Tropical North Queensland · Australia
The gateway to Australia's greatest natural wonders — the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, tropical islands, volcanic highland plateaus and some of the most extraordinary wildlife on Earth. Every tour you'll ever need, right here.
Cairns is the undisputed gateway to Tropical North Queensland — the only city on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites are within a single day trip of each other. The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, and the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest tropical rainforest on the planet, both sit on Cairns' doorstep, making this the most tour-rich destination in Australia.
Beyond the two great wonders, Cairns opens the door to the Atherton Tablelands — a volcanic highland plateau of waterfalls, crater lakes and world-class produce — the tropical islands of the Coral Sea, the historic Kuranda railway through rainforest gorges, Port Douglas and Mossman Gorge to the north, and an extraordinary range of adventure, wildlife and cultural experiences that genuinely cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.
Find Your Adventure
Browse by experience type to find the perfect Cairns tour for your interests, fitness and travel style.
Snorkel, dive, cruise or fly over the Great Barrier Reef — and explore the tropical islands scattered throughout the Coral Sea. Something for every age and ability.
Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the highland plateau of the Atherton Tablelands and the magical rainforest village of Kuranda on the world-famous scenic railway.
From coral cays 40 minutes from Cairns to wild national park islands with fringing reefs and koala colonies — every island offers a completely different experience.
Skydive over the reef, white-water raft the Tully River, bungee jump above the rainforest, quad bike through the jungle or canyon through waterfalls — Cairns is Australia's adventure capital.
All Cairns Tours 2026
Expert-guided, daily departures, free hotel transfers. From first-time reef snorkellers to seasoned divers and senior travellers — every adventure begins here.
Snorkel vibrant coral gardens, dive with sea turtles and reef sharks, or cruise above the reef on a glass-bottom boat — the ultimate Cairns bucket list experience. Daily departures to multiple outer reef sites including Moore Reef, Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef.
Journey into the world's oldest tropical rainforest — 180 million years old — for crocodile river cruises, ancient sealed boardwalks, Cape Tribulation Beach where the reef meets the rainforest, and Indigenous cultural experiences through World Heritage wilderness.
Swim under Millaa Millaa Falls, slide down Josephine Falls' natural waterslide, snorkel volcanic crater lakes and spot platypus in the wild — 80 km inland from Cairns.
Ride one of Australia's great historic railway journeys through World Heritage rainforest gorges, then glide back above the canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
45 minutes from Cairns — national park rainforest, fringing coral reef, turtle rehab centre, kayak hire, nudey beach strolls and the island bar that never disappoints.
A stunning coral cay 40 minutes from Cairns — white sand, turquoise water, sea turtles in every direction and a rainforest boardwalk through the island's heart.
23 beaches, Australia's largest wild koala colony, WWII Forts Walk with Coral Sea panoramas, Geoffrey Bay rock wallabies and fringing coral reef snorkel trails.
Jump from 15,000 feet above the Great Barrier Reef for the most spectacular skydive views in Australia — land on the beach with the reef stretching to the horizon.
Soar over coral cays, Heart Reef and turquoise outer reef in one unforgettable flight. Combine with a reef cruise for views above and below the water in one day.
Wheelchair-accessible reef pontoons, sealed rainforest boardwalks, small groups of max 20 and senior-care certified guides — 28 years specialising in senior travel from Cairns.
Drive the famous Captain Cook Highway along the Coral Sea coast to charming Port Douglas, swim in Mossman Gorge's pristine rainforest pools and explore Four Mile Beach.
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need to know before you book — weather, logistics, tips and insider advice from our local team.
Minimum 3 days to cover the Great Barrier Reef and one rainforest experience. 5 days allows reef, Daintree, Kuranda and an island — the classic Cairns package. 7–10 days lets you add the Atherton Tablelands, Port Douglas, adventure activities and a relaxed stay. Every extra day reveals something extraordinary.
The dry season (May–October) brings clear skies, calm seas and 20–28°C temperatures — ideal for all outdoor activities. June–September is peak season with humpback whale sightings as a bonus. The wet season (November–April) brings lush rainforest, dramatic waterfalls and fewer crowds. Every month has something wonderful.
Cairns Airport (CNS) has domestic flights from all major Australian cities and international flights to the Asia-Pacific. Free hotel transfers are included on all Cooee Tours. Cairns CBD is compact and walkable — most tour departure points are within 10 minutes of central hotels. Car hire available for self-drive exploration.
Light, breathable clothing for the tropical climate. Swimmers and towel for reef and waterfall tours. Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (chemical sunscreens are harmful to coral). Hat, sunglasses, a light waterproof layer for wet season. Comfortable walking shoes for rainforest trails. Camera with extra storage — you will fill it.
Book popular reef tours 5–7 days in advance in dry season. July–August peak period requires 1–2 weeks notice. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Multi-day packages save money on separate bookings. Call our team — local knowledge makes a real difference in choosing the right tour for your group.
Box jellyfish and irukandji are present in Cairns waters November–May (stinger season). All reef tour operators provide stinger suits. During this period, swim only in patrolled, netted areas on the Cairns Esplanade or wear full-body protection in the ocean. Outside stinger season, conditions are generally safe at beaches. Always follow operator guidance.