Planning your holiday to Cairns and searching online for the best tours and things to do can feel overwhelming with so many incredible experiences to choose from. Luckily, that’s where we come in: we’ll guide you through the most popular tours in and around Cairns!
White Water Rafting
If you’re an adventurous person, Cairns has plenty to offer. The region is packed with adrenaline-inducing activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, or white water rafting.
White Water Rafting is an exciting activity where you join a group in an inflatable raft and travel down a river filled with rapids. Using paddles, you work together to steer the raft and navigate the river with an experienced guide.
Tully River, located south of Cairns, is home to the only Grade 4 rapids in the region and the famous rafting site that hosted the 2019 World Rafting Championships. This is an exhilarating full-day tour departing daily with pickup locations in and around Cairns.
Just a beginner? We recommend opting for the Barron River half-day river rafting from Cairns and enjoy grade 2 and 3 rapids.
Book your fully day white water rafting trip to Tully here of book your Barron falls adventure here!
Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway Tour
You may have seen this tour mentioned before, as the Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway Tour is one of the most popular experiences in Cairns.
Start your morning by travelling with the historic Scenic Railway to the charming mountain village of Kuranda. Spend the day exploring Kuranda’s markets, galleries and animal sanctuaries, including the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
In the afternoon, jump on the famous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, travelling by gondola above the tropical rainforest. Enjoy panoramic views, a picture perfect lookout over Barron Falls, and a wander around the rainforest itself.
The tour includes return coach transfers from Cairns, the Northern Beaches and Port Douglas. You can also opt to start your day off by Skyrail and return by Scenic Railway.
Look for the best price for this day tour to Kuranda? DM us and let us know you read this blog!
Green Island and Fitzroy Island Tours
From Cairns, you can visit two beautiful islands by ferry: Green Island and Fitzroy Island. Both islands offer stunning tropical rainforest, beautiful beaches, restaurants and resort facilities. The main difference between the two is that Fitzroy Island is better known for its hiking trails and the famous Nudey Beach (FYI: clothing is required, despite the name it is not a nudist beach!), while Green Island is smaller and flat making it the ideal day trip for families.
On both islands, you can hire snorkelling equipment in advance and join a glass-bottom boat tour, which takes you around the reef surrounding the island.
Book your Green Island Ferry Transfer here!
To hop on a ferry to Fitzroy Island, just drop us a message!
Two Islands in one day? No problem, book the Two Island Explorer here!
Skydiving in Cairns
Skydiving in Australia on the bucket list? Cairns is one of the most unique locations to experience skydiving.
Ready to jump from a plane at sunrise while taking in breathtaking views over the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical Daintree Rainforest?
It’s an unforgettable adventure combining an adrenaline rush from 15,000 ft with a birds eye view of some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery.
Snorkelling and Diving Tours
There are many different snorkelling and diving locations on the Great Barrier Reef, but if you’re looking for the best experience, my personal favourite and the most popular reef sites are located on the Outer Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is divided into 3 sections; Inner, Middle, ad Outer. The Outer Reef is the furthest from the mainland. The Outer Reef is closer to the continental shelf, and the closer you get to the deeper ocean, the more marine life you can discover.
This is where you’ll find clearer waters, healthier coral and the vibrant colours that make the Great Barrier Reef one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
There are many different reef sites to choose from, and the best option depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Whether you love snorkelling, diving, or simply exploring the underwater world, leave us a message and we’ll help you find the best Outer Reef sites that suit you best.
There are plenty more activities, trips, and things to see and do in Cairns. For more inspiration take a look at our Cairns Tours and Day Trips page. If you would like more personalised or local recommendations, drop us an email at support@travelhubaustralia.com
