Great Barrier Reef cruises
Depart from the Cairns Marlin Marina for a day on the outer reef — snorkelling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat rides and marine-biologist talks at some of the healthiest reef sites in the region.
Explore reef tours ›Why visit Cairns in 2026
Cairns is one of Australia's most iconic tropical destinations and the perfect base for exploring two World Heritage–listed wonders side by side — the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
Few places on earth let you snorkel a living coral reef in the morning and walk through 180-million-year-old rainforest in the afternoon. From the Cairns Esplanade and its saltwater lagoon, day trips fan out in every direction: reef pontoons and dive sites offshore, Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands up in the ranges, and the Daintree and Cape Tribulation to the north. Heading into 2026, Cairns stays a year-round drawcard for families, couples, solo travellers and adventure seekers — and a smart year to plan ahead, with peak dry-season reef trips booking out early.
Cooee Tours runs locally guided experiences throughout the region, so you can spend less time planning logistics and more time on the water and under the canopy.
Top things to do in Cairns
Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation
Visit the world's oldest tropical rainforest, cruise the Daintree River in search of crocodiles, walk Mossman Gorge and learn about living Indigenous culture on a guided day tour.
See Daintree tours ›Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail
Climb through the rainforest canopy on a historic railway and glide back over it on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, stopping for waterfalls, lookouts and Kuranda village markets.
More day trips ›Fitzroy & Green Island day trips
Escape to Fitzroy Island or Green Island for fringing-reef snorkelling, rainforest walks, beaches and tropical relaxation just offshore from Cairns.
View island trips ›Atherton Tablelands & waterfalls
Head into the hinterland for volcanic crater lakes, the Millaa Millaa waterfall circuit, the giant Curtain Fig tree and rolling farmland on a Tablelands day tour.
Atherton Tablelands ›Cairns city & the Esplanade
Base yourself on the waterfront — the free saltwater Lagoon, night markets, the boardwalk and a thriving cafe and dining scene make Cairns a relaxed launchpad between adventures.
Cairns travel guide ›Best time to visit Cairns
Dry season — May to October
Lower humidity, warm sunny days and calmer seas make this the peak window for reef trips and the most comfortable time for rainforest walks and the Tablelands.
Wet season — November to April
Tropical downpours bring the rainforest to life, with full-flowing waterfalls, lush greenery and fewer crowds. Reef trips still run on most days between showers.
Whenever you travel, build in a flexible day or two — far-north weather can move quickly, and it's easy to swap a reef day for a rainforest day and back again.
Acknowledgement of Country
Cooee Tours acknowledges the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which Cairns (Gimuy) stands, and the Yirrganydji people as Traditional Owners of the coast between Cairns and Port Douglas. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to the Djabugay, Gunggandji and other First Nations peoples of the wider Tropical North Queensland region.
Plan your 2026 Cairns tour
Cooee Tours offers locally guided experiences across Cairns and Tropical North Queensland — from outer-reef cruises to Daintree and Tablelands day tours. Tell us what you'd like to see and we'll help build the trip around it.
Cooee Tours · Level 2, 200 Adelaide Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 ·
contact@cooeetours.com.au · ABN 12 356 090 415
Cairns tours — frequently asked questions
What are the top Cairns tours and things to do in 2026?
The top Cairns experiences in 2026 are Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and diving cruises, Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation day trips, the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Fitzroy and Green Island day trips, and Atherton Tablelands waterfall tours.
Is Cairns good to visit year-round?
Yes. Cairns is a year-round destination. The dry season from May to October offers cooler, lower-humidity weather and excellent reef conditions, while the wet season from November to April brings lush rainforests, full-flowing waterfalls and fewer crowds.
Is Cairns suitable for families and solo travellers?
Yes. Cairns suits families, couples and solo travellers, with reef cruises, rainforest walks, scenic rail journeys and island trips that work for all ages and activity levels.
How many days do you need in Cairns?
Three to four days lets you combine a reef cruise, a Daintree Rainforest day trip and a Kuranda or Atherton Tablelands tour. Five to seven days adds island stays and time to slow down and explore Tropical North Queensland.
Does Cooee Tours run guided tours in Cairns?
Yes. Cooee Tours offers locally guided experiences across Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, from reef cruises to rainforest and Tablelands day tours. Call 0409 661 342 or email contact@cooeetours.com.au to plan your trip.