The Ultimate Guide to the Best Cairns Day Trips
Cairns is a beautiful city in Far North Queensland and packs quite a punch. Whilst there are many things to do in Cairns, it also happens to be a city on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, a short drive from the wilderness in Cape Tribulation and of course, a boat ride away from many beautiful islands.
Whether you are looking for Cairns Day Trips by car or a group tour, you are bound to find a day trip from Cairns that will leave you amazed and begging for more.
The Best Day Trips from Cairns
Check out the best day trips you need to take from Cairns, the best tours to take and where you need to add to your Cairns bucket list.
Atherton Tablelands
Lana, Wallflower in Wanderland
Although not as popular as the Daintree Rainforest, the Atherton Tablelands is a stunning region within North Queensland and is often overlooked by travellers. This adventurous region has some of the most incredible national parks, waterfalls and sights, as well as some awesome activities – a must-do for any East Coast Australia itinerary.
The Atherton Tablelands are located at high altitudes, giving this area a unique climate that makes it an all-year destination. The perfect escape from the humidity of Cairns!
Located around 1 hour and a half from Cairns, it’s very easy to get to the Atherton Tablelands. By car, you can either take the Kuranda Range Road (north of Cairns) or Gillies Highway (south of Cairns). You can also take the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which in itself is an amazing tourist attraction. The train departs from Cairns Central shopping centre station and arrives in Kuranda. It is also possible to get the bus as Trans North Bus and Coach Service operate between Atherton and Cairns.
There’s a lot to cover within Atherton Tablelands. You’ll need at least one day in Kuranda and another in Atherton and its surrounding areas.
After arriving in Kuranda, take a trip on the cable car which glides across the rainforest and above the cliffs. Here you can also find the infamous Heritage Markets, Barron Falls, as well as some quirky spots for lunch.
Atherton is the main hub for the Atherton Tablelands, but also has a lot of its own incredible sights. See the Crystal Caves, a human-made cave system. Take a trip to the Chinese Temple to learn about how immigration influenced Atherton.
Just down the road is one of the most unique sights in Australia, the Curtain Fig Tree.
If you’re interested in a more historical experience, you may want to visit the Herberton Historic Village. Just 15 minutes south of Atherton, you can explore 8 live working displays including train rides, blacksmiths, and more.
If you’re without a car and hoping to get some sight-seeing done in the Atherton Tablelands, then an organised tour is very recommended. By far, the best is the Cairns Waterfall & Rainforest Tour by Uncle Brian’s.
Other beautiful places not included on the tour include Lake Barrine (the other volcanic lake within the Crater Lakes National Park), where you can take a guided boat ride and spot some incredible wildlife, and Granite Gorge Nature Park, an easy spot to see wallabies everywhere!
Daintree
Lanie, Make More Adventures
Located about an hour and a half north of Cairns, Daintree is almost as far north as you can drive in Queensland without a 4WD. Drivers must board the ferry to cross the Daintree River. It is the only way to get to the north side from Cairns. For those without a car, there is a bus that runs from Cairns a few times a week.
Daintree includes a stunning rainforest and incredible beaches. Once you’ve crossed the river, there are plenty of lookouts and photo options including Daintree Discovery Centre, Mount Alexandra Lookout, and Madja Boardwalk.
Daintree Discovery Centre has walking trails along with the indoor discovery centre. An audio tour is included with admission and includes information about the wildlife and plants in the rainforest. Occasionally visitors will be able to spot cassowaries and other Australian wildlife.
Madja Boardwalk is a short 1.2-kilometer circuit hike on a boardwalk through the mangroves. It doesn’t look like much from the entrance on the side of the road, but it is a beautiful location, and perfect for photographs.
Summer is the wet season in Far North Queensland, and it gets very hot. Winter is a popular time to visit Daintree, as it is the dry season. The temperature is still warm in the winter months, but not quite as hot as in summer.
For those wishing to take a tour of the area, Down Under Tours picks up visitors from Cairns and heads to Mossman Gorge before a cruise down the Daintree River. Lunch in the rainforest is included, as is tropical fruit ice cream from Daintree Ice Cream Company.
