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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.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle crosses a shallow river in a dense tropical rainforest, with muddy tracks leading into the water and thick green vegetation surrounding the scene.

Bloomfield Track 4WD guide: what to expect

Some roads get you somewhere. The Bloomfield Track does something different – it earns your attention for every kilometre of it. Running north from Cape Tribulation through World Heritage-listed rainforest to Cooktown, it is one of those drives that stays with people long after they get home. The road is […]

A white lighthouse with a red dome stands on a grassy hill overlooking the ocean, with a coastal road and low vegetation nearby under a clear sky.

Things to do in Cooktown – a guide to the top attractions

Cooktown sits at the end of the road in more ways than one. It is the last sizeable town before the Cape York Peninsula stretches north toward the tip of Australia, and it carries a sense of being apart from the rest of the world in a way that is […]

A winding coastal road runs along a steep, forested hillside beside bright blue ocean water, with a vehicle driving along the shoreline route

Cairns to Cooktown: how to get there

Cooktown is the kind of place that stops you mid-sentence. You turn a corner onto the main street, the Endeavour River opens up ahead of you, Grassy Hill rises behind the town, and suddenly the distance from Cairns makes complete sense. English navigator Lieutenant James Cook named that river after […]

What to do on Green Island: activities, snorkeling & best time to visit

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 […]

Complete Kuranda day tour guide: scenic railway, Skyrail & village

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 […]

Best Time to Travel to Cairns

When is the best time to travel to Cairns

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 […]

5 best Daintree Rainforest walks

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 […]

Frankland Islands transfer vessel Great Barrier Reef tour

Eco-friendly travel tips for visiting Fitzroy Island

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 […]

Cruise Ships Near an Island

What to pack for a Fitzroy Island day tour: essentials & tips

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 […]

Tropical Paradise

When is the best time to visit Fitzroy Island for a perfect day tour?

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.

A Frankland Islands

Discover the magic of Frankland Islands with a day cruise

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 […]

Things To Do In Cairns For Cruise Ship Visitors

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 Cairns half day tours, it’s essential to […]

Explore Cairns & surrounds with our curated tours.

