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Discover insider tips, local stories, and expert travel advice on our Cairns Discovery Tours blog. From exploring the Great Barrier Reef and hidden rainforest walks to uncovering the best day trips and cultural experiences, our blogs are written to inspire your next adventure. Whether you’re planning your first visit to Cairns or returning to explore more, you’ll find helpful guides, travel ideas, and authentic local insights to make the most of your journey.
Imagine a speck of emerald green dropped into a vast expanse of sapphire blue. As your catamaran slices through the Coral Sea, the Cairns skyline shrinks into the haze, replaced by the shimmering white sands of a 6,000-year-old coral cay. You aren't just visiting a beach you're stepping onto the…
The rainforest closes in as the train begins to climb, waterfalls appear without warning, and the air cools just enough to remind you that Cairns has more to offer than the reef alone. A Kuranda day tour from Cairns doesn't feel like a side trip it feels like stepping into…
Choosing the right moment to touch down in the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef is less about avoiding "bad" weather and more about matching the city’s tropical rhythm to your personal holiday style. Cairns doesn’t follow the traditional four-season calendar; instead, it dances between two distinct moods: the Dry…
Just north of Cairns lies one of the most extraordinary natural environments on the planet. The Daintree Rainforest is ancient, immersive, and alive in a way few places are. For visitors who want to slow down, connect with nature, and truly understand Tropical North Queensland, Daintree rainforest walks offer an…
Fitzroy Island, just a short boat ride from Cairns, is a true tropical paradise with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests. It’s a top destination for travellers looking to immerse themselves in nature, but as with all beautiful places, it’s important to leave only footprints behind. By choosing sustainable…
A Fitzroy Island Day Tour is the perfect getaway from Cairns, offering stunning beaches, lush hiking trails, and world-class snorkelling opportunities. To make the most of your trip, packing smart is important. Whether you plan to explore the island’s scenic tracks, dive into the Great Barrier Reef, or simply relax…
Fitzroy Island is one of the most breathtaking destinations near Cairns, offering crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests, and incredible marine life. Whether you’re looking for snorkelling adventures, hiking trails, or simply a relaxing beach escape, planning your Fitzroy Island day tour at the right time can make all the difference.
Looking for an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experience away from the crowds? The Frankland Islands are a hidden gem, offering pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and exclusive access to one of the most breathtaking destinations in Tropical North Queensland. With a special deal available until 28th February 2025, now is…
Are you docking in Cairns and wondering how to make the most of your time? Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the lush rainforests of Queensland, offers an incredible array of activities and sights perfect for cruise ship visitors. With limited time, it’s essential to choose experiences…
Imagine setting foot on an island where every view captivates and the sea's colours change with the light. The Great Barrier Reef is home to many such islands, each offering adventure and relaxation. Let’s explore the top islands that will make your visit to the reef a truly unforgettable experience.
Explore Cairns & surrounds with our curated tours.
Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tour
Price for travel from 1st April 2026
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 $199.00 | Child 6-14yrs $159.00 | Family 2A+2C $650.00
Adult $259|Aust Pensioner $249
Child $199 (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 $259.00 | Aust Pensioner $249.00 | Child $199.00 (4-14yrs only)
Departs daily 8.30am – 5.30pm
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this complete Reef and Island tour. Fast 45-minute catamaran ride to Green Island to enjoy 2 hours on this iconic coral cay. Continue your day adventure to Great Adventures spacious activity platform. Spend 3 hours discovering the wonders of the reef, with plenty of time to snorkel, relax, and take in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural treasures.
Adult $299.00 | Child $164.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $770.00
Travel up to 31st March 8.00am – 5.30pm
Travel from 1st April 2026 10.30am – 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 $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 $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
2 Departure times, 7am or 1.15pm – 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 | 2A+2C $320.00 +$60 River Levy | Prices from 1st April 2026 $119.00 includes River Levy | Child $85.00 5-11yrs | Family 2A+2C $353.00
Adult $120 |Child 4-14yrs $60
Family 2A+2C $300
Full Day 9.00am – 5.00pm
Snorkel and swim in the clear, cool island waters straight from the white sandy beach. Encounter a wide variety of colourful fish, turtles and other marine creatures whilst exploring the beautiful coral reef gardens surrounding Green Island. Semi Submersible and guided snorkel tour options available.
Adult $120.00 | Child 4-14yrs $60.00 | Family 2A+2C $300.00
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.
