13 memorable day trips from Cairns
1. Embrace island time on Fitzroy Island
Welcome to island paradise. Walk to stunning Nudey Beach, try stand-up paddleboarding off the main beach, or relax with a cocktail at Foxy’s Bar.2. Make waves with Jetski Cairns
Throttle up on a guided jet ski tour across the Coral Sea, with views of Green Island and the rainforest coastline. It’s fast, fun and a great way to see Cairns from the water.3. Explore the outer Great Barrier Reef
Spend the day on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where pontoons and boats provide easy access to colourful coral and marine life. Snorkel or try an introductory scuba dive.4. Taste the Tablelands with Brett's Outback Tasting Tours
Get your foodie fix on a flavour-filled itinerary visiting some of the best food, coffee and distillery stops across the Atherton Tablelands.5. Wander through the rainforest at Mossman Gorge
Take a refreshing dip in a rainforest stream and join a local Kuku Yalanji guide on the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk to learn about traditional plant use and ceremonies.6. Paddle through the rainforest with Babinda Kayaking
Kayak down a clear rainforest creek while searching for fish, turtles and platypuses. Pack a picnic to enjoy along the way.7. Go batty at Tolga Bat Hospital
Discover the fascinating world of bats at the Tolga Bat Hospital and Visitor Information Centre. Meet tiny insect-eating microbats and larger fruit-eating flying foxes.
Millaa Millaa Falls is one of the Atherton Tablelands’ most photographed waterfalls, framed by lush rainforest.
8. Chase waterfalls with Barefoot Tours
Spend a day exploring spectacular natural wonders including Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls and the famous Millaa Millaa Falls.
9. Head up to Kuranda
Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway past rocky gorges and waterfalls to the village of Kuranda. Return to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or join Tropic Wings for a seamless day tour.
10. Explore geological wonders with Billy Tea Safaris
Visit the Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge and other highlights of Tropical North Queensland on a full-day guided tour.
11. Drive south to Mission Beach
Take a road trip along the Cassowary Coast to Mission Beach. Walk along unspoilt beaches and watch for cassowaries in nearby rainforest.
12. Discover the Daintree and Cape Tribulation
Join a guided day tour to experience the ancient rainforest of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation with operators like Down Under Tours, Billy Tea Safaris or Cairns Discovery Tours.
13. Visit Paronella Park with Cairns Discovery Tours
Travel south on a day tour to the Cassowary Coast, spot cassowaries at Etty Bay, and explore Paronella Park before finishing with the iconic “Darkness Falls” tour.
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