Top Cairns & the Tropical North Outdoor Activities

Experience the wildlife, mountains, sea and rainforest that define the Wet Tropics of Queensland on this diverse full-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Hand-feed kangaroos and observe other native creatures at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, and explore the World Heritage-listed biodiversity of Daintree National Park. Take a guided nature walk through the rain forest of Mossman Gorge, savor a delicious lunch at Cape Tribulation, swim in the Coral Sea and cruise down the beautiful Daintree River.

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 rainforest in the world, 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 learn about indigenous culture with a Kuku Yalanji heritage presentation at the Mossman Gorge Centre. Hotel pickup and drop-off and transport in a luxury coach complete this memorable adventure through the Wet Tropics of Queensland.

Explore two of the top attractions near Cairns on a full-day tour to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and the rainforest village of Kuranda. Ride aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, then have time to walk around the market in the village. Then take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway back down the mountain, and head to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures for an up-close look at the crocs and native Australian wildlife. Includes entrance fees, and all transportation round-trip from Cairns.

Embark on a packed full-day adventure to Cape Tribulation, where the rain forest meets the reef. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise and take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rain forest on the rugged Bloomfield Track. Savor a traditional Aussie barbecue and break for afternoon billy tea in the company of wallabies. Group size is limited for a more personalized experience, and the tour includes round-trip transport from Cairns or Port Douglas hotels.

See wildlife and go ziplining in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest with an experienced guide. Travel from Cairns, Palm Cove or Port Douglas to Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat where you get to meet cassowaries and other native Australian animals. Then head into Daintree Rainforest and take a cruise along the Daintree River. Stop for a picnic lunch, then soar over the tree canopy during a zipline tour that offers aerial views of Daintree Rainforest, the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef. Includes lunch, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Immerse yourself in Northern Queensland’s waterfalls, rainforests, and other natural wonders on this 11-hour tour from Cairns. Admire the untouched scenery and stop to swim in the famous Millaa Millaa, Josephine, and Dinner Falls. In between, visit the Curtain Fig Tree, Babinda Boulders, and Mount Hypipamee, watch for wildlife such as tree-kangaroos and platypus, and admire a tropical sunset at Lake Eacham. National Park admission, lunch, refreshments, and hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Get your adrenaline pumping on a skydiving adventure from Cairns. Enjoy incredible bird’s-eye views of the World Heritage–listed Great Barrier Reef as you jump out of a plane on a tandem skydive with an experienced diver. Fall freely from 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) in the air before floating by parachute back down to the ground. First-timers are welcome.

Go off the beaten path to explore the rainforest environment outside of Cairns by ATV (all-terrain vehicle). Following a guide, you’ll zoom across dirt trails through sugarcane fields and mangroves on your own ATV. This is a great tour for beginner ATV riders. Hotel transport is included from Cairns, Palm Cove and the Northern Beaches. Select a departure time when booking.

Escape the tourist trail for an off-road adventure in Australia’s tropical north on this full-day tour from Cairns. Hop aboard a 4WD for a thrilling tour of the Barron Gorge National Park and Kuranda National Park, exploring hidden trails not normally accessible to the public and admiring natural wonders like Surprise Falls and Lake Morris. After free time to enjoy lunch (own expense) and browse the markets in Kuranda Village, enjoy aerial views over the Kuranda rainforest with a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Scenic Railway.

Explore the Kuranda Rainforest at night on this 4-wheel-drive adventure from Cairns and the Northern Beaches. Experience outback traditions as you sip billy-tea by a campfire, and taste kangaroo and crocodile sausages before traversing World Heritage–listed landscapes in a sturdy 4WD Hummer. Cross the Atherton Tablelands to Granite Gorge, look for wild kangaroos and nocturnal birds, and gaze up at the stars, away from city lights. Tour is limited to 20 people.

Explore Cairns on an all-day ATV and white-water rafting adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup, travel into a spectacular rainforest, receive a safety briefing, and get outfitted in necessary equipment. Then, race along trails, over jumps, and through creek crossings on a thrilling off-road ride. Enjoy morning tea and head to Barron Gorge National Park to spend the afternoon paddling rapids in a white-water raft—all on one combo tour.

