If you care about the planet, then you care about this place. In Cairns and surrounds, you’ll find the oldest living rainforest in the world, more biodiversity than scientists can study, and the largest coral reef ecosystem in existence. Not only does this place have it all, here you’ll find it bigger, better, and more spectacular than anywhere else on the planet.
From scuba diving in the world famous Great Barrier Reef, an absolute hotspot of biodiversity, to exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest, with prehistoric creatures and trees abound, Cairns and the surrounding areas are absolutely abundant in adventure and breathtaking nature. If you’re looking for the journey of a lifetime, wonderful native wildlife, and immense cultural significance, Cairns is the place to be.
It is also the adrenaline capital of Australia and the perfect spot to get your thrill. Skydiving, white water rafting, bungy jumping, or a fun party night out on the town, accompanied by the ever lush environments of the tropical north – this place is truly unbeatable.
So about that tropical rainforest you have heard so much about – it’s called the Daintree Rainforest, and it’s the oldest rainforest in the world. In fact, the wet tropics up here are 80 million years older than the Amazon. Though there’s no dinosaurs, there are some relatives of them which are still breathing, such as the cassowary and crocodiles. The saltwater crocodiles living in the Daintree are the largest known to man, growing up to be 6m hyper-carnivorous beasts.
It’s also home to Cape Tribulation, a gorgeous beach with a tragic past, and the only place in the world where two World Heritage Sites meet – the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef. No trip to the Daintree is complete without see the tropical Cape Tribulation. With so many different mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants this place is the modern day equivalent to the Ark. Attenborough calls it the most extraordinary place on Earth.
Dramatic. Dividing. Jaw dropping. We’re talking about the Atherton Tablelands of course. As part of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland, this area is full of remarkable mountains, jaw dropping views, and luscious waterfalls that are all set 1000m above the Great Barrier Reef. Babinda Boulders and Lake Eacham offers refreshing dips surrounded by luscious nature, and Milla Milla Falls is sure to take your breath away. Amongst the volcanic crater lakes, forests, and wetlands, you can also find an abundance of cuteness and fluffiness. Tree kangaroos, king parrots, and platypus all like to call the tablelands home. With a cooler climate than much of the tropical, why not add some contrast to your trip and check out the Atherton Tablelands.
It’s bigger than the UK. Bigger than Switzerland. It’s bigger than the Netherlands. In fact, the Great Barrier Reef is bigger than all three combined. It’s actually a whopping 2,300km long. To give some context to this, that means it stretches approximately the same length as the coastline from Vancouver to Mexico. You can see why they call it great.
Home to over 400 types of coral, 1600 species of fish, six out of seven turtle species, 30 species of whale and dolphin, and one of the most important dugong populations on the planet, this place has a more complex ecosystem than anywhere else on earth.
We have a bunch of epic tours that take you out to the reef, from chilled snorkelling day tours, first time scuba diving, or liveaboard adventures – we have it all. Check out some of the best ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef below.
One of the last great surprises that exist on the east coast, Mission Beach. Secret swimming holes, dreamy vibes, genuine charm, and voted one of the best skydives in Oceania. Famed for being one of the most scenic jump locations in the world, you’ll be accompanied on your way down with stretches of beach that seem to last forever with lush tablelands and rainforest.
A little bit of Hamptons, a little bit of Florida Keys, but this tropical haven remains undeniably Australian. Nowhere blends cruisy thongs and T-shirt lifestyle with upscale elegance quite like Port Douglas (Diju). One minute, you could be wandering through the Sunday markets sipping a coconut or local cane juice and the next, it’s margaritas and tapas on a breezy verandah as the sun sets over the marina. Situated north of Cairns and acting as a gateway to the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas is the quieter alternative to the city, but has a wide range international flavour to it.
