Cairns River Cruise

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.

More Info

Cairns River Cruise & City Sights Tour

Adult $240.00 | Child $188.00 4-14yrs

10:45 am

6:00 pm

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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.

I booked the two day Rainforest trip on the 23rd & 24th June. The scenery was breathtaking and we were treated to a river cruise where we spotted some famous local crocodiles :D Throughout the journey to the lookouts and the Daintree Rainforest, we were treated to some fascinating commentary by our guides on the history of the area. I would like to give special thanks and appreciation to John and Clinton who were very knowledgeable, humorous and looked after us all very well :) I opted to spend a night in the Rainforest and it was truly an unforgettable experience :)

The tour is fantastic, with great views and unique experience. The staffs are friendly and helpful.

Very good support from Marianne to organize our Cairns visits, both for diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and for Kuranda and Rainforest Cape tribulation tours ! You can trust she will arrange every modification needed at her best ! Loved the trip in Cairns also thanks to Marianne, who listens and adapts to your interests and time ! Big Thank you, Marianne!

Great tour. We covered a lot of ground without feeling rushed. The day was well organised & seamless with a very knowledgeable tour guide/ driver.

I’m not often impressed enough to comment I certainly am with Maryanne Nothing was too much effort, even to ringing me at 9pm on Friday night to change a trip Refunded was processed within ten minutes of cancellation, new options provided All the five star reviews are true!

Cairns Discovery Tours is such a wonderful company. They all were essential in giving us an unforgettable experience on our first trip to Cairns. Maryanne is so friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful in finding perfect excursions for us. Her Daintree Rainforest tour with the awesome Jeremey as our guide was truly amazing ! On top of all of this, everyone was so kind and helpful to recover and return to my wife a lost sentimental bracelet. I can not thank them all enough for making our vacation so special and memorable. You are all the best !

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you see on a Cairns river cruise?

A Cairns river cruise usually explores the calm waterways around Cairns, such as Trinity Inlet and nearby mangrove areas. Depending on the cruise, you may see city views, boats, birdlife, mangroves and local marine or estuary wildlife.

Is a Cairns river cruise suitable for families?

Yes, river cruises can be a good option for families because they are generally relaxed, scenic and easier than a full-day reef or rainforest tour. Check the individual tour details for duration, accessibility and child pricing before booking.

How long does a Cairns river cruise take?

Cruise duration varies by operator and itinerary, but many Cairns river or harbour cruises are shorter experiences compared with full-day reef tours. Check the tour listing for the exact departure time, return time and inclusions.

Where do Cairns river cruises depart from?

Most Cairns cruises depart from central Cairns marina, harbour or waterfront departure points. Your booking confirmation will show the exact meeting location and check-in time.

Is a Cairns river cruise good if the weather is not suitable for reef tours?

A river or harbour cruise may be a good alternative when you want a shorter, calmer experience close to Cairns. Tours still depend on operator conditions and local weather, so always check the latest departure advice before travelling.

For questions about bookings, cancellations, group travel and accessibility, visit our Cairns Tours FAQ page.