Enjoy the thrill of off-roading on your own all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in the tropical rainforest near Cairns. It’s easy to learn the basics of driving your ATV ‘buggy’ by following the instructions of your experienced guide. Soon you'll expertly navigate the hills, creek crossings and other terrain. You’ll also get close views of cassowaries, a colorful native Australian bird that stands about five feet (1.6 meters) tall. Be prepared to get muddy during this morning or afternoon half-day tour from Cairns.

Venture into the rainforest of the Atherton Tablelands with an expert guide to observe Australian native animals in the wild. From Cairns, travel into the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland to observe kangaroos, lizards and possums by daylight, then continue after sundown to look for nocturnal critters like the elusive platypus and Lumholtz tree kangaroo. Enjoy afternoon tea at Lake Barrine and dinner at a country restaurant. This small-group tour is limited to 11 people, which ensures a more personalized experience with your guide.

Venture out to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest where you can hike in the ancient World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, cruise on the Daintree River and see native Australian critters at Wildlife Habitat. Spend the night at Cape Tribulation in beachside accommodation with views of the Coral Sea. Choose how to spend your second day, perhaps snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef or ziplining in Daintree Rainforest. Includes one night of accommodation, transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off from select Cairns, Northern Beaches and Port Douglas hotels.

Soar through the air while bungy jumping or riding the Minjin Swing for an adrenaline-fueled day of high-flying fun at the Cairns Bungy Tower. Whether you are an experienced thrill-seeker or first-timer, the exhilarating aerial activities at Cairns Bungy Tower promise to make the memories of a lifetime. The professional staff ensures that you stay safe and enjoy the thrills throughout your experience. You can also enjoy views over the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef, and relaxing in this lush rainforest location complete with sundeck, bar and gardens.

See snapping crocs in action on this half-day tour to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Departing from Cairns or Palm Cove, explore the five different zones of this eco-park and working crocodile farm, including a narrated boat tour through a coastal lagoon. Stroll along elevated boardwalks to observe cassowaries, turtles, lizards and koalas, and admire the mighty stars of the attraction at the thrilling Crocodile Attack Show!

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. After working up an appetite, soak up the scenery as you tuck into lunch by the waterfront. Best of all: with full instruction and safety harnesses provided, anyone can give it a go.

Explore the magnificent nature of Northern Queensland on this eco-friendly safari. After a convenient hotel pickup, travel to a tropical rainforest and see unique wildlife like the Cassoway, Boyd’s Rainforest Dragon, and the Musky Rat Kangaroo. Marvel at the 900-year-old “strangler” fig tree and the dramatic changes of scenery. Enjoy hand-made ice cream made from locally grown fruit and a delicious buffet lunch included in the tour price.

Experience Australia’s natural beauty up-close on a thrilling 5-hour 4WD adventure from Cairns. Venture off-road in the Barron Gorge National Park and Kuranda National Park, and witness the startling contrasts of tropical rainforest, savannah and rugged mountains, as you drive along the Great Dividing Range. Stop along the way to snap photos of Lake Morris, Copperlode Dam and Surprise Falls; enjoy views of the Great Barrier Reef from Lamb Range; and stand before the mighty Barron Falls. This small-group tour is limited to 13 people for a personalized experience.

Conquer the rugged off-road terrain around Cairns on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on this half-day tour. Follow a guide, who takes care of instructions and navigation, through the rain forest, on dirt tracks, and across creeks. Morning or afternoon tea (depending on tour time) and hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairns make for a seamless, stress-free experience.

Discover the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland on a full-day tour to Chillagoe Caves and Granite Gorge. Travel from Cairns by rugged 4WD vehicle with a naturalist guide, passing over the McAllister Ranges and the Great Dividing Range as you explore the Australian Outback. Visit Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, drive near the wetlands to spot Australian native wildlife and stop by historic mining towns. Numbers are limited to 16 people on this small-group tour, with morning tea and a pub lunch included.

Experience the beautiful Kuranda rainforest on this train and ATV adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup, climb aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway and marvel at picturesque views of waterfalls, ravines, and the spectacular Barron Gorge. Then, travel with a guide on a heart-thumping journey through the rainforest. Get outfitted with safety and rain gear, take a quick training session, and enjoy afternoon tea—all included in the tour price.

Take a full-day tour that visits two top attractions near Cairns: Port Douglas and Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. At each location, have ample free time to check out the highlights, without the hassle of driving and parking. Includes all transportation, entrance tickets to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairns.

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.