Available are a whole range of cruises and adventure tours. Plenty of stuff for kids to do here as well as the whole family for the holiday of a lifetime. With over 600 day tours operating out of Cairns and Port Douglas each day, you will never run out of things to do.
Cairns Tours and Activities
There is a wealth of day tours and cruises operating from Cairns everyday. Activities include snorkelling and diving, white water rafting on the rivers, reef and deep sea fishing or even take a plunge on a bungee.
Hot air ballooning over the lush rainforests is not something you are likely to forget, neither is playing golf amidst the swaying palm trees alongside the Coral Sea.
Further afield, every year, several hundred thousand people from around the world make sure the Daintree is on their travel itinerary, but this most magical of ancient rainforests is a great drive destination and is still a well-kept secret unbeknownst to many Australians, including Queenslanders.
Daintree National Park - River and Rainforest
Take a a cruise down the Daintree River, which snakes its way through the ancient and spectacular World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Croc spotting, barramundi fishing and bird watching are popular pursuits on the river.
One way into the Daintree is via the Daintree Ferry. The only cable ferry in tropical Australia will take you to the southern part of the lowland Daintree Rainforest allowing you explore on your own.
Join local Aboriginal Hazel Douglas on a Native Guide Safari Tour of the rainforest here or in nearby Mossman Gorge. You'll see bush turkeys, timid jungle perch suspended in crystal clear pools, and water rushing over mossy rocks in this pristine wilderness.
The Great Barrier Reef
One of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is waiting to be explored. Eco tours allow for snorkelling and scuba diving on a day cruise amongst the colourful fish.
Sailing amongst the coral islands and even staying on one is another way to enjoy this beautiful place. Take a helicopter ride for a birdseye view. Green Island, Fitxroy Island, Dunk Island, the Low Isles and Magnetic Island are well worth visiting for walks along the beach and rainforests.
One of the best reef and island trips is with Frankland Island Cruise and Dive. The day begins with a drive through World Heritage rainforest-clad mountains and swaying cane fields to board the boat on the Mulgrave River.
The River trip offers the chance to spot a crocodile and then it's into the open sea and out to Normanby Island, one of the Franklands group.
For five hours the island is yours. Magnificent snorkelling and diving are just a few steps from the shore. You'll see tropical reef fish, giant clams, anemones, turtles and breathtaking coral. An introductory dive is available and snorkelling tuition is given to first timers.
Further North
About four hours drive north of Cairns there are chances for sport-fishing trips and eco tours, or take a 5 day traditional Aboriginal style hunting safari at Bulimba Station.
Another way to learn more about our environment: take a 3 day eco-tour in the Aurukun Wetlands offering insight into the ancient culture and traditions of the Wik and Wik Way people.
Cairns Map
See Cairns map and the Surrounding Region, showing location of beaches, parks and towns : Tropical North - Cairns Map.
Thought about work in Queensland? See about requirements and opportunities for work in Australia - Work in Australia
North Queensland Accommodation
In the Daintree and Mossman, you can stay in a range of lodges and resorts from stylish treehouses perched in the forest canopy to comfortable cabins among the trees.
Accommodation in Cairns is plentiful, as well as places like Port Douglas with everything from quality backpacker lodges and self-contained apartments to beachfront B&Bs and world class hotels and resorts on offer. Accommodation in Queensland - Hotels in Australia
Far North Tropical Queensland Tourist Guide
Further reading about the Far North Tropical Queensland:
