Things to do on a trip to Cairns

A Cairns Botanic Gardens
A Cairns Botanic Gardens

Cairns, a tropical paradise nestled on the north-eastern coast of Australia, offers a captivating blend of stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From vibrant botanical gardens to iconic landmarks, it offers an immersive experience for travellers seeking adventure, relaxation and exploration. If you are planning a trip to Cairns, get ready to experience the enchanting landscapes and create lifelong memories.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover or a history buff, Cairns has something special in store for you.

Cairns museum

  • Embark on a fascinating journey through Cairns’ history at the Cairns Museum. Delve into the stories of the region’s past, from the challenges of living in the tropics to the pivotal role of sugar cane, rainforests and reefs in shaping the area.

Cairns Botanic Gardens

  • Renowned as one of the finest showcases of tropical plants in Australia, the Cairns Botanic Gardens is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Learn about the diverse flora that thrives in this tropical climate and appreciate the beauty of these meticulously curated gardens.

St. Monica’s Cathedral

  • A visit to St. Monica’s Cathedral is a journey into the heart of Cairns’ spiritual and artistic heritage. This heritage-listed cathedral is a memorial to the Battle of the Coral Sea.

Barron Gorge National Park

  • Head to the Barron Gorge National Park for an adventure amidst nature’s wonders. One highlight not to be missed is the magnificent Surprise Creek Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings.

Palm Cove Beach

  • A trip to Cairns is incomplete without a visit to the idyllic Palm Cove Beach. Stroll along the jetty or sink your toes into the soft sand. This picture-perfect beach, adorned with swaying coconut trees, offers a peaceful retreat from city life.

Port Douglas Market

  • Embark on a retail adventure as you wander through Port Douglas Market. You’ll be captivated by the array of stalls offering unique and handcrafted treasures found exclusively in this northern corner of paradise.

Reef-rainforest scenic helicopter flight

  • Soar through the skies on a captivating adventure and witness the mesmerising beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient tropical rainforest. Experience the thrill of a bird’s eye view as you marvel at the vibrant colours of the reef and then gaze in awe at the lush green canopy.
Cairns City Tours — Cairns Discovery Tours
Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise

Explore Cairns

Cairns City Tours

Discover the best of Cairns with sightseeing tours, sunset river cruises and wildlife encounters. From cultural attractions to hot air balloon flights, there is something for every traveller.

See city tours

Book a tour

Cairns truly offers a remarkable journey into nature’s splendour and the vibrant tapestry of Australian culture. Start your journey with Cairns Discovery Tours and let the beauty of the region unfold. With a dedicated guide leading the way, you’ll gain insights into the city’s heritage and unique culture. Contact us for any questions or information on our tours.

Maryanne Jacques

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

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

4.9 stars, 365 reviews
Google Reviews
Carnival Encounter
8 Sep 2026, Tue
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
4:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
Carnival Splendor
13 Sep 2026, Sun
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
6:00 PM
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Encounter
29 Sep → 30 Sep
Cairns Port
Tue, 9:30 AM
Wed, 6:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
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
Noordam
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
Viking Orion
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
Carnival Luminosa
10 Dec 2026, Thu
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
6:30 PM
Carnival Luminosa
Seven Seas Navigator
12 Dec 2026, Sat
Cairns Port
8:00 AM
7:00 PM
Seven Seas Navigator
Carnival Encounter
16 Dec 2026, Wed
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
4:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
Viking Orion
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
Carnival Luminosa
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
Carnival Luminosa
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
Carnival Encounter
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
Carnival Splendor
5 Mar 2027, Fri
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
6:00 PM
Carnival Splendor
7 Mar → 8 Mar
Yorkeys Knob Port
Sun, 9:00 AM
Mon, 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
Viking Orion
15 Mar → 20 Mar
Cairns Port
Mon, 8:00 AM
Sat, 6:00 PM
Viking Orion
Carnival Luminosa
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
Carnival Encounter
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
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

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

12:00 pm
5:00 pm

Applies to travel up to 19 August, plus 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

More Info

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

Cairns Museum cultural half day tour experience

Adult $115.00| Child $82.00 from Cairns
Cairns Hotel pick ups commence from 12.30pm

Enjoy a small group Cairns afternoon guided tour, one of the most popular half-day tours in Cairns, showcasing the best of Australia’s most famous tropical city.. Explore the cities rich history which provides glimpses of natural beauty, cultural heritage and some of Cairns most iconic landmarks.

 

More Info

Adult $115.00 | Child $82.00

12:30 pm
6:00 pm
Special Deal
Ferry leaving Green Island Great Barrier Reef
Free Green Island upgrade includedNormally $343 - Save $31

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.

More Info

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
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

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

7:00 am
6:00 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.

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

Book Now
snorkelling green island

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

More Info

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

8:30 am
5:00 pm
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

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

7:30 am
5:30 pm
View all popular tours

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.

SayItLikeItIs
SayItLikeItIs
1 month ago
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 :)
Jia Wang
Jia Wang
1 month ago
The tour is fantastic, with great views and unique experience. The staffs are friendly and helpful.
Mihaela Satrapeli
Mihaela Satrapeli
2 months ago
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!
Michelle White
Michelle White
2 months ago
Great tour. We covered a lot of ground without feeling rushed. The day was well organised & seamless with a very knowledgeable tour guide/ driver.
madam howling
madam howling
1 month ago
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!
Mark Rodahl
Mark Rodahl
9 months ago
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 !