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Cairns National parks

Our most recommended Cairns National parks

Cairns: Daintree and Mossman Gorge Tour with Cruise Option

1. Cairns: Daintree and Mossman Gorge Tour with Cruise Option

Embark on a day trip where the rainforest meets the reef. See natural sights including the Great Barrier Reef, experience a wildlife cruise, and participate in a smoke ceremony as you go. Start your adventure with a scenic coastal drive from Cairns to Port Douglas, the far north’s very own great ocean road with panoramic views of the sparkling Coral Sea. The first stop is Mossman Gorge, which is in the southern sector of the world-famous Daintree National Park. The gorge has been carved out by the cold mountain waters of the Mossman River, which winds through large granite boulders, bordered by lush green rainforest. It’s a magical place and you’ll be welcomed by the traditional owners, the Kuku Yalanji people, who will also cleanse you of evil spirits during a smoke ceremony. Also, enjoy a refreshing swim in the cascading waters. After crossing the mighty Daintree River and a lunch break, it’s time to explore the ancient rainforest environment on an interesting guided tour of the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk. Highly trained guides will give expert rainforest interpretation, which will inform and impress. Be amazed at the huge diversity you will encounter, you will discover everything from low-lying ferns and shrubs, to the massive rainforest canopy and even mangrove ecosystems - all in one short easy walk. You can choose to taste locally made ice cream, at your own cost, and prepare for a photo opportunity at the Alexandra Range Lookout, which provides sweeping views over the Daintree River, its rainforest delta, and out to the Coral Sea. In the afternoon, experience a wildlife cruise on the river (if option selected). During the cruise, you may see a crocodile, while learning about the fragile ecosystem of this impressive serpent-like river system. On the return journey to Cairns, drive through Port Douglas, a picturesque beachside village with a laid-back vibe and loads of bars and cafes.

Cairns: Daintree & Cape Tribulation Guided 4WD Tour

2. Cairns: Daintree & Cape Tribulation Guided 4WD Tour

Explore Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Ride a 4WD vehicle as you spot wildlife, catch incredible views, and try regional food along the way. After being picked up in a 4WD, make your way north along the Captain Cook Highway. Stop first at the Daintree Cruise Centre for a quick tea, coffee, and biscuits before setting out to explore the Daintree River on a 1-hour guided cruise. During your cruise, you may spot estuarine crocodiles, from youngsters to massive 4-meter adults. Learn about the birds and wildlife that make this area their home. Then, make your way to the Alexandra Range Lookout, located in the heart of the rainforest, to enjoy spectacular views of the rainforest, the ocean, its surrounding reefs, and the majestic Daintree River. At the Jindalba boardwalk, you'll go on an informative 45-minute guided tour to experience the Park's beauty up close. See ancient 900-year-old palms, and keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Boyd’s Forest Dragon. After exploring all morning, you'll be ready for lunch. Enjoy lunch with your fellow travelers. Your journey continues, heading further north along the Bloomfield Track to Emmagen Creek. Enjoy ample time for a refreshing swim in this amazing freshwater swimming spot. Head to Cape Tribulation beach itself for a leisurely stroll along the beach to admire the views. Those feeling a little more energetic can take the short botanical boardwalk to the Cape Tribulation beach lookout. After Cape Tribulation beach, if there's time, stop at Daintree’s hidden secret, the Daintree ice creamery. Your taste buds will be tantalized with exotic tropical fruit homemade ice cream. As the day comes to an end after taking the ferry back across, head back toward Port Douglas and Cairns, where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation.

Cape Tribulation, Daintree and Mossman Gorge Day Tour

3. Cape Tribulation, Daintree and Mossman Gorge Day Tour

The itinerary for this tour is as follows:• 6:45 AM: Hotel pickups commence from Cairns.• 7:30 AM: Pickups commence from the Cairns Beaches.• 8:10 AM: Pickups commence from Port Douglas.• 9:20 AM: Mossman Gorge Centre. Visit the Mossman Gorge Gateway Centre and board your shuttle for the transfer into Mossman Gorge. Your driver/guide will take you for a guided walk sharing their knowledge of this enchanting rainforest environment. Learn about the fascinating secrets of one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Return to the Centre for morning tea.• 11:15 AM: Daintree River Cruise. Reach an understanding of this wildlife environment for one hour. See bird habitats, tree snakes, unique plants and of course the saltwater crocodile.• 12:45 PM: Tropical Lunch. With special access at a private rainforest property, enjoy a short walk along a delightful rainforest creek before a delicious tropical lunch. Enjoy a choice of quality steak, fish, or vegetarian meal with fresh salads and fruit platter, followed by coffee or Daintree Tea.• 2:00 PM: Cape Tribulation. Walk on this world-renowned rainforest beach and admire the coastline and fringing coral reef from the Kulki Lookout.• 3:15 PM: Daintree Ice Cream Company. Included is an afternoon refreshment at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Enjoy a delicious tropical fruit ice cream made from fruit grown on their own organic orchard.• 4:00 PM: Alexandra Lookout. After winding through the rainforest of the Alexandra Range, enjoy this spectacular lookout over the Daintree River estuary, Snapper Island, and beyond to the Coral Sea.

