Cairns Family Friendly Tours
Looking for family friendly tours from Cairns? Travelling with kids doesn’t mean missing out on the Great Barrier Reef or the rainforest. These tours are chosen for calm water, non-swimmer options, kids’ pricing or activities that keep younger travellers engaged all day.
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 $229| Child $195 (2-11yrs)
Family 2A+2C $848.00
Infants – Not recommended
free of charge sits on parent lap & no meal included
Departs Daily 7.00am – 7.30pm
Cape Tribulation is where the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforests meet the world’s greatest living tropical reef, The Great Barrier Reef. Includes Mossman Gorge, lunch and crocodile wildlife spotting cruise. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the cascading waters in the Daintree Rainforest
Adult $239.00 | Child $205.00 (2-11yrs) | Family 2A+2C $888.00 | Infant $0.00 sit on parents lap
Discover the rainforest village of Kuranda with a one-way Skyrail cableway and return on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Glide above the World Heritage rainforest, enjoy free time in Kuranda, then relax on the heritage train journey back to Cairns. Timed to suit cruise ship schedules from Cairns.
Travel from 20th July to 25th October please read Skyrail modifications for inclusions
Adult $209.00 | 4-14yrs $110.00 | 2A+2C $566.00
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 5-11yrs | Family 2A+2C $353.00 | Shoe Hire $5.00
Fitzroy Island Special
Adult $166+ $4 Fuel levy | Child $110 +2 Fuel Levy (4-15yrs)
Family 2A+2C $444 + $10.00 Fuel Levy
Includes Snorkel equipment + Glass bottom boat tour + Picnic lunch
Departs daily 10.15am – 4.30pm
Best value Fitzroy Island Day Tour
Discover Fitzroy Island’s natural beauty and vibrant marine life with our ‘best of the island’ tour. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, this tour offers an unforgettable day on one of Cairns’ most picturesque islands.
Adult $170.00 | Child $112.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $454.00 | $0.00
Not available from 20th July – 19th August 2026 Skyrail Closure
Departs Daily 10.30am – 5.45pm
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 $210.00 | Child 4-14yrs $110.00 | Family 2A+2C $557.50 | Gold Class upgrade $67.00 per person
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
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
From Adult $108| Child $62 (4-14yrs)| Family 2A+2C $278
Departs daily – 8.30am or 10.45am
Return to Cairns- 4.45pm
Fitzroy Island Adventure is a quick 45-minute ferry to the beautiful coral Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Things to do on Fitzroy Island. You can hire snorkel equipment, glass-bottom boat tour, guided snorkel tours, go swimming, stand-up paddleboards and sea kayaking. Those more active can do the Lighthouse Trail, a steep climb with rewarding views.
From Adult $108.00 | Child $62.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $278.00
The Kuranda Army Duck Tour with Train and Skyrail. You will journey through and above Far North Queensland’s World Heritage-listed wet tropics rainforest. Experience an amphibious WWII Army Duck Rainforest Tour at Rainforestation Nature Park. Free time in Kuranda before finishing your day with Kuranda Scenic Railway. Hotel transfers included.
Please read inclusions & itinerary for changes during Skyrail upgrade 20th July – 26 October 2026
Adult $240.00 | Child $128.00 4-14 yrs | Family 2A+2C $640.00
This Kuranda Day Tour includes the Kuranda Scenic Train and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park. Ride an amphibious WWII Army Duck through the rainforest, meet Aussie wildlife at the Koala and Wildlife Park, the Pamagirri Aboriginal experience and Aussie BBQ lunch plus hotel transfers.
Please read inclusions & itinerary for changes during Skyrail upgrade 20th July – 26 October 2026
Adult $306.00 | Child 4-14yrs $162.00 | Family 2A+2C $814.50 | $67.00 Gold Class per person
Adult $109| Child $63 (4-15yrs)| Family 2A+2C $289
+ Fuel Levy Adult $4.00 Child $2.00 Family $8.00
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.
Adult $109.00 | Child $63.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $289.00
Departs Cairns 8.00am – 4.30pm
Kids 50% off – valid to 30th September 2026
Adult $10 Child $5 Fuel Levy
Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure combining 2.5 hours at Moore Reef Pontoon + 2.5 hours Fitzroy Island stop over in a day! Moore Reef Pontoon includes coral viewing with semi-submersible, glass bottom boat, underwater observatory, snorkelling & kids waterslide. Then a leisurely time at Fitzroy Island to relax & unwind including lunch.
Adult $337.00 | Child ( 4 - 16yrs ) $169.00 | Kids 50% OFF $92.50 valid to 30 Sept 26 | Family 2A+2C $859.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child Fuel Levy
Departs daily 7am – 5pm
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.
Adult $260.00 | Child $160.00 4-16yrs | Family 2A+2C $680.00
Adult $122| Child $66 4-14yrs
Family2A+2C $316
Half Day 8.30am or 10.30am departure -return Cairns 3.20pm
Full Day 8.30am or 10.30am departure -return Cairns 5.20pm
Green Island is an idyllic coral cay located only 15 nautical miles offshore from Cairns, snorkel and swim in the clear, cool island waters straight from the white sand beach. Encounter a wide variety of colourful fish, turtles and other marine creatures whilst exploring the beautiful coral reef gardens surrounding Green Island. Includes choice of snorkelling equipment OR glass bottom boat.
