the water! The current is very strong.

Josephine Falls is located just 20 minutes south of Babinda and, in my professional travel blogger’s opinion, is a much better adventure from Cairns. In fact, I’ve seen a LOT of waterfalls around Cairns and Tropical North Queensland and I’d rate Josephine Falls as one of the more impressive ones.

It’s a quick and easy walk in from the car park with exits off to the right to the different waterfall tiers and pools. You’re technically not supposed to go into the top-most pool, but if it’s safe to do so (i.e. dry season), you can climb over the edge of the platform and jump down. I think during the wet season or right after heavy rain, that area would be covered in water and not safe to walk through to get to that top pool. Please use your best judgement and don’t do it if it doesn’t look safe!

The lower pools are just as good though, so don’t worry if you’re not able to get close to the main waterfall at the top. The views are different from each pool, and there are big smooth boulders to sit on at all of them.

If you do Babinda and Josephine Falls as one of your day trips from Cairns, decide which sight is more important to you and make sure you allocate the majority of the day to it. If you want a chilled, easy day, Babinda might be the better spot; if you’re looking for more of an adventure, prioritize the falls.

Crystal Cascades & Fairy Falls

This might just be the closest day trip from Cairns. It’ll be a quick drive from wherever you’re staying in Cairns, just west of the city. Both Crystal Cascades and Fairy Falls can be reached from the same car park, which’ll be marked for Crystal Cascades.

On the far side of the car park (directly opposite the road) you’ll find a path leading through the woods – this will take you to Fairy Falls. If you see a warning sign for stinging trees early on, you know you’re in the right place. Follow the path along the left side of the creek and don’t cross it until you get to the end, just below the main waterfall. Don’t divert up the hill to the left either, it’s not the real path though it might look like it’s well trodden.

Fairy Falls has a tiny pool at the bottom with a fallen tree trunk hanging out in the middle of it. It’s a pretty waterfall but challenging to photograph unless it’s cloudy; both times I visited, there were patchy bright spots over the falls from the sun. I also wouldn’t rate it as a great swimming spot; you’re much better off swimming at Crystal Cascades.

Back at the car park, the way to Crystal Cascades will be very obvious. There’s a long walkway leading along the creek, where you can pop off to relax by the water and have a swim at any point along the first half.

The latter part of the path is a bit elevated above the creek, and you won’t be able to access it until you get to the platform at the end. This is by far the best part of Crystal Cascades, and it’ll likely be the busiest spot – but well worth it.

Definitely swim out to the waterfall while you’re there! And if you dare, you can climb up above the falls and jump down into the pool (many people were doing this while we were there).

Behana Gorge

This Cairns day trip is a little bit off the radar for tourists, which makes it that much more sweeter to discover for yourself.

Behana Gorge is about a half hour south of Cairns. From the car park, you’ll want to take the trail to Clamshell Falls which is 6.6km return.

The trail is actually along a paved road, which makes it a smooth walk – but it’s undulating and at times you’ll be walking right in the sun. So while you might not need to wear proper shoes, you will need to carry lots of water.

The road/trail ends near what looks like a water plant and from here, you can hike down to Clamshell Falls. Watch out for the resident eel in the pool below the falls! Note that there is very little shade here, but plenty of flat rock to sit or lay on.

From the main pool at the foot of the falls, you can climb down the rocks and check out some other smaller rock pools. We tried to hike down from the road (further away from the falls) and when we bush bashed to the creek, we found a bunch of crayfish in the water so axed our plan to swim there.

BONUS: As you start driving back to Cairns from Behana Gorge, you’ll have the best view of Walsh’s Pyramid . This would be a prime opportunity for photos, as the angle/distance isn’t so good from the main road.

Windin Falls

If you’re into natural infinity pools, put Windin Falls on the top of your list of Cairns day trips to make. It’s a 1.5 hour drive south of Cairns in Wooroonooran National Park. The view from this top pool is downright MAJESTIC.

