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.

Cairns Private Tours — Cairns Discovery Tours

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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.

Explore Cairns & surrounds with our curated tours.

4.9 stars, 363 reviews

7 Jul → 8 Jul

Cairns Port

Tue, 9:30 AM

Wed, 5:00 PM

Carnival Encounter

29 Jul 2026, Wed

Cairns Port

9:30 AM

5:30 PM

Carnival Encounter

15 Aug 2026, Sat

Cairns Port

7:00 AM

4:00 PM

Carnival Adventure

8 Sep 2026, Tue

Cairns Port

7:00 AM

4:00 PM

Carnival Encounter

13 Sep 2026, Sun

Cairns Port

9:30 AM

6:00 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

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

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, 9:30 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 → 25 Mar

Cairns Port

Sun, 10:00 AM

Thu, 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

Waterfall and Rainforest Tour Cairns, Australia

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.

More Info

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

2 Daintree Rainforest overnight tour from Cairns

2 Day Daintree Rainforest tour from Cairns. Visit Mossman Gorge, Welcome to Country ceremony, Daintree River Wildlife cruise, overnight in Cape Tribulation. Please note this is a limited – exclusive experience, please reach out if it shows no availability online, we can request

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2 Day Daintree Rainforest Tour

$331.00 Single shared bathroom | $507.00 Single with bathroom | $373.00 Twin/Double with bathroom

7:00 am

7:00 pm

Mossman River rainforest scenery on Daintree tour from Cairns

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.

More Info

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

Special Deal

2 Day 1 night Daintree & Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns

2 Day Cape Tribulation and Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns and Port Douglas. Overnight in the world’s oldest continuous living Rainforest on the planet and explore the untouched Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation.

More Info

2 Day Daintree Rainforest & Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns

$556.00 Single shared bathroom | $732.00 Single ensuite | $598.00 Twin/Double ensuite

7:00 am

7:00 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

More Info

Cairns Rainforest Tubing Tour

Adult $119.00 includes River Levy | Child $95.00 5-11yrs | Family 2A+2C $353.00 | Shoe Hire $5.00

7:00 am

12:00 pm

Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns with Pure Snorkelling

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.

More Info

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

Special Deal

Adult $159.00| Child 4-14yrs $89
Family 2A+2C $496
Includes 1.5 hour dedicated Whale Watching tour plus free time at Fitzroy Island
Depart Cairns 8.30am – 2.45pm or 10.45am – 4.45pm

Experience an unforgettable day of nature and relaxation. Cruise off the coast of Cairns to witness the spectacular migration of Humpback Whales, then spend time unwinding on a tropical island with snorkelling, hiking, marine life, and stunning beaches.

More Info Book Now

Whale Watching Tour Cairns

Adult $159.00 | Child $89.00 4-14yrs | Family 2A+2C $496.00 2A+2C 4-14yrs

8:30 am

Book Now

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over tropical rainforest near Cairns

Please read inclusions & itinerary for changes during Skyrail upgrade 20th July – 26 October 2026
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.

More Info

Kuranda Day Tour from Cairns with hotel transfers

Adult $210.00 | Child 4-14yrs $110.00 | Family 2A+2C $557.50 | Gold Class upgrade $67.00 per person

10:30 am

5:45 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.

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 !

I had an incredible time with Cairns Discovery Tours! The entire experience was seamless, but I especially want to highlight the amazing help I received from Maryanne. She was absolutely wonderful throughout the booking process—her assistance in coordinating all the different spots and managing the details made my trip stress-free and truly enjoyable. If you're looking for a professional and helpful team in Cairns, I highly recommend them. Thank you, Maryanne, for all your hard work!"

We booked a whole day trip out to Daintree , Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. Our guide was Jeremy. He was really fun and knowledgeable and I think he made all the difference in the World on this excursion. Without him, we would be lost not knowing what to look at and what to look out for. Highly recommended excursion if you can get a guide like Jeremy!!!