Though it is small, Port Douglas offers heaps to do whether you are looking for a short vacation, extended holiday, or a great spot to bust out your regional work for you 462 visa holders. Walk the length of 4-Mile Beach, head out into nature to neighbouring waterfalls, find yourself a exquisite adult beverage at Barbados for sunset or at Jimmy Rum’s to feel like you are in a back alley bar in a city, take a catamaran sail around the peninsula, or hang out at Rex Smeal Park to check out the fire performers during the evening.
Sail away on the 32-metre luxury sailing catamaran Ocean Spirit, for an unforgettable day filled with a heaps of activities to fully appreciate the unique reef environment of Michaelmas Cay.
Silverswift is the fastest vessel in Cairns so you get to visit more dive sites in the Great Barrier Reef! Jump aboard for top tier snorkelling and diving.
This chart topping Uncle Brian's Cape Tribulation Adventure is number one on review platforms for a reason. If you don’t have your own set of wheels and basic bush know-how, then you might not fancy venturing into the world’s oldest living rainforest solo. Uncle Brian’s Cape Tribulation Adventure is the perfect solution. This action-packed day tour takes you deep into the Daintree Rainforest to explore prehistoric habitats, home to saltwater crocs and giant cassowaries. You won’t find a better place in Australia to spot them. Get yourself a few pics along the way, but don’t lean over the boat, as…
If you’re thinking about booking in your open water PADI Learn to Dive Course, then Pro Dive is regarded as one of the very best. Pro Dive Cairns offers one of the most comprehensive Open Water PADI dive Courses on the planet. You’ll find it difficult to find any experienced diver in the world who hasn’t heard of Pro Dive and their incredible reputation. Pro Dive is a world famous dive company that attracts new and experienced divers and snorkellers from all over the globe looking to hone their skills and explore the incredible Great Barrier Reef. Expect world class…
Snorkelling the Silverswift Cairns way means you are on the fastest vessel in the Great Barrier Reef and also means several reef sites throughout your day.
Atherton Tablelands is home to a series of cascading waterfalls, natural waterslides, volcanic crater lake swimming holes, and ancient rainforests. the Atherton Tablelands and its abundance of Waterfalls are an unmissable adventure on any East Coast trip. Uncle Brian's top-rated 'Fun, Falls & Forest Tour' stands out as Cairns' most popular and longest-running tour. The guides operating this tour make it so different to the rest. They make the day and are there to entertain you throughout. All guides are hand picked for their extensive local knowledge. When it comes to booking a full day tour, you’ll have no complaints here.…
Grab your mates, your fins, and mask, and get ready to embark on a Prodive journey of a lifetime to the reef for a certified diving liveaboard experience.
No trip to Cairns would be complete without a trip to the reef. This day trip on the Great Barrier Reef with Passions of Paradise is all about the marine life experience. Onboard Passions of Paradise, you'll be well taken care of by a dedicated crew, including a captain, snorkel instructors, dive guides, and a marine naturalist. Whether you're a first-timer or more experienced, you'll have access to top-quality gear and expert tuition, with free flotation devices available if needed. The crew ensures you're comfortable in the water, while guiding you to spot incredible marine life, including some of the…
Experience the best of the Atherton Tablelands and Daintree Rainforest with our Cape Tribulation overnight tour. Join us for a fun-filled group adventure!
This liveaboard wih Prodive Cairns will take you on an adventure of a lifetime, allowing you to explore the world of the Outer Reef sites.