I visited without researching any details and was able to stumble my way there solo, but here are a few things to know for a smoother trip:

Google Maps will get you very close to the trailhead – it’s easiest to park just before you reach it, you’ll see some space on the side of the road to the right. This last stretch of road is gravel/dirt, which I was able to do in a campervan rental just fine. I think a sedan could probably handle it, but I’m not sure if conditions change after heavy rain.

The hike in is longer than most of the other waterfalls around Cairns (90 minutes each way), but it’s an easy fire trail. The path is pretty obvious except where there was an unmarked fork in the road where I wasn’t sure which way to go. Keep right and it’ll lead you to Windin Falls.

Be careful on the cliff edge and at the infinity pool edge! The infinity pool is best accessed by crossing the creek and climbing down from that side.

A lot of people like to visit at sunrise – if that’s you, bring a flashlight for when you start the hike in the dark. I visited Windin Falls in late afternoon and had it all to myself.

BONUS: There’s another similar natural infinity pool at Tully Gorge lookout , but it’s over 2 hours from Cairns so just a tad too far to include on a list of day trips from Cairns.

Paronella Park

Do you know what Queensland’s #1 attraction is?

Apparently it’s Paronella Park , according to signage around Far North Queensland, despite me never having heard of it before. I’m not sure how they determine what the top attraction is, but that claim was enough for me to try it out as one of these day trips from Cairns, just 1.5 hours south.

Paronella Park is unlike anything else in Australia, and that’s because it’s essentially an old European palace in partial ruins, built around a waterfall and pond. Where else can you find that Down Under?

A complimentary day tour and night tour is included with admission, which I’d say are well worth doing just to gain an understanding of how this place came to be. Otherwise you’re free to roam the grounds, feed the little turtles and fish, and stage your own photoshoot.

Admission is $50/person and includes a night of camping in their onsite caravan park. Additionally, you can visit the park for FREE anytime in the 2 years following your ticket purchase. Click here to purchase a ticket to Paronella Park .

BONUS: You can visit nearby Mamu Tropical Skywalk as well with a $70 combo ticket. Click here to purchase a combo ticket to Paronella Park + Mamu Tropical Skywalk .

I wasn’t going to play favorites, but over the course of the 2.5 months I spent based in Cairns and Port Douglas, I made several trips to Palm Cove, which is about a half hour drive from both. We just couldn’t stay away!

So what’s so great about this place? I think for me, it’s more a feeling than anything tangible I can put my finger on.

Palm Cove is a laidback (bordering on sleepy) village with a beautiful palm-lined beach and just a dash o’ bougie. Grab a coffee and acai bowl from 27 Degrees and plop yourself on the beach for the day.

I always try to plan my beach trips around the weather whenever possible, because to me there’s nothing more beautiful than an Aussie beach on a blue sky day. Many beaches are still super nice even on a cloudy day; however, I would argue that Palm Cove isn’t one of them. You really want to plan your visit on a sunny and calm day to see the water at its crystal-clear best.

We had the full spectrum of weather across our 5 or so visits, ranging from high winds and clouds to no wind or clouds. Let’s just say the quality of our experience was directly proportional to the quality of the weather. I can say without hyperbole that the perfect weather day we had at Palm Cove was one of the BEST days we had on our lap around Australia. We still reminisce on it, several months later.

The water that day looked and felt like a tropical bath tub. Clear, calm, warm, and turquoise. We spent the entire day on the beach, alternating between lounging in the shade from the palm trees and lounging in the ocean shallows. Palm Cove is absolute MAGIC on days like this.

BONUS: If you can pry yourself away from Palm Cove, nearby Ellis Beach is a local favorite and well worth including on this day trip from Cairns (real talk: I could not, and therefore I never made it here… but it’s on the list!).

Port Douglas

A trip to Cairns isn’t complete without a visit to Port Douglas, just an hour north.

You’ll enjoy the journey just as much as the destination because the Great Barrier Reef Drive between Palm Cove and Port Douglas is STUNNING. The road gets super close to the ocean at points, and the views are highly distracting to say the least. It winds past dozens of little beaches and around headlands, some of which you can safely photograph from designated lookouts on the side of the road.

