The best day trips from Cairns: a guide for first timers

February 7, 2024 • By Maryanne Jacques

Cairns, a gem nestled in the heart of Tropical North Queensland, serves as the perfect gateway for those eager to immerse themselves in Australia’s spectacular natural beauty. From the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef to the vast rainforests, Cairns is a hub of adventure that promises unforgettable experiences. If you’re a first-timer, you’re in for a treat. Let’s discover the best day trips from Cairns that will leave you mesmerised, or explore Cairns tour packages for even more experiences.

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Article by:

Maryanne Jacques

Director, Cairns Discovery Tours

Maryanne Jacques is the Director of Cairns Discovery Tours and your local connection to Tropical North Queensland. With more than 40 years of experience in the tourism industry, she brings deep local knowledge and a genuine passion for showcasing the very best the region has to offer.

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We live here, work here, and know these tours firsthand.

4.9 stars, 368 reviews

8 Sep 2026, Tue

Cairns Port

7:00 AM

4:00 PM

Carnival Encounter

13 Sep 2026, Sun

Cairns Port

9:30 AM

7:30 PM

Carnival Splendor

29 Sep → 30 Sep

Cairns Port

Tue, 9:30 AM

Wed, 6:00 PM

Carnival Encounter

28 Oct 2026, Wed

Cairns Port

9:30 AM

5:30 PM

Carnival Encounter

30 Oct 2026, Fri

Cairns Port

7:00 AM

5:00 PM

Crown Princess

7 Nov 2026, Sat

Cairns Port

7:00 AM

7:00 PM

Costa Serena

8 Nov 2026, Sun

Cairns Port

7:00 AM

7:00 PM

Riviera

14 Nov 2026, Sat

Yorkeys Knob Port

9:30 AM

8:00 PM

Celebrity Edge

15 Nov 2026, Sun

Cairns Port

8:00 AM

6:00 PM

Viking Venus

20 Nov 2026, Fri

Yorkeys Knob Port

7:00 AM

6:00 PM

Royal Princess

23 Nov → 24 Nov

Cairns Port

Mon, 9:00 AM

Tue, 7:00 PM

Noordam

26 Nov 2026, Thu

Cairns Port

7:00 AM

7:00 PM

Riviera

26 Nov 2026, Thu

Yorkeys Knob Port

9:00 AM

9:00 PM

Celebrity Solstice

27 Nov → 28 Nov

Cairns Port

Fri, 8:00 AM

Sat, 6:00 PM

Azamara Pursuit

28 Nov 2026, Sat

Cairns Port

8:00 AM

11:00 PM

Silver Moon

29 Nov 2026, Sun

Yorkeys Knob Port

9:00 AM

7:00 PM

Royal Princess

2 Dec → 3 Dec

Cairns Port

Wed, 12:00 PM

Thu, 6:00 PM

Viking Orion

5 Dec 2026, Sat

Cairns Port

9:00 AM

7:00 PM

Grand Princess

6 Dec → 7 Dec

Yorkeys Knob Port

Sun, 9:00 AM

Mon, 6:00 PM

Celebrity Edge

9 Dec → 10 Dec

Cairns Port

Wed, 7:00 AM

Thu, 3:00 PM

Riviera

10 Dec 2026, Thu

Cairns Port

9:30 AM

6:30 PM

Carnival Luminosa

12 Dec 2026, Sat

Cairns Port

8:00 AM

7:00 PM

Seven Seas Navigator

16 Dec 2026, Wed

Cairns Port

7:00 AM

4:00 PM

Carnival Encounter

17 Dec 2026, Thu

Cairns Port

8:00 AM

6:00 PM

Viking Orion

20 Dec 2026, Sun

Cairns Port

9:30 AM

9:30 PM

Riviera

1 Jan 2027, Fri

Cairns Port

9:30 AM

6:30 PM

Carnival Luminosa

12 Jan 2027, Tue

Cairns Port

8:00 AM

10:00 PM

Silver Moon

17 Jan → 18 Jan

Cairns Port

Sun, 8:00 AM

Mon, 6:00 PM

Westerdam

18 Jan 2027, Mon

Cairns Port

9:30 AM

6:00 PM

Carnival Luminosa

19 Jan 2027, Tue

Yorkeys Knob Port

9:00 AM

6:00 PM

Quantum of the Seas

3 Feb 2027, Wed

Cairns Port

7:00 AM

4:00 PM

Carnival Encounter

4 Feb 2027, Thu

Cairns Port

7:00 AM

6:00 PM

