Don't Miss These Must-Do Activities in Cairns and the Tropical North

Dominated by two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Wet Tropics rain forest and the Great Barrier Reef—and fringed with white-sand beaches, Queensland’s northern peninsula is home to some of Australia’s most incredible natural scenery. Explore the Great Barrier Reef by helicopter or cruise, and take advantage of endless opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving off the many reefs and islands. Inland, ride a railway to the heart of the jungle, and check out popular activities such as hiking and swimming in the Atherton Tablelands or white-water rafting in Barron Gorge National Park. Booking tours and tickets in advance will ensure that you maximize your time. To help you choose, here’s our pick of the must-do activities in Cairns and the Tropical North.
15 Tours and Activities

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip from Cairns or Port Douglas

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Personal Luxury Snorkel & Dive Cruise, Cairns

Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

Green Island Day Trip from Cairns

Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls and Rainforest Day Tour Departing Cairns

Barron Gorge National Park Half-Day White Water Rafting from Cairns or Port Douglas

Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour from Cairns

Ocean Free Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise, Cairns 25 guests

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Tour and Cruise from Cairns

Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Tour from Cairns

Boutique Atherton Tablelands Small-Group Food and Wine Tasting Tour from Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Tour with Indigenous Sea Rangers-Dreamtime Snorkel

Reef and Rainforest Tandem Sky Dive in Cairns
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