CAIRNS AND THE TROPICAL NORTH · DAY TRIPS
The ones worth setting an alarm for.
The 10 most-booked cairns and the tropical north day trips, all done in a single day and back by evening. Each one comes with the pickup point, how long you are away, what it costs and the company that runs it.
Smoke ceremony, crocodile river cruise, and Cape Tribulation sights in one long day from Cairns—great value with pickup and lunch.
Most Popular“A very well coordinated tour of the Daintree rainforest, the river and some crocs, cape tribulation, mossman gorge, and lots of info given throughout.”
Great Barrier Reef day trip from Cairns with two reef stops, snorkeling or scuba options, gear included, buffet lunch, showers, and safety-first crew.
“Absolutely incredible experience! The service was outstanding from start to finish, and the snorkeling was even better than we imagined. Everything about this reef tour was perfect — smooth, fun, and unforgettable. We cannot recommend it highly enough!”
Ride the Skyrail up and the Kuranda Scenic Railway down in one day from Cairns, with optional wildlife stops in Kuranda.
“Awesome waterfall and rainforest on the cable. Loved village market railway down with beautiful scene!”
Green Island day trip from Cairns on an air-conditioned catamaran. Pick reef activities, walk the rainforest, and enjoy lunch options.
“The staff during the tour were wonderful. However I would have liked more direction as to where to go to get to the activities. I had to ask around and they definitely didn’t show it in the video on board. The submarine experience was cool, however it was very hot and claustrophobic. The company also…”
Swim rainforest waterfalls and crater-lake scenery on an Atherton Tablelands day trip from Cairns with lunch, tea, and hotel pickup.
“Eli is the best!! You're touring gorgeous landscapes while having the most fun trip ever!! Plan to sing along, play games, and get to know you're fellow tour mates! We were a group of age 60-ish friends and Eli treated us with fun and respect as we adventured along with 20 year olds. He made…”
Spend a full day from Cairns exploring Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, a Daintree River croc cruise, Cape Tribulation Beach, plus lunch and ice cream.
“Down Under Tours sent us a confirmation and time of pick however they forgot to pick us up. I can’t recommend and Viator should remove them immediately! I’m awaiting my refund and very disappointed 🥲”
Fitzroy Island day tour from Cairns with fast ferry, up to seven hours on the reef, and optional snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat.
“If you’re a nature lover you will enjoy this day. The island is fantastic and snorkeling is a must for everyone.”
Skyrail up to Kuranda and back by scenic train. Hotel pickup, rainforest stops, and free time in Kuranda Village for a smart day plan.
“We were met by the guide and taken to the sky rail departures point for our skyway journey above the rain forest. There was two,optional stops on the way to our final stop which was Kuranda delightful and picturesque village was amazing, After our time in kuranda we took the kuranda train back down to…”
A small-group 4WD day trip from Cairns to fossil-rich Chilagoe Caves, old copper smelters, Balancing Rock, and rock wallabies.
“Great to go inland rather than staying on the coast. It was a great day and we saw a lot. Rowan our driver and tour guide was very knowledgeable, respectful and attentive to our needs. An excellent tour allowing us to experience some of Queenslands history, produce, Australia’s beautiful landscape and wildlife. I would highly…”
A half-day Green Island trip from Cairns on an air-conditioned catamaran, with optional semi-sub or glass boat views of the Great Barrier Reef.
“Had already had a full day trip to the outer barrier reef & Michaelmas Cay with an organised tour, so just wanted another quick boat trip before we had to leave Cairns. Fast, comfortable boat, helpful staff & enjoyed clearly viewing the reef from the jetty at Green Island, including seeing several turtles. Loved walking…”
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