Costa Deliziosa

12 Feb → 13 Feb

Yorkeys Knob Port

Fri, 8:00 AM

Sat, 5:00 PM

Celebrity Edge

21 Feb → 22 Feb

Cairns Port

Sun, 8:00 AM

Mon, 9:00 PM

Crown Princess

2 Mar 2027, Tue

Cairns Port

9:00 AM

6:00 PM

Queen Victoria

4 Mar 2027, Thu

Cairns Port

8:00 AM

6:00 PM

Grand Princess

5 Mar 2027, Fri

Cairns Port

9:30 AM

6:00 PM

Carnival Splendor

6 Mar → 7 Mar

Yorkeys Knob Port

Sat, 9:00 AM

Sun, 5:00 PM

Celebrity Edge

9 Mar 2027, Tue

Yorkeys Knob Port

8:00 AM

6:00 PM

Quantum of the Seas

12 Mar 2027, Fri

Cairns Port

9:30 AM

9:30 PM

Riviera

13 Mar 2027, Sat

Cairns Port

7:00 AM

7:00 PM

Grand Princess

15 Mar → 20 Mar

Cairns Port

Mon, 8:00 AM

Sat, 6:00 PM

Viking Orion

17 Mar 2027, Wed

Cairns Port

9:30 AM

6:30 PM

Carnival Luminosa

21 Mar 2027, Sun

Cairns Port

8:00 AM

6:00 PM

Viking Venus

21 Mar → 22 Mar

Cairns Port

Sun, 10:00 AM

Mon, 6:00 PM

Crystal Serenity

5 Apr 2027, Mon

Yorkeys Knob Port

7:00 AM

5:00 PM

Celebrity Solstice

9 Apr 2027, Fri

Cairns Port

7:00 AM

4:00 PM

Carnival Encounter

11 Apr 2027, Sun

Cairns Port

8:00 AM

6:00 PM

Seabourn Quest

22 Apr 2027, Thu

Cairns Port

9:00 AM

5:00 PM

Carnival Adventure

Adult $269|Aust Pensioner $259
Child $209 (4-14yrs only)
not suitable for children under 4yrs
Departs Daily 7.00am

Discover the Daintree Rainforest in Comfort – Small Group Touring (Max 14 Guests)
Travel along the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef Drive to explore Mossman Gorge, enjoy a restaurant lunch at the Daintree Tea House, 1 hour cruise on the Daintree River and visit Cape Tribulation Beach—where the rainforest meets the sea. With scenic stops at Rex Lookout, Flagstaff Hill Port Douglas, and a sweet treat option at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, this full-day tour offers an immersive nature experience in air-conditioned comfort. A full day exploring our spectacular natural backyard.

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1 Day Daintree – Cape Tribulation Rainforest Tour

Adult $269.00 | Aust Pensioner $259.00 | Child $209.00 (4-14yrs only)

7:00 am

6:00 pm

Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tour
Adult $209 |Child 6-14yrs $159
Family 2A+2C $670
Depart Cairns Daily 12 noon – 5.00pm

Cairns newest & fastest purpose built vessel to the Outer Barrier Reef. Only 40 snorkelers per trip. Join our expert snorkel team, made up of Master Reef Guides and Marine naturalists, on a crowd-free adventure with over 2 hours of snorkelling time. Get ready to discover the Great Barrier Reef.

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Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tour

Adult $209.00 | Child 6-14yrs $159.00 | Family 2A+2C $670.00

12:00 pm

5:00 pm

Tour operates Mondays and Tuesdays each week until 24 October 2026
Includes Kuranda Scenic Train and Luxury Coach transfers
Choice 8.50am or 9.50am Scenic Train with return coach transfers at 2.45pm or 3.45pm
Plus your choice of a Koala Gardens or Birdworld Kuranda experience

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Kuranda Scenic Train & Coach during Skyrail upgrade

Adult $160.00 | Child $89.00 4-14yrs | Family 2A+2C $448.00 2AD+2CH | Gold Class Upgrade 9.50am Train $69.00

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.

