Cairns Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Cairns tours and things to do in tropical North Queensland: snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef, cruise to Green Island, explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail, and spot crocodiles on a wildlife tour. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Cairns by interest
Whatever brings you to Cairns — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Cairns
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Great Barrier Reef
Coral wonder.
Green Island
Coral cay.
Daintree
Ancient rainforest.
Kuranda
Scenic railway.
Crocodiles
River wildlife.
Atherton Tablelands
Balloons & falls.
Outer Reef
Diving pontoon.
Cape Tribulation
Reef meets rainforest.
Cairns reef & rainforest
- 1Great Barrier Reef
- 2Daintree
- 3Cape Tribulation
- 4Mossman Gorge
Offshore awayGreat Barrier Reef
Snorkel & dive.
2 hrs awayDaintree
Ancient rainforest.
45 min awayGreen Island
Coral cay.
1 hr awayKuranda
Railway & Skyrail.
1.5 hrs awayAtherton Tablelands
Balloons & falls.
Near city awayWildlife Parks
Crocs & koalas.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Cairns visitor asks before booking.
Dry (May–Oct)
Warm, sunny and less humid — the best time for the reef.
Peak (Jun–Aug)
Perfect weather and clear reef visibility — book ahead.
Wet (Nov–Apr)
Hot, humid and rainy, with lush rainforest; watch for stingers.
Rainforest any time
The Daintree is green and beautiful year-round.
Stinger season
Wear a stinger suit for reef swims from November to May.
Best overall
June to October is the best time to visit.
One day
A Great Barrier Reef cruise.
Two days
Add the Daintree.
Three days
Add Kuranda and wildlife.
For divers
Multi-day reef and liveaboard trips.
For nature
The Daintree and Tablelands.
With kids
Green Island and Kuranda.
Reef boats
Cruises depart the Cairns marina for the reef and islands.
Tours & transfers
Guided tours are easiest for the Daintree and Kuranda.
On foot
The Esplanade and city centre are walkable.
Car hire
A rental car is handy for the Tablelands and Daintree.
Skyrail & rail
The Skyrail and Scenic Railway link Cairns with Kuranda.
Where to stay
Stay near the Esplanade or in Port Douglas for the reef.
Australian dollar
Cairns uses the Australian dollar; cards are widely accepted.
Book the reef
Great Barrier Reef cruises sell out — reserve ahead.
Stinger suits
Wear a stinger suit for reef swims in the wet season (Nov–May).
Reef-safe sunscreen
Use reef-safe sunscreen and bring a hat and water.
Daintree tips
Never swim in Daintree rivers — crocodiles are present.
Dry season
Visit May to October for the best reef conditions.
Reef cruises
Great Barrier Reef trips sell out — book ahead.
Daintree tours
Daintree and Cape Tribulation tours fill up — reserve early.
Kuranda railway
Scenic Railway and Skyrail tickets book out — reserve ahead.
Adventure tours
Ballooning and rafting slots fill up — book early.
Green Island
Green Island cruises sell out — reserve ahead.
Dry season
June to October is busiest — book everything ahead.
Reef cruise
Around $130–230 for a Great Barrier Reef day cruise.
Green Island
About $95–160 for a Green Island reef trip.
Daintree tour
Roughly $120–200 for a Daintree and Cape Tribulation tour.
Kuranda day
Around $110–180 for the railway and Skyrail combo.
Balloon flight
About $250–350 for a hot air balloon flight.
How to save
Book combo passes and join group tours.
Cairns through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Great reef.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Best weather.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Book ahead.
- Best for
- Lush green.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Stinger season.
- Best for
- Quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid & rainy.