When is the best time to travel to Cairns
Choosing when to visit Cairns comes down to matching the season to what you want out of your trip, rather than picking...
Read moreDiscover Cairns with a great range of Cairns tours and experiences, from city sightseeing and Trinity Inlet river cruises to rainforest, wildlife and day tours. Find the right Cairns experience with local advice from Cairns Discovery Tours

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

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

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 minimum 5yrs -11yrs | Family 2A+2C $353.00 2 A+2C 5-11yrs | Shoe Hire $5.00

Adult $115.00| Child $82.00 from Cairns
Cairns Hotel pick ups commence from 12.30pm
Enjoy a small group Cairns afternoon guided tour, one of the most popular half-day tours in Cairns, showcasing the best of Australia’s most famous tropical city. Explore the cities rich history which provides glimpses of natural beauty, cultural heritage and some of Cairns most iconic landmarks.

Departs daily from Cairns Marlin Marina 6.15pm
A warm tropical night, calm waters and great food — enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise savouring a lavish buffet spread featuring an array of hot and cold dishes, fresh local seafood, and local delicacies. Cruise along Trinity Inlet with stunning views of Cairns after dark.

Adult $219|Pensioner $209|Child 4-14yrs $169|Infant $70
Departs daily 7.30am – 6.00pm
Join this small group tour for an unforgettable adventure led by expert guides. Explore scenic lookouts, World Heritage rainforest, waterfalls, ancient kauri pines, and iconic sights like the Curtain Fig Tree. Discover Yungaburra and Malanda townships, swim at Millaa Millaa Falls, and enjoy a restaurant-quality lunch. Conclude with a guided walk at Paronella Park to explore the enchanting ruins of a Spanish-inspired castle, surrounded by vibrant gardens and cascading waterfalls. Discover the fascinating history of its visionary creator, José Paronella, and the park’s intriguing past.
Adult $219.00 | Pensioner $209.00 | Child 4-14yrs $169.00 | Infant $70.00

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 $85| Child 2-11yrs $55
Family 2A+2C $225
Departs from Cairns Marina 5.15pm
Returns at 6.45pm
Sunset cruises for couples, solo travellers and small groups, discover the magic of a Cairns tropical sunset.
Watch the sky over Trinity Inlet transform into a canvas of gold, amber and deep purple as the day winds down over Tropical North Queensland.
This relaxed 90-minute cruise drifts through the calm waters of Trinity Inlet, one of Cairns’ most scenic and underrated waterways. Mangroves line the banks, the city skyline frames the horizon and the mountain ranges fade into the fading light. A complimentary drink in hand, nothing to do but take it all in
Perfect for couples, solo travellers and small groups. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply making the most of a Cairns evening, this is the kind of experience that stays with you.

Just a short drive north of Cairns, the Barron River offers the perfect introduction to white water rafting. 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!
This action-packed afternoon adventure includes up to 2 hours on the water, navigating through spectacular rainforest scenery, rugged granite boulders, and exhilarating rapids.
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
$184.00 Includes Hotel transfers + Rafting Levy | $165.00 Self drive to Lake Placid + Rafting Levy

Adult $259 | Child 4-12 yrs $209.
Not recommended for children under 4 years old.
Departs Mon, Thu & Sat 11.00am – 9.00pm
Travel south of Cairns for a rainforest-guided walk at Babinda Boulders, discover Innisfail’s art deco heritage, and enjoy afternoon tea at Etty Bay with the chance to spot a Cassowary. Explore the enchanting Paronella Park by day
and night. Learn the inspiring story of José Paronella and explore this unique heritage-listed site then finish with a hearty country-style dinner at the historic Mena Creek Hotel. A must-do tour for lovers of nature and history.

$260 Adult/$175 Child 4-14 yrs
Departs Mon to Sat 12.30pm – 8.45pm
Discover the highlights of Australia’s most famous tropical city on a small group afternoon tour. Learn about Cairns’ rich history, cultural heritage, and iconic landmarks as your guide shares local stories and insights. As the sun sets, step aboard the Spirit of Cairns for a relaxing 2.5 hour dinner cruise. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink while soaking up the waterfront views, then indulge in a lavish buffet with fresh local seafood, hot and cold dishes, and tropical delights.

Adult $70| Child 2-11yrs $50
Family 2A+2C $190
Departs 10.45am, 1.00pm & 3.15pm
Embark on a 75 minute journey of tranquility with Cairns River Cruise sightseeing tour as you navigate the serene waters of Trinity Inlet. Modern spacious boat meticulously designed for comfort, ensuring uninterrupted views of the breathtaking surroundings.
Experience the beauty of Cairns waterfront bordered by majestic mountains and lush mangroves, serving as a haven for a diverse array of wildlife.

Adult $240|Child $188 4-14yrs
Includes lunch at Dundees on the Waterfront
Departs Mon – Sat 10.45 am to 6pm
Experience a calm water cruise along Cairns’ Trinity Inletas you glide through pristine creeks as you discover the hidden charm of Cairns’ backwaters and unique sights along the way. Enjoy lunch at the award-winning Dundee’s on the Waterfront. Your afternoon continues with the Cairns City Sights Tour, exploring the highlights of this vibrant tropical city.

Adult $240 |Child 4-14 yrs $142
Departs Mon to Sat 9am – 6pm
Green Island and Cairns City Sights Tour is an exciting day tour that takes you on a journey to explore the natural beauty and cultural highlights of two unique destinations. Morning begins with a visit to the beautiful Green Island, where you have the opportunity to snorkel or do a glass-bottom boat tour to discover the Great Barrier Reef. Return to Cairns where you’ll explore the sights and sounds of this vibrant tropical city.
Adult $240.00 | Child 4-14 yrs $142.00

$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.