No trip to Cairns would be complete without a trip to the reef. This day trip on the Great Barrier Reef with Passions of Paradise is all about the marine life experience. Onboard, you’ll find a captain, snorkel instructors, dive guides, and a marine naturalist. So, from start to finish, you can expect to be well taken care of. You might even learn a thing or two. In the water, you’ll have access to high quality snorkel equipment and if you’ve never snorkelled before, or aren’t so comfortable in the water, you’ll be well looked after by the crew. If…
This single engine cessna, purpose built to take you out over the Great Barrier Reef, offers up sensational views of the largest living reef site in the world. The 40-minute scenic flight will offer a perspective of the reef like no other. Taking off from just outside Cairns CBD, it’s the fastest and most spectacular way to see the Great Barrier Reef, without having to get wet. You can expect to fly out over magical Green Island on your way to the reef. Your pilot will execute low flying passes so you can look out for reef sharks, turtles, beautiful…
Silversonic is the tour from Port Douglas for those chasing elite level snorkelling, diving, and a premium experience day tour. As the fastest reef vessel in Port Douglas, you’ll be pleased to know the tour boasts 5 hours of actual time on the reef. You can expect some of Far North Queensland’s best reefs located at the Agincourt Ribbon at the edge of the outer continental shelf. The legends behind Silversonic are the Quicksilver Group. These guys have a whopping 23 exclusive reef sites to choose from. During your full day adventure, you’ll visit 3 of these unique reef locations…
Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with the Sunlover Moore Reef Day Tour for a day filled with underwater activities.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you journey through grade 3 and 4 rapids through breathtaking gorge surroundings on the Tully River.
Skydiving in Cairns is a bucket list topping, once in a lifetime, must do experience. A scenic flight combined with rainforest and ocean views and the option to upgrade to a beach landing makes for one hell of a jump. Trust us when we say that a Skydive in Cairns is one of the best in the world. The thrill of freefalling for up to 60 seconds at speeds of up to 200km/h is unmatched. It is an experience like no other! Your parachute ride will be a peaceful and serene one, lasting between 5-7 minutes, allowing you to soak…
Silversonic is THE tour from Port Douglas for those chasing elite level snorkelling, diving, and a premium experience day tour. As the fastest reef vessel in Port Douglas, you’ll be pleased to know the tour boasts 5 hours of actual time on the reef. You can expect some of Far North Queensland’s best reefs located at the Agincourt Ribbon at the edge of the outer continental shelf. The legends behind Silversonic are the Quicksilver Group. These guys have a whopping 23 exclusive reef sites to choose from. During your full day adventure, you’ll visit 3 of these unique reef locations…
Escape to the emerald jewel of the Great Barrier Reef with a Green Island Day Tour and a choice of snorkelling, glass bottom boat tour, or both.
Push your limits. Go further. Take the leap. Towering high above the rainforest, this jump is not for the faint hearted. Offering a 50-metre freefall with an optional water dip and a total of 16 possible jump styles, there is something for everyone. Whatever style or activity you are looking for during your jump, Skypark Cairns has you covered from tandem jumps, jumping with a bicycle, chair…the options are endless it seems. The park is also an all weather site so if you come rain or shine, you are still guaranteed to have the time of your life as you…
Discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Magic Pontoon for a family friendly day of adventure and marine life encounters.
Experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef on this full day excursion with AquaQuest. Snorkelling or diving, get up close with amazing marine life.
This world famous coral island is formed over millions of years and is home to some immaculate reefs so expect insane snorkeling, crystal clear water, and regular appearances from the local turtles. This day trip boasts 5 hours of island time, so it’s perfect to find a spot in the shade, throw out the towel and relax. Alternatively the whole island is easily accessible on foot, so why not fill up your water bottle and take a walk on the quiet side. If you’re feeling adventurous, but don’t fancy wading in the water, then we’d highly recommend adding on a…
Visit the magnificent Aj Hackett Skypark in Cairns and take a leap of faith by combining the Cairns Bungy & Swing Combo Deal - Book now!
Uncover the wonders of Agincourt Reef with the Port Douglas Quicksilver Pontoon Day Tour for an adventure filled day in the Great Barrier Reef.
