Things to do in Cairns, Queensland: The Best Cultural Tours

September 18, 2021 Vergie Nakamoto

Cairns is the perfect city for merry revelers, passionate divers and adrenaline junkies, offering booming nightlife and heart-pounding adventure amid a vibrant, tropical setting.  This friendly Queensland city of 130,000 is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation, Cooktown and the rest of Cape York Peninsula. Embark on an eco-adventure or take a dip in a lagoon pool before hitting the town to unwind and shake what you’ve got Down Under.
Restaurants in Cairns

1. Double Pack-Ancient Rainforest and Waterfalls!

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns, 121-123 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia Waterfall Wanderers
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This tour is 2-days of adventure seeing the best of the Cairns region. Explore the waterfalls, volcanic craters and lakes of the Atherton Tablelands with Waterfall Wanderers and then venture through the Daintree- the oldest rainforest in the world-to Cape Tribulation with Active Tropics Explorer.

Inclusions: Lunch, National Park fees, Lunch, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Drinks

Reviewed By AussieFi_11

I had a fabulous day on this tour. I was initially concerned by all the images on the website of young people but in the day we had a predominantly ‘less young’ group. The tour was led by Sam who did an awesome job of making everyone feel comfortable and safe, and encouraged people to ‘have a go’. The group bonded really well over the day and it was no problem doing it as a solo traveller. The waterfalls were fabulous, we saw two platypuses in the stream, and generally had a great day.

2. Aboriginal Cultural Daintree Rainforest Tour from Cairns or Port Douglas

Adventure North Australia Tours
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4.7 based on 45 reviews

Experience the Daintree Rainforest and Australia's rich Aboriginal culture on this full-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Learn about traditional hunting and gathering techniques on Cooya Beach with an indigenous guide, then visit the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Gain insight into Australia's indigenous heritage and marvel at the natural beauty of the Rainforest at Mossman Gorge, with two options for the afternoon: Guided walk through the World Heritage rainforest; or upgrade to the Ngadiku Walk with an Aboriginal guide who shares Dreamtime stories and deep knowledge of the land. Throughout the day, enjoy a hands-on experience on this small-group tour limited to 16 participants.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Travel by air-conditioned coach, Local knowledgeable guide, Two-hour coastal and cultural walk, Lunch, Mossman Gorge Rainforest

Exclusions: Gratuities, Drinks, NO pickup from Machans Beach, Holloways Beach and Yorkeys Knob.

Reviewed By Christine P

We thoroughly enjoyed our 4WD trip to Cooktown via the Bloomfield Track. Travelling through the environmentally sensitive pristine Wet Tropics rainforest, we sighted a Cassowary with it's chick! Scones and coffee a welcome break en route until a stop-over for lunch at the historic 'Lions Den'. Stunning views from the Grassy Hill Lookout at Cooktown a highlight. A long day but with comments from our well informed guide an incredible experience.

3. Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns

Billy Tea Safaris
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4.6 based on 39 reviews

The only Outback Full Day Tour from Cairns and Port Douglas! Explore the Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge and other gems of the Australian Outback on a full-day tour from Cairns. With a naturalist guide, you'll travel by 4WD vehicle through the McAllister Ranges, the Great Dividing Range and the Australian Outback while listening to informative commentary about the region’s wildlife, history and Aboriginal culture. Tour Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, drive near the wetlands to spot Australian native wildlife, see historic mining towns, and enjoy morning tea at local Skybury Coffee Plantation and lunch at a 100-year-old Chillagoe Pub during this small-group tour limited to 17 people.

Inclusions: Local driver guide, Lunch at a 100-year-old Aussie pub, Transport by air-conditioned vehicle, Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park Tour, Hotel pickup and drop-off (Cairns and Northern Beaches area only), Chillagoe Smelter Ruins, Visit Balancing Rock and see Aboriginal Rock Art, Granite Gorge National Park and see Wallabies, Morning Tea at Skybury Cafe

Exclusions: Port Douglas transfers (min 2 people, contact reservations after booking to confirm)

Reviewed By jackkE3212OQ

If you are lucky enough, request Gavin as your guide. The man is not only humorous, hospitable and a genuinely nice guy, but full of incredible knowledge. I was lucky enough to have the great man as a tour guide and I could not fault him. His knowledge was amazing, hospitality second to none. He not only loves his job, but genuinely love and cares for the rain forest. He is amazing.

4. Best of Kuranda Including Skyrail, Kuranda Scenic Railway and Rainforestation

Tropic Wings Cairns Tours
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4.6 based on 71 reviews

Join a full day tour to Kuranda, in World Heritage Rainforest. Experience the largest flight aviary in Australia at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the award-winning Rainforestation including Army Duck tour, the Koala and Wildlife Park, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, lunch, the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Inclusions: Buffet lunch, All activities, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By Mnkbear1

Was a great trip highly recommend for those who are stay in carins with out a car. Lisa our driver was very interesting to listen to. Stoped in at some amazing lookout along the way. Highlights - Meeting Max at the wildlife habitat. - lunch at Cape Tribulation - walk though daintree rainforest - Croc tour And thanks to Lisa the best stop was at the daintree icecream company.

