What to do and see in Cairns Region, Queensland: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

April 8, 2022 Tonie Szymanski

The Cairns Region is a local government area in Far North Queensland, Queensland, Australia, centred on the regional centre of Cairns. It was established in 2008 by the amalgamation of the City of Cairns and the Shire of Douglas.
Restaurants in Cairns Region

1. Private Half Day Tour: Exclusive World Heritage Rainforest and Waterfall Tour from Cairns

Discovery Tours Australia
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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. Cairns City Tour

Dragon Tours and Limousines
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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

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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

3. Cairns Aquarium and small group City Sightseeing Tour

Cairns Aquarium, 5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia Cairns Discovery Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Visit the Cairns Aquarium independently and at your leisure to meet 16,000 animals from Tropical North Queensland’s two world heritage listed areas - the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. See live shark and ray feeding, marine and reptile touch n talk show and from river to reef eco-system presentations. Complete your experience with a 2 course lunch at Dundee’s Restaurant with a stunning sea life backdrop. You will be collected from the Cairns Aquarium by Cairns Discovery Tours for your afternoon city sights and surrounds guided tour. Enjoy Devonshire afternoon tea, prior to visiting the Cairns Flecker Botanical Gardens, Lower Barron Gorge National Park, beautiful Palm Cove beach and more

Inclusions: 2 course lunch with glass wine/beer or soft drink at Dundee’s Restaurant with a stunning sea life backdrop., Delicious Devonshire afternoon tea with tea or coffee, Entrance to Cairns Aquarium, Air-conditioned vehicle, Return hotel transfers at the completion of city sights tour, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Transfers to the Cairns Aquarium, make own way

Reviewed By Alex B

We enjoyed the whole tour , in particular Palm Cove. The Driver/ Tour Guide, Eric was knowledgeable and informative and was fun to be with. Thankyou Eric.

4. Cairns To Cooktown 4WD Tour

Cairns To Cooktown 4WD Tours
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4.9 based on 16 reviews

At Cairns To Cooktown 4WD Tours, we offer fun, interesting and informative day tours in our purpose built air conditioned 4WD coach. Having crossed the mighty Daintree River on a vehicle ferry, we head North through the lush, ancient Daintree Rainforest where we enjoy a stroll on secluded Thornton Beach. We now tackle the iconic 4WD Bloomfield Track taking in the wonderful sights along the way, before we arrive at the histiric 1875 Lions Den Hotel for a well earned "coldy". Shortly after we arrive in the charming settlement of Cooktown and take in the amazing Endeavour River, Grassy Hill Lookout & of course Capatain James Cook's monument. We'll buy you a tasty pub lunch at the 1874 Cooktown Hotel, better known these days at The Top Pub, before we head to the best regional museum in Australia, The James Cook Museum, where we'll take care of your admission. Heading home via the inland, outback route we stop at the mysterious Black Mountains and the remote Palmer River Goldfields.

Inclusions: You'll enjoy a tasty old fashion pub lunch with a beer or glass of wine at the historic Cooktown Hotel, better known these days as The Top Pub., Your admission to Cooktown's James Cook Museum. , We'll provide you with iced coffee, cold bottled water & snack bars throughout your day

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Reviewed By 428phyllish

The Fantastic Scenery. Learning a bit of Australia's history. Great company. Bloomfield Track is a must.

5. The Original Day Tour to Paronella Park, Lake Barrine and Millaa Millaa Falls

Discovery Tours Australia
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4.8 based on 8 reviews

Our tour was established in 1997 and is the Original Tablelands-Paronella Park tour. Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned mini coach with local naturalist guides and experience the uniqueness of the tropics and the diversity of our beautiful tropical rainforests. Tour south of Cairns for a full day out traveling through the magnificent World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforests of Wooroonooran National Park, swimming in waterfalls, traveling through the Atherton Tablelands, viewing Volcano’s and visiting local must see attractions such as Millaa Millaa Falls, Lake Barrine, Curtain Fig Tree, extended touring time at Paronella Park and much more.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, Entry & Guided Walk & Commentary at Paronella Park

Exclusions: Pick Up from Cairns Northern Beaches Hotels - Additional $22 per person (return)

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.

6. 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.

7. The Original Day Tour to Paronella Park, Lake Barrine and Millaa Millaa Falls

Northern Experience Eco Tours
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4.7 based on 101 reviews

Northern Experience Eco Tours was established in 1997 and is the original Tablelands-Paronella Park tour. Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned mini coach with local naturalist guides and experience the uniqueness of the tropics and the diversity of our beautiful tropical rainforests. Tour south of Cairns for a full day out traveling through the magnificent World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforests of Wooroonooran National Park, swimming in waterfalls, traveling through the Atherton Tablelands, viewing Volcano’s and visiting local must see attractions such as Milla Milla Falls, Lake Barrine, Curtain Fig Tree, extended touring time at Paronella Park and much more.

Inclusions: National Park fees, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, As per option chosen in itinerary

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Cairns Northern Beaches - AUD$22 per person, Tour does not operate from Port Douglas

Reviewed By 2019retirement

Tour guide very enthusiastic. Really it is just a lot of broken concrete. falling down buildings. This venue is not suitable for wheelie walkers or wheelchairs as their are multiple stairs, gravel and uneven surfaces. Even people with walking issues would have problems getting around. Entry to this venue was part of our day trip with Northern Experience Eco Tours however I would not pay $47 entrance fee if I went on my own.. This is way overpriced for what you get.

8. The Paronella Experience

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4.7 based on 14 reviews

The only full experience tour Live commentary, storytelling & audio podcast Afternoon tea on the beach Cassowary wildlife spotting and stargazing Private tour of park and Hydro Power Station Free pick up and drop off from/to selected pick up zones  Impressive evening light show with music Dinner with a Country pub experience

Inclusions: 1 Per Adult / Child, Admission to Paronella Park (with 24 month return pass), Live Commentary, story telling & audio podcast, All Fees and Taxes, Free gift, WiFi on board, Infant & child seats, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Dinner

Reviewed By GDG389

Great trip, well worth the money. Travelled up to Port Douglas and visited various spots on way up and back. Guide/driver did great job of explaining local history and geography. Bus was clean arrived on time and water provided to all passengers. Thanks for an excellent day.

9. 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.

10. Kuranda Day Trip small group from Port Douglas by bus

Brett's Kuranda Half Day Tours
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4.6 based on 11 reviews

Enjoy hotel pickup from Port Douglas or Palm Cove (NOT available from Cairns) at either 8.30am or 11am with a maximum of only 13 guests guaranteeing you personal service and great commentary along the way. Head straight to Kuranda Village up the Kuranda Range and travel through some of the oldest rainforest on earth. On arrival in Kuranda you'll be shown around this, 'Village in the rainforest' famous for its colorful arts and crafts markets leaving you to enjoy the village. After approximately 3-hours in Kuranda it's time for a trip back down the scenic Kuranda range stopping at Henry Ross look out for breath taking views over the region. You'll then head up the coast to stunning Palm Cove where you'll be shown the palm fringed Esplanade before enjoying a cold drink, coffee and cake or cocktail (at own expense) overlooking the beautiful beach.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Optional activities

Reviewed By PortTraveller63

Thank you for a great day out on Brett's outback tasting adventure. Dale was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable about the history of the area. His commentary and anecdotes ensured we were entertained whilst travelling between stops. Loved the winery, distillery and Gallo's Cheese and chocolates. The platypus hut at the end is an excellent way to end the day, highly recommend this tour.

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