Fitzroy Island
There are many islands off the coast of Cairns and these islands make some of the best day trips from Cairns.
Of all the islands, one of the best has to be Fitzroy Island, in fact, it is one of the most beautiful islands in Australia.
Fitzroy Island make a perfect Cairns day trip as it only takes 45 minutes via ferry to access the island.
Once you reach Fitzroy Island you will find some of the most beautiful hikes through the rainforest, you can snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef with the turtles, take a tour of the turtle rehabilitation centre and eat some amazing food.
Of course, you must visit Nudey Beach. Time and time again Nudey Beach has been voted Australia’s best beach and for good reason. The sand is white and the water is crystal clear blue water. Find the wooden swing and enjoy the serenity that the beach has to offer.
There is so much to do on Fitzroy Island so make sure you book the first ferry to leave in the morning. When booking your transfer choose the activity package as it will include your snorkel gear, stinger suit and a tour on a glass bottom boat.
Explore the Great Barrier Reef
You cannot visit Cairns and not take a day trip on a boat out to the Great Barrier Reef.
Boats depart daily from the Cairns Marina and take divers/snorklers out to explore the world heritage Great Barrier Reef.
Your boat will take you to the outer reef where you can dive at two different locations. You will jump into super clear water and be able to explore the amazing marine life that puts on a colourful display with both beautiful coral and amazing fish – keep your eyes peeled for a turtle or two.
If you have never snorkeled before there is no need to worry, the tour includes professional instructors who will help you get the hang of life on the reef. If you are pro snorkeler, you will be free to explore the reef.
Your tour with include all the equipment you need for a safe and fun day on the reef and an amazing buffet lunch.
Kuranda
Natalie and Steve, Curious Campers
Visiting Kuranda is one of the best day trips you can do from Cairns. Set high in the rainforest, it has a lush, relaxed vibe and there is an enormous amount to do. From markets and organic cafes to wildlife and waterfalls, Kuranda is a great Cairns destination and the gateway to the Savannah Way. One of the best things about Kuranda is getting there. Sure, you can do the 35 minute drive from Cairns, but there are some much more fun options available.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a great way to see the rainforest views. The trip there takes 2 hours from Cairns or 90 minutes from Freshwater Station. You rattle along in old style carriages winding your way through the forest. T
he other way to get to Kuranda is on the Skyrail Cable Car. The glass-bottom gondolas provide breathtaking views. There are a couple of stops along the way – the Barron Falls stop is certainly worth taking for the views. There is a shuttle bus connecting Freshwater Train Station and the Skyrail Terminal. Going up on the Skyrail and down on the train is the way to go.
Kuranda is an easy place to get around, so whether you take the train or Skyrail, you’ll be able to walk to many of Kuranda’s attractions. If you like to shop, you have plenty of markets to choose from. Right around the corner from where you get off your ride are the Kuranda Markets which are open Thursday to Sunday 10:00am to 3:00pm. A short walk down Coondoo Street past cafes’, bars and coffee shops you’ll find the original Kuranda Heritage Markets which are open 7 days. You’ll find dozens of stalls with all kinds of local art, craft, fashions and food.
Right next door to the Heritage Markets is Kuranda’s wildlife hub. For some amazing pictures, get up close to stunning tropical butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Keep your camera out for more great shots at Birdworld next door.
You can go from colourful to cute at the Kuranda Koala Gardens which is right there too. Rainforestation Nature Park offers a range of interactive experiences from amphibious army duck tours on land and water to cultural experiences with the forests first people, the Pamagirri.
The best time to visit Kuranda depends on your priorities. If you want to avoid crowds, stay away in June and July. If you want to avoid the wettest and most humid weather avoid visiting in December and January. The months either side of June/July are a good compromise. There are plenty of day tours from Cairns to Kuranda. Packages that cover the Scenic Railway, Skyrail and Rainforestation are a great way to see some of the best things Kuranda has to offer.
What are you favourite Cairns Day Trips? Let me know in the comments below
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