Port Douglas itself is a really pleasant town, full of nice resorts and all of the vendors you’d expect to cater to resort guests. If I were to design a perfect day here, I’d recommend grabbing coffee from Origin Espresso and heading straight to Four Mile Beach to sunbathe, swim, and walk on the flat sand. From the beach, you can do the quick walk up to the Four Mile Beach lookout for some excellent views over the beach and ocean.

When you’re all beached out, head into town and browse the shops before setting up your hammock between two waterfront palm trees in Rex Smeal Park to watch the sunset.

BONUS: On the drive from Cairns to Port Douglas, you might want to stop at Thala Beach Nature Reserve to see the picturesque coconut plantation! This is a great spot for photo ops, especially via drone.

READ MORE IN THIS POST:   25 Of The Best Things To Do In Port Douglas, Australia

Mossman Gorge

Last up on this master list of Cairns day trips: Mossman Gorge , just north of Port Douglas and slightly more than an hour away from Cairns.

Here you’ll find a crystal clear creek dotted with smooth round boulders fit for photographing. It’s not always safe to swim here, particularly after heavy rain, but if it is then it’s well worth jumping in.

Be sure to do the rainforest circuit walk, an easy loop through the forest that gets you up close with nature. And definitely do the little side track to Wurrumbu Creek, a heavenly little swimming hole that feels so refreshing after a hike.

It costs $12.65/person for the mandatory shuttle back and forth to the gorge from the visitor centre.

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Day Trips From Cairns

The Best Day Trips From Cairns

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If you're looking for a destination with warm weather, lush rainforest and unbeatable beaches, Cairns is the perfect base for your travels in northern Australia. This small city has made a name for itself as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but there is so much more to explore within a couple of hours' drive of the city.

Keep in mind that Cairns is located in the tropics, and the flooding that accompanies the wet season (from November to May) has the potential to put a damper on your travel plans. Australia's public transport network is also sparse in regional areas, so you will likely need to book a tour or hire a car for these day trips. Read on for where to go, what to do and how to get to the best destinations around Cairns.

Great Barrier Reef: Snorkeling and Diving

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The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system and one of Australia's top attractions. It was named a World Heritage site in 1981 and receives thousands of visitors every year.

The shallow water means you can see much of the colorful coral, fish, and turtles while snorkeling, although divers will be able to experience a more expansive underwater world. Glass-bottom and semi-submersible boat tours are also available, as are scenic flights.

Getting There: The Great Barrier Reef extends for more than 1,400 miles down Australia's east coast. Many popular snorkeling and diving spots can be reached on day tours from Cairns, including Michaelmas Cay , Moore Reef , Agincourt Reef , Hastings Reef , and Green Island .

Travel Tip: If your budget allows, spending a couple of days on the reef is an incredible experience. Luxury resorts are dotted throughout the Whitsundays and other islands.

Daintree Rainforest

The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area protects the oldest tropical rainforest in the world: the Daintree. The Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people are the Traditional Owners of the land in this part of far north Queensland.

Daintree National Park is divided into two sections, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation, filled with hiking trails and unique wildlife, like the endangered (and dangerous!) southern cassowary . Mossman Gorge is centered on a dramatic river, while Cape Tribulation is where the rainforest meets the sea.

Getting There: Depending on which part of the rainforest you plan to visit, the Daintree is around a two-hour drive north of Cairns. We recommend taking a tour from Cairns if you are unfamiliar with driving in tropical conditions, as roads are often closed during wet season.

Travel Tip: This is real wilderness, complete with crocodiles, stinging trees, and little to no cell reception. Check the park website for alerts or stop by the Mossman Gorge Visitors Centre and the Daintree Discovery Centre for more information.

Kuranda: Shopping and Sightseeing

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Kuranda is a charming village tucked into the rainforest just north of Cairns. The local markets are open every day, with hippie-inspired clothing, handmade jewelry, souvenirs, and snacks. There are also plenty of cafes in town, plus walking trails and some excellent wildlife sanctuaries nearby.

