About Us
Cairns Discovery Tours is a local tour booking platform owned and operated by myself, Maryanne Jacques. Your Local Tour connection in Cairns.
After exploring many parts of Australia, I settled in Cairns in 1995 and have proudly called this vibrant city home ever since. With more than 40 years of experience in the tourism industry, I bring deep local knowledge and a genuine passion for showcasing the very best our region has to offer you.
My journey with Cairns Discovery Tours began in 1997, where I spent eight years immersed in sales before venturing into the creation of my own tour company, Adventure North Australia, in 2005. Specializing in excursions to Cooktown and Indigenous cultural experiences, Adventure North Australia thrived under my guidance until its sale in May 2019.
In 2012, an exciting opportunity arose when the previous owner of Cairns Discovery Tours decided to sell. Eager to preserve and build upon its legacy, I enthusiastically took ownership of the company and proudly showcased our beautiful city of Cairns and surrounds until the 1st September 2025 when I realised the Cairns City sights tour needed to evolve and expand under the guidance of new owners. The Cairns City Sights tour is now owned and operated by the Capta Group, a family run tour company of 40 years in Cairns.
My focus is to continue Cairns Discovery Tours as more than just another booking website – it’s your local connection to Tropical North Queensland.
After more than 30 years living and working in the Cairns tourism industry, I understand the value of genuine local knowledge. Cairns Discovery Tours is built on that foundation – offering trusted advice, personalised service, and handpicked experiences that truly showcase our region.
Great Barrier Reef Tours, Daintree Rainforest, Cooktown, Kuranda Train, and Skyrail, or any general questions about our region, I am more than happy to assist you.
I live here and I love it – after visiting us, you’ll love it too!
Email Maryanne on bookings@cairnsdiscoverytours.com
Maryanne
Jacques
Director,
Cairns Discovery Tours
Our journey so far ⭐️
1995
I swapped big city life for the laid-back tropics and made Cairns my forever home 🌴. Falling in love with the reef, rainforest, and community here, I knew I had found my place.
1997
I was working with Cairns Discovery Tours in sales, learning every corner of the region and helping visitors craft their perfect day out 🚐. Those years gave me a deep understanding of what travellers really want—authentic, memorable experiences.
2005
I took a leap and created Adventure North Australia, specialising in Cooktown and Indigenous cultural journeys 🌿✨. This chapter taught me the power of storytelling and connection, bringing travellers closer to the rich history and traditions of Tropical North Queensland.
2012
I had the exciting opportunity to purchase Cairns Discovery Tours when the original owner retired 🧭. This was my chance to preserve a local legacy while adding my own passion and vision.
2019
After years of growth and incredible journeys, I proudly sold Adventure North Australia 🎉. It was a bittersweet moment, but one that opened doors to focus on my first tourism love—Cairns Discovery Tours.
2025
Cairns City Sights Tour found a new home with the Capta Group, a family-run tourism company with over 40 years in Cairns 🤝. Passing the baton meant the tour could grow even bigger, while I continued focusing on building Cairns Discovery Tours as the region’s trusted local booking hub.
Today
Cairns Discovery Tours is more than a booking platform—it’s your friendly local connection to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda, Cooktown, and beyond 💙. Every recommendation comes with decades of experience, genuine passion, and a love for helping travellers see the best of our backyard.
Today
Cairns Discovery Tours is more than a booking platform—it’s your friendly local connection to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda, Cooktown, and beyond 💙. Every recommendation comes with decades of experience, genuine passion, and a love for helping travellers see the best of our backyard.
Explore Cairns & surrounds with our curated tours.
Your Cairns Tubing Rainforest tour will take you along some of Cairns’ most beautiful rainforest rivers. You’ll glide over gentle white-water rapids, cool off in fresh rainforest water, and soak up the stunning natural surroundings at every turn. So much fun, especially during our summer months October- March
Adult $95.00 +$15 River Levy | 5-11yrs $70.00 +$15 River Levy
Departs Cairns daily 7.30am – 5.30pm
Discover Kuranda 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.
