Top Cairns & the Tropical North Outdoor Activities - page 3

Escape the tropical heat for a day of splashing, sliding, and swimming through the Behana Gorge waterfalls on this eco-tour from Cairns. Get set for an adventure as you rappel down the gorge, leap over rocks and walk along rain forest trails, then cool off with a swim beneath the falls. Best of all: with full instruction and safety harnesses provided, anyone can give it a go.

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.

Take a sailing trip off the beaten path and travel to some of the best remote reef sites around Cairns. This small-group, 2-night sailing trip is limited to 12 people and offers both certified and introductory diving, as well as certification courses, so that even beginner divers can experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef such as schools of iridescent fish, turtles, and colorful corals. Choose from private or shared accommodation on board.

Let’s Go Buggin’ and Let’s Go Shroomin’! Follow your expert photographer around Cairns Botanic Gardens, learn professional photography tricks, and learn all about the wildlife that live there. Bridgette Gower is a highly-experienced photographer specializing in the tiny, weird and wonderful, and on this unique tour, she will teach you how to use your camera to take pro shots. See bugs, frogs, fungi and more, and explore the depths of the botanic gardens.

As the sun goes down on the Great Barrier Reef, a whole new world awakens. Corals glow, colourful reef fish seek shelter and predators begin their night hunt. At the same time, coastal forests stir with life, as reptiles, amphibians and insects emerge from their burrows to seek out food in the safety of the shadows. Night at the Aquarium gives you a glimpse into the unique world of the region’s nocturnal creatures and their behaviours as they move about in the darkness.

Adventure in the vast Australian outback on a personalized 3-day tour. Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a superyacht, and snorkel in the clear waters on your first day. On your second day, ride to the Chillagoe caves in a customized 4X4 vehicle made for the off-road terrain and learn about the Gimuy-walubarra yidi people, the traditional custodians of the land here. On your third day, explore the rainforest and learn about the wildlife and ecology of the region from your naturalist guide and driver.

The Great Barrier Reef is now one of Australia’s most popular attractions, but for tens of thousands of years before it was under the protection of the Traditional Custodians. This snorkeling and sightseeing tour led by Indigenous Sea Rangers gives travelers a chance to see the reef through their eyes and hear the Creation Story, as well as gaining an up close and personal perspective of this natural wonder.

Explore the tropical paradise of Green Island on a half day trip from Cairns. Enjoy around two hours exploring the Great Barrier Reef island with plenty of time to snorkel. You can even take an optional semi-submersible submarine tour to get close to the reef without getting wet.

If you want to experience the outer Great Barrier Reef away from the crowds, this full-day sailing trip is ideal. You’ll sail to Upolu Reef and a sheltered lagoon, where you can snorkel amid a vast array of coral, tropical fish, turtles, clams, and more. A guided snorkel is included if you’d like some extra support in the sea.

Discover the underwater treasures of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day catamaran cruise to Michaelmas Cay from Cairns. Snorkel straight from the white sandy beaches to swim among amazing coral gardens and get an up-close encounter with tropical marine life. Go deeper with an optional introductory scuba dive, or admire the reef on a semi-submarine boat tour. Chat with marine biologists to learn about the thousands of migratory seabirds that nest on the protected cay, and refuel with a buffet lunch featuring fresh seafood.

Save money by combining the Cairns region's three top activities in one 3-day tour. Begin by exploring the underwater world of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef with an included introductory dive. On the second day, head for Daintree Rainforest (also UNESCO-listed) to explore the world's oldest continuously surviving rainforest. Your final day is spent gliding above the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, then exploring quaint village of Kuranda before returning on the historical Kuranda Scenic Rail.

Enjoy the most scenic 30 minutes of your life on this private helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef. Fly over Green Island and see its unique forest canopy—it’s actually part of the reef, not an island—and see Mount Yarrabah and False Cape on your way. Spot marine life like rays and sharks from above as you travel to Arlington Reef, then enjoy unbeatable views of the Queensland coastline and the Great Dividing Range on your way back to Cairns.