Down Under Cruise and Dive offer arguably one of the best all-round reef cruise day tours in Cairns. Boasting two different Great Barrier Reef sites in one day, this reef cruise will let you snorkel with a combination of classic reefy marine life and tons of wonderful coral. If you’re lucky, you might get to snap a selfie with a turtle! Now, while this tour is a through and through reef trip, it offers more than what initially meets the eye. If snorkelling and the option to add a scuba dive isn’t enough to tantalise your tastebuds, then for those…
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Outer Great Barrier Reef with a Snorkel Reef Cruise and Helicopter Ride package. This exclusive package includes a full day adventure at two breathtaking reef locations, offering 5 hours of reef exploration and a stunning 10 minute scenic helicopter flight from a private helicopter pontoon. While this tour is a true reef experience, it offers much more than meets the eye. In addition to snorkelling, there's an option to add a scuba dive for an even more thrilling underwater adventure. Then, experience the stunning reef like never before with an epic helicopter ride,…
Jump onboard a Cape Tribulation day trip with the legends at Tropic Wings and get out there and see the very best of Far North Queensland. Expect one of the very best scenic coastal drives with cutting views over the Coral Sea as you head deep into the Daintree Rainforest, one of the most ancient and beautiful sites of Australia, steeped in Indigenous culture/history. Take a journey into Mossman Gorge and partake in a stunning ‘Welcome to Country’ smoke ceremony with some of the traditional landowners known as the Kuku Yulanji tribe. Dive in for a swim in the crystal…
Escape on an unforgettable journey to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where the underwater wonders of Moore Reef await on an epic snorkelling adventure.
Explore this tropical island and choose your own adventure on a Fitzroy Island day tour with the chance to snorkel, join a glass bottom boat tour, and more.
Get off the beaten track and explore more of what Cairns and its surroundings have to offer. Channel your inner Indiana Jones and get exploring the magnificent Atherton Tablelands with the crew at Waterfall Wanderers. Spend your day swimming in the volcanic waterfalls and cruising through the ancient rainforests like a true explorer. Enjoy a delicious pub lunch along the way with the rest of your group and guide. Get wet and wild at the famous Milla Milla Falls. Just don’t forget your camera! Listen to the tragic and chilling stories of spirits and love at Babinda Boulders. Sunset afternoon…
Learn to dive on board a state of the art diving liveaboard with 2 classroom days and 3 days completing 9 dives out on the Great Barrier Reef.
Hop on over to a paradise island in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef with a quick 45 minute Return Ferry to Fitzroy Island, departing from Cairns.
Imagine a mountain village nestled high up in the rainforest overlooking a tropical town and out to the Coral Sea. Well, you just imagined Kuranda Rainforest Village. Kuranda is best visited with the one-way skyrail and one-way scenic railway combination. Experience incredible 360 degree panoramic views of the rainforest canopy as you glide across on the skyrail cable car. Make the most of the ranger guided stop off points and take a boardwalk through the forest. Now, if you’re not just in it for the jaw dropping views that people from far and wide visit for, you can expect to…
This open water dive course from Divers Den is exactly what you need to get you educated and experienced to become a pro diver in no time.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel, offering exclusive access to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
Dive into authentic Aboriginal culture with a premium package including an Aboriginal Art Workshop and immersive experiences led by knowledgeable guides.
This 3 tiered, 35 metre catamaran, is one of the most well known dive boats out of Cairns. It boasts options for snorkelers, intro divers, and certified scuba pros! No matter what your level, you’ll find something here for you. Expect to explore up to 3 different dive and snorkel sites in the heart of the Barrier Reef. Turtles, reef sharks, and manta rays are regular favourites, so don’t forget your GoPro! Aboard, you’ll find a legendary crew that can’t do enough to make sure you’re having a great time. When you’re not in the water, you can relax out…
Explore the stunning Far North Queensland with a half day Rainforest River Tubing tour, for the perfect mix of tranquility and adventure.
