Cairns
Cairns was settled by Europeans in 1876 who arrived in search of gold. Modern-day Cairns is now seen as the city "where the rainforest meets the reef" as it is the gateway to both the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef for the many tourists that pass through each year.
The main tourist centre in town is along the Esplanade, which has a swimming lagoon, bustling weekend markets, and plenty of great food options.
Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise
A Cairns dinner cruise is the perfect way to end a perfect day in paradise. Board the sailing catamaran and enjoy an evening of calm water cruising on Trinity Inlet, taking in the sights and sounds of this tropical port city and its surrounds as they transition from day to night.
Aboriginal Art and Culture with SEIT Daintree Dreaming - Lunch Included
Immerse yourself in a full-day Aboriginal Arts and Culture experience at Janbal Aboriginal Art Gallery, protected by the Tiki people. Learn skills from Brian 'Binna' Swindley and listen to his stories, passed down through generations, leaving you inspired and with an understanding of connections to Country. Translate your own story into a piece of artwork to take home, a lovely reminder of your travels through the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.
Enjoy lunch at Mayi Cafe and Restaurant, operated by the local community within Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. You will then be taken on a scenic drive through the Shannonvale Valley, where your guide will share stories of living in the area and the resourcefulness of the paper bark tree.
Fitzroy Island Transfer and Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Fitzroy Island Adventures
Departing from the Cairns Marina, you will board a comfortable vessel and cruise out to the unspoiled Fitzroy Island across pristine reef waters. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and once you arrive you will have up to 6 hours to explore. Part of your adventure on the beautiful island includes a glass bottom boat tour where you will see some of the best coral reefs in the area and spot sea turtles and colourful fish.
Cairns Classic Ballooning with Hot Air
This morning you will be collected from your accommodation before dawn and taken to the launch site to begin your adventure. Watch on as the balloon inflates and be amazed at its sheer size. Your guide will have you in the balloon ready for launch as the sun begins to rise, setting the scene for your breathtaking experience as you gaze out the views of the Atherton Tablelands and the Great Barrier Reef that greet you. As the flight is coming to an end, your pilot will slowly guide the balloon back to the landing point where the fun continues. Once you have landed, experience the pack down of the balloon and come together with the pilot and crew to share a toast with a glass of bubbly to celebrate your unforgettable experience.
Michaelmas Cay Cruise with Ocean Spirit - Lunch Included
Aboard the 32 Catamaran Ocean Spirit and embark on a 2-hour sail to the beautiful Michaelmas Cay for a full day of exploring this haven! During the sail, enjoy an informative presentation from the onboard Marine Biologist learning about the reef and the marine life. Arriving at the reef there is plenty to do and explore, Watch the fish feeding presentation or if you are keen to get amongst it- there is snorkelling and diving on the reef! If you would prefer to stay dry- board the glass bottom boat and cruise around the reef as your skipper explores the surroundings or relax in the sun on one of the spacious decks. Stopping for a buffet lunch served aboard before heading back out to relax on the beach or try out more of the activities offered. As the day comes to a close at the reef enjoy a glass of wine and cheese and crackers as you enjoy the homeward journey.
Cairns to Fitzroy Island Transfers with Fitzroy Island Resort
Hop aboard a 45-minute Fitzroy Flyer ride to get you from Cairns to Fitzroy Island and back daily. Perfect for day trips to explore the many adventure activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving or beautiful nature walks on Fitzroy Island, or for a longer holiday at the Fitzroy Island Resort.
Fitzroy Island + Snorkel Lesson and Snorkel Safari with Fitzroy Island Resort
Discover the magnificent underwater worlds of the calm, sheltered waters of Welcome Bay and other incredible and exclusive snorkel sites surrounding Fitzroy Island. This activity is ideal for or above-level snorkelers seeking a more advanced snorkeling experience. After a brief boat ride, your small snorkeling group will be granted exclusive access to underwater areas not accessible to other guests at Fitzroy Island. Experienced snorkel guides provide an informative talk before touring you through one of Fitzroy Island’s bays of spectacular fringing reefs, sprawling coral formations, vibrant schools of fish, and other marine life.
Fitzroy Island Day Tour + PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course with Fitzroy Island Resort
Discover the magnificent marine life of the calm, sheltered waters of beautiful Fitzroy Island. Impressive dive sites of this stunning island provide experience for all levels of divers. During this tour, you will learn the basics of Scuba Diving with this 1.5-hour PADI certified program, that involves learning different scuba skills and diving from Welcome Bay with the PADI instructor. It is a great introduction into what it takes to explore the wonders of underwater world. If you want to try scuba diving, but aren't quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, Discover Scuba diving us for you!