Explore the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest on this diverse full-day tour from Cairns. Take a guided nature walk through some of the oldest rainforests in the world at Mossman Gorge, spot crocs on a cruise down the Daintree River, and stroll on the famous Cape Tribulation Beach. Enjoy a traditional Aussie barbecue at a private rainforest retreat and stop for a refreshing snack att he Daintree Ice Cream Company. Port pickup and drop-off and transport in a luxury coach complete this memorable adventure through the Wet Tropics of Queensland.

Take in the wonders of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, as well as the magic of the Great Barrier Reef, on this two day tour. On day one, roam through Daintree on custom-built 4WD vehicles while your local guide offers up his extensive knowledge of flora and fauna. Then on day 2, sail to the outer Great Barrier Reef and enjoy approximately 5 hours of snorkeling.

Enjoy the picturesque surrounds of Fitzroy Island and kick back in paradise! On board our dedicated island-bound boat, the Fitzroy Island Sundancer Departs Cairns at 845am, Returns to Cairns at approximately 4.55pm Book a transfer only option, or opt for a package, which includes snorkelling equipment hire and a glass bottom boat tour! Fitzroy Island is a favourite trip for Cairns' locals with 99% of its landscape covered in lush tropical rainforest as well as granite outcrops, open woodlands, mangroves and coral beaches.

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 the duration of your flights 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 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.

Fly over the Great Barrier Reef on this 40 minute helicopter flight, where your pilot/guide will give you a commentary about the landscape and sea you’re flying over. You’ll get to the edge of the reef where the water is over 1000 feet deep. You’ll also pass Vlasoff Cay, Green Island, and Arlington Reef. Learn about what lives in the water below from your pilot while you take incredible photos.

They say the rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation, and you’ll see why on this day tour from Cairns. Hop on board the Daintree River ferry to get to the Cape. Tour the rainforests and beaches safely with a guide, looking out for saltwater crocs, cassowaries, and other tropical wildlife. Cool off with a swim in a freshwater creek and relax on pristine beaches. This is a fun-filled day and an easy way to visit this wild area.

This family friendly experience will please every member of your group. You’ll start with a half-hour ATV tour of Kur-Cow Barnwell Farm, through farmland and forest, keeping an eye open for the resident beef cattle. The four-wheel vehicles are suitable for kids and adults. After this exciting experience, spend time in the petting zoo and horse stable getting to know the local animals.

Experience one of the great wonders of the natural world in absolute luxury on this superyacht cruise from Cairns. Start your journey with a private transfer from your hotel or accommodation to the marina. Enjoy the full attention of a marine biologist guide who will point out the unique habitats and marine life on the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy lunch on-board and spend 5 uninterrupted hours at sea, snorkeling or just enjoying the view.

Explore a unique Great Barrier Reef experience with Frankland Islands Reef Cruises - the only tour operator visiting the pristine location, you will feel like the tour is very private and crowd free. The tour includes a river cruise and has a short open water crossing 6 miles - approximately 30 minutes, morning and afternoon tea and a tropical buffet lunch. Your experienced guides take you snorkelling and ensure you feel comfortable and safe in the water and give you the best opportunity to spot a colourful clown fish and maybe even a turtle!  Snorkelling straight off the white sandy beach makes this suitable for families and first time snorkelers. There are other optional activities including stand up paddle boards, kayaks and a guided island walk.

Explore Cairns with a local guide and enjoy a dinner cruise on this all-day combination tour. After a convenient pickup from your Cairns City or Northern Beaches hotel, visit popular destinations like the Flecker Botanical Gardens and Lower Barron Gorge. Enjoy a scenic lookout with gorgeous views and afternoon tea—included in the tour price—before feasting on a 3-course dinner aboard the 85-foot (26-meter) Spirit of Cairns catamaran.