Cairns Adventure Tours
Looking for adventure tours from Cairns? Beyond the reef, Cairns has plenty for travellers who want more adrenaline in their day – from white water rapids and remote 4WD tracks to sunrise hot air balloon flights and scenic helicopter rides.
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
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 $119.00 includes River Levy | Child $95.00 5-11yrs | Family 2A+2C $353.00 | Shoe Hire $5.00
Departs Cairns Daily 2.00pm -5.30pm
$184 per person 12yrs + with hotel transfers
$165.00 per person -Self drive to Lake Placid
Above prices include $35 River 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!
Includes $35 River Levy $184.00 per person 12yrs + with hotel transfers | Includes $35 River Levy $165.00 per person -Self drive to Lake Placid
A full-day reef fishing charter offers an incredible adventure on the stunning waters of the Great Barrier Reef, targeting iconic species such as Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Large Mouth Nannygai, and Spanish Mackerel.
$399 per person -May – October 2026
Depart Cairns Mon, Wed & Friday – 6.30am
Port Douglas IGA Bus Stop 7.45am
Please note this is the only one day Cooktown Tour and books out – Book early to avoid disappointment
Discover Cooktown on this exclusive one day tour for a 4WD adventure taking in some of Australia’s most amazing scenery and natural beauty. On your Cooktown Day Tour, you will travel in a purpose-built 4WD, air-conditioned coach, catering specifically to small groups with a limit of just 12 passengers. Cross the Daintree River, traverse the 4wd Bloomfield Track and return along the Mulligan Highway, the Outback of Far North Queensland
$399.00 From Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas
$464 per person (minimum 2) includes fuel levy
Solo bookings accepted please call 07 40283567 to book
Departs daily on the hour from 9am through to 4.00pm
General Aviation Airport Cairns
Experience a breathtaking 30 minute Cairns scenic helicopter flight to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at stunning coral formations and vibrant marine life with insightful commentary from our knowledgeable local pilots enhancing your understanding and appreciation for this natural wonder.
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
40 minutes $584 per person (minimum 2) includes Fuel Levy
Solo bookings accepted please call 07 40283567 to book
Departs daily from 9am through to 4.00pm
General Aviation Airport Cairns
Experience a breathtaking 40-minute Cairns scenic helicopter flight to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at stunning coral formations and vibrant marine life with insightful commentary from our knowledgeable local pilots enhancing your understanding and appreciation for this natural wonder.
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.
Departs Daily – $495.00 per person
Experience the fun & unique sensation of being in a Hot Air Balloon, flying gently high above the Atherton Tablelands, Australia.Complimentary hotel pick ups from Cairns City, Cairns Beaches and Palm Cove
Start with an early morning pickup and transfer from your accommodation in Cairns. Approx 4.00am
Return approx. 9.30am – 10.00am -Breakfast at your own expense.
Departs Daily $495.00 per person
$450.00 per person
Self Drive to The Mareeba Heritage Centre approx 5.00am: – to meet our Pilots & Crew. Meeting times are confirmed on booking.
Experience the fun & unique sensation of being in a Hot Air Balloon, flying gently high above the Atherton Tablelands, Australia.
Take off is from Mareeba as you soar into the air. Enjoy the picturesque landscape at dawn as you float in a hot air balloon. Admire the scenic views of vast open spaces on all sides. Keep watch for local wildlife, including native birds or even kangaroos roaming free.
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
Sunday departures -selective dates 28th June – 18th October 2026
Experience the very best of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park, the excitement of the 4WD-only Bloomfield Track and the unspoilt beauty and incredible cultural heritage of historic Cooktown. Enjoy a small group for two nights in Cooktown, Daintree River Cruise, Lions Den historic pub, James Cook Museum, Cooktown Botanic Gardens and much more.
$1747.00 per person twin share | Child $1660.00 child 4-14yrs twin share | $2145.00 Solo Traveller
30 minutes $487 per person includes Fuel Levy
45 minutes $676 per person includes Fuel Levy
Departs daily from Cairns Heli pad -The Pier Cairns City
The most popular scenic flight combines 30-minute Great Barrier Reef scenic with an additional 15 minute bird’s eye view of the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest on earth. Commencing over the reef, we cross back over the coast near Double Island and the resort township of Palm Cove before ascending the coastal rainforest-clad mountains into the heart of the Barron Gorge National Park.
30 minutes $487.00 | 45 minutes $676.00 Per Person
This unique Daintree Rainforest experience will have you discovering Mossman Gorge in depth. Start the day with a secret location to commence your ‘River drift’ tour,. Enjoy lunch and a traditional smoking ceremony ending the day with a 1.5 hour guided rainforest walk in the Gorge…..
Adult $270.00 | Child $225.00 5 - 15 yrs | Family 2A+2C $910.00 2A+2C
White Water Rafting on the Barron River
The Barron River Half Day White Water Rafting trip runs grade 2-3 rapids and is one of the most searched-for adventure activities in the region. No prior experience is needed – an experienced guide leads every raft.
Rainforest Tubing
For something gentler that still suits younger travellers, the Cairns Rainforest Tubing Tour is open to kids from age five on its calmer rainforest rapids.
Hot Air Balloon over the Atherton Tablelands
A hot air balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands is one of the more memorable ways to start the day, with both a transfer option and a self-drive option available.
4WD Outback and Rainforest Adventures
For a full day of remote 4WD touring, the Chillagoe and Cooktown trips combine rugged tracks with caves, rock art and outback scenery, while the multi-day Cooktown and Cape Tribulation tours add overnight stays for those who want to go further.
Scenic Helicopter and Reef Flights
Scenic helicopter flights over the reef and rainforest require no fitness or swimming ability, making them an option for travellers who want an aerial adventure without getting in the water.
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 rafting experience for the Barron River trip?
No prior experience is needed – an experienced guide leads every raft, though the minimum age is 12 due to the grade of the rapids.
Is there an adventure option suitable for younger kids?
Yes, the Cairns Rainforest Tubing Tour welcomes children from age five on its gentler rainforest rapids.
Do the scenic flights require any fitness level?
No, the helicopter scenic flights have no physical fitness requirements and are suitable for most travellers.
What's the difference between the 1-day and 3-day 4WD tours?
The 1-day tours fit a full day of 4WD touring and key sights into a single trip, while the 3-day tours travel further and include overnight stays in more remote locations.
What time does the hot air balloon depart?
Hot air balloon flights depart very early in the morning, typically before sunrise, to take advantage of calm air conditions.