Top Things to do in Cairns
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What to do and see in Cairns, Queensland: The Best Private Tours
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. Private Half Day Tour: Exclusive World Heritage Rainforest and Waterfall Tour from Cairns
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Do you want to have your own private tour guide and vehicle all to yourself? Exclusive half day tour takes in three Wet Tropics Rainforest National Parks, and includes a visit to the most famous waterfall in Cairns, the Barron Falls. You’ll see stunning scenery, ranging from lush tropical rainforest to outback Savannah. Visit mighty trees, swim in crystal clear waters and taste some tempting tropical fruit. Our exclusive permit allows us to visit areas not open to the public, while your naturalist guide will provide informative commentary. If you have limited time, want to escape the crowds and experience the true tropical rainforest of North Queensland, book this tour today.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Bottled water, Light refreshments, Local guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By Toni F
Even tho the weather was a overcast and a little drizzly on our day tour we still thoroughly enjoyed our day and visit to the Daintree area. Our guide was Darryl who was very informative and kept us entertained the whole day! The tour provided us with a great overview of the area for our first visit to this part of Australia. We would highly recommend this tour to first timers to the area.
2. Private Daintree National Park Day Tour from Cairns Including Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Explore the World Heritage–listed Daintree Rainforest on this private 12-hour tour from Cairns. Traveling in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a naturalist guide, you'll visit Daintree National Park and its natural attractions such as Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. Discover the lush landscapes of what is most likely the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth, check out the town of Port Douglas, take a ferry ride across the Daintree River, and more.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Bottled water, Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By Toni F
Even tho the weather was a overcast and a little drizzly on our day tour we still thoroughly enjoyed our day and visit to the Daintree area. Our guide was Darryl who was very informative and kept us entertained the whole day! The tour provided us with a great overview of the area for our first visit to this part of Australia. We would highly recommend this tour to first timers to the area.
3. Kuranda Rainforest station, Scenic railway and Skyrail tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Only provider that give you plenty of time in Kuranda, provide personal service guide tour in Kuranda and offering multi language for tour.
Inclusions: Private transportation, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Guided tour
Exclusions: Lunch, All Admission( Railway, Skyrail and Rainforest Station)
Reviewed By Ron R
This tour was one of the highlights for us during our Aug 4th to 15th stay in Cairns. Our driver (Man Tsui) drove us up through the Rainforest making a couple of stops along the way for a scenic viewpoint and Lake Barrine. At the lake we had a guided boat tour (saw several Amethyst Pythons) plus tea at the teahouse (with home-made jam and cream). Then on to the farming Tablelands and Herberton Historic Village. This former tin-mine site had a wonderful collection of period buildings, cars, and machinery. The return trip to Cairns in the evening featured a stop at Granite Gorge where we got 'up close and personal' with Rock Wallabies. Throughout, Man showed his knowledge of the area by tying in the history to the geography to make a total picture of what we were experiencing. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to get a more 'rounded' view of Cairns and area than is offered by one-site tours. Two Happy Canadians (Ron & June)
4. Cairns City Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Cairns is amazing Town steeped in History. Famous not only for its Reef and Rainforest but also for its early history and the trials and tribulations of the early settlers. Your tour not only encompasses the natural environment of Cairns and it’s surrounds but some of its early history and architecture. Kuranda Skyrail and the Historical Train can be included by prior arrangement.
Inclusions: Bottled water
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 602thaliam
We required a private transfer with less then 4 hours notice due to a family emergency, which also coincided with torrential rain and a peak time for bookings, with several other operators unable to accomodate our request early in the day. The team were very professional and went above and beyond, nothing was a hassle. We will be return customers in the future as your hospitality and customer service was outstanding. Highly recommended. Thank you
5. Private Daintree Mossman Gorge Exclusive Nature and Wildlife Focus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Longest Trail - We are the only commercial operator with access to a 4.5 kilometer Rainforest Trail! We enjoy great nature observations during the 1.5 hours Eco-friendly - We cruise with a solar electric boat operator-The vessel is quiet and a completely clean and green machine. Perfect for wildlife spotting! A taste of the tropics - Our lunch menu consists of local produce and a homemade dessert selection.While you're eating you can enjoy an exotic fruit presentation by the property owners.
Inclusions: Water on Board, Umbrellas, Coffee and/or Tea, Dinner, Interpretive books and Wildlife ID, Sunscreen and insect repellent
Exclusions:
Reviewed By roslynb16
My husband and I had the pleasure of Matt taking us on the afternoon Nocturnal tour. Matt is a wonderful guide, such a broad knowledge and great sense of humour. This tour was our most enjoyable of our trip to North QLD. We didn't see any cassowaries on our tour but Matt showed us the peculiar animals that come out at night, some we have never heard of before. I will be recommending this company to all our friends and feel 100% sure that they will be looked after. Thank you so much for making our time in North QLD so enjoyable!