Getting There: Kuranda can easily be reached by car or local bus in around half an hour from Cairns. The popular scenic route takes around an hour and a half, via the Skyrail cablecar or the Kuranda Railway through the rainforest (many visitors combine the two , taking the Skyrail to Kuranda and the railway back or vice versa).

Travel Tip: Although Kuranda is part of the Atherton Tablelands region, we recommend spending a day here and then another day on the other towns further from Cairns.

Atherton Tablelands: Natural Wonders

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Inland from Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands region is packed with adorable villages, impressive waterfalls, and delicious local produce. Adventurous travelers can explore Millstream Falls , the Undara Lava Tubes , the Chillagoe Caves , or the Misty Mountains wilderness trails , then refuel with coffee from Skybury Tropical Plantation or hearty cafe fare at the Falls Teahouse .

Getting There: Daily bus services run from Cairns to Atherton, stopping at Smithfield, Kuranda, Speewah, and Mareeba. Connections are available to Dimbulah, Chillagoe, Herberton, and Ravenshoe. However, traveling by car or on a tour is the fastest and most convenient choice.

Travel Tip: The higher altitude of the tablelands means the region is often cooler than Cairns and the coast, providing a welcome escape from the tropical heat.

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Palm Cove is an upmarket beachside suburb in northern Cairns, hosting dozens of boutiques, restaurants, resorts, and spas along a gorgeous stretch of white sand. The tranquil waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, and the famous palm trees offer plenty of shade.

Getting There: Palm Cove is a half-hour drive or an hour bus ride north of the Cairns city center.

Travel Tip: On the esplanade, Vivo is a great place for a luxurious brunch with ocean views.

Port Douglas

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Port Douglas is a pretty beachside town about an hour north of Cairns. It is home to Four Mile Beach, one of the most picturesque in the region, and is conveniently located between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, Port Douglas is the only place in the world where two World Heritage-listed sites meet.

Port Douglas also has a thriving foodie scene along Macrossan Street, with cafes like Origin Espresso , restaurants like Sassi Cucina and the iconic Court House Hotel pub offering a wide range of excellent dining and drinking options.

Getting There: Port Douglas is an hour's drive north of Cairns. Buses and shuttles from Cairns and the airport are also available.

Travel Tip: During stinger season (the period from around November to May when venomous jellyfish can be found off the far north Queensland coast), a net is set up at the northern end of Four Mile Beach to protect swimmers. However, the beach is sometimes closed completely, so make sure to obey the signs.

Fitzroy Island

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The majority of Fitzroy Island , just off the coast of Cairns, is covered by national park , with a small resort on the western side. The island's main beach, Nudie Beach, regularly ranks as one of Australia's best, but visitors can also make the most of hiking trails, snorkeling, kayaking, or even the ocean trampoline. If you'd rather keep dry, you can view the reef from a glass-bottom boat.

Getting There: The Fitzroy Flyer fast ferry takes around 45 minutes to reach the island and costs AU$80 per person return. There are three departures daily, and bookings are essential. Check the full timetable on the website .

Travel Tip: At the non-profit Turtle Rehabilitation Centre , you can meet some of the reef's most special inhabitants and support treatment for sick and injured turtles.

Mission Beach

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Between Cairns and Townsville, the small town of Mission Beach is a popular stop on the East Coast backpacker trail, and also hosts a couple of high-end resorts. The beach is surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest and a chain of offshore islands, with opportunities for sightseeing, snorkeling, skydiving, and whitewater rafting.

Getting There: It takes just under two hours to drive from Cairns to Mission Beach. Premier Motor Service runs a daily bus, as does Greyhound Australia .

Travel Tip: Small towns across Australia are known for their large novelty statues, from the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour to the Big Merino in Goulburn. In Mission Beach, you can pose with the Big Cassowary at the corner of Tully Mission Beach Road and Wongaling Beach Road.

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Daintree Rainforest: The Complete Guide

The Best Time to Visit the Great Barrier Reef

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Cairns

Day trips from cairns.