Fitzroy Island Transfer and Guided Snorkel Experience with Fitzroy Island Adventures - Lunch included
Departing from the Cairns Marina, you will board a comfortable vessel and cruise out to the unspoiled Fitzroy Island across pristine reef waters. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and once you arrive you will have up to 6 hours to explore. Part of your adventure on the beautiful island includes 35-minute snorkelling tour with a Marine Biologist. A boat will drop you and your expert guide off at one of the beautiful coral reefs around Fitzroy Island giving you exclusive access to areas not accessible to other guests.
Frankland Islands Reef Cruise Day Trip
On the Frankland Islands Reef Tour, you'll start with a comfortable coach ride from Cairns through scenic landscapes, including the World Heritage rainforest and Walsh’s Pyramid. Enjoy a calm river cruise down the Mulgrave River, followed by a short boat ride to Normanby Island, located in the Great Barrier Reef. As the exclusive operator permitted to land on Normanby Island, Frankland Islands Reef Cruises allows you ample time and space to explore. Your customizable day includes various optional activities like snorkeling, a semi-submarine tour, guided island walks, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a beachside buffet lunch. After your island adventures, you'll return to Cairns in the late afternoon.
Full Day Waterfall & Atherton Tablelands with Waterfall Wanderers - lunch included
Full Day Cairns Waterfalls Tour takes you deep into the Wet Tropics Rainforest, where you can breathe deeply and connect richly with the natural world that surrounds you. Venture from the Cairns hinterlands, up, over, and through the beautiful rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands on an epic road trip in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with panoramic windows. Your professional guides enhance your connection to this country, through informative commentary covering local legends and visits to culturally significant sites. Pack your towels and bring your cameras because this day is all about you immersing yourself – literally – in rainforest waters and crater lakes, with the opportunity to stand beneath the veil of a wonderful waterfall and let it all go as you slide down a natural rockslide.
Glass Bottom Boat Day Tour with Fitzroy Island Resort
Enjoy a leisurely cruise in Fitzroy Island Resort’s glass bottom boat, Coral Viewer. Journey over the fringing reef that encircles Fitzroy Island as your guide provides an informative talk, showcasing the numerous varieties of vibrant fish and beautiful coral, among other types of marine wildlife in the area, all from the comfort of a dry, glass-bottom boat.
Guided Snorkel Safari Full Day Tour with Fitzroy Island Resort
Discover the magnificent underwater worlds of the calm, sheltered waters of Welcome Bay and other incredible and exclusive snorkel sites surrounding Fitzroy Island. This activity is ideal for intermediate or above-level snorkellers seeking a more advanced snorkelling experience.
Oceanquest Overnight Reef Experience
OceanQuest is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef overnight experience from Cairns. When just one day at the reef isn’t enough, an overnight trip from Cairns gives you all the time you need. Visit colourful dive and snorkel sites during the day, and at night everything from the air-conditioned cabins with en suites, lounge and bar, is designed for your comfort.
Outer Barrier Reef Cruise and 35 Minute Guided Snorkel with Dreamtime Dive - Lunch Included
The Dreamtime Outer Barrier Reef Cruise is a unique activity that combines experiencing the world's oldest living culture and some of Australia's most amazing marine life. You will gain a deeper cultural understanding of the reef's diverse ecosystem and indigenous heritage of the region and experience demonstrations by Traditional Owners. Your morning commences with an Indigenous welcome after boarding the catamaran. Enjoy interactive commentary, informative storytelling, and games, as well as morning tea and buffet lunch. Once arriving on the reef, you will experience a guided snorkel experience in the Great Barrier Reef and get up close with the marine underworld. As you depart the reef in the afternoon you can enjoy an afternoon tea while sharing your experience with the Indigenous Sea Rangers on board.