6. Gold Class VIP Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns by Luxury Superyacht
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Gold Class is a private luxury lounge on the second floor/deck of a 35m Superyacht "Evolution" which operates day tours to the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, Tropical North Queensland. Concierge service and private hotel transfers, exclusive time with a Marine Biologist is also unique and special inclusion of this VIP experience.
Inclusions: Cruise onboard the fastest, most luxurious catamaran visiting two exclusive outer reef locations, Lycra/sun suit hire, Private return transfer service from your Cairns city accommodation, Dedicated concierge service with personal snorkelling guide, Exclusive access for up to 8 guests to the GOLD CLASS luxury lounge located on the second level, Lounge features a coffee machine and TV screen with saloon sound quality audio, 5 hours reef time of unlimited snorkelling, Prescription masks if needed, Lunch, Glass of wine on return journey, Mini-bar with complimentary snacks and wine fridge with complimentary drink per person, $20 per person admin/fuel levy
Exclusions: Scuba Diving - optional add-on up to 3 Introductory or Certified Dives - contact reservations, Helicopter Flights - optional add-ons, contact reservations POA
Reviewed By 570caleba
Strongly recommend booking through this group. The entire team were very friendly, knowledgeable, entertaining and always happy to help out. The day out was suitable to anyone and everyone! I would highly recommend doing the introductory dive too. Was my first dive and just incredible and felt at ease the entire time with the instructor . Phil, Phil Jnr, Eddie and the rest of the crew, take a bow. Your customer service and experience provided was exceptional and should be highly commended. When I come back this is the only crew I’ll book again with. Thank you all so much for such an incredible day that my partner and I will cherish forever. Truly incredible. Cannot recommend enough! BOOK WITH THESE PEOPLE!!
7. Tablelands Food & Wine Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Tableland Trails offers private, small group tours that can be tailored to suit your needs. We operate with only 2-5 passengers, making your tour very personal. We pick you up from your accommodation as we make our way up the Kuranda Range to the Tablelands where, together, we explore the delicacies that the Cairns Hinterland has to offer. Please note that we only stop at Rainforest Bounty if we have 4 or more passengers on the tour. We also only stop at Gallo's on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Lunch, Tasting Fees, Morning Tea
Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages
8. Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch
Overall Ratings
4.3 based on 16 reviews
For a once in a lifetime experience, combine your scenic flight with an exclusive getaway to your own piece of paradise. Feel the thrill of flying over the picturesque coral-studded sea before landing on Vlasoff Cay (ex Cairns) - a pristine sand cay in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Relax on the pure white sand, beach comb for treasures, lay in the shallow crystal waters or snorkel straight off the cay and discover the magic of the underwater world. The experience is complete with a gourmet picnic hamper, sparkling wine and snorkelling equipment.
Inclusions: 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef, 2-hours on secluded Vlasoff Cay (or Turtle Beach), Picnic basket including gourmet food and beverages, Snorkeling equipment, Picnic blanket, beach umbrella and beach chairs, Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax), Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST), Hotel pickup and drop-off Cairns
Exclusions: Private return transfers to/from Port Douglas are $205 per car (up to 4 passengers).
Reviewed By Robertsonl1234
Snorkeling the reef was excellent the staff on board very friendly but the highlight was the helicopter ride back to cairns. Seeing the reef from the air topped off a great day.
9. Paronella Park, Historic Village Herberton and Granite George wild life Kangaroo
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.
10. Historic Village Herberton, Kuranda Village and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Arrive at Herberton Historical Village at approximately 10am. Explore the Herberton Historic Village collection currently featuring over 50 original out house buildings with intact interior displays, original machinery and vehicles, plus thousands of antique items and period memorabilia. Next, visit Kuranda Village where you can enjoy a rainforest walk and take a scenic view of Barron River. From the art gallery to the different kinds of markets and boutiques there’s something for everyone; vibrant hand crafted silk and cotton clothing, to exclusive jewellery, locally made aboriginal arts and crafts and souvenirs made from crocodile and kangaroo hide. End your day aboard Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a world first in environmental tourism taking you on an amazing experience over Australia’s World Heritage listed rainforest canopy and deep into the forest.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private transportation, Guided Tour
Exclusions: Food and drinks, All 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.