When you think of Mission Beach, you may think of a sleepy, hippie beach town with palm trees and quaint cafes. On the other hand, you may think about it as an adrenaline fueled beach town with everything from white water rafting to jet skiing. Well we definitely have you covered with all things adrenaline here at Happy Travels and Mission Beach is absolutely no stranger to it whether it be in the water, on land, or from above. Offering stunning views of FNQ, Skydive Australia offers and amazing tandem jump up to 15,000ft to look over the beautiful ocean…
If you want to get as far away from the modern world as possible, then why not get back to nature with this incredible 8 day 7 night ultimate liveaboard reef experience with the world class Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. This isn’t for the day trippers or holiday makers. This is for the through and through divers, budding underwater photographers, and true adventure hunters. Explore over 450 miles of untouched reef systems spanning across the far north outer section of the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the world famous Cod Hole, or venture out into the remote Coral Sea for exciting…
Witness the best of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest with this incredible day tour, including a wildlife cruise and Welcome to Country Ceremony.
Explore the magic of the tropics on this Daintree & Cape Tribulation day tour, with a scenic river wildlife cruise and Mossman Gorge included.
Discover the best of Cairns with a 60 minute combined Rainforest & Reef Duo Helicopter Tour, showcasing two World Heritage-listed environments.
Discover the bliss of the Great Barrier Reef with a Wavelength Outer Reef snorkelling day tour, with knowledgeable screw and decades of experience.
Embark on a breathtaking 30 minute flight on the Inner Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Tour to soar above Green Island and stunning sand cays.
Make the most of your day at the Outer Barrier Reef with a FREE Scuba Dive and an all inclusive day tour with Reef Experience.
Enjoy 30 minutes above the reef and 30 minutes of down time on a private sand bank with this Coral Cay Great Barrier Reef Helicopter tour.
Soar above Cairns, take in the sights of Lake Morris and the waterholes of Crystal Cascades on this breathtaking rainforest & Barron Gorge Helicopter Tour.
Witness a unique side of the Great Barrier Reef and explore Dunk Island on an epic snorkelling day trip to Beaver Reef & Cay.
Experience the thrill of seeing the stunning rainforest from above on this 20 minute Barron Gorge & Waterfall Helicopter Tour from Cairns.
Join an epic Great Barrier Reef Half Day Snorkelling Tour departing from Cape Tribulation to explore untouched and unique parts of the iconic reef.
If getting up close and personal with some of the world’s biggest saltwater crocs is what you’re after, but you don’t fancy wading through the Daintree River to find them, then look no further than Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Located just 40 minute drive north of Cairns and only 25 minutes north of Port Douglas, this is an absolute must do for anyone spending a few days up north. This conservation park is not just home to crocodiles, but also other iconic Australian wildlife, such as cassowaries, snakes, and koalas. Expect a huge lagoon teeming with giant crocs as you cruise…
Our most popular starter package is this 5 day 5 night Cairns adventure package. This tour is perfect for meeting new people and finding your feed in the wonderful Far North Queensland. Cairns is an East Coast favourite for backpackers. This fun town is where people start or finish their East Coast adventure and, as a result, it’s full of amazing nightlife!
Embark on a 40 minute Outer Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Tour offering an unparalleled journey to the edge of the Australian continental shelf.
Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef Adventure with Calypso Port Douglas, a luxurious all inclusive day trip to three spectacular reef sites.
The best time to visit Cairns is during the winter from April to September, coinciding with the dry season. Not only this time of year signal the end to the wet season, but the end of stinger season as well – a massive bonus for those looking to swim on the reef.
You can fly into Cairns City from Australia’s other major cities or you can drive (usually about 19 hours from Brisbane). There is also the Spirit Of Queensland train, which runs about five times a week and takes 25 hours.
Cairns is a great place to start your tropical Queensland adventures. With more in terms of nightlife and shopping, it’s worth exploring and staying in Cairns for a day or two at least. You can also use Cairns as your homebase so you can explore Atherton Tablelands, Kuranda, Port Douglas, and the Daintree Rainforest.
Yes. There are crocodiles located in Cairns and its surrounding areas. You will definitely be seeing some of these big fellas during your time in FNQ and they can be as big as 5m.
While there are plenty of options to do in Cairns and its surrounds, some of our favourites are definitely for the more nature inspired, including Millaa Millaa Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Cardwell Pools, Josephine Falls, and the Daintree Rainforest to the north.