Tours and Trips in Cairns & the Tropical North

When your cruise ship docks in Cairn, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef is a must-do. See more with this tour, which combines a scenic helicopter flight to Green Island, with a glass-bottom boat tour, snorkeling and swimming at the island "” part of Australia's spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy stunning aerial views from the helicopter, then relax on the lovely tropical island, with use of snorkeling gear, swimming pool and buffet lunch included. Return on a luxury catamaran to complete your 5-hour tour.

Embark on a full-day adventure to the rain forest village of Kuranda and delve into the rich history of Tropical North Queensland. Travel to and from Palm Cove aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which lets you soar through the treetops on a gondola. In Kuranda, choose from a variety of itineraries to suit your interests, such as a visit to the Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park and wildlife counters with koalas, butterflies and kangaroos.

Venture out to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest where you can hike in the ancient World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, cruise on the Daintree River and see native Australian critters at Wildlife Habitat. Spend the night at Cape Tribulation in beachside accommodation with views of the Coral Sea. Choose how to spend your second day, perhaps snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef or ziplining in Daintree Rainforest. Includes one night of accommodation, transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off from select Cairns, Northern Beaches and Port Douglas hotels.

Treat yourself and your special someone to a hot air balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands at sunrise. Admire the morning light as it illuminates the wilderness and farmland of the Mareeba Valley, and look for wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies as they wake up for the day. Hear informative commentary from your pilot about the region, and keep your camera handy for amazing photo ops from above. Your tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Cairns or Northern Beaches accommodation.

Embark on an epic journey to Australia's northernmost point on this 12-day off-the-beaten-track adventure by 4WD. Follow in the footsteps of Captain James Cook in Cooktown; journey through the Lakefield National Park; and admire the dramatic coastal scenery of Cape Melville. That's not all: drive along the famous Old Telegraph track, take a fishing trip on the Lockhart River and relax on the sandy beaches of Vrilya Point. This all-inclusive tour includes accommodation, meals and round-trip transport from Cairns. 

Hop aboard the Crocodile Explorer and enjoy a scenic 2-hour harbour cruise while in port in Cairns. Float past the mangrove forests and mudflats of Trinity Inlet, and spot saltwater crocodiles basking on the waterfront as you tuck into afternoon tea (included) on-board. This shore excursion is also covered by Viator's worry-free policy, ensuring on-time return to your cruise ship. 

Explore the wild landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands on this full-day tour from Cairns. Cruise around the Lake Barrine crater lake, spot native wildlife the UNESCO-listed wet tropics rainforest, and tour the magnificent Paronella Park. Along the way, see natural wonders like the Curtain Fig Tree, and take a swim beneath Millaa Millaa Falls. Enjoy your choice between three itinerary options for the day.

Spend a day immersed in the beauty and culture of Tropical North Queensland. Departing from Palm Cove, glide above the coastal canopy in a gondola during a ride on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. When you arrive in the mountain village of Kuranda, choose from a variety of activities including a visit to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, wildlife encounters at Rainforestation Nature Park and hand-feeding feathered friends at Birdworld. You'll also catch a ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway that winds through waterfall gorges and World Heritage-listed rain forest.

Soar over the Great Barrier Reef or combined with the rainforest and swoop low over the lush Daintree Rainforest on this thrilling helicopter tour from Port Douglas. Choose from a 30-minute or 40-minute flight over the islands, sand cays and coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef or a 60-minute flight combining both the UNESCO World Heritage reef and forest to pass the rugged peaks, waterfalls and gorges of the Daintree National Park.

Make the most of your time in port with this half-day city sightseeing tour of Cairns, including afternoon tea. Visit attractions like the St Monica's Cathedral, Flecker Botanical Gardens and Cairns waterfront and walk through the Barron Gorge National Park. This small-group shore excursion is limited to 20 people and is covered by Viator's worry-free policy, ensuring on-time return to your ship.

Surround yourself by more than 1,500 multicolored butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda. The biggest butterfly aviary in the country, this delightful attraction is home to landscaped gardens that mimic the butterflies' natural rainforest habitats. Explore at your leisure while they fly all around you, or take advantage of complimentary tours during the day, including a behind-the-scenes lab tour. When booking, you have the option to upgrade to the 4 Park Pass for entry to three more Cairns-area attractions.

Take in the highlights of Northern Queensland on a 2-day 4WD adventure from Cairns, including overnight accommodation. Drive the scenic Captain Cook Highway and explore the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Daintree National park, stopping to spot wildlife in rainforest and enjoy views of Black Mountain. After visiting historic Cooktown, travel through the diverse landscapes of cattle stations and the Palmer River gold mine region.

Experience an enchanting night at the Flames of the Forest dinner, held in the world's oldest rainforest. Dine by candlelight at an open-air site, feasting on a gourmet multi-course meal while enjoying live entertainment such as an Aboriginal cultural performance or live guitar music. Sip Australian wines and beer, and finish off with tantalizing desserts before your included transfer to your hotel in Cairns, the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas.

Swap your cruise liner for a catamaran on this 6-hour shore excursion from Cairns and sail out to explore the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef. Cruise to the Green Island, where you can snorkel amid schools of tropical fish, hike through the rainforest or admire the colorful corals from a glass-bottomed boat. Alternatively, make the most of optional activities like scuba diving or a Seawalker Helmet dive. This tour is also covered by Viator's worry-free policy, ensuring on-time return to your cruise ship.Note: Departures only from Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns. This tour does not depart from Yorkey's Knob.

Join in interactive activities and watch theatrical performances during a special evening of Aboriginal culture. Learn about the traditional customs of Australia's indigenous Tjapukai people as they share stories of the rainforest during an enthralling dance show. Enjoy canapes and a buffet dinner. Upgrade to include a welcome drink and lakeside ceremony plus hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairns and Northern Beaches.

Exclusive to Viator is this unique 2 day tour that will have you telling everyone about the best two days of your life in Australia. This all-inclusive package simply won't be beaten for service, scenery and most importantly value for money.Cruise in comfort OR sail in style out to the Great Barrier Reef on a 50ft schooner or twin engine cruiser, Travel to several fantastic island and snorkelling destinations on the Great Barrier Reef exclusive to us for the day. Crew members are experienced deckhands providing five-star customer service. Tropical fruit platters wine beer and seafood, are all served on board. Day 2, visit one of the most unique, world heritage listed rainforests in the world, see natural flora and fauna in a temperate rainforest environment, (great in summer), be captivated by the crystal clear waters of ancient crater lakes, visit the world famous Millaa Millaa falls Morning tea and a hearty country lunch are included.