Tours and Trips in Cairns & the Tropical North

Explore the Kuranda Rainforest - a UNESCO World Heritage site - on a full-day tour from Cairns. Travel on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda, getting views of the rainforest and Barron Gorge along the way. Visit the Rainforestation Nature Park and see the wildlife during a tour in an amphibious Army Duck vehicle. Then step on board the 6-person gondola at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for the return journey to Cairns, with time to stop at Barron Falls and Red Peak Station en route.

Explore the UNESCO-listed wilderness of Australia's tropical north on this 5-hour off-road adventure from Cairns. Marvel over the natural wonders of the Barron Gorge National Park, including Surprise Falls, Copperlode Dam and Barron Falls, and admire native flora like the Clohesy River Fig. Get off-the-beaten-track in a 4WD as you wind along rainforest trails, climb through the Great Dividing Range and enjoy spectacular views over the Great Barrier Reef. Best of all: this private tour can be customized to your preference and ensures the undivided attention of your guide.

Cross the Barron River on the Kuranda Riverboat and disembark in a secluded rainforest clearing to begin your 1-hour walking tour. Follow your guide along a well-maintained forest trail to see different trees, vines, lianas and ferns in this tropical rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as cassowaries that may be spotted in this section of the rainforest. After your walk, duck into a rainforest tea room for light refreshments before returning to Kuranda Village by riverboat.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Daintree Rainforest, then discover the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day tour from Port Douglas. Take part in an Aboriginal welcome ceremony, then set out on a fascinating Dreamtime walk through the Mossman Gorge, including a traditional bush tea. Then, set sail on a catamaran cruise to the Low Isles, where you can choose to snorkel amid the colorful corals, take a cruise on a glass-bottomed boat or relax on the beach. This small-group tour is limited to 15 people and includes hotel pick-up.

Explore the lush beauty, amazing wildlife and rich heritage of Tropical North Queensland on this customizable full-day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. Travel to this enchanting rain forest village aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, and choose from a variety of activities including visits to the Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park and Rainforestation Nature Park. Hang out with koalas and exotic birds, browse local markets and opt to include a delicious buffet lunch. At the end of the day, glide through the treetops back to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Uncover the mysteries of the rain forest by day and night on this unique 8-hour tour of Paronella Park, including hotel pick-up from Cairns. Enjoy unbeatable views of the UNESCO-listed rain forest as you walk the Mamu Tropical Skywalk, then head to Paronella Park to spot colorful birds and butterflies, and cool off with a swim at Josephine Falls. After a delicious dinner at a local restaurant (if option selected), head back to the park after nightfall to discover the beautifully illuminated waterfalls and nocturnal wildlife.

Get your adrenaline pumping on a skydiving adventure from Cairns. Enjoy incredible bird's-eye views of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef as you jump out of a plane on a tandem skydive with an experienced diver. Fall freely from 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) in the air before floating by parachute back down to the ground. First-timers are welcome.

This tour allows you to combine visits to the Heberton Historic Village, Kuranda Village, and a ride on the Skyrail Ranforest Cableway in a single 9-hour day trip from Cairns. Learn about the history, culture, and environment of the region through guided tours and exploring each site independently. Round-trip transportation from Cairns hotels and a light lunch are provided.

Learn to scuba dive in one of the world's top locations for underwater wonders: Cairns, Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. Your professional and friendly instructors lead a 4-day PADI Open Water dive course for your small group limited to eight people. You'll gradually learn the skills you need to scuba dive and earn the internationally recognized PADI certification. Practice basic scuba skills in the classroom, a swimming pool, and on confined water dives, then discover the Great Barrier Reef on open-water dives. Hotel transfers are included each day.

Experience the unique history and gorgeous scenery of North Queensland during this 10-hour day trip. Enjoy beautiful views at Barron Falls, the most famous waterfall in North Queensland and explore the pioneer village of Herberton, where you can check out the park's collection of vintage cars, steam-operated machines and old-time blacksmith shops, plus have an old-fashioned country meal. Spend the afternoon discovering the scenic Crater Valley along the highway to Mount Hypipamee, returning to Cairns through the Kuranda Range. A guide, morning tea, lunch, entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport are covered.