From Cairns: Atherton Tableland Wilderness Tour with Lunch

4. From Cairns: Atherton Tableland Wilderness Tour with Lunch

Embark on a full-day trip to Atherton Tableland from Cairns and admire the lush beauty of tropical North Queensland. Visit Wooroonooran National Park, swim in Lake Eacham, and enjoy lunch in Malanda. Your 11-hour excursion begins with a drive to the Wooroonooran National Park. Stop for a swim at Josephine Falls, which features a huge natural rock slide. Travel across the volcanic landscape of the Atherton Tablelands. Marvel at the 18-meter-high Millaa Millaa Falls, framed by lush rainforest and tree ferns. Enjoy lunch at The Top Rail in Malanda before heading to see a giant curtain fig tree. Try your luck at platypus spotting in Yungaburra and enjoy a last swim at Lake Eacham before the trip back to Cairns.

Barron Gorge: Half-Day Barron River White-Water Rafting

5. Barron Gorge: Half-Day Barron River White-Water Rafting

Experience white-water rafting in Barron Gorge National Park, known for its rugged rainforest mountains, steep ravines, and the falls carved out over thousands of years by the Barron River. Enjoy optional pickup from Cairns or Port Douglas before heading to the national park. Meet your guide at Lake Placid, and get ready for your river rafting tour on the river. Enjoy the area’s scenic beauty and a combination of calm water and a series of white-water rapids as well. Spend two hours navigating rapids up to grade three. No experience is necessary, making this a good choice for beginning rafters. There is also plenty of excitement for the more experienced.

From Cairns: Full-Day Kuranda Army Duck Experience Tour

6. From Cairns: Full-Day Kuranda Army Duck Experience Tour

Start your day with a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through tunnels and over bridges on this magnificent journey, passing Stoney Creek and Barron Falls. Once in Kuranda, you will travel to Rainforestation Nature Park via shuttle. Explore the rainforest on a 6-wheel drive World War II Army Duck amphibious vehicle over land and water. Your experienced duck driver will help you search for wildlife and teach you about the plants and trees that make up the surrounding rainforest. After your tour, you can sample exotic fruits and locally made ice cream at a Tropical Treats fruit orchard.  Then, take the shuttle bus from Rainforestation Nature Park to Kuranda Village. Once in the village, you have free time to explore the markets and shops. At the end of your day, you will travel back to Cairns via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over a pristine rainforest with the canopy just meters beneath you. It is recommend you spend time at the two stations en route: Red Peak Station and Barron Falls Stations. Upon arrival in Cairns, you will be transferred back to your accommodation. 

Cairns: Raging Thunder Barron Gorge River Rafting Trip

7. Cairns: Raging Thunder Barron Gorge River Rafting Trip

Prepare for adventure and action on this guided white water rafting tour on the Barron River. Receive all rafting training and equipment needed before venturing into the water to experience grade 2 and 3 rapids. The Barron River is located only 20 minutes from Cairns and offers a great introduction to white water rafting. You’ll get to experience up to 2 hours of rafting with a combination of exciting rapids and calm water paddling. Begin with pickup from your accommodation or self-driving to the starting point at Lake Placid. Once here, meet your river guide and fellow paddlers and get fitted with your life jacket, helmet, and rafting shoes, if you choose to rent a pair.  Follow a short track with your group down to the river where you will board your raft and receive a comprehensive safety briefing and paddling instructions from your guide. You will have the chance to practice in the flat water before it's time to hit the white water. The first couple of rapids you raft through are small and easy, giving you plenty of time to get a feel for how the raft moves through the water before it's time to navigate the bigger, more exciting rapids, including the Rooster Tail. The combination of grade 2 and 3 rapids will ensure you have a thrilling trip rafting down the Barron. At the bottom section of the river, enjoy a flat paddle where you'll have time to admire the stunning scenery and learn about the surrounding rainforest and native wildlife. After arriving at the take-out point, change into your dry clothes. On the journey back to your hotel, find the action photos available for preview to purchase.

