4WD & Outback Tours
Looking for 4WD and outback tours from Cairns? Beyond the rainforest and the reef, Far North Queensland’s outback is reachable on a genuine 4WD adventure – these trips range from a single day to multi-day touring with overnight stays.
Discover the Daintree Rainforest with one of Cairns most trusted small-group tour operators — proudly locally owned and eco-certified showcasing the region for 40 years. Travel in comfort aboard a custom 4WD vehicle as you explore this World Heritage–listed wonder. Cruise along the Daintree River in search of crocodiles and unique wildlife, join your guide for a rainforest boardwalk tour and stroll along Cape Tribulation Beach. Enjoy a tropical fruit Daintree ice cream before returning to your accommodation.
Adult $239.00 | Child $179.00 (4-16yrs) | Family 2A+2C $750.00 | Infant $0.00 0-3yrs
Discover Cooktown on this exclusive one day tour for a 4WD adventure taking in some of Australia’s most amazing scenery and natural beauty. This is Cooktown’s only one-day tour option and sells out quickly, book early to secure your spot
On your Cooktown Day Tour, you will travel in a purpose-built 4WD, air-conditioned coach, catering specifically to small groups of 16 passengers. Cross the Daintree River, traverse the 4wd Bloomfield Track and return along the Mulligan Highway, the Outback of Far North Queensland
$399 per person -May – October 2026
Depart Cairns Mon, Wed & Friday – 6.30am
Palm Cove – Cnr Viviers Rd & Captain Cook Highway at 7.00am
Port Douglas IGA Bus Stop Captain Cook Highway at 7.45am
$399.00 From Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas
Adult $239|Child 4-16 yrs $179|
Family 2A+2C $750
Departs 7am – 6pm
Join this exclusive small-group 4WD tour that travels inland to Chillagoe, North Queensland’s Outback. Enjoy morning tea at Skybury Coffee Plantation in Mareeba, spot kangaroos, emus, wildlife galore! Drive past diverse dry tropical farmlands. Pass through historic mining ghost towns and small outback communities. Visit the local Aboriginal Rock Art and Balancing Rock. Explore the famous Chillagoe Caves and see the once-booming Chillagoe smelter ruins, enjoy an Outback Aussie lunch in a 100-year-old pub.
Adult $239.00 | Child 4-16 yrs $179.00 | Family 2A+2C $750.00
Adult $265 Children not catered for.
Departs Port Douglas Wed, Thur, Fri & Sat
7 Delicious stops including tastings of liqueurs, wine, beer, spirits, cheeses, coffee, chocolate, tropical fruits, nuts, Crocodile, Kangaroo, Red Claw with Tree Kangaroo & Platypus spotting. Breakfast, Morning tea, gourmet lunch, afternoon tea and all tastings included.
Explore Cooktown, Daintree Rainforest and the Outback of Far North Queensland on this fully inclusive 3 day Adventure. Small group of 2-11 passengers in air-conditioned comfort.
Adult $2125.00 Twin Share | Adult Single room $2370.00 | Aust Pensioner Twin share $2015.00 | Aust Pensioner Single room $2345.00 | Child $1755.00 Share with Adult
Single Day 4WD Trips
The Chillagoe Outback 4WD Tour covers limestone caves, Aboriginal rock art and river crossings with an outback pub lunch, while the Daintree 4WD Cape Tribulation Day Tour tackles the rugged, unsealed Bloomfield Track through World Heritage rainforest.
Seasonal: The Cooktown 4WD Adventure
The Cooktown 4WD Adventure runs as a small group trip with a maximum of 12 passengers, available May to October only – worth checking before booking outside that window.
A Taste of the Outback Without the Full Day
The Outback Tasting Tour from Port Douglas combines an outback setting with local produce tasting, a good option if you want the outback experience without committing to a full day.
Multi-Day Touring
For travellers who want to go further, the 3 Day Cooktown Cape Tribulation Atherton Tablelands tour and the 3 Day Cape Tribulation and Cooktown Wanderer both run multi-day 4WD touring with overnight stays across some of the region’s most remote country.
What to Expect on a 4WD Tour
All of these tours are guided, so you travel as a passenger in a purpose-built 4WD vehicle with an experienced driver-guide – no 4WD driving experience is required.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need 4WD driving experience to join one of these tours?
No, all of these tours are guided, you travel as a passenger in a purpose-built 4WD vehicle with an experienced driver-guide.
What's the difference between the 1-day and 3-day Cooktown tours?
The 1-day tour fits the key sights into a single day, while the 3-day tours travel further, include overnight stays, and cover Cape Tribulation and the Atherton Tablelands as well.
Is the Cooktown 4WD Adventure available year-round?
No, it runs seasonally from May to October.
Can I see Aboriginal rock art on a 4WD tour?
Yes, the Chillagoe Outback 4WD Tour includes a stop at Aboriginal rock art sites alongside the limestone caves.
Is there a shorter outback option if I don't want a full day or multi-day trip?
The Outback Tasting Tour from Port Douglas runs around five hours and is a good lighter introduction to the outback.