Tours and Trips in Cairns & the Tropical North

Embark upon an adventure that goes beyond the usual city tours on this Cairns ATV and Skyrail tour. Journey over and through World Heritage-listed rainforest, gliding just above the canopy, in the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway's gondola before embarking on a ranger-guided walk. Next, aboard your quad bike for an adrenalin-pumping adventure through the rainforest on dirt tracks and over creek crossings.

Marvel over two UNESCO-listed natural wonders with this great-value combo deal from Cairns. On the first day, set sail for a thrilling cruise around the Great Barrier Reef, spot exotic fish on a glass-bottomed boat tour and marvel at the colorful corals on an introductory scuba dive. On the second day, venture inland to explore the ancient Daintree rainforest, hike through the Mossman Gorge and admire views over the reef from Cape Tribulation. Best of all: the small-group tours both include lunch, hotel pick-up and all activities.

Cover much more ground than you could in a traditional tour with this helicopter tour of Cairns and the surrounds. With an expert pilot/guide, fly over Mt. Bellenden Ker and Mt. Bartle Frere on the way to Undara Volcanic National Park for a tour and lunch. Take off for Wallaman Falls and Blencoe Falls, where you can get epic photos from your aerial vantage point. Last is a buzz up the coast, including views of the Great Barrier Reef.

Escape the city for the day to explore the sublime nature and beautiful waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands on a flexible-length, small-group trip. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed area is known for its stunning rainforests, waterfalls and rolling dairy pastures. Visit several falls, including Malanda Falls, Milaa Millaa Falls, Ellinjaa Falls and Zilliee Falls, along with a historic dairy farm and numerous panoramic overlooks. This small-group trip, limited to no more than 10 guests, also includes a guide, morning tea, lunch, all entrance fees and round-trip coach transport from your hotel.

Escape the tropical heat for a day of splashing, sliding and swimming through the Behana Gorge waterfalls on this eco tour from Cairns. Get set for an adventure as you rappel down the gorge, leap over rocks and walk along rain forest trails, then cool off with a swim beneath the falls. After working up an appetite, soak up the scenery as you tuck into lunch by the waterfront. Best of all: with full instruction and safety harnesses provided, anyone can give it a go.

See the best of Cairns on a full-day combo tour that includes a morning visit to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and an afternoon sightseeing tour by coach. Learn about the living history of the Tjapukai people, the Australian indigenous people from Queensland's far north as you hear Dreamtime stories and watch a corroboree performance, then learn about the boomerang, didgeridoo and fire making. Your city sightseeing tour takes in top attractions such as St Monica's Cathedral, the Flecker Botanic Gardens, several scenic lookouts, Barron Gorge National Park and Palm Cove.

Discover the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland on a full-day tour to Chillagoe Caves and Granite Gorge. Travel from Cairns by rugged 4WD vehicle with a naturalist guide, passing over the McAllister Ranges and the Great Dividing Range as you explore the Australian Outback. Visit Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, drive near the wetlands to spot Australian native wildlife and stop by historic mining towns. Numbers are limited to 16 people on this small-group tour, with morning tea and a pub lunch included.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest and observe native Australian wildlife on a full-day tour from Cairns. View the rainforest as you ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda. Tour the Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck vehicle that offers another vantage point on the forest, visit the koalas, kangaroos and other critters at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Learn about Aboriginal culture at the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. After a classic Aussie barbecue lunch, return to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Explore Cairns on an all-day ATV and white-water rafting adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup, travel into a spectacular rainforest, receive a safety briefing, and get outfitted in necessary equipment. Then, race along trails, over jumps, and through creek crossings on a thrilling off-road ride. Enjoy morning tea and head to Barron Gorge National Park to spend the afternoon paddling rapids in a white-water raft - all on one combo tour.