Adult $122.00 | Child $66.00 4-14yrs | Family2A+2C $316.00
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 $289| Child 4-14yrs $236
Family 2A+2C$1050 + Fuel levy $4 Adult $2 Child
Departs Cairns 8.30am or 10.30am
Returns 3.20pm or 5.20pm
Underwater helmet diving experience on the Great Barrier Reef. Immerse yourself in the marine wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef and discover the underwater world from a different perspective. It’s a fun and engaging and easy to do. There is no equipment to operate, and non-swimmers are welcome; Seawalker is accessible to almost everyone and you don’t even have to get your hair wet!
Adult $289.00 | Child 4-14yrs $236.00 | Family 2A+2C $1050.00 | $0.00 Fuel levy $4 Adult $2 Child payable direct
$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 $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.
Adult $312.00 | Child $172 (4-14yrs)
Family 2A+2C $805
Fuel Levy payable direct on the day of travel $10 Adult $5 Child
Departs Cairns Daily 10.30am – 5.20pm
Discover the Great Barrier Reef and spend 3 unforgettable hours at the Outer Reef activity platform where both swimmers and non-swimmers can immerse in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Explore a range of activities from snorkelling to underwater observatories to guided tours for a closer look. Relax as you enjoy the sundeck taking in the views of the reef with a delicious buffet lunch.
Adult $312.00 | Child $172.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $805.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child | Fuel levy payable on the day of travel
From Adult $325| Child $160| Family $810
Seasonal prices apply
Departs daily 9am – 5pm
Experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef at the all-weather Pontoon which is the newest and most technologically advanced pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef. A 90-minute cruise takes you to Moore Reef for snorkelling, scuba diving, helicopter flights, and more. Stay dry with a sundeck, and view the coral from the underwater observatory, glass-bottom boat, or semi-submersible tour.
Adult $325.00 | Child $160.00 | Family $810.00
Adult $307|Child 4-15 yrs $172
Family 2A2C $786
Fuel Levy $10.00 Adult $5.00 Child $30.00 Family
Departs Daily 10.15am – 5.30pm
Join Sunlover Reef Cruises for a day of discovery on the Great Barrier Reef. Travel in comfort aboard their fast, air-conditioned catamaran to a spacious pontoon at pristine Moore Reef on the outer reef. The newly refurbished platform caters for swimmers and non-swimmers alike, with an upper-level sun deck and the popular Sunlover Waterslide — a 30-metre spiral splash into tropical blue water.
Adult $307.00 | Child 4-15 yrs $172.00 | Family $786.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child Fuel Levy
Adult $179| Child $79
Available Tues to Sat 3pm – 6:15pm
Experience available up until 28th June 2026
Aquarium by twilight gives you an insight into the unique changes of the region’s nocturnal sea creatures as they move about in the shadows. Witness the predators in the Oceanarium with appetiser and drink in hand, before completing your evening at Dundee’s Restaurant with a perfectly matched 3 course dining experience while enjoying a stunning marine life backdrop.
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
Current Kids’ Deals and Discounts
Right now kids go half price on the Reef & Island (Moore Reef & Fitzroy) tour – one of our best value family reef days, combining a pontoon visit with a stop at Fitzroy Island.
Best Reef Tours for Families
Many reef tours include a glass bottom boat, semi-submersible or waterslide (Sunlover Cruises has a 30-metre waterslide that’s a big hit with kids five and up), so non-swimmers and younger children have plenty to do alongside snorkelling.
Island Day Trips with Kids (Green Island, Fitzroy Island, Frankland Islands)
Island day trips to Green Island, Fitzroy Island and the Frankland Islands offer calmer, more protected water than the outer reef, making them an easier first reef experience for young children.
Rainforest and Wildlife Activities for Families
The Skyrail cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway are consistently popular with kids from around age four, and several tours combine both in a single day along with a wildlife park stop. Rainforest tours with swimming spots, such as the Waterfalls and Rainforest Tour, give kids a chance to cool off mid-trip. Wildlife parks like Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and after-hours options like the Cairns Aquarium by Twilight work well as a lower-key day or wet-weather backup, and river cruises are a good affordable half day option for families who don’t want a full day commitment.
Choosing the Right Tour by Age Group
For toddlers and younger kids, calmer island trips to Green Island or Fitzroy Island and shorter activities like a river cruise tend to work best. Kids around four and up generally enjoy the Kuranda combo tours and rainforest tubing. Older kids and teens are better suited to the longer outer reef trips, white water rafting, or a full day 4WD adventure such as the 1 Day Chillagoe Outback 4WD Tour. If you’re not sure which fits your family, tell our team your kids’ ages and we’ll point you to the right tour.
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
What's the easiest reef tour for young children?
Tours to Green Island or Fitzroy Island offer calmer, more protected water than the outer reef, making them a gentler first reef experience for young kids.
Are there tours for non-swimmers in the family?
Yes, several reef tours include glass bottom boats, semi-submersibles or underwater observatories so non-swimmers can still enjoy the reef.
What age is suitable for the Kuranda tours?
The Skyrail and Scenic Railway combo tours are generally enjoyed by children from around age four upward.
Is there anything suitable for a rainy day?
The Cairns Aquarium by Twilight and Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures both work well as indoor or partly covered options.
Do any tours currently have discounted kids' pricing?
Yes, ask our team for the latest kids’ pricing deals on our Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island tours, as these change from time to time.