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Waterfalls and Rainforest Tour

Adult $189.00 | Child 2-11yrs $149.00 | Family 2A+2C $527.00

7:30 am

5:30 pm

Special Deal

Ferry leaving Green Island Great Barrier Reef

Departs daily 8.30am – 5.30pm
Fuel Levy $10.00 Adult $5.00 Child payable day of travel

2 iconic destinations in 1 day. Fast catamaran to Green Island for a 2-hour coral cay stopover, then out to Great Adventures’ Moore Reef platform for 3 hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel gear, semi-sub, underwater observatory and buffet lunch all included.

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Green Island & Moore Reef Tour from Cairns

Adult $312.00 | Child $172.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $805.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child. Fuel Levy payable at check-in on the day of travel.

8:30 am

5:30 pm

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures river cruise boat with crocodile

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.

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Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Adult $110.00 | Child $55.00 4-15yrs | Family 2A+2C $275.00

Book Now

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

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Discover Fitzroy & Green Island in one day

Adult $196.00 | Child $98.00 | Family 2A+2C $490.00

8:30 am

5:00 pm

River tubing adventure in rainforest near Cairns

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

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Cairns Rainforest Tubing Tour

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

7:00 am

12:00 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.

We had such a fun time on a half day tour of Fitzroy island with Cairns Discovery Tours! We managed to do an everything we wanted (Nudey beach, long snorkel and lunch) within the time period we had and we even got to swim with turtles 🐢 an unforgettable experience! This would not have been possible without the fantastic help of Maryanne who booked us in for the tour. She went above and beyond to help us find somewhere to leave our bags during our tour and we wouldn’t have been able to go without her help. We enjoyed the experience so much and we are very grateful to Maryanne for her help and her exceptional customer service! I would definitely recommend booking local for these kind of experiences because that kind of customer care just doesn’t come when you book through third party sites. 10/10 experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Highly recommended!

We went on a tour with Discovery Tours today, doing the Mossman Gorge, Daintree / Daintree River Cruise, finishing of visiting Cape Tribulation… Our driver was James, who was exceptional. Giving running commentary along the trip. Guiding his group of people through all the different areas. Thanks James, top job.

In June I came to Cairns on holiday from the UK. It was the biggest holiday I've ever taken and because my health limits what I can do took a lot of planning. Maryanne at Cairns Discovery Tours was brilliant. She helped me choose suitable trips, gave me additional information so I could be prepared, advised on the easiest way to get to the departure point for those trips that don't pick up from my accommodation, etc. I booked all my trips except one with Maryanne. Her knowledge of Cairns was invaluable to me. She spoke to me on Whatsapp to answer my questions (we had to arrange call in advance because of the time difference) and when it occurred to me quite close to departure date that I'd need a way of protecting my head and neck from the sun when snorkelling Maryanne got me a suitable headscarf and dropped it off at my accommodation ahead of my arrival. When a friend decided to join me on some of the trips Maryanne was really helpful to her as well. If I am able to come back to Cairns I'll book as much as I can with Maryanne and Cairns Discovery Tours. The service couldn't be bettered.

We have just done the 3 day/2 night Cooktown and Cape Tribulation Tour with 2 friends. An unbelievable experience due to our fantastic guide Steve, who had so much local knowledge on everywhere we visited, especially historical info on the Palmer River gold rush in the 1800s, and Daintree Rainforest botany. Steve was such a good raconteur with friendly personality, who went out of his way to make our trip so enjoyable. Accomodation at both Cooktown and Cape Tribulation was excellent, with amazing setting of the cabins at Cape Tribulation in the rainforest right by the beach. Everything advertised for the tour and more was an memorable experience. Thank you so much Steve!

I was delighted with the Kuranda tour arranged by this company. The timings worked excellently and it was an eminently well organised tour. The train trip up to Kuranda was great fun and fascinating. Personally, I was particularly interested in the engineering. We had an hour in Kuranda Village, which was enough for me, although I expect some people would have liked to have seen the village and visited the butterfly world, which I think would have been tight. Rainforestation was great, plenty of activity of a variety of natures. I could not throw a boomerang to save my life, but it was fun to try. Then the bus down to Cairns was efficient and friendly, with a superb guide.