- Eco Conscious
- Ages 8+
Tour a World Heritage rainforest, chasing a variety of stunning waterfalls, Crater lakes and on toward some of the most beautiful locations in the Atherton Tablelands.
Cairns City, Sight-Seeing, and Adventure Tours
Home to two world heritage listed sites, the Great Barrier Reef & the Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a terrific place to holiday. Trips departing from Cairns can be on all levels of the spectrum, so whether you are a family traveling with kids of all ages, a couple looking to rest and relax, or a solo traveller looking for some excitement, we have you covered.
With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which are best for you, so we have done the hard work for you by gathering some of the best tours around town. Our recommendations are based on eco-friendly & sustainable tourism practices, as well as their brilliant reputations and great customer feed back.
Cairns is an Outdoor Nature Playground, which is why most of us that live here do so because of our passion for nature, wildlife, adventures, and the easy-going tropical lifestyle. Rest assured you are in good hands when you are travelling with any of these enthusiastic tour guides.
What's your level of adventure?
Cairns
Imagine a laidback, tropical, waterfront city with access to the world heritage listed Daintree Rainforest & the Great Barrier Reef. Now add on award winning restaurants, night life, and events; it is easy to see why Cairns is such a remarkable place to visit for all ages.
While in the city, you can stroll down the Esplanade for some spectacular views overlooking the water or go for a swim in the man-made lagoon. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many different restaurants that cover several different cuisines
Just on the outskirts of the city are the Cairns Botanical Gardens. With several walking tracks with varying difficulty levels, this is a great place to spend a relaxed afternoon. You can enjoy a self-guided walk with free audio or join a free birdwatching or gardens tour provided through the Cairns Regional Council.
Experience Adventure in the Tropics
Ever thought to yourself, what would it be like to fly? We have too & we found safe fun ways to get as close as possible to the real deal. Whether it is jumping out of a plane from 15,000 ft in the air, jumping off a 50m high platform, or leaping from 12m high rocks into waters below, you will surely feel the wind beneath your wings.
If you are not a fan of heights, but nonetheless chasing that adrenaline rush, we still got you covered. You can go rafting down the world-class rapids on the Tully River or Barron River for a thrill closer to the ground.
You do not need to be a dare devil to participate in these adventurous actives. It only takes a small bit of courage to show up & give it a go. With so many local legends guiding these awesome adventures, the crew will always be there to cheer you on for that little extra encouragement. You might just surprise yourself with how brave you can be.
Interested in more Activities?
Where to Stay
If staying at the Northern Beaches be mindful many tour operators are not currently offering pick up from the beaches. You will need to make your own way to town. As there is no free parking in Cairns (except for Sunday and Public Holidays) check out our map here showing the cheapest all day parking.
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You will have many options for Air BnB within different suburbs. Keep this in mind as it can effect your ability to be picked up for tours and getting to and from town. Tour companies are not allowed to pick up from residential residences. This means you will need to either make your own way or make your way to the closest pick up location.
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Soon to be the newest hotel in town. This 4.5 star accommodation has a central location in Cairns, only a 10 min walk to the Reef Fleet Terminal, across the street from Rusty’s markets and just next door to the Allbout Cairns shop.
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The Crystal Brooke Collection is made up of 3 unique hotels; The Flynn, The Riley, and The Bailey. Each hotel has it’s own feel and vibe to suit many different styles.
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Just a short drive from the city, Cairns Coconut park is perfect for those with their own vehicles. Offers a variety of accommodations. Family friendly & full of fun activities.
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Not your typical backpackers, Travellers Oasis offers a home away from home atmosphere. You can enjoy relaxing at the hostel or walk the short distance to town for some fun.
Where to Eat
Doesn’t matter if you are looking for fine dining or a casual beverage, Cairns has some fabulous venues worth a visit. Above are just some of our favourites, but Cairns is full of a variety of cuisines from many different nationalities. Enjoy a stroll around town and you might just discover your own hidden gem.
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- Candies
- Lilly Pad
- Blu Marlin Bistro
- Cruze (coffee only)
- Coffee Works (coffee only)
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- Salt House
- Ochre
- Howling Jays
- Prawn Star
- Paper Crane
- Yaya’s Hellenic Kitchen
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- Pier Bar
- Boatshed
- The Jack
- Three Wolves
- Flamingo’s
The Great Northern Clean Up
Each year, Cairns Regional Council holds the annual Great Northern Clean up, community events held to clean up the beautiful beaches of Far North Queensland. In 2020 volunteers, with the help of council for the large objects, were able to clear a tonne of litter from parks and waterways around Cairns. These annual clean up days not only help to keep rubbish out of the water, it is also a great reminder to the community that we all need to do our part to leave nothing but footprints behind. While council holds their events each year through the month of September, anyone can organize their own clean-up day by visiting their website here.