5. 2-Day Cooktown 4WD Small-Group Tour from Cairns or Port Douglas

Adventure North Australia Tours
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4.1 based on 8 reviews

Discover Australia's culture and heritage as you explore the rugged beauty of the Lower Cape on this 2-day Cooktown small-group tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. You'll drive through the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park and the famous Bloomfield Track by 4WD, enjoy a free day exploring Cooktown and return travel through the Outback of Far North Queensland. The tour includes overnight accommodation in Cooktown.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Travel by air-conditioned 4WD, Experience local driver-guide, One-night accommodation in Cooktown, Hotel pickup and drop off, Tour of Cooktown, Cooktown Cemetery, James Cook Museum & Botanic Gardens, Meals as per itinerary

Exclusions: NO pickup from Machans Beach, Holloways Beach and Yorkeys Knob.

Reviewed By natalieliew

My mum and I had such a wonderful experience. Our guide Bridget was really knowledgeable not only just about the wet tropics but also the little things she knew about other parts of Australia too. The family we visited shared their knowledge of country with us and it was fascinating and truly enlightening. Highly recommend this experience for anyone from home or abroad who wants to learn about far north qld and what it has to offer :)

6. Kuranda Highlights including Rainforestation Aboriginal Culture and Wildlife

Tropic Wings Cairns Tours
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4.0 based on 5 reviews

Join a full day tour to Kuranda, in World Heritage-listed rainforest. Experience the award-winning Rainforestation including Army Duck tour, the Koala and Wildlife Park and the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Roundtrip transport by air-conditioned coach from Cairns to Kuranda is included.

Inclusions: All activities, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairns only, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Not Available from Port Douglas or Northern Beaches

Reviewed By Mnkbear1

Was a great trip highly recommend for those who are stay in carins with out a car. Lisa our driver was very interesting to listen to. Stoped in at some amazing lookout along the way. Highlights - Meeting Max at the wildlife habitat. - lunch at Cape Tribulation - walk though daintree rainforest - Croc tour And thanks to Lisa the best stop was at the daintree icecream company.

7. Paronella Park, Historic Village Herberton and Granite George wild life Kangaroo

Infinity Fun Travel Pty Ltd

Enjoy a day trip from Cairns exploring Queensland first and only Castle-Paronella Park. And then visit the unique collection's museum Australia- Historic Village Herberton. Last, feed the cuties rock wallaby at Granite Gorge. Start your day at 8am and finish at approximately 6:30 pm. Your day trip includes a local expert guide who will ensure you enjoy a fun and relaxed day, all admission fees included.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Air-conditioned vehicle, Guided tour(English or Chinese)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Admission

Reviewed By Dikoolee

This tour had a full day of activity. From the moment you board the train to riding in an amphibious vehicle there was always something to do. Watching the local natives dance and having them teach us to throw a bomerang was informative. The skyrail ride over the rain forest was phenomenal. You could see for miles.

8. Cooktown 4WD Discovery (Drive/Fly) from Cairns or Port Douglas

Adventure North Australia Tours

Enjoy a spectacular journey through the World’s Oldest Rainforest north to the historic town of Cooktown. Travel on this small group tour with an experienced local drive-guide to discover the history and relevance of this spectacular remote region. Travel through the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation along the 4WD only Bloomfield Track to historic Cooktown; where Captain Cook landed in 1770. After a day of discovery, enjoy a wonderful flight from Cooktown to Cairns at dusk.

Inclusions: Morning Tea & Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel Pickup at beginning of day, Flight from Cooktown to Cairns

Exclusions: Hotel Dropoff (unless purchased Northern Beaches or Port Douglas option), NO pickup available from Holloways Beach, Machans Beach, Yorkeys Knob or South Cairns., No luggage allowed - small backpacks OK

Reviewed By natalieliew

My mum and I had such a wonderful experience. Our guide Bridget was really knowledgeable not only just about the wet tropics but also the little things she knew about other parts of Australia too. The family we visited shared their knowledge of country with us and it was fascinating and truly enlightening. Highly recommend this experience for anyone from home or abroad who wants to learn about far north qld and what it has to offer :)

9. 3 Day Cape Tribulation & Cooktown Tour from Cairns or Port Douglas

Adventure North Australia Tours

Travel in air-conditioned comfort in our purpose-built 4WD vehicle, experiencing some of the most amazing scenery and natural beauty in Australia. On your journey to Cooktown where Captain Cook landed in 1770, experience the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation–where the rainforest meets the reef. Travel through fascinating and diverse landscapes via the 4WD-only Bloomfield Track. Return travel from Cooktown is through the open spaces of the outback in Far North Queensland following the Great Dividing Range. Our experienced and friendly driver-guides have an extensive knowledge of the history and intricacies of these fragile eco-systems and a passion for sharing their knowledge with visitors from around the world. Immerse yourself in the scenic journey between Cairns and Cooktown over three days with an overnight stay in the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest and in historic Cooktown.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Experienced local driver-guide, Accommodation in Daintree & Cooktown, Pickup & Dropoff from selected Cairns & Port Douglas hotels

Exclusions: NO pickup from Machans Beach, Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob and South Cairns., No luggage allowed - 1 small overnight bag OK

Reviewed By natalieliew

My mum and I had such a wonderful experience. Our guide Bridget was really knowledgeable not only just about the wet tropics but also the little things she knew about other parts of Australia too. The family we visited shared their knowledge of country with us and it was fascinating and truly enlightening. Highly recommend this experience for anyone from home or abroad who wants to learn about far north qld and what it has to offer :)

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