Adult $195.00 | Child 4-14yrs $100.00 | Family 2A+2C $490.00 | Gold Class upgrade $61.50 per person
Adult $259|Aust Pensioner $249
Child $199 (4-14yrs only)
not suitable for children under 4yrs
Family 2A+2C $869 + Extra child $150
Departs Daily 7.00am
Discover the Daintree Rainforest in Comfort – Small Group Touring (Max 14 Guests)
Travel along the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef Drive to explore Mossman Gorge, enjoy a restaurant lunch at the Daintree Tea House, 1 hour cruise on the Daintree River and visit Cape Tribulation Beach—where the rainforest meets the sea. With scenic stops at Rex Lookout, Flagstaff Hill Port Douglas, and a sweet treat option at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, this full-day tour offers an immersive nature experience in air-conditioned comfort. A full day exploring our spectacular natural backyard.
Adult $259.00 | Aust Pensioner $249.00 | Child $199.00 (4-14yrs only) | Family 2A+2C $869.00 + Extra child $150
Adult $105| Child $60 (4-15yrs)| Family 2A+2C $270
Rate valid until 31st March, 2026
Departs daily 10.15am – 4.30pm
Fitzroy Island’s full-day experience includes 55 minutes ferry transfer each way. Choose from the many optional activities available. You can hire snorkel equipment, do a guided Snorkel Tour, Glass Bottom Boat coral viewing tour and visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. You can snorkel straight off the beach and discover amazing marine life and sea turtles. Sit back and soak up the serenity on the shores of the famous Nudey Beach (by name only) – once voted the best beach in Australia.
Adult $105.00 | Child $60.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $270.00
Adult $179|Child 2-11yrs $139|Family 2A+2C $497
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.
Adult $179.00 | Child 2-11yrs $139.00 | Family 2A+2C $497.00
Adult $395|Child $330 4-16 years
Great Value !! Save $69
Departs daily 8.00am – 4.30pm
Experience the ultimate adventure value package on the Great Barrier Reef with views from above and below the Reef. Includes an awesome 10-minute scenic Helicopter flight to see the Great Barrier Reef from the air! Full day with two locations on the Outer Barrier Reef including snorkelling, lunch and more
Adult $395.00 | Child $330.00 4-16 years
Departs Cairns Daily 2.00pm -5.30pm
$145 per person 12yrs + with hotel transfers
$128.00 per person -Self drive to Lake Placid
+ $30.00 per person pay on board rafting levy
Just a short drive north of Cairns, the Barron River offers the perfect introduction to white water rafting. This action-packed afternoon adventure includes up to 2 hours on the water, navigating through spectacular rainforest scenery, rugged granite boulders, and exhilarating rapids.
It’s fun, exciting, and ideal for first-timers or families with children aged 12 and over. No prior experience needed — just bring your sense of adventure!
$145.00 per person 12yrs + with hotel transfers | $128.00 per person -Self drive to Lake Placid | $30.00 per person pay on board rafting levy
Departs Cairns 8.00am – 4.30pm
Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure combining 2.5 hours at Moore Reef Pontoon + 2.5 hours 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.
Adult $295.00 | Child ( 4 - 16yrs ) $169.00 | Kids 50% OFF $84.50 | Family 2A+2C $759.00
Here’s why thousands of customers loveCairns Discovery Tours.
🗓️ Flexible Cancellations
Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking policy. Most Cairns Discovery Tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure with a full refund. We make exploring Cairns stress-free, so you can book with confidence.
💳 Book Now, Pay Later
Secure your place on our popular Cairns day tours with Klarna’s Book Now, Pay Later option. Lock in your adventure today and pay in easy installments — perfect for planning your Cairns holiday without upfront costs.
🌴 Local Since 1995
For over 28 years, Cairns Discovery Tours has been proudly locally owned and operated. Established in 1995, we’ve shared the tropical beauty of Cairns with thousands of travellers, offering authentic, community-connected tour experiences.
👩🏫 Expert Local Guides
Our passionate Cairns tour guides are storytellers, historians, and nature enthusiasts. With deep local knowledge, they bring the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Cairns’ tropical heritage to life, ensuring an unforgettable and educational experience.
