Things to do in Cairns
Off to Tropical North Queensland and stuck for things to do in and around Cairns? Get stuck into our awesome range of Cairns activities and discover this amazing piece of the world, where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.
For those looking to explore Cairns below sea level, use Cairns as your base to discover the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef. Our range of snorkelling and scuba tours will get you up close and personal with thousands of kinds of sea life – this colourful underground paradise will take your breath away! There’s also Kuranda and the Daintree ,the world’s oldest rainforest, to discover via Skyrail or the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Like to get high on adrenalin? From the sea to fresh water, try your luck white water rafting on Cairns’ exciting rapids, or jump out of a plane and try a Cairns sky dive - you’ll never feel more alive as your feet hit the ground!
Once you’ve had your fill of Cairns, there’s plenty to do in nearby Port Douglas. So head north and discover why people just can’t get enough of Cairns activities.
Choose from 20 Family activities in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
Full Day Green Island Snorkelling & Cruise
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$154
Green Island is an idyllic coral cay in paradise. Snorkel off the beach over stunning coral reefs, ablaze with underwater colours and teeming with myriads of coloured exotic reef fish. Explore the island rainforest, walk around this tiny coral cay or simply relax and take it all in.
Flames of the Forest Cultural Experience
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
from
$212
Flames of the Forest has to be felt ... Ignite your senses beneath the canopy of the oldest rainforest in the world.
1-hour Cairns Kuranda Scenic Rail One-Way Journey
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$49
One way journey from Cairns/Freshwater to Kuranda, through World Heritage Rainforest to the beautiful village of Kuranda.
River Tubing - Half Day
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$59
River Tubing is an exciting half day tour, drifting through mild rapid sections in the beautiful Goldsborough Valley. Float on professional high quality twin chamber tubes for up to two hours amongst beautiful scenery, river tubing down small fun rapids!
Kuranda Train and Skyrail (ex Port Douglas)
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$162
Your day begins with the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail journey to Kuranda. Relax and take in the spectacular views. There is plenty of time to explore, including the Heritage Markets which operate daily. Then it's time to board Skyrail for your return journey, gliding silently over the rainforest.
Full Day Kuranda, Train & Skyrail Experience
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
from
$147
Your day begins with the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail journey to Kuranda. Relax and take in the spectacular views as you wind your way up to quaint village of Kuranda. There is plenty of time to explore. Then it's time to board Skyrail for your return journey, gliding silently over the rainforest.
New Activity
1 Day Admission to Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$32
The Wildlife Habitat is Australia's leading environmental wildlife experience, providing visitors the chance to observe up close a huge range of flora and fauna.
Experience the Wetlands, Rainforest and Grasslands environments, where you can join a guided tour and interact with our animals.
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures - Self Drive
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$35
Get incredibly close to crocodiles! See jumping crocs on our boat cruise, watch the awesome croc attack show, plus check out our fascinating shows on snakes, koalas and cassowaries.
Outer Reef Snorkel Tour
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$180
During this day trip, you will get to snorkel over magical reef gardens where the coral is pristine and the water is stunningly clear. You'll travel on Cairns newest reef boat, join the guided snorkel tour, and learn about the reef with educational marine talks.
Cairns Night Zoo - Self Drive
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$99
A great fun night out! Includes fantastic Aussie BBQ dinner, salads & desserts. Join the spotlighting tour, to meet the creatures of the night.( owls, crocs, bandicoots etc). Cuddle a Koala (extra cost),have billy tea and damper with the kangaroos and dance with the good old Aussie Bush Band.
Snorkel & Dive on the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
from
$200
Experience the wonders of the largest collection of coral reefs in the world! Visit
three sheltered moorings with spectacular sites of stunning coral gardens and
abundant marine life.
Our fast, stable and comfortable vessels all have large sun deck areas and
spacious saloons.
New Activity
1 Day Admission to Cairns ZOOm and Wildlife Dome
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
from
$45
The new Cairns ZOOm is the world's first Challenge Ropes Course in a wildlife immersion exhibit, situated in the heart of the city on the roof of the Reef Hotel Casino. It consists of 65 elements - including one which takes participants directly over our 4 metre saltwater crocodile!
Cairns Tropical Zoo - Self Drive
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$33
This interactive hands on Zoo is set in tropical gardens and is home to 100s of native and exotic animals. Hand feed kangaroos, pat a wombat, cuddle a koala, watch entertaining presentations, including the spectacular free flight bird show! Make own way to zoo. Hours 8:30am-4:00pm
Breakfast Time at the Zoo
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$54
Meet some Aussie wildlife, including cute koalas, while enjoying a full cooked breakfast or divine belgian waffles. Afterwards, experience all the wonderful wildlife shows at the Zoo.
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$19
Experience the magic of Australia's largest live butterfly exhibit - The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. It's a magical place and a haven for both butterflies and people. A place where you'll be enchanted by the aerial acrobatics of some of the most spectacular denizens of our rain forest.
Full Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkel
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$190
Discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef as you join our luxury day cruise to Moore Reef at the outer edge of one of the seven wonders of the world, all by our fast, air-conditioned catamaran. Snorkel, swim or simply relax and take in the beauty of this magical wonder.
Great Australian Wildlife Experience - Self Drive
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$61.20
For the Ultimate Wildlife Experience, visit both Cairns Tropical Zoo and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Make own way.
Breakfast with the Birds & Entry
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$47
Immersed within the Wetlands environment, experience the symphony of sounds and colours of wildlife as they wander freely amongst the tables as you enjoy North Queensland's best breakfast, including a hot and cold buffet, juices, and bottomless tea and coffee.
Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Seawalker Helmet Dive
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$330
Experience the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef by joining our Seawalker Helmet Diving adventure program. Seawalker has been designed to introduce people to the excitement of the underwater world, even without any prior dive knowledge or experience.
Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Introductory Scuba
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
$315
Experience the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef by joining our Introductory Scuba Dive adventure program. If you have ever wanted to try scuba diving, this is your opportunity for an experience of a lifetime, conducted and escorted by our qualified instructors.