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

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.

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
Whether you’re visiting Cairns for a day, staying for a week, or looking for the best things to do in Cairns, our local team can help you find the right Cairns tour for your holiday.
Discover a great range of Cairns sightseeing tours, city tours, river cruises and local experiences that show you another side of our tropical city. From small-group and private tours to sightseeing and cruise combinations, there are plenty of ways to explore Cairns beyond the Great Barrier Reef.
See the city and surrounds on a Cairns City Sights Tour, discovering local landmarks, tropical gardens, history and some of the places that make Cairns special. Or take to the water on a Cairns River Cruise and explore the calm waterways of Trinity Inlet, where mangroves, coastal mountains and native wildlife create a completely different view of Cairns.
For a memorable evening, enjoy a Sunset Cruise before dinner or settle in for a relaxing Dinner Cruise on Trinity Inlet. Watch the sun set behind the mountains as the Cairns city lights come to life, or enjoy a tropical buffet dinner while cruising beneath the stars.
Cairns Festival 2026 – Experience the Best of Cairns
This year is especially significant as Cairns celebrates 150 years, bringing locals and visitors together to celebrate our people, culture, history and unique tropical lifestyle.
One of the festival highlights is the Grand Parade & Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday 29 August. The much-loved Fun in the Sun Grand Parade returns to the Cairns Esplanade from 5.30pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Cairns waterfront from 7.30pm.
Throughout the festival you’ll find free live music on the Esplanade, exhibitions, performances and events around the city, finishing with Carnival on Collins on Sunday 6 September.
View the Cairns Festival 2026 programme for the latest events, times and locations.
Things to do in Cairns – Arts, Music and Entertainment
Tanks Art Centre, Is one of Cairns’ most unique live music and cultural venues. Set amongst the tropical surrounds of the Cairns Botanic Gardens, the heritage-listed former fuel tanks have been transformed into an atmospheric venue for live music, exhibitions, performances and community events.
For theatre and performing arts the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) in the city centre hosts a diverse programme of local, national and touring productions. Depending on when you visit, you may find theatre, live music, dance, contemporary circus, comedy, opera and other performances on the programme.
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.
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.
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.
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.






Got a free morning, afternoon or evening in Cairns? Here’s what we recommend as locals.”
Walk the Cairns Esplanade – one of the easiest ways to get a feel for Cairns, with waterfront parklands, public art, birdlife, cafés and views across Trinity Inlet. Cairns Esplanade
Swim at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon – a Cairns favourite and normally free to use. Important right now: the Lagoon is closed for scheduled maintenance until 16 August 2026. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Visit Cairns Aquarium – particularly good for families and rainy or very hot days, with Tropical North Queensland’s freshwater and marine environments showcased in the heart of the city. Cairns Aquarium
Discover local history at Cairns Museum – a worthwhile stop for understanding the people, events and stories that shaped Cairns and Far North Queensland. Cairns Museum
Visit Cairns Art Gallery free entry right in the city centre and part of Cairns’ growing cultural precinct. Council says the precinct now encompasses three heritage art spaces. Cairns Art Gallery
Explore Cairns Botanic Gardens – just outside the CBD at Edge Hill and well worth the short trip. Entry is free and the gardens contain one of Australia’s best collections of tropical plants. Cairns Botanic Gardens
See St Monica’s Cathedral – visitors often don’t realise this is worth seeing. The cathedral is particularly known for its impressive creation-themed stained-glass windows. Saint Monica’s Cathedral
Browse the Cairns Night Markets – an easy evening activity in the centre of town for souvenirs, gifts, food and a wander after dinner. Cairns Night Markets
Enjoy a Sunset or Dinner Cruise – Trinity Inlet is a lovely way to see Cairns from the water. A Sunset Cruise works well before dinner, while a Dinner Cruise combines the evening cruise with a tropical buffet.
See a show or live music – check what’s on at CPAC, Tanks Arts Centre and Munro Martin Parklands. Munro Martin Parklands
Visit Rusty’s Markets – particularly good for tropical fruit, local produce and getting a feel for the multicultural side of Cairns.
Walk the Arrow tracks at Mt Whitfield – for active visitors wanting rainforest and views without leaving Cairns. Council specifically recommends the Red, Blue, Yellow and Green Arrow walking tracks.
Don’t let a little tropical rain spoil your Cairns holiday. Rain is part of what keeps our World Heritage rainforests so lush and green, and there are plenty of things to see and do in and around Cairns in wet weather. Visit the Cairns Aquarium, St Monica’s Cathedral, explore our museums and galleries, head up to Kuranda to see the rainforest and waterfalls come alive, or enjoy one of Cairns’ many indoor attractions. And remember, rain in Cairns doesn’t always mean rain on the Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns attractions include the Esplanade Lagoon, waterfront dining, local markets, nearby beaches, reef departures, rainforest day trips and cultural experiences. Many visitors use Cairns city as the starting point for Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, Daintree and island tours.
Yes, Cairns city is family-friendly, especially around the Esplanade, lagoon, parks and casual dining areas. Families can also choose from easy day tours to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Frankland Island, Green Island, Fitzroy Island, Kuranda and the Great Barrier Reef depending on the age and swimming ability of the children. Visit Muddy’s playground on the Esplanade, a favourite for local families and visitors.
Staying near Cairns city, the Esplanade or the marina area is convenient for sightseeing and tour departures. Many reef and island tours depart from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, while other day tours offer hotel pickup from central Cairns accommodation.
For questions about bookings, cancellations, group travel and accessibility, visit our page.
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