Tours in Cairns & the Tropical North

The Tully River hosted the International Rafting Federation’s 2019 World Rafting Championships. This world class river provides a pinnacle rafting experience, with over 40 rapids ripping down through the stunning rainforest gorge surrounds. Classified as a Grade 4/5 river, the Tully provides one hell of a wild ride which ticks all the boxes for those seeking the ultimate Australian rafting adventure! We have two Tully River itineraries, check them out below, which are exactly the same except for departure times. The Tully River is a Hydro River and we’re informed on water release, which determines when we run.

Explore the waterfalls, rainforests, and hidden gems of North Queensland on this full-day Atherton Tablelands adventure. Swim at Millaa Millaa and Josephine Falls, hear Indigenous stories at the sacred Cathedral Fig Tree, and visit the mystical Babinda Boulders. Spot rare wildlife like tree-kangaroos and platypus, and soak in the tranquil beauty of Lake Eacham.

Enjoy an outdoor adventure in Queensland with a 2-hour white-water rafting tour in Barron Gorge National Park. This experience is a suitable introduction to river rafting for first-timers, providing an exhilarating time with a rafting guide. Take in rainforest views along the Barron River as you navigate rapids up to grade III. When booking, you have the option to include pickup in Cairns and the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas, or drive yourself to the starting point.

Discover Fitzroy Island on a day trip from Cairns. Enjoy a scenic ferry ride and explore the many hiking trails. Admire the marine life native to the coral reef as you snorkel or observe from a glass-bottom boat. Choose from a range of packages, including transfers for you to explore on your own, or a package including snorkel or glass-bottom boat activities. Explore the Island's 339 hectares of lush rainforest that covers 94 percent of the island and is protected and managed as a National Park. Walking trails are suitable for all levels of fitness, allowing you to explore areas of the island at your leisure. The fast catamaran departs from the Marlin Marina, with check-in directly on the vessel. Cruise south along the calm waters of the coastline to reach Fitzroy Island in just 45 minutes, giving you up to 7 hours to explore the tropical island.

This 40-minute reef scenic helicopter flight is incredible. By extending the flight by another 10 minutes, we take in all the highlights of the 30-minute product, but extend the flight path out to the east, passing Green Island and tracking to the outer edge of Arlington Reef – one of the largest reefs in the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. We traverse the very edge of the reef pushing toward the edge of the Australian continental shelf where the water clarity is unsurpassed, and the ocean floor drops away to over 1,000 feet. The additional time allows us to push further north past sandy Vlasoff Cay and on to the outer reaches of the Reef to immerse yourself in the colours and textures of the reef and clear blue waters. The massive North Queensland skies provide unforgettable backdrops for the keen photographer to capture once in a lifetime images. Our local pilot/guides provide commentary and insights into the reef and its abundance of marine inhabitants.

Cruise to Green Island from Cairns and find a tropical paradise on the Great Barrier Reef. You'll spend either four or five hours at Green Island, with plenty of time to snorkel, tour the reef on a glass-bottom boat or view coral from a semi-submersible submarine.

Join a full day tour to Kuranda, in World Heritage-listed rainforest. Experience the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park including Army Duck tour, the Koala and Wildlife Park, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, lunch, the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

This 30-minute scenic helicopter tour departs Cairns airport and tracks out from the mainland with views of the city of Cairns and Trinity inlet, passing False Cape where you can see the remnants of WWII defences, Mt Yarrabah, Mission Bay and Cape Grafton. From there we strike out to the inner edge of the Reef and Green Island, a 6,000 year-old coral sand island that boasts its own native rainforest eco-system. Tracking to the north, we explore the western side of Arlington Reef, home to a diverse range of marine creatures – turtles, sharks and sting rays. Continuing north we’ll circle Vlasoff Cay a tiny sand island in the middle of the reef that reduces to only a few hundred square metres in size at high tide. From Vlasoff Cay we head west, over Upolu Cay and back to Cairns taking in fantastic views of the North Queensland coastline framed by the lush rainforest-covered eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range.

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are the only commercial operator allowed to land on stunning Normanby Island, offering ample space and time for relaxation and exploration. Customise your day trip with a variety of optional activities on our all-inclusive tour. The islands are also home to several endangered species like the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, spectacled flying-fox, and beach stone-curlews. Explore the vibrant underwater world with 200 coral species around Normanby and Mabel islands, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's total of 600 species. On Frankland Islands, stars aren't just in the sky—they're beneath your feet! Baclogypsina sphirulata, known as Sand Stars found on Normanby Island, are typically rare and found on beaches across the Indo-Pacific. They're often considered unique to Okinawa, Japan, but it's our hidden delight that you can also discover them in a secluded spot on Normanby Island.

On this fun filled day tour you can take in the magnificent views aboard the Kuranda Scenic Rail, spend some free time in the mountaintop village of Kuranda, then soar above the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Our coach will then transfer you to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – the best place to see crocodiles in Tropical North Queensland! At Hartley’s you’ll explore the Melaleuca Wetlands on a boat cruise, marvel at the death roll of a Saltwater Crocodile and explore the wildlife park - home to Koala’s, Wallabies and Queensland’s Southern Cassowaries.