Experience the natural wonders of Queensland's Atherton Tablelands to visit different parts of the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest on this outdoorsy day trip from Cairns. With a guide, you'll take easy walks to three waterfalls - Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls and Dinner Falls - and take a refreshing swim in Lake Eacham. See the Cathedral Fig Tree, take in views of the volcanic crater in Mt Hypipamee National Park, and enjoy lots of time for swimming and photo ops. Morning and afternoon snacks are picnic lunch provided

Get an up-close look at the rainforest from the middle of Cairns at Carins ZOOM and Wildlife Dome. This family-friendly attraction is home to Australian animals like wallabies, koalas, tropical birds and a saltwater crocodile. You can simply explore the park at your leisure, or choose some of the many activities like a ropes course, zipline, dome climb and more. You also have the option to upgrade your admission to the 4 Park Pass if you want to visit other Cairns-area attractions like the Butterfly Sanctuary and Rainforestation.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders and Aboriginal heritage of Australia's tropical north on this full-day tour from Cairns. First, head to the Mossman Gorge to take part in a traditional smoke ceremony with the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people. Then, enjoy a close encounter with native wildlife on the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk and visit Cape Tribulation, the meeting point of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest. After lunch at Cape Trib Beach House, embark on a scenic cruise along the Daintree River (optional).

Get a deeper understanding of Cairns and cover more ground than possible on foot on this guided small-group bicycle tour. At a relaxed pace, pedal through the streets - along a network of bicycle paths through lesser-known parts of Cairns - as your guide shares insights into the wildlife, culture, and history of the city. Disembark for a few side excursions on foot, including an Aboriginal bush tucker walk and a visit a local cathedral which boasts the largest themed stained glass windows in the world.

Escape the tourist trail for an off-road adventure in Australia's tropical north on this full-day tour from Cairns. Hop aboard a 4WD for a thrilling tour of the Barron Gorge National Park and Kuranda National Park, exploring hidden trails not normally accessible to the public and admiring natural wonders like Surprise Falls and Lake Morris. After free time to enjoy lunch (own expense) and browse the markets in Kuranda Village, enjoy aerial views over the Kuranda rainforest with a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Scenic Railway.

Escape to the jungle on this action-packed full-day adventure from Cairns or Port Douglas. Spot exotic birds, flying foxes and crocodiles as you cruise along the Daintree River, then look out over the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Daintree rainforest from the Alexander Range Lookout. After a delicious Aussie-style lunch, journey to remote Cape Tribulation, where you can hike through the ancient rainforest, stroll along the beach and enjoy spectacular views of the Great Barrier Reef.

Explore Cairns at your own pace and make your own schedule on this self-guided audio tour. Download the entertainingly narrated tour and begin whenever you like. Wander along the Esplanade Lagoon while listening to stories about the impact of war and the Gold Rush on the region. Admire indigenous artwork at the Jungara Gallery while listening to background information about the Aboriginal peoples and even visit a rooftop wildlife center.

Venture off-the-beaten-track and explore the UNESCO-listed wilderness of Australia's tropical north on this full-day tour from Cairns. Journey along the Captain Cook Highway; take a guided hike through the Mossman Gorge and cool off with a dip in the Mossman River. After lunch (included), look out for crocodiles on a scenic cruise down the Daintree River, then continue to Cape Tribulation to trek through the Daintree Rainforest and enjoy magnificent views over the Great Barrier Reef. This small-group tour is limited to 14 people for a personalized experience.

Experience the beautiful Kuranda rainforest on this train and ATV adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup, climb aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway and marvel at picturesque views of waterfalls, ravines, and the spectacular Barron Gorge. Then, travel with a guide on a heart-thumping journey through the rainforest. Get outfitted with safety and rain gear, take a quick training session, and enjoy afternoon tea - all included in the tour price.

Set out on a sunset cycle around Cairns and see the city at its most atmospheric. Follow your guide on a scenic 3-hour tour, stopping to take in the views from Cairns Wharf, admire St Monica's Cathedral and take a peek at the Pioneer Graveyard. Soak up the scenery as you glide along the Cairns Esplanade, pedal around the botanical gardens and wind along the waterfront trails of the Centenary Lakes. Finally, hop off to watch the sunset over Marlin Marina and cool off with a complimentary gelato.

Take part in two popular activities in one day on this ATV adventure paired with a Great Barrier Reef excursion. Get picked up from your hotel and taken to your ATV, and then venture into the rainforest for about an hour and a half.  Afterward, head to Green Island - a Marine National Park - for a few hours of snorkeling or cruising on a glass-bottomed boat. All the equipment you need is provided.