10 unforgettable day trips from Cairns

Get to know one of Queensland’s most adventurous cities.

A place of natural beauty, Tropical North Queensland has plenty of places to explore right on Cairns’ doorstep. Whether you want to glide above the ancient rainforest, dive on the Great Barrier Reef or relax on a tropical island, here are 11 incredible day trips from Cairns. 

1. The Great Barrier Reef

Perfect for: Ticking off your bucket list

The coral reef that needs no introduction, this vast UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is best accessed from Cairns where a wide range of tour operators base themselves. Really, a visit to Cairns without at least one trip out into the blue would be criminal.

Some visitors commit days to exploring all that the Great Barrier Reef has to offer from a liveaboard, but you can easily get a taste with just a day to spare.

Swim, snorkel, sail or dive among the 400 types of coral and 1500 species of fish that the reef plays home to: you might even witness coral spawning, whales migrating or turtles nesting.

Distance from Cairns: Many boats depart from Cairns Marlin Marina (a five-minute drive from the city centre) or from Port Douglas. The reef boat journey can take between 45 minutes and two hours depending on your destination. 

2. Kuranda

Perfect for: Nature and shopping  

This mountain village of Kuranda is perhaps best known as the home of Skyrail: a seven-and-a-half-kilometre cableway that rises above the resplendent green canopy of Barron Gorge National Park – part of Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

It’s also home to the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a 37-kilometre-long railroad that traverses through valleys, past waterfalls and around mountaintops.

You can do both in one day with the combined railway and cableway round trip between Cairns and Kuranda.

But beyond the big-ticket attractions, the town of Kuranda has some draws of its own too. Shop local in Kuranda Village around the bohemian shops, galleries, cafes and outdoor markets of Coondoo Street, enjoy a cultural experience at Rainforestation Nature Park, or take a peaceful stroll at the Butterfly Sanctuary.

Distance from Cairns: 40 minutes to Kurnda directly. Alternatively, drive 20 minutes to Smithfield Terminal to catch the Skyrail there.

3. Palm Cove

Perfect for: Lazy relaxation

The coastal suburb of Palm Cove has become a destination in its own right – so much so that many catch the shuttle here straight from Cairns Airport and never venture outside of its postcode.

The balmy shores of this ‘tropical village by the sea’ are lined with palm trees, smart-casual cafes and restaurants, plus plentiful hotel spas and colourful boutiques.

While away an afternoon (or longer) exploring the colourful esplanade and strolling along the beach with ice cream, or hit the water by canoe, stand-up paddleboard, jet ski, or catamaran. And don’t leave without visiting the standout local restaurant Nu Nu (bookings highly recommended).

Distance from Cairns: 30 minutes

4. Port Douglas

Perfect for: Tropical fun 

Another nearby coastal town worth visiting is Port Douglas which is just as relaxing and luxurious as its Palm Cove cousin, yet it’s much bigger and its nightlife has far more energy.

A day spent here can be easily filled by splashing in the warm waters of Four Mile Beach, dining at award-winning restaurants, shopping at the weekly markets, hopping on board a sunset cruise or creating your very own bar crawl.

Distance from Cairns: One hour

5. Daintree Rainforest & Mossman Gorge

Perfect for: Ancient culture 

Part of the World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest, the Daintree is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and a must-do experience when in Tropical North Queensland. When you’re not looking around in awe at this green wonderland, you can see a croc in the wild, enjoy a walking tour of the Daintree Ice Cream Company orchard or visit the Mossman Gorge Centre.

Learn more when you join a guided Indigenous ecotourism experience led by the Kuku Yalanji people as you walk among the thick of the forest, hear about the plants used as medicine, identify bush foods, and take part in a traditional smoking ceremony to ward off bad spirits on the Dreamtime Walk.

Distance from Cairns: One hour 15 minutes

6. Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit 

Perfect for: Easy-going wandering 

For incredible scenery, magnificent waterfalls and delicious food all in one day trip, The Waterfall Circuit is for you.

Fit in as little or as much as you’d like, but some of the best itinerary items include grabbing freshly roasted coffee from the farm at Skyburry Cafe & Roastery, exploring the main trio of waterfalls (Millaa Millaa, Zillie and Ellinjaa), taking a break with Devonshire Tea at Lake Barrine Teahouse and tasting homemade ice cream at Mungalli Creek Dairy.

Distance from Cairns: One hour and 40 minutes

7. Mission Beach

Perfect for: Exploring off the beaten track

Part of the Cassowary Coast, Mission Beach is full to the brim with natural beauty. It’s made up of four gorgeous beach villages (Bingil Bay, North Mission, Wongaling Beach and South Mission), all linked by 14 kilometres of golden beach so there is plenty to discover.

Aside from uncrowded beach time and local cafe gems, there’s a surprising amount of high-adrenaline activities to get stuck into. From tandem skydiving and white water rafting to exploring the Outer Great Barrier Reef, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve accomplished something unbelievable.

Or for something a bit more sedate but no less intriguing, nearby is Paronella Park. This surreal parcel of land has a stone structure that resembles a small castle hidden among a plethora of verdant foliage. The park’s ‘refreshment rooms’ were inspired by the late owner’s childhood memories of Catalan castles. Stay a while and stroll around the park, soaking up the abundant flora and fauna and admiring Mena Creek Falls.

Distance from Cairns: Two hours

8. Cape Tribulation

Perfect for: Scenic bushwalking

This remote headland is a wildly photogenic spot for a day trip. Known as the place where the rainforest meets the reef, go beyond the surface of Cape Trib with a bushwalk.

The easy Kulki Boardwalk is a great place to start as it’s just a 10-minute round-trip with promising views over the Coral Sea and Cape Tribulation Beach.

Otherwise, you can put your tastebuds to the test at a rare exotic fruit farm. Or, if you’d like to dial up the adventure a notch, then canter through the rainforest or the shallow waters of the sea on a guided horse ride.

Distance from Cairns: Two hours 40 minutes

9. Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park

Perfect for: Exploring the unknown

The perfect tonic for hot sticky days when temperatures above ground are too much, join a ranger on a Chillagoe-Mungana Caves guided tour to discover spectacular limestone caves, small galleries of Aboriginal rock art, and a historically significant mining site.

Whether you’re a budding geologist or travelling with curious kids, these subterranean limestone beauties are thoroughly engrossing. Wondering which cave to choose?

Donna Cave features beautiful columns and calcite crystals. Trezkinn Cave boasts an impressive ‘chandelier’ formation. And the vast Royal Arch Cave promises 11 different chambers, ancient marine fossils, and the novelty of carrying a hand-held lamp to explore. Good luck picking — you may as well do them all!

Distance from Cairns: Two hours and 50 minutes

10. Fitzroy Island

Perfect for: Outdoor adventure 

There are a few dreamy islands off the coast of Cairns but if we had to choose one that offers both paradise and adventure in equal measure, Fitzroy Island takes the prize.

Home to one of Australia’s best beaches (Nudey Beach), spectacular walking trails, easy access to the fringing reef and an abundance of island tours and activities, there is plenty to pack into a day here.

Without question though, snorkelling is a real highlight and if you’re travelling light, you can hire equipment from the island’s resort. Peckish? Enjoy lunch on the outdoor terrace of Zephyr Restaurant or a cheeky cocktail at Foxy’s Bar & Cafe.

Distance from Cairns: A 45-minute ferry ride from the city’s Reef Fleet Terminal

Written by Chloe Cann with updates by Jemma Fletcher.

All day tripped out and want to flop on a Cairns beach? Check out the ultimate guide to Cairns’ beaches.