Located on the coast of Queensland, the city of Cairns is a great launching point for some fantastic day trips.

Not only is Cairns a charming seaside city but it’s nestled amongst two of the most iconic natural wonders in Australia! From the Great Barrier Reef to the ancient Daintree Rainforest and everything in between, it’s impossible to go wrong with a day trip from Cairns. As for the best day tours from Cairns? We’ve got you covered.

The Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is located closer to the Great Barrier Reef than other coastal cities. This means you’ll get to spend more time on the water and less time travelling. We’re so excited to share this natural treasure with travellers, that we offer a wide range of tours. You can choose to view the reef from a glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, while swimming and snorkelling, or while diving.

We recommend our Great Barrier Reef Deluxe Tour with Dive for an ultimate day on the water. Departing early from Cairns, you’ll visit two different reefs, which you can explore while snorkelling and on a complimentary dive. Less experienced swimmers will have access to flotation devices or can view the reef on a glass-bottom boat. Join this unforgettable day trip to explore the Great Barrier Reef!

Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation

Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is located just north of Cairns, making for another great day trip. This rainforest is famous because it is the oldest rainforest in the world. You’ll discover abundant biodiversity, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear swimming holes. While it is possible to explore the Daintree Rainforest on your own, a tour is the best way to discover the highlights of the vast rainforest.

To spend a day fully immersed in nature, we recommend our Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Tour. With return transport from Cairns, this one-day tour introduces you to the highlights of the rainforest. Not only will you get to explore the Daintree, but you’ll also get to enjoy an afternoon tea and a river cruise. This tour also includes time at Cape Tribulation, which is where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t miss out on this spectacular tour!

Food and Wine

A day full of hiking or swimming may not be for everybody, which is why our final recommendation is our Outback Tasting Tour from Cairns. Ideal for enthusiastic foodies, this tour includes tastings of wine, chocolate, ice cream from Mungalli Creek Dairy, and much more. Each location is accompanied by a scenic backdrop to enjoy while sampling local produce. If this tour doesn’t sound exciting already, you’ll also get to visit the Australian Platypus Park. Here you can view platypus while sampling even more goodies.

By now you’re probably just as excited as we are about Cairns, so what are you waiting for? Plan your adventure today!

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.

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