4.9 stars, 355 reviews
Google Reviews
Carnival Splendor
24 May 2026, Sun
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
6:00 PM
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Encounter
2 Jun 2026, Tue
Cairns Port
10:00 AM
6:30 PM
Carnival Encounter
26 Jun → 27 Jun
Cairns Port
Fri, 8:00 AM
Sat, 4:00 PM
Carnival Adventure
Carnival Splendor
28 Jun 2026, Sun
Cairns Port
9:00 AM
5:30 PM
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Encounter
7 Jul → 8 Jul
Cairns Port
Tue, 9:30 AM
Wed, 5:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
Carnival Encounter
29 Jul 2026, Wed
Cairns Port
7:30 AM
4:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
15 Aug 2026, Sat
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
4:00 PM
Carnival Adventure
Carnival Encounter
8 Sep 2026, Tue
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
4:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
Carnival Splendor
13 Sep 2026, Sun
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
6:00 PM
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Encounter
29 Sep → 30 Sep
Cairns Port
Tue, 9:30 AM
Wed, 6:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
Carnival Encounter
28 Oct 2026, Wed
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
5:30 PM
Carnival Encounter
30 Oct 2026, Fri
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
5:00 PM
Crown Princess
7 Nov 2026, Sat
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
7:00 PM
Costa Serena
8 Nov 2026, Sun
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
7:00 PM
Riviera
14 Nov 2026, Sat
Yorkeys Knob Port
9:00 AM
5:00 PM
Celebrity Edge
15 Nov 2026, Sun
Cairns Port
8:00 AM
6:00 PM
Viking Venus
20 Nov 2026, Fri
Yorkeys Knob Port
7:00 AM
6:00 PM
Royal Princess
Noordam
23 Nov → 24 Nov
Cairns Port
Mon, 9:00 AM
Tue, 7:00 PM
Noordam
24 Nov 2026, Tue
Yorkeys Knob Port
7:00 AM
7:00 PM
Quantum of the Seas
26 Nov 2026, Thu
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
7:00 PM
Riviera
27 Nov → 28 Nov
Cairns Port
Fri, 8:00 AM
Sat, 6:00 PM
Azamara Pursuit
28 Nov 2026, Sat
Cairns Port
8:00 AM
11:00 PM
Silver Moon
5 Dec 2026, Sat
Cairns Port
9:00 AM
7:00 PM
Grand Princess
6 Dec → 7 Dec
Yorkeys Knob Port
Sun, 9:00 AM
Mon, 6:00 PM
Celebrity Edge
9 Dec → 10 Dec
Cairns Port
Wed, 7:00 AM
Thu, 3:00 PM
Riviera
Carnival Luminosa
10 Dec 2026, Thu
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
6:30 PM
Carnival Luminosa
Seven Seas Navigator
12 Dec 2026, Sat
Cairns Port
8:00 AM
7:00 PM
Seven Seas Navigator
Carnival Encounter
16 Dec 2026, Wed
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
4:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
20 Dec 2026, Sun
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
9:30 PM
Riviera
Carnival Luminosa
1 Jan 2027, Fri
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
6:30 PM
Carnival Luminosa
12 Jan 2027, Tue
Cairns Port
8:00 AM
10:00 PM
Silver Moon
17 Jan → 18 Jan
Cairns Port
Sun, 8:00 AM
Mon, 6:00 PM
Westerdam
Carnival Luminosa
18 Jan 2027, Mon
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
6:00 PM
Carnival Luminosa
19 Jan 2027, Tue
Yorkeys Knob Port
9:00 AM
7:00 PM
Quantum of the Seas
Carnival Encounter
3 Feb 2027, Wed
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
4:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
4 Feb 2027, Thu
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
6:00 PM
Costa Deliziosa
12 Feb → 13 Feb
Yorkeys Knob Port
Fri, 8:00 AM
Sat, 5:00 PM
Celebrity Edge
21 Feb → 22 Feb
Cairns Port
Sun, 8:00 AM
Mon, 9:00 PM
Crown Princess
Carnival Encounter
9 Apr 2027, Fri
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
4:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
22 Apr 2027, Thu
Cairns Port
9:00 AM
5:00 PM
Carnival Adventure
Handmade chocolates at Gallo Dairyland

$265 Adults – Children under 15 not catered for on this tour.
Departs Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sat
Cairns 8.00am & Palm Cove 7.30am 

Food and wine tasting adventure showcasing the spectacular Atherton Tablelands – also known as the Cairns Food Bowl  – Includes tastings of liqueurs, wine, beer, spirits, cheeses, coffee, chocolate, tropical fruits, nuts, Crocodile, Kangaroo, Red Claw Yabby.  Includes full breakfast, morning tea, gourmet lunch, afternoon tea and all tastings.

More Info

Adult $265.00 Children under 15 not catered for on this tour.

7:30 am
5:00 pm
Couple sitting at the bar on Fitzroy Island

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.

More Info

Adult $105.00 | Child $60.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $270.00

10:15 am
4:30 pm
Frankland Islands eco cruise transfer boat

Departs daily 7am – 5pm
Fuel Levy of $10.00 per person payable direct
Enjoy an all-inclusive River, Reef, and Island Cruise with the sole commercial operator permitted on the pristine uninhabited Frankland Islands. Snorkel off the Island’s National Park white sand beach, swim with sea turtles, and have a quick and convenient journey with the shortest open water crossing. Semi submersible not available until 11th May due to maintenance

More Info

Adult $260.00 | Child $160.00 4-16yrs | Family 2A+2C $680.00 | $10.00 + Fuel Levy per person payable on the day of travel

7:00 am
5:00 pm
Special Deal
Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel cultural reef tour
25% off Intro or Certified Diving for travel to 30th June MUST BE BOOKED DIRECT by 31st May 2026 Phone 07 40283567

Adult from $255| Child $160 4-14yrs  Family 2A+2C $670
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.

