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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
We live here, work here, and know these tours firsthand.
Adult $269|Aust Pensioner $259
Child $209 (4-14yrs only)
not suitable for children under 4yrs
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 $269.00 | Aust Pensioner $259.00 | Child $209.00 (4-14yrs only)
Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tour
Adult $209 |Child 6-14yrs $159
Family 2A+2C $670
Depart Cairns Daily 12 noon – 5.00pm
Cairns newest & fastest purpose built vessel to the Outer Barrier Reef. Only 40 snorkelers per trip. Join our expert snorkel team, made up of Master Reef Guides and Marine naturalists, on a crowd-free adventure with over 2 hours of snorkelling time. Get ready to discover the Great Barrier Reef.
Adult $209.00 | Child 6-14yrs $159.00 | Family 2A+2C $670.00
Tour operates Mondays and Tuesdays each week until 24 October 2026
Includes Kuranda Scenic Train and Luxury Coach transfers
Choice 8.50am or 9.50am Scenic Train with return coach transfers at 2.45pm or 3.45pm
Plus your choice of a Koala Gardens or Birdworld Kuranda experience
Adult $160.00 | Child $89.00 4-14yrs | Family 2A+2C $448.00 2AD+2CH | Gold Class Upgrade 9.50am Train $69.00
Adult $189|Child 2-11yrs $149|Family 2A+2C $527
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 $189.00 | Child 2-11yrs $149.00 | Family 2A+2C $527.00
Departs daily 8.30am – 5.30pm
Fuel Levy $10.00 Adult $5.00 Child payable day of travel
2 iconic destinations in 1 day. Fast catamaran to Green Island for a 2-hour coral cay stopover, then out to Great Adventures’ Moore Reef platform for 3 hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel gear, semi-sub, underwater observatory and buffet lunch all included.
Adult $312.00 | Child $172.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $805.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child. Fuel Levy payable at check-in on the day of travel.
Best of Fitzroy Island Day Tour – Save $36
Adult $166| Child $110 (4-15yrs)
Family 2A+2C $442
Includes Snorkel equipment + Glass bottom boat tour + Picnic lunch
2 Departures daily 8.45am or 10.15am – Return 4.30pm
Discover the best of Fitzroy Island’s natural beauty and vibrant marine life. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, this tour offers an unforgettable day on one of Cairns’ most picturesque islands.
Adult $166.00 | Child $110.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $442.00 | $0.00
Adult $110|Child 4-15yrs $55.00
Family 2A+2C $275.00
8.30am to 2.30pm or
12.30pm to 5.30pm
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offers a thrilling immersion into Australia’s iconic wildlife. Spanning over 10 hectares of natural habitat, the park is renowned for its focus on conservation and education. Visitors can embark on guided tours, encountering saltwater crocodiles, cassowaries, and an array of native species in their natural habitats. The park also features interactive experiences, including crocodile feeding shows and wildlife presentation.
Adult $110.00 | Child $55.00 4-15yrs | Family 2A+2C $275.00
Adult $196 – Child $98 – Family $490
Departs Daily from Cairns 8:30am – 5:00pm
Make the most of your time in Far North Queensland with the Two Island Explorer tour, combining both Fitzroy Island and Green Island in a single unforgettable day. Departing from Cairns, this reef and island adventure lets you snorkel vibrant coral reefs, swim in crystal-clear waters, or simply relax
Adult $196.00 | Child $98.00 | Family 2A+2C $490.00
Here’s why thousands of customers trustCairns Discovery Tours.
🗓️ Flexible Cancellations
Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking policy. Most Cairns Tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure with a full refund. (Helicopter tours are 48 hours) We make exploring Cairns stress free, so you can book with confidence.
💳 Book Now, Pay Later
Reserve your place on our popular Cairns day tours with Klarna’s Book Now, Pay Later option, or just give us a call or send us an email to secure your booking. We will be in touch to arrange payment 7 days before your departure. Perfect for planning your Cairns holiday without upfront costs.
🌴 Local Since 1995
For over 30 years, Cairns Discovery Tours has been proudly locally owned and operated. Established in 1995, we’ve shared the tropical beauty of Far North Queensland travellers from around the world. Based in Cairns, we offer authentic tour experiences backed by genuine local knowledge and long standing connections to the region.
👩🏫 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.