• Cairns to Kuranda
• Cairns to Mossman
• Cairns to Mareeba
• Cairns to Dunk Island
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip

2. Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

3. Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns

4. Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

5. Atherton Tablelands, Waterfalls and Rainforest Tour from Cairns

6. Green Island Day Trip from Cairns

7. Ocean Free Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise

8. Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Bloomfield Track Tour

9. Small Group Kuranda Tour via Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail

10. Daintree, Mossman Gorge and Wildlife Tour from Cairns

11. Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

12. Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Day Tour from Cairns

13. Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

14. Full Day Tour to Sunlover Cruises Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island

15. Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Adventure from Cairns

16. Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, from Cairns

17. Small Group Kuranda Tour via Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Rail

18. Green Island Day Trip from Cairns with City Transfers

19. Kuranda Rainforestation & Kuranda Scenic Rail (R1BT)

20. Cape Tribulation Day Tour

21. Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns

22. Great Barrier Reef Adventure from Cairns including Snorkeling

23. Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

24. Atherton Tablelands Small-Group Food & Wine Tasting Tour from Port Douglas

25. Cairns City Sights and Surrounds Tour

26. Small Group Tour Kuranda via bus & Kuranda Scenic Rail

27. Private Waterfall and Rainforest Day Tour

28. 3B Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Crocodile Wildlife Cruise

29. Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour with Harbour Dinner Cruise

30. Full-day Tour at the Atherton Tablelands with Food Tasting

What travellers are saying.

• Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip
• Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel & Dive Cruise
• Atherton Tablelands, Waterfalls & Rainforest Day Tour from Cairns
• Grand Kuranda including Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Green Island Day Trip from Cairns
• Rainforest Spirit Tours
• Brett's Outback Tasting Adventures
• Barefoot Tours
• Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
• Discovery Tours Australia
• Global Travel Services
• Tropic Wings Cairns Tours
• Down Under Tours - Day Tours
• Passions of Paradise Reef Tour
• Helitours North Queensland
• Seastar Cruises Reef Day Trips

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Multi-day tours and trips from cairns.

Everybody dreams of the perfect tropical vacation, with clear waters, sunny temperatures, and exotic ecosystems to relax in and explore. Fortunately, the perfect place exists that combines all of these aspects!

Cairns, Australia is waiting to make all of your vacation expectations come true in the best possible way. Don’t wait, book one of the many multi-day trips from Cairns today!

2-Day Trips

There are multiple options available for 2-day trips from Cairns , but the most popular options usually include a two-day luxury cruise. These air-conditioned catamaran excursions out of Cairns include stops at key locations along the Great Barrier Reef as well as a plethora of must try tropical activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, and helicopter tours.

Other available two-day adventure options in Cairns include 4WD tours of the local rainforests as well as white-water rafting. Prices vary wildly depending on the package, but expect to spend anywhere between AUD 250 and AUD 600.

3-Day Trips

If you’re really looking to dig in and get to know the area on an intimate level, there are some wonderful packages available for 3-day trips from Cairns .

For the ultimate luxury cruise experience, look no further than one of the many 3-day Great Barrier Reef cruise options listed here.

Enjoy guided tours from local experts, delicious catered meals made from local produce including fresh local seafood bbqs, snorkeling, diving, and, of course, plenty of time to relax in the sun both on the deck of your luxury catamaran or on one of the numerous tropical island stops that are included in your itinerary like Green Island or Port Douglas.

If dry land is more your speed, then get ready to hit the open road on a 3-day trip from Cairns in a rugged 4WD vehicle that will take you through the rainforest, past incredible waterfalls and over majestic cliffs, all the way to Cape Tribulation & Cooktown.

4-Day Trips

The Great Barrier Reef is the place to be, and any one of these 4-day trips from Cairns could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to get to know this incredible natural wonder inside and out.

Learn how to scuba dive with local experts as you take part in one of the most comprehensive dive courses available anywhere. Throughout the 4-day course, you’ll learn everything you need to earn your scuba diving certification.