More Info

Adult from $255.00 | Child $160.00 4-14yrs | Family 2A+2C $670.00 2A+2C

9:00 am
5:00 pm
Aerial view of Fitzroy Island Great Barrier Reef

Adult $166 +4 Fuel levy| Child $110 +2 Fuel Levy (4-15yrs)
Family 2A+2C $442 + $10 Fuel levy
Includes return Ferry + choice of 2 activities –
Snorkel Equipment – Glass Bottom Boat Tour – Picnic Lunch
Departs Daily 10.15am – 4.30pm

Fitzroy Island a tropical paradise and a favourite spot for locals and tourists. Lush rainforest, stunning beaches, walking trails, coral reefs. Ideal for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Take a 45-minute journey on the Fitzroy Island Sundancer to the sandy shores of the famous Nudey Beach (by name only)- voted one of the best beaches in Australia. Snorkel straight off the beach to discover amazing marine life.

More Info

Adult $166.00 | Child $110.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $442.00 | $4.00 Adult $2 Child Fuel Levy

10:15 am
4:30 pm
Quicksilver wavepiercer reef cruise vessel Cairns

Adult $338|Child $179|Family $864
Departs Port Douglas 10am – 4.30pm
Return transfers from Cairns +
Adult $45|Child $25|Family $115
Fuel Levy Adult $10 Child $5.00 payable on checkin on the day of travel

For your experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver’s friendly crew will take you to the renowned Agincourt Reef off Port Douglas, a jewel-like ribbon reef on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef. From the spacious activity platform, discover an underwater world filled with a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Enjoy the reef at your pace with options for all ages, swimmers and non swimmers or passengers with limited mobility.

More Info

Adult $338.00 | Child $179.00 | Family $864.00 | $0.00 Fuel Levy $10 Adult $5 Child payable on checkin on the day of travel

10:00 am
4:30 pm
View all popular tours

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.

Janice Welsh
Janice Welsh
7 months ago
We arranged 3 day tours from Cairns with Cairns Discovery tours, one to Fitzroy Island, one to Green Island and one to Kuranda . From the initial telephone contact to the conclusion of the tours, Maryanne was so helpful and professional. Booking and payment was easy, follow up information meant we knew exactly where to meet and what we would expect to see and do, when and where to check in on the day . I can thoroughly recommend booking with Cairns Discovery Tours.
Meredith Graham
Meredith Graham
10 months ago
Cairns Discovery Tours were amazing. I had very specific requirements for booking tours, due to the group we were travelling with. They made the process so easy. Their recommendations were spot on and then they took care of all our bookings, including updating me on any "deals" that companies had. If you are travelling to Cairns, I would highly recommend contacting Cairns Discovery Tours to sort your holiday!
I had the pleasure of booking my recent trip through Cairns Discovery Tours in Cairns and I must say it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. From the very beginning, Maryanne and team were extremely easy to work with. Their communication was clear, prompt, and effective, which gave me confidence that everything was being handled smoothly. No matter how many questions we had, they responded with patience and helpful details. Since we were completely new to Cairns, their recommendations were invaluable. Another highlight was the deal they worked out for us. They managed to customize the itinerary in a way that was both budget-friendly and full of experiences. Overall, I highly recommend Cairns Discovery Tours to anyone planning a trip to Cairns. They are professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about making your journey memorable. I would definitely choose them again for my future travels. Thanks once again Maryanne and Taam!
Kim Ryan
Kim Ryan
8 months ago
Easy to book online and and contact if need be. Well organised would recommend using this company to book tours through.
Adrian Olsen
Adrian Olsen
10 months ago
Like to thank Mary Ann for organising our two trips had to get a partial refund on one of the trips due to weather which was an easy process. Would definitely book through Cairns Discovery Tours again
G
Greg Scher
1 year ago
Marianne set up great tours and was very responsive with any questions. Highly recommended,