Outer Barrier Reef Cruise with Silverswift Cruises
Dive into an unforgettable adventure with the Outer Barrier Reef Cruise by Silverswift Cruises. This exhilarating full-day experience is perfect for avid snorkellers and scuba divers eager to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Departing from Cairns, Silverswift's modern and comfortable catamaran will whisk you away to three unique and stunning reef sites, each offering diverse marine life and breathtaking coral formations. Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel or dive in crystal-clear waters, where you can encounter an array of colorful fish, majestic sea turtles, and other fascinating marine creatures. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, the friendly and professional crew will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience, offering guided snorkel tours and optional introductory or certified dives. In between your underwater adventures, relax on the spacious sun deck, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and take in the stunning views of the vast blue ocean. The Outer Barrier Reef Cruise with Silverswift Cruises is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of one of the world’s most renowned marine environments.
Rainforest, Waterfalls & Paronella Park Tour with Northern Experience Eco Tours
Discover the natural beauty and history of the Atherton Tablelands on this full-day tour, covering over 300km packed with pristine rainforest waterfalls, ancient tropical rainforests, and the intriguing history of heritage-listed Paronella Park.
Amongst a small group in our air-conditioned bus, our expert guides reveal the secrets of the rolling landscapes and charming townships of the Tablelands, taking time to pause for unforgettable scenic views, rainforest encounters, and of course, a dip in the cool rainforest waters of Milla Milla Falls and Babinda Boulders.
Reef Day Tour with Reef Experience
Experience the dazzling environment and marine life of the Great Barrier Reef when you visit not one, but two pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef locations on this all-inclusive Full Day Reef Tour with Reef Experiences! An all-inclusive experience that offers up to 6 hours at two pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef locations, scuba diving, unlimited snorkelling, glass-bottom boat tours, breakfast and lunch, a complimentary cheese & fruit platter and wine on the return journey, a marine biology presentation, and pick up and return to Cairns City accommodations.
Top Deck Club Reef Day Tour with Reef Experience
Experience the dazzling environment and marine life of the Great Barrier Reef when you visit not one, but two pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef locations on this all-inclusive Top Deck Club Full Day Reef Tour with Reef Experiences! An all-inclusive experience that offers up to 6 hours at two pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef locations, scuba diving, unlimited snorkelling, glass-bottom boat tours, breakfast and lunch, a complimentary cheese & fruit platter and sparkling wine on the return journey, a marine biology presentation, and pick up and return to Cairns City accommodations. Additional inclusions of the Top Deck Club Reef Experience are a dedicated personal valet service for the day, a private snorkel or dive guide, and access to spacious VIP accommodation at the exclusive Captain’s Wheelhouse Top Deck Lounge.
Traditional Aboriginal Fishing with SEIT Daintree Dreaming - Lunch Included
Gain hands-on fishing experience using Aboriginal foraging techniques passed down through generations during this incredible full-day fishing expedition in the World-Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Arrive at Cooya Beach on Kuku Yalanji traditional fishing grounds where you will receive a spear and head out in search of fish and periwinkles. Connect with Aboriginal culture in this authentic experience endorsed by Tourism Australia. Partake in a smoking ceremony, discover how bush soaps are made, and learn about native plants. Spend the day surrounded by the rainforest, listening to the soft sounds of birds and streams of water trickling over rocks.
Enjoy lunch at Mayi Cafe and Restaurant, operated by the local community within Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. You will then be taken on a scenic drive through the Shannonvale Valley, where your guide will share stories of living in the area and the resourcefulness of the paper bark tree.
Check out our travel blogs here
Get inspired with stories and advice on visiting Australia.
If you are planning a trip to Australia, you can rely on the expertise of a team of Australian specialists to help you design the perfect itinerary. Whether you are interested in exploring the Whitsunday Islands, Tasmania, the Red Centre, Perth, or any other part of the country, they can assist you in finding the best options to suit your interests, preferences, and budget.
The team has extensive experience and knowledge of the different regions of Australia, and can provide you with first-hand advice and recommendations on the best places to visit, things to see and do, and where to stay. Whether you are looking for a fly and drive tour, a coach tour, or a combination of both, they can tailor your itinerary to your needs.
When it comes to accommodation, the team can provide you with a huge range of ideas to suit all, from luxury hotels and resorts to budget-friendly hotels and apartments. They can also recommend unique and authentic accommodations, such as boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts, that will enhance your experience of Australia and give you a taste of the local culture.
Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, the team can help you create an itinerary that meets your needs and interests. They will work with you to ensure that you get the most out of your trip, and provide you with up-to-date and honest advice to help you make the best decisions.
Are you a Travel Agent?
Partner with our wholesale travel brand, ozsidekick! Search, create and book Australian itineraries for your clients in a flash.
© 2024 Inside Australia Travel Pty Ltd