Cairns: Best of the Kuranda Rainforest Full-Day Tour & Lunch

8. Cairns: Best of the Kuranda Rainforest Full-Day Tour & Lunch

Discover some of the finest scenery and fascinating culture of the Kuranda Rainforest on a guided tour. Visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, a Koala and Wildlife Park, and learn about about Aboriginal culture at the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Start your immersion into the culture and nature of the Kuranda Rainforest with a ride aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Wind through the mountains and rainforest to the village of Kuranda.  Upon arrival, experience Australia's largest butterfly aviary at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary with 1,500 tropical butterflies, including the vibrant green Cairns Birdwing. Next, travel by shuttle to the Rainforestation Nature Park for a barbecue buffet lunch.  After lunch, explore the rainforest by 6WD amphibious vehicle as you climb aboard a World War II Army Duck that can drive over land and in water. Search for wildlife as you learn about the plants and trees of the surrounding rainforest. Then, sample some exotic fruits and locally-made ice cream at the Tropical Treats fruit orchard.  Find out more about Aboriginal culture at the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and watch spear-throwing demonstrations and traditional dances. Try your hand at throwing a boomerang, and hear all about the didgeridoo. Then, get up close to Australian animals including koalas, dingoes and the endangered Cassowary and Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo. See typical Australian critters including wombats, crocodiles, lizards and birds. Feed the kangaroos and wallabies by hand. Then, travel back to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and ride over the canopy of the pristine rainforest. Transfer back to your accommodation at the end of the tour services.

From Cairns: Daintree Wilderness & Cape Tribulation Bus Tour

9. From Cairns: Daintree Wilderness & Cape Tribulation Bus Tour

On this full-day tour you will discover the beautiful Daintree Rainforest. The remote natural magnificence of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest is far from the glitz of civilization and brings both awe and peace, a true solace to the soul. Daintree is nature's kingdom, a gem in Australia's crown of natural icons. Here you will find fan palms, Flying Paradise Kingfishers, tree frogs, butterflies of every hue and color, Rainbow Lorikeets, entwining strangler figs, and rampant climbing vines set by crystal streams flowing into a tropical sea. On this tour you will visit the Wildlife Habitat to experience the 5 wildlife environments – the savannah, rainforest, wetlands, nocturnal, and grasslands. Cross the Daintree River on board a cable-driven vehicular ferry. You will travel deep into the Daintree Rainforest to the Cape Tribulation Resort to enjoy a tropical lunch. At Cape Tribulation you can enjoy the dazzling white sand beaches and azure tropical sea and visit Alexandra Lookout to admire the spectacular views of the Daintree River and the Coral Sea. Cruise along the Daintree River among mangroves, impenetrable rainforest jungle, and crocodile-infested waters and enjoy afternoon tea before returning to Cairns.

Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest Tour

10. Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest Tour

Your day on the reef: Cruise from Cairns on board the fastest, luxury superyacht for the best value tours to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for an adventure-filled experience. The 35-meter luxury superyacht departs Cairns daily, with a record 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations known for their exceptional coral density and prolific marine life. Enjoy snorkeling at both reef sites with all snorkeling equipment and tuition provided. A gourmet buffet lunch with fresh prawns, fish, steak, and a variety of salads together and a free glass of wine with nibbles for your return journey provide a level of service and comfort that is unmatched. Your day in the Rainforest: Then, embark on a full-day adventure to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef! Sit back and relax in comfort in a custom-built 4WD air-conditioned vehicle while listening to informative and entertaining commentary by your local naturalist guide. Group size is limited for a more personalized experience. As one of the only tour operators to travel on the Bloomfield Track, your experience will be like no other. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, learn about the flora, fauna, and history of the Daintree on a guided boardwalk tour, take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rainforest on the rugged Bloomfield Track, cool down with a refreshing swim at Emmagen Creek and enjoy lunch at Cape Tribulation. Savor a homemade Daintree ice cream on your journey home.

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The best day trips and excursions from Cairns are:

Port Douglas

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What people are saying about Cairns

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 885 reviews

Nice hopping tour around some rainforest key places. Best part was the walk in the rainforest where the guide also explained more about the wild life and plants along the way. Cruise highly recommended otherwise you wait on the bus, for few bucks more we saw a crocodile in the wild! The guide explains a lot about the territory with "fun facts" about animals or places. Overall very informative tour.

Incredible day. You definitely get your moneys worth. Once we got on the trip we were asked if we wanted to do the snorkelling safari as well and we are SO glad we did that on top as you get taken out deeper and get an i depth tour of the reef. and the reef is incredible. so recommend doing that too once on the trip! Thanks for the best day

Excellent tour even if we didn't get to see Mossman Gorge. Tour guide made it an informative and enjoyable trip. Recommend this full day adventure we anyone looking to see some out of the way places in North Queensland.

Freddie was amazing- we did the snorkel safari ran by her Freddie and she was so knowledgeable and fun! Thank you for making our day!

Such a lovely day out. Amazing crew and experience :)