Discover the magic of the Great Barrier Reef on our Cairns Outer Barrier Reef tour! Visit two breathtaking outer Reef locations, perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. One introductory or certified scuba dive is included (subject to medical conditions), giving you an up-close encounter with vibrant coral gardens and exotic marine life. Start your day with a freshly prepared breakfast egg & bacon roll and enjoy a hearty BBQ lunch made onboard by our dedicated cook. As you cruise back to Cairns, unwind with crackers, cheese, and a glass of wine. Our fun and passionate crew ensure an unforgettable experience filled with expert guidance, laughter, and adventure. This is truly the BEST VALUE day trip to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns!

Meet your crew at the Pier Shopping Centre in Cairns and check in for your adventure. Head to the Cairns Marlin Marina and board a fast vessel for an exhilarating trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the World heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef with a guided snorkel at 2 stunning locations chosen by our skipper for the best experience. Enjoy a small-group experience with quality snorkelling equipment, a snorkel guide, and flotation devices. Stay fuelled with lunch and snacks, and purchase drinks on board. Snorkel gear, a stinger suit, and flotation devices are included, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. - Snorkel at two locations on the Great Barrier Reef - All essential snorkelling equipment provided - Lunch and snacks included, with drinks available for purchase - Small group setting for a personalised experience

Join a full day tour to Kuranda, in World Heritage-listed rainforest. Experience the award-winning rainforestation Army Duck Rainforest Tour (45 min) with an experienced tour guide. You'll travel to Kuranda by Kuranda Scenic Railway and return by Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

With only a maximum of 25 passengers this makes our Great Barrier Reef & Green Island tour very guest focussed! .In fact we are the only sail, reef and tropical island experience in Cairns catering for such a low guest number . Swim, snorkel or dive straight off the boat onto an exclusive magnificent GBR site - no crowds. The boat is moored just 1Km off Green Island - a highly protected Marine Park zone. From Cairns, sail to this reef site and Green Island in style on a two-mast schooner and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on board. After snorkelling off the boat take a tender transfer to explore the beauty of Green Island, see the rainforest or laze on the white sandy beaches.

See Australia's unique animals and birds in their natural environment on a rainforest wildlife-spotting tour in the Atherton Tablelands. Led by an expert nature guide, your small-group nocturnal tour visits a number of locations including lush tropical rainforest and a volcanic crater lake. See tree kangaroos, lizards and musky rat kangaroo by day, and search for platypus at dusk. Enjoy afternoon tea at Lake Barrine and dinner at a country restaurant, then go spotlighting for possum, bandicoots, owls, bats and tree kangaroos by starlight on this fascinating nocturnal wildlife tour.

Dive into an adventure where flexibility meets the beauty of nature. Our tour stands out by adapting to weather and group preferences, ensuring a personalized experience. Discover the Atherton Tablelands' stunning waterfalls like Millaa Millaa and Josephine, swim in Lake Eacham's clear waters, and marvel at the ancient Cathedral Fig Tree. With surprise stops and a commitment to eco-friendly practices, our expert guides make each moment special. Enjoy inclusive picnic lunch, capturing unforgettable memories in Queensland's natural paradise. Join us for a day of exploration, laughter, and connection with nature.

Experience rappelling/Abseilling, swimming under waterfalls, walking through old, vibrant rainforest while jumping off rocks into the deep fresh crystal clear water... Super friendly, qualified crew ensure your day is fun filled and ultra safe so your can enjoy the rest of your holidays, & tell of your adventures.

The only Indigenous experience available to the Great Barrier Reef. Interact with Indigenous Sea Rangers as they demonstrate their traditional culture as you travel to and from the reef.

On this 8-hour tour from Cairns, cruise out to an activity platform on the outer Great Barrier Reef for a day of exploring this natural wonder in different ways. Reef Magic's location is selected for its water clarity, coral quality, and diversity of marine life, which you can see while snorkeling or taking a tour by glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible vessel. Learn about the wildlife from on-board marine biologists, and choose to participate in more activities, if you wish, like scuba diving or a helicopter ride (additional expense). All ages and swimming abilities are welcome. Buffet lunch is included as well as morning and afternoon tea.

Don't miss the chance to go for a hot-air balloon flight over Far North Queensland's Atherton Tablelands. It's one of the "must do" activities when visiting the tropics. You have the choice of pick-up from Cairns, the Northern beaches or Palm Cove hotels.

Zoom around the waters of Cairns on a thrilling 35-minute jet boat ride in the Trinity Inlet! Your jet boat speeds, spins and splashes as you cool down in the tropical heat. As you zip through the scenic waterway, watch for landmarks that your expert skipper points out. Who knows, you might even spot a croc drifting along the water. Be prepared to have fun and get wet on this exciting high-octane adventure!

Explore Fitzroy Island’s coral reefs and Nudey Beach on a 6-hour day trip! Snorkel gear included—discover vibrant marine life and stunning landscapes. Departs Fitzroy Island's jetty at 5.00pm.

Enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest as you soar above the canopy aboard the Skyrail on a day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. Option to upgrade to the popular Rainforestation Nature Park.

The ultimate 1-day adventure combining Sunlover Cruises 2 top selling tours. Moore Reef pontoon + Fitzroy Island stop over in a day! Moore Reef has all of our standard inclusions including snorkelling, glass bottom boat & semi tour, waterslide & more. The added stop at Fitzroy Island has plenty of time to relax & unwind including buffet lunch at Zephyrs restaurant overlooking welcome bay, or explore the island & beaches on the varying self-guided national park walking trails. *Enquire abut the optional on island activities such as guided kayak tour or visit to the turtle rehabilitation centre.