You’ll spend the first two days inside a classroom and in pools, making the most of hands on instruction as you master the basics of this exhilarating water sport. Then, on days 3 and 4, you’ll head off to no less than 6 exotic locations along the Great Barrier Reef as you put the skills you’ve learned to the test as part of the adventure of a lifetime.

These 4-day trips from Cairns will cost you between AUD 700 and AUD 800 and include all the necessary equipment and certification costs, but make sure you check with your tour provider to make sure you know exactly what you need to bring, and so you’re not surprised by any additional costs when you get there!

Best Places to Visit in Cairns

Tours and things to do in cairns, best day trips from cairns.

90 swimming pools, 24-karat gold facials, and all-day champagne: Inside the Middle East’s ‘best’ luxury resort

E ditor’s Note: This CNN series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with  our policy .

Free-flowing champagne, 24-karat gold facials, and a VVIP cabana with a suspended plunge pool: these are just some of the ultra-luxury experiences at one of the Middle East’s most opulent resorts.

Atlantis, The Royal , opened in Dubai last year, next to the brand’s flagship resort on The Palm. Its three-day opening party — featuring performances from Beyoncé and Swedish House Mafia — put the hotel on the map as one of the region’s most iconic resorts, and nine months later it became the only hotel in the Middle East to snag a spot on the inaugural  World’s 50 Best Hotels list .

“The guest rooms and suites are truly setting the bar for the industry, but beyond that, there’s also the collection of restaurants: it’s a great location for entertainment and dining,” says Tom Roelens, general manager at The Royal and managing director at Atlantis Resorts.

90 swimming pools

Atlantis, The Royal, isn’t a resort to do things by halves — evidenced in its 90 bathing spots, ranging from a 300-foot-long (91-meter) sky pool to private cabana plunge baths.

CNN visited the hotel in March, before devastating floods hit the city in April.

The resort’s must-see venue is Cloud 22, the infinity pool on the 22nd floor. Its “floating” sun loungers shaded by Dolce&Gabbana parasols offer sweeping views of the iconic man-made Palm islands, with cocktails and light bites (caviar bruschetta, anyone?) available at the swim-up lotus bar. There’s a second lap pool overlooking the Arabian Gulf, and the deck is lined with private cabanas.

But when private isn’t enough, there’s the VVIP duplex pool cabana; used by Kendall Jenner for the launch party of her tequila brand, the luxe pool pad has two lounge areas for entertaining and its very own glass-bottomed dipping pool, suspended from the second floor.

In the resort’s sky pool villas and signature suites, guests also have access to pools on their private terrace, up to 43 floors high, says Roelens.

“We’ve taken the concept of a resort, which typically would be horizontal, but we’ve made that vertical,” adds Roelens. “That really creates a very unique experience, where you have these exceptional views across The Palm and skyline of Dubai, but at the same time, you have great privacy.”

Pools aren’t the only water feature in this hotel.

The interior designers dip into the region’s history, taking inspiration from the Bedouin, the nomadic people who originally inhabited the Arabian desert and navigated via water wells.

The theme is neatly summarized in “Droplets”: a 37-foot-tall (11.3-meter) stainless-steel structure in the lobby that represents the first drop of rain in the desert.

The theme of water is repeated throughout the resort, from glass elevators encased in 3,500 gallons of cascading water, to three floor-to-ceiling aquariums filled with 7,200 marine animals.

Gilded glamour

The hotel’s 795 rooms boast designer amenities from diamond jeweler Graff, bathrobes by Italian luxury textile brand Frette, and specially designed gold toothbrushes, combs and brushes.

Guests with access to the “Royal Club” can take advantage of all-day champagne service, daily afternoon tea and canapes, although there’s no shortage of places to eat here.

The resort has 17 dining options, including “the largest collection of celebrity chef restaurants anywhere on the planet,” says Roelens. And venues like Nobu Beach Club — the luxury hospitality brand’s first, and currently only, beach club venue — are helping establish the resort’s reputation as “somewhere they want to see and be seen,” adds Roelens.

