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.
The Best Day Trips from Cairns: A Guide for First Timers
Explore Cairns & surrounds with our curated tours.


















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

Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tour
Price for travel from 1st April 2026
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.
Adult $199.00 | Child 6-14yrs $159.00 | Family 2A+2C $650.00

Departs daily 8.30am – 5.30pm
Fuel Levy $10.00 Adult $5.00 Child payable at check in day of travel
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this complete Reef and Island tour. Fast 45-minute catamaran ride to Green Island to enjoy 2 hours on this iconic coral cay. Continue your day adventure to Great Adventures spacious activity platform. Spend 3 hours discovering the wonders of the reef, with plenty of time to snorkel, relax, and take in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural treasures.
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.

Departs Daily 10.30am – 5.30pm
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 $179|Child 2-11yrs $139|Family 2A+2C $497
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 $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

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 $85.00 5-11yrs | Family 2A+2C $353.00 | Shoe Hire $5.00

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
Here’s why thousands of customers loveCairns Discovery Tours.
🗓️ Flexible Cancellations
Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking policy. Most Cairns Discovery Tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure with a full refund. We make exploring Cairns stress-free, so you can book with confidence.
💳 Book Now, Pay Later
Secure your place on our popular Cairns day tours with Klarna’s Book Now, Pay Later option. Lock in your adventure today and pay in easy installments — perfect for planning your Cairns holiday without upfront costs.
🌴 Local Since 1995
For over 28 years, Cairns Discovery Tours has been proudly locally owned and operated. Established in 1995, we’ve shared the tropical beauty of Cairns with thousands of travellers, offering authentic, community-connected tour experiences.
👩🏫 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.