Learn about the indigenous Aboriginal people of northern Queensland and spot some unforgettable wildlife, all on a convenient day trip from Cairns. At the Tjapukai Indigenous Culture Park you'll witness a variety of Aboriginal cultural ceremonies, and get the chance to throw a spear and boomerang yourself. At Hartley's Crocodile Adventures you'll get up close to incredible animals (at a safe enough distance!) as well as other Australian wildlife that's hard to spot in the wild.

Discover the beauty and history of Queensland's coastal rainforest on this full-day dreamtime adventure. Trek through the World Heritage-listed rainforest around Mossman Gorge with an aboriginal guide while learning about indigenous spiritual customs and native medicinal plants. Savor a locally sourced lunch among the treetops at the Daintree Teahouse, and glide down the Daintree River on a croc-spotting cruise. You also explore the historic sugar town of Mossman and the vibrant coastal culture of Port Douglas.

Visit two of the most popular wildlife venues in the Cairns area with this combo admission to the Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld. Aussie animals are renowned for various reasons - from adorable (koalas) to elusive (wombats). You'll have the chance to see an array of wildlife. Some activities are an additional fee.

This 10-hour tour from Cairns allows you to visit Paronella Park, Herberton Village, and Granite Gorge in a single day. Round-trip transportation from central Cairns, as well as a light lunch, are included.

Get a bird's-eye perspective of Tropical North Queensland on an unforgettable hot air balloon flight at sunrise. Soar over the Atherton Tablelands as golden sunlight breaks across beautiful farmlands, rivers and forests. Choose from a 30- or 60-minute flight and enjoy pickup and drop-off from your Cairns, Northern Beaches or Palm Cove hotel. It's a breathtakingly beautiful way to start your day!

Explore the wild landscapes and UNESCO-listed rainforests of Far North Queensland on this full-day tour of Kuranda from Cairns. Browse the handicrafts markets of Kuranda village, cruise along the Barron River (extra cost) or enjoy a short hike in the Barron Gorge National Park. For the full experience, upgrade to include a scenic transfer by train and a thrilling ride on the Skyrail cable car. Many options are available with this tour.

Explore Kuranda's Rainforestation Nature Park, a 100-acre (40-hectare) tropical rainforest and World Heritage site located within five minutes of Kuranda village, accessible from Cairns. Your admission ticket to this family-friendly attraction includes three eco-experiences: see Australia's native animals at the Koala and Wildlife Park; ride the amphibious Army Duck on a unique rainforest tour; watch an Aboriginal Dance Show at the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and take a Dreamtime Walk.

Explore the Kuranda Rainforest at night on this 4-wheel-drive adventure from Cairns and the Northern Beaches. Experience outback traditions as you sip billy-tea by a campfire, and taste kangaroo and crocodile sausages before traversing World Heritage-listed landscapes in a sturdy 4WD Hummer. Cross the Atherton Tablelands to Granite Gorge, look for wild kangaroos and nocturnal birds, and gaze up at the stars, away from city lights. Tour is limited to 20 people.

Journey to Queensland's Far North to explore the UNESCO-listed rainforest of Kuranda on this full-day tour from Cairns. Take in the highlights of the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park with a thrilling Army Duck tour, followed by a guided tour of the Koala and Wildlife Park, where you'll enjoy a close encounter with crocodiles, Tasmanian Devils and kangaroos. Finally, immerse yourself in Kuranda's unique Aboriginal heritage at the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, complete with traditional dancing, didgeridoo music and spear throwing demonstrations.

Journey to the heart of the jungle and explore the UNESCO-listed rainforests of Northern Queensland on this full-day tour from Cairns. Pose for photos beside the gigantic Curtain Fig trees; marvel over the steaming pools of the Crater Lakes and tuck into an indulgent Devonshire Tea overlooking Lake Barrine. Then, look out for tree kangaroos as you hike to Ellinjaa and Zilliee Falls; cool off with a dip by Millaa Millaa Falls.