Ten of the best day trips from Cairns

Top 10 Cairns Day Tours, Kuranda, Daintree, Atherton Tablelands

Top Cairns day tours
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

1. Outer Great Barrier Reef Day Tour from Cairns

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For those looking to immerse themselves in the full glory of the Outer Great Barrier Reef, this day trip from Cairns by high speed catamaran makes it possible. You’ll enjoy around four hours at a permanently moored activity platform on the reef, and have the option to snorkel, dive (additional cost applies), spend time in an underwater observatory, or cruise in a semi-submersible craft. A tropical-inspired buffet lunch is included in the cost of your tour. Read more

Watch our video of ten top things to do in Cairns:

Ten Amazing Things to Do in Cairns, QLD | City Guide – The Big Bus

Welcome to The Big Bus tour and travel guide’s YouTube Channel. Sitting pretty in Tropical North Queensland, the city of Cairns has undergone an extraordinar…

2. Daintree, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation Tour from Cairns

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree rainforest is a must-see on any visit to Cairns. Enjoy the services of a knowledgeable local guide and explore in modern air conditioned transport on this full-day tour. Highlights include a croc spotting cruise on the Daintree River, and stroll on the famous Cape Tribulation Beach. A traditional Aussie BBQ lunch is included, along with a sweet treat from the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Read more

Top Cairns day tours
Top Cairns day tours: Explore the Daintree rainforest.

3. Kuranda Day Tour by Train and Skyrail from Cairns

A ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway is just the start of this fabulous day trip to the rainforest township of Kuranda. On arrival, you’ll have three hours of free time to explore the quaint streetscape, shop in the markets, or visit the many local attractions. Return to Cairns on board the epic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway! Read more

Top Cairns day tours
Top Cairns day tours: Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

4. Green Island Day Tour from Cairns

Green Island is a tranquil coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park that’s accessible on a day trip from Cairns by fast catamaran (the transfer time is around 45 minutes each way). Laze on the crisp white beaches, snorkel off the shoreline, do a glass bottom boat trip, and go on a self-guided eco walk. Lunch and drinks are available for purchase. Read more

Top Cairns day tours
Green Island. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

5. Atherton Tablelands Rainforest Tour from Cairns

This afternoon/evening tour of the Atherton Tablelands south-west of Cairns will introduce you to Tropical North Queensland’s extraordinary biodiversity. You’ll delve into the Queensland Wet Tropics rainforest, have the chance to spot some of the region’s shyest nocturnal animals, and enjoy a delicious included dinner. Read more

Top Cairns day tours
Go wildlife spotting in the Atherton Tablelands. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

6. Paronella Park Day Tour from Cairns

Escape the city and explore the wondrous Atherton Tablelands on this full-day tour from Cairns. One of the absolute highlights of this experience is the visit to Paronella Park — a Spanish-style castle in the rainforest. It’s just as amazing as it sounds! Along the way, you’ll see natural wonders like Lake Barrine, the Curtain Fig Tree, and exquisite Millaa Millaa Falls. Read more

Top Cairns day tours
Top Cairns day tours: Paronella Park

7. Daintree Tour from Cairns by 4WD Vehicle

This Daintree tour from Cairns by 4WD offers an eco-accredited experience in a custom-built 4WD vehicle. Your guide will have an extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna, and history of the region, along with Indigenous culture and heritage. A hearty BBQ lunch is included. Read more

Top Cairns day tours
Delve into the Daintree in a 4WD vehicle. Image: Vanessa O’Hanlon

8. Barron Gorge White Water Rafting Tour from Cairns

Take on the rapids of Tropical North Queensland’s Barron River on this half-day, action-packed rafting tour from Cairns. You’ll paddle your way through epic river gorges, framed by the lush rainforest of Barron Gorge National Park. Full tuition is provided and the tour is suitable for all skill levels (including complete beginners). Read more

Top Cairns day tours
Face the Barron River rapids. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

9. Ngadiku Daintree Dreaming Day Tour from Cairns

Connect with local Aboriginal culture in Far North Queensland on this popular Ngadiku Day Tour. It includes a guided mangrove walk at Cooya Beach north of Port Douglas and a rainforest walk in Mossman Gorge. You’ll be welcomed with a traditional smoking ceremony and enjoy an included lunch seasoned with bush tucker ingredients. Read more

Top Cairns day tours
Top Cairns day tours: Chillagoe Caves. Image: Tourism Atherton Tableland

10. Chillagoe Caves Day Tour from Cairns

If you’re looking to explore further afield, this day tour to the renowned Chillagoe Caves — three hours by road each way from Cairns — is a fascinating experience. Once part of an ancient reef, Chillagoe is rich in geological diversity and home to a breathtaking limestone cave system. You’ll enjoy a ranger-guided cave tour and lunch at a classic Aussie pub. Read more

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