For a bit of rest and relaxation, its 32,300 square-foot (3,000-square-meter) spa offers not only a gold facial (this is Dubai, after all) but also a “golden hour massage” — gold-dipped hot volcanic stones with gold-infused aromatherapy oil — along with therapies grounded in Arabic wellness traditions: desert sand and date sugar exfoliations, and Gulf salt and date seed scrubs.

A penthouse fit for a Queen (B)

For the ultra-rich, the star of the show is the Royal Mansion, an 11,840-square-foot (1,100-square-meter) four-bedroom, split-level suite — where Beyoncé and Jay Z stayed when the superstar performed for the opening.

Accessed via a private elevator and entrance landscaped with 100-year-old olive trees the resort “adopted,” the duplex offers “360-degree views” across the Palm and the Gulf, says Roelens. With its own infinity pool, amenities by French fashion house Hermès, a triple-height library, a home-cinema room, and three dining spaces, guests are given a “unique experience” here, he says.

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“We have added some great touches —backgammon games by (crystalware designers) Baccarat, and a Louis Vuitton ping pong table, so there are some really fun elements to that suite as well,” he adds.

The stunning interiors are complemented by five-star service: guests are met at the airport where their luggage is picked up by staff, and designer brands — from Graff to Valentino — are brought into the suite for a personal shopping experience. Chefs from any of the resort’s restaurants, including its celebrity venues, can cook for guests in the suite’s private kitchen, and 24-hour butlers and bartenders are on-call for any occasion.

“Ultimately, it’s about the service: it’s about our endeavor to create what our guests are looking for, whether or not they know they are looking for that,” says Roelens.

A taste of luxury

With room rates starting from around $1,300 a night during high season — and from $100,000 for its most exclusive penthouse, one of the city’s most expensive suites — the high-life comes with a hefty price tag.

But there are more “accessible” ways to enjoy the resort, says Roelens: the Sky Blaze fountain, for example, located in the resort’s expansive grounds, puts on a “dramatic” show every hour from 12pm daily.

The fountain is overlooked by Elements Lounge, a terrace bar serving up sunset cocktails, and Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis, a Greek restaurant with extensive outdoor seating. The business lunch menu at the latter costs just 200 dirhams ($55) — not a bad price for fountain-side dining at the Middle East’s “best” resort.  

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The huge solar storm is keeping power grid and satellite operators on edge

Geoff Brumfiel

Willem Marx

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm. Solar Dynamics Observatory hide caption

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm.

Planet Earth is getting rocked by the biggest solar storm in decades – and the potential effects have those people in charge of power grids, communications systems and satellites on edge.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm that has been visible as aurora across vast swathes of the Northern Hemisphere. So far though, NOAA has seen no reports of major damage.

The Picture Show

Photos: see the northern lights from rare, solar storm.

There has been some degradation and loss to communication systems that rely on high-frequency radio waves, NOAA told NPR, as well as some preliminary indications of irregularities in power systems.

"Simply put, the power grid operators have been busy since yesterday working to keep proper, regulated current flowing without disruption," said Shawn Dahl, service coordinator for the Boulder, Co.-based Space Weather Prediction Center at NOAA.

NOAA Issues First Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Since 2005

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"Satellite operators are also busy monitoring spacecraft health due to the S1-S2 storm taking place along with the severe-extreme geomagnetic storm that continues even now," Dahl added, saying some GPS systems have struggled to lock locations and offered incorrect positions.

NOAA's GOES-16 satellite captured a flare erupting occurred around 2 p.m. EDT on May 9, 2024.

As NOAA had warned late Friday, the Earth has been experiencing a G5, or "Extreme," geomagnetic storm . It's the first G5 storm to hit the planet since 2003, when a similar event temporarily knocked out power in part of Sweden and damaged electrical transformers in South Africa.

The NOAA center predicted that this current storm could induce auroras visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama.

Extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions have been observed! pic.twitter.com/qLsC8GbWus — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 10, 2024

Around the world on social media, posters put up photos of bright auroras visible in Russia , Scandinavia , the United Kingdom and continental Europe . Some reported seeing the aurora as far south as Mallorca, Spain .

The source of the solar storm is a cluster of sunspots on the sun's surface that is 17 times the diameter of the Earth. The spots are filled with tangled magnetic fields that can act as slingshots, throwing huge quantities of charged particles towards our planet. These events, known as coronal mass ejections, become more common during the peak of the Sun's 11-year solar cycle.

A powerful solar storm is bringing northern lights to unusual places

Usually, they miss the Earth, but this time, NOAA says several have headed directly toward our planet, and the agency predicted that several waves of flares will continue to slam into the Earth over the next few days.

While the storm has proven to be large, predicting the effects from such incidents can be difficult, Dahl said.

Shocking problems

The most disruptive solar storm ever recorded came in 1859. Known as the "Carrington Event," it generated shimmering auroras that were visible as far south as Mexico and Hawaii. It also fried telegraph systems throughout Europe and North America.

Stronger activity on the sun could bring more displays of the northern lights in 2024

While this geomagnetic storm will not be as strong, the world has grown more reliant on electronics and electrical systems. Depending on the orientation of the storm's magnetic field, it could induce unexpected electrical currents in long-distance power lines — those currents could cause safety systems to flip, triggering temporary power outages in some areas.

my cat just experienced the aurora borealis, one of the world's most radiant natural phenomena... and she doesn't care pic.twitter.com/Ee74FpWHFm — PJ (@kickthepj) May 10, 2024

The storm is also likely to disrupt the ionosphere, a section of Earth's atmosphere filled with charged particles. Some long-distance radio transmissions use the ionosphere to "bounce" signals around the globe, and those signals will likely be disrupted. The particles may also refract and otherwise scramble signals from the global positioning system, according to Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist with NOAA. Those effects can linger for a few days after the storm.

Like Dahl, Steenburgh said it's unclear just how bad the disruptions will be. While we are more dependent than ever on GPS, there are also more satellites in orbit. Moreover, the anomalies from the storm are constantly shifting through the ionosphere like ripples in a pool. "Outages, with any luck, should not be prolonged," Steenburgh said.

What Causes The Northern Lights? Scientists Finally Know For Sure

The radiation from the storm could have other undesirable effects. At high altitudes, it could damage satellites, while at low altitudes, it's likely to increase atmospheric drag, causing some satellites to sink toward the Earth.

The changes to orbits wreak havoc, warns Tuija Pulkkinen, chair of the department of climate and space sciences at the University of Michigan. Since the last solar maximum, companies such as SpaceX have launched thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit. Those satellites will now see their orbits unexpectedly changed.

"There's a lot of companies that haven't seen these kind of space weather effects before," she says.

The International Space Station lies within Earth's magnetosphere, so its astronauts should be mostly protected, Steenburgh says.

In a statement, NASA said that astronauts would not take additional measures to protect themselves. "NASA completed a thorough analysis of recent space weather activity and determined it posed no risk to the crew aboard the International Space Station and no additional precautionary measures are needed," the agency said late Friday.

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images hide caption

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England.

While this storm will undoubtedly keep satellite operators and utilities busy over the next few days, individuals don't really need to do much to get ready.

"As far as what the general public should be doing, hopefully they're not having to do anything," Dahl said. "Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight." He advised that the largest problem could be a brief blackout, so keeping some flashlights and a radio handy might prove helpful.

I took these photos near Ranfurly in Central Otago, New Zealand. Anyone can use them please spread far and wide. :-) https://t.co/NUWpLiqY2S — Dr Andrew Dickson reform/ACC (@AndrewDickson13) May 10, 2024

And don't forget to go outside and look up, adds Steenburgh. This event's aurora is visible much further south than usual.

A faint aurora can be detected by a modern cell phone camera, he adds, so even if you can't see it with your eyes, try taking a photo of the sky.

The aurora "is really the gift from space weather," he says